The Greenland government expressed that this was a "long step in direction independance". The referendum gives Greenland more self government at 30 areas, such as police, justice and coast guard. Danish will be the ofiicial language until the self government is extended. From 21th June 2009 Greenlandic will be only official language. The self government is also about how income from oil will be shared with Denmark and how big block grant Greenland will receive from Denamark. Today the grant from Denmark is contributing to 30% of GDP.
Greenland voted for more autonomy
A step towards independance
25th November Greenland organised a referendum on the issue of autonomy. It resulted in a majority for greater auutonomy. 75,54 % voted for the proposed devolution settlement. The turnout was 71,96 % and manifested a total of about 40.000 votes. The new act will come into force on Greenlands national day - 21st of June 2009 - thirty years after the implementation of the current aotonomy system which gave Greenland some independance from Denmark and a seat in the Nordic Council of ministers as an autonomous territory.
Updated: 01. December 2008
