Kuupik Kleist

prime minister of Greenland

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July 20, 2026

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Kuupik Kleist served as the prime minister of Greenland, leading the Inuit Ataqatigiit party. His government came to power in 2009 following a snap election, marking a shift from the long-standing Siumut party's leadership. This period saw Greenland gain increased autonomy from Denmark, with greater control over its domestic affairs, including criminal justice, and the official adoption of the Greenlandic language. The expansion of home rule also granted Greenland a larger share of revenue from its natural resources, seen as a key step towards potential full independence. Kleist's tenure was part of Greenland's ongoing journey towards self-determination and managing its own governance and economy.12

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Greenland
Increasing autonomy and the question of independence
…the vote, and party leader Kuupik Kleist worked quickly to form a coalition government prior to the expansion of home rule later that month.
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…the vote, and party leader Kuupik Kleist worked quickly to form a coalition government prior to the expansion of home rule later that month.
Read More