NUUK, Greenland — Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede on Friday called for the island’s independence from Denmark, framing it as a necessary step to break free from "the shackles of the colonial era," according to media reports.

In his New Year’s address, Egede emphasized Greenland's right to self-determination, a topic that has gained renewed global attention after US President-elect Donald Trump reiterated interest in purchasing the territory, Politico reported.

Egede underscored inequalities in Greenland’s relationship with Denmark, which governed the island as a colony until 1979 and continues to provide an annual subsidy of €500 million ($514.5 million).

"History and current conditions have shown that our cooperation with the Kingdom of Denmark has not succeeded in creating full equality," Egede said, calling for Greenland to pursue its own path toward independence.

Greenland, which achieved self-rule in 1979 and the right to declare independence through a referendum in 2009, holds strategic and economic importance due to its vast reserves of oil, natural gas, and minerals. The island, home to 57,000 people, also hosts a crucial US Air Force base.

Egede’s comments follow Trump’s recent revival of a controversial proposal to buy Greenland, first floated in 2019.

The Greenlandic leader quickly dismissed the idea, declaring the territory "is not for sale and will never be for sale."

Denmark, which has faced criticism for past injustices in Greenland, including forced contraception campaigns during the mid-20th century, recently announced plans to boost defense spending on the island by €1.3 billion.

Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said the timing of the investment was coincidental, though it came after Trump’s renewed interest.

Egede suggested that a referendum on independence could coincide with Greenland’s parliamentary elections in April, signaling a pivotal moment for the island’s future.

"Work has already begun on creating the framework for Greenland as an independent state," Egede said, urging citizens to support the vision during the upcoming election.

Greenland currently operates its own parliament and administration while electing two representatives to Denmark’s Folketing, or parliament. — Agencies