"This time last year, Greenland's prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, was better known on the global stage for his sporting achievements than international politics. For years he dominated the territory's badminton scene, winning the singles and doubles championships almost every year. He won several medals at the Island Games, earning himself a reputation for very competitive play on the court. As it turned out, that was useful preparation for his time in office."
"The 34-year-old was sworn in last April after winning a surprise election victory fought against the backdrop of Donald Trump's threats to acquire his homeland. Those threats morphed into a full-blown crisis this year when, fresh from his seizure of Nicolas Maduro from Caracas, the US president reiterated his desire for Greenland and initially refused to rule out taking it by force."
"Europe's biggest crisis since the second world war saw Nielsen, who often sports a blue anorak in keeping with Greenlandic formal attire, thrust into the geopolitical spotlight. He seems to have weathered the storm: Greenlanders say that, after Trump pulled back from threats of military intervention at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the young leader has more of a voice on the world stage."
Jens-Frederik Nielsen transitioned from a celebrated Greenlandic badminton champion to prime minister at age 34 after a surprise election victory last April. His leadership faced an international crisis when US president Donald Trump expressed renewed interest in acquiring Greenland, even initially refusing to rule out force. Nielsen maintained allegiance to Denmark, NATO and the EU during a tense meeting with US vice-president JD Vance. Greenlanders credit Nielsen with asserting national priorities after Trump retreated from interventionist threats at Davos. Veteran politician Aqqaluk Lynge praised Nielsen’s decisive stance as a moment long awaited by Greenlanders.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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