CPOY

CPOY 76 International Picture Story Gold: I Am Tired of Being Denmark's Little Puppy

Over the past 100 years, the issue of The Faroe Islands’ independence from Denmark has rumbled back and forth but has been repeatedly ruled out. In the past decade, the autonomous territory of 18 islands with 50.000 inhabitants in the North Atlantic have been through an economic adventure. The country has grown into a nation where tourists flock to, with a growing population, historically high employment, extremely low unemployment and a booming economy. And it has once again set in motion the secessionist thoughts. But the question of the Faroe Islands' role in the Commonwealth divides the generations, and the young voices have taken part in the debate. Some want total secession, others love the kingdom - and some believe that one should not talk about independence at all until there are more rights for homosexuals, better welfare and more focus on the climate. And the young voices matter. For where the Faroese desire for secession has previously been judged out and until now has remained a dream scenario, the situation has now reversed. Now the islanders have money, lots of money - and even more than the Danes per capita. But how durable is the economy? Where does independence come from? And what does the future hold for the Commonwealth?

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Slide 2 of 8
June 18, 2021

25-year-old Tráin Petursson Nónklett just moved back to Faroe Islands after completing his university degree in Denmark. He feels very attached to the nature and people in his homeland. He is the former chairman of the Faroese and Republican youth party, Unga Tjóðveldið and fights for an independent Faroe Islands. In a world where the Arctic is gaining a larger and more significant role in global politics, he is tired of being subject to decisions that are often not in the interest of the Faroe people but Denmark, he says. “Denmark buys the Faroe Islands and Greenland every single day. The block grant does not support but is a purchase. Denmark would be an insignificant geopolitical actor if it were not for the Commonwealth. We do not receive financial support from brotherly love, or because you love our country and people. You do it because you need us geopolitically. Just like Trump, when he tried to buy Greenland. I Am Tired of Being Denmark's Little Puppy”, says Tráin Petursson Nónklett.

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