U.S. President Donald Trump has set his sights on Greenland, prompting a Danish politician to curse, saying, 'Get lost.'
According to foreign media including the U.S. political outlet The Hill, Danish Member of the European Parliament Anders Vistisen made this statement during a European Parliament plenary session held in Strasbourg, France, on the 22nd (local time).
During the session, Vistisen stated, 'Dear President Trump, listen up,' and added, 'Greenland has been part of the Kingdom of Denmark for 800 years. It is an integral part of our country.' He also emphasized, '(Greenland) is not for sale,' and expressed it in words you can understand: 'Mr. Trump, get lost,' using an expletive that included the letter 'F.'
The meeting was left in disarray by Vistisen's public profanity. Nicolae Stefănescu, Vice President of the European Parliament, reprimanded Vistisen, noting, 'This is not appropriate in this democratic chamber.'
Earlier, Trump had stated on his first day in office, 'We need Greenland to ensure international security,' and that statement came two days later. Trump also mentioned, 'It costs Denmark a great expense to maintain Greenland' and said, 'I'm sure Denmark will participate as well.'
The Arctic Ocean near Greenland has the advantage of providing the shortest route connecting Europe, North America, and Asia. As climate change causes sea ice to melt, leading to the opening of Arctic shipping routes, the competition for dominance among great powers has intensified. Trump argues that the U.S. must have control over Greenland to counter these powers.