What is "siumut"

Siumut (lit. Forward) is a social-democratic political party in Greenland. The party was formally an observer affiliate of the Socialist International. Siumut is currently led by Kim Kielsen. Until September 2014 it was led by Aleqa Hammond, member of the Greenlandic Parliament, who was the first woman to lead the party.

Originally formed in 1971 as a political movement, Siumut was established as a party in 1977, and following the establishment of home rule for Greenland in January 1979, in the April 1979 general election received thirteen out of 21 seats in the newly formed Landsting, enabling party Chairman Jonathan Motzfeldt to become the first Prime Minister of Greenland. Following the 1991 general election, Motzfeldt stepped down and was replaced by Lars Emil Johansen, also of Siumut, who governed in coalition with Inuit Ataqatigiit. From 1997, and until 2002, Motzfeldt was again Prime Minister, until he was succeeded by Hans Enoksen. From 1979 until 2009 and since 2013, members of Siumut have served as Greenland's Prime Minister. In the 15 November 2005 general election, the party won 30.7% of the popular vote and 10 out of 31 seats in the Landsting. In the 2009 general election, it won 26.5% of the popular vote and 9 seats and in the 2013 election, it won 42.8% of the popular vote and 14 out of 31 seats. At the 2014 election the party was still the largest party, but it lost three members of the parliament and has now 11 members.

Siumut representatives sitting in the Danish parliament have been attached to the parliamentary group of the Social Democrats.