Disgraced Greenland MLA resigns

Mikael Petersen, one of Greenland´s most powerful politicians, recently resigned as a member of the legislative assembly.

Petersen had already resigned his cabinet portfolio after being charged with drunk driving. He had been minister for transportation, industry, trade, energy, labour and tourism, and vice-chair of the Siumut Party. He resigned as minister just before Christmas, three days after his arrest.

On that night, Petersen had been drinking in one of Nuuk’s downtown bars. After he drove away in his own car, somebody called police and tipped them off. A police breathalyzer test showed Petersen had 1.8 ml of alcohol in his blood, several times over the acceptable limit.

“It has been a difficult decision,” Petersen said of his decision to resign as MLA. “Other politicians who have been in same situation decided to resign. There is no other thing to do — I must leave the legislative assembly.”

Petersen said he would like to try something new.

“Maybe I should start my own company. But it could be I will return to politics in the future,” Petersen said.