Scotland's First Minister resigns after the breakdown of the Government coalition

He trusts that his successor can take Scotland to the "finish line" of independence, which he already sees "close"

The Chief Minister of Scotland, Humza Yousaf, announced this Monday by surprise his resignation following the breakdown of the coalition agreement between the Scottish National Party (SNP) and the Green Party, after assuming that it would be impossible for him to continue in office and govern. in a minority in a minimally stable way, as it was initially proposed.

Scotland's fragile political balance finally broke down on Thursday, when the Greens announced that they would no longer be minority partners in the Government. Added to the differences over policies regarding gender self-determination was the Government's review of the objectives to reduce the emission of polluting gases.

The SNP was forced to govern as a minority, a challenge that Yousaf himself showed himself willing to take on on Friday, when he assured that he would not resign and would face a motion of no confidence promoted by the conservatives and that he had already achieved the support of others. parties, among them that of the greens.

Three days later, he argued before the media that he wanted to continue because he understood that it was "the right thing to do", in the hope of finding "a less formal agreement" with his former partners that has turned out to be impossible. In this sense, he explained that he was not willing to give up his principles to remain in power and that, after a weekend of reflection, he has changed his mind.

He understands that, to "repair" political relations, it is necessary for another person to take the reins, although the resignation will not be immediate. Thus, he explained that he has already informed the SNP leadership of his desire to leave office so that a primary process can begin, but that he will remain as senior minister until the process is completed "to ensure an orderly transition." ".

"I have had the honor of being part of the Government for almost 12 years, in different positions," Yousaf stressed, "proud" of the policies promoted and visibly moved when he thanked his own family for their support. "I cannot say what an honor it has been to be the chief minister of the country I love, the country in which I have raised my family and the only country I call home," added the independence leader, whose family is of Asian.

THE INDEPENDENCE

The resignation now leaves in the air the future of a Scotland that is not called to have elections until 2026. In fact, Yousaf, who took office just over a year ago after the abrupt resignation of Nicola Sturgeon, said on Friday who wanted to lead the SNP in the next elections.

The secessionist party even raised the possibility that this next appointment with the polls could become 'de facto' a plebiscitary election on independence, given that London rejects the call for a second independence referendum like the one that already took place in 2014.

According to Yousaf, independence is now "close," so close that it can be "frustrating." "Believe me, no one feels this frustration as much as the leader of the SNP," he admitted in his appearance, in which he appealed to the patience and trust of the public.

"The last kilometers of the marathon are always the hardest. We have run this race as a team and now I will pass the baton to a successor who I am absolutely sure will take us to the finish line," he added.

ELECTION PETITION

The Conservative Party, the second most represented in the Scottish Parliament, feels Yousaf's resignation as its own victory, "forced" by the motion of no confidence that the Tories decided to present last week and which received almost unanimous support from the opposition.

Tory leader Douglas Ross has urged the future chief minister to "abandon the nationalist obsession with independence and focus solely on Scotland's main priorities, including creating jobs and improving our public services."

For his part, the leader of the Labor Party in Scotland, Anas Sarwar, has directly asked for elections, as he believes that the SNP is too divided to face new challenges and "it is time for change." "They cannot impose another chief minister on us with a back-door agreement," he criticized.