Just over a year after his election, Humza Yousaf announced that he will step down as prime minister and the leadership of the Scottish National Party, after breaking his alliance with the Greens. Find out what’s at stake.
Just over a year after his election, Humza Yousaf announced, this Monday, April 29, that he will step down as First Minister of Scotland and also as leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP). Understand what is at stake.
Why did Yousaf resign?
The Scottish First Minister, Humza Yousaf, decided to resign due to the crisis the SNP government was plunged into after breaking the parliamentary alliance it maintained with the Greens.
The Greens criticized the Scottish executive for announcing that it would not meet some of the gas emission reduction targets it had committed to.
Furthermore, the suspension of the allocation of medication used to stop the puberty process to transgender minors was another issue that caused divisions between the two parties.
What happened after Yousaf broke with the Greens?
After breaking the agreement with the Greens, the prime minister intended to move forward with a minority government and expected the former coalition partner to maintain minimal support. However, the Greens accused Humza Yousaf of “betraying future generations”.
What did Humza Yousaf say when he resigned?
“After spending the weekend reflecting on what is best for my party, the government and the country I lead, I concluded that repairing our relationship [do SNP com os Verdes] beyond political division, it can only be done with another person at the helm”, said Humza Yousaf, at a press conference.
“I have informed the SNP national secretary of my intention to resign as leader of the party,” he added.
The resigning government official also said that he does not regret breaking the agreement with the Greens.
What did the Greens say after the resignation?
Patrick Harvie, co-leader of the Scottish Green Party said that the SNP, as the largest party in Parliament, has the “right to form a minority government”.
“The Scottish Greens have a long history of working constructively in opposition and will do so with any First Minister who shares our progressive values and who can secure our trust,” he stressed.
And now? What will happen?
The party will remain in power for now, but the position of First Minister will later be occupied by the future leader of the Scottish nationalists, who will be elected by the party.
