Scotland: Humza Yousaf elected head of the separatists, about to be elected Prime Minister

Humza Yousaf was elected on Monday 27 March as leader of the Scottish independence party (SNP). REUTERS - RUSSELL CHEYNE

Text by: RFI Follow

2 min

Humza Yousaf was elected on Monday 27th March as leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP). The 37-year-old current health minister will succeed Nicola Sturgeon as head of government, also becoming the first Muslim to lead a major political party in the UK. He is due to be elected prime minister by the local parliament on Tuesday.

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With our special envoy in Edinburgh, Emeline Vin

He will be the first Prime Minister of color and a Muslim. Humza Yousaf was elected in the second round by the 70,000 members of the Scottish National Party. The current health minister, this grandson of refugees was considered the closest candidate to Nicola Sturgeon, the most progressive and the most left-wing as well. On the subject of independence, which remains the SNP's number one objective, he promises to consider the next legislative elections as a de facto referendum.

«

The people of Scotland need independence now more than ever, and we will be the generation that achieves Scottish independence. " he said in a speech delivered just after the announcement of his victory and as the fight for independence seems to be deadlocked.

👏 Congratulations to @HumzaYousaf, elected as the new leader of the SNP and Scotland's next First Minister.

🏴 Together, let's get on with building a better Scotland. #SNPLeadership23 pic.twitter.com/6jw1zTBsGP

— The SNP (@theSNP) March 27, 2023

Fight for independence and against poverty

By then, his election should ensure the maintenance of his party in power in Scotland, the SNP's coalition partners, the Greens, had indicated that they could withdraw their support if Kate Forbes, the main opponent of Humza Yousaf with conservative positions, was elected. Yet it was this young finance minister who was preferred by the Scottish electorate in general.

The new leader of the party has promised to tackle the fight against poverty this week, and especially to work for the unity of his troops, after a divisive campaign. MPs will approve his appointment as Chief Executive tomorrow in Holyrood Parliament.

(

And with AFP)

► Read also: The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom does not want a new referendum on the independence of Scotland

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