Just over a year after his election, Humza Yousaf announced he would step down as Prime Minister and lead the Scottish National Party, after breaking his alliance with the Green Party. Find out what's at stake.
More than a year after his election, Humza Yousaf announced on Monday 29 April 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 Youssef resign?
The Scottish First Minister, Humza Yousaf, decided to resign due to the crisis that the Scottish National Party government entered after breaking the parliamentary alliance it maintained with the Green Party.
The Green Party criticized the Scottish Executive for announcing that it would not achieve some of the gas emissions reduction targets it had committed to.
Moreover, the suspension of the allocation of medications used to stop the puberty process for transgender minors was another issue that caused divisions between the two parties.
What happened after Youssef separated from Al-Khidr?
After breaking the agreement with the Green Party, the Prime Minister intended to press ahead with a minority government and expected the former coalition partner to retain minimal support. But the Greens accused Hamza Yusuf of “betraying future generations.”
What did Hamza Yusuf say when he resigned?
“After spending the weekend considering what is best for my party, the government and the country I lead, I have concluded that repairing our relationship [do SNP com os Verdes] Hamza Yousef said in a press conference: “Apart from the political division, this can only be done with someone else at the helm of power.”
He added: “I have informed the national secretary of the Scottish National Party of my intention to resign as party leader.”
The resigned government official also said that he does not regret violating the agreement with the Green Party.
What did the Greens say after the resignation?
Patrick Harvey, co-leader of the Scottish Greens, said the SNP, as the largest party in parliament, had the “right to form a minority government”.
He stressed: “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 can secure our trust.”
And now? What will happen?
The party will remain in power for the time being, but the position of First Minister will later be filled by the future leader of the Scottish Nationalists, who will be elected by the party.
