Hamza Yousaf Announces Resignation as First Minister of Scotland

Scottish First Minister Hamza Yousaf announced his resignation today, Monday, after the collapse of the coalition agreement between his Scottish National Party and the Green Party. Yousaf stated in a press conference held from his official residence in Edinburgh that he also intends to resign as leader of the Scottish National Party but will remain in his position until a new government is formed. He addressed the breakdown of the coalition agreement, indicating that "the latter caused this situation," and emphasized that he would "not compromise his principles to remain in power." Yousaf's resignation comes just days before votes on motions of no confidence in his government and leadership, and after the recent collapse of the coalition agreement following the government’s announcement that it would abandon its goal of reducing carbon emissions by 75% by 2030. The 39-year-old Yousaf took office in March 2023, becoming the first Muslim leader of a government in Western Europe.