The Chief Minister of Scotland, Humza Yousaf, recently made a controversial decision by unilaterally breaking the government coalition between the Scottish National Party (SNP) and the Green Party. This coalition had been formed after the 2021 regional elections in order to build a more solid pact to launch a new sovereignty project focused on independence from the UK. Yousaf replaced Nicola Sturgeon in March 2023 amid a party finances scandal, causing division within the SNP.
Yousaf’s decision to break the coalition came after tensions arose within the party over the compromises made with the Green Party, particularly regarding environmental policies and support for the Gender Self-Determination Act. The move also reflects Yousaf’s awareness that the Labor Party may regain leadership in Scotland, potentially jeopardizing the SNP’s independence agenda.
Following the dissolution of the coalition, the Scottish Conservative Party announced a motion of no confidence against Yousaf, which will be debated in the coming week. The Green Party, after an urgent meeting, announced its support for the motion, potentially leading to Yousaf’s removal from power if other opposition parties also join in. Yousaf, however, remains confident that he can continue governing as a minority.
If the motion of no confidence passes, Yousaf’s fate will likely be determined by the casting vote of the president of the autonomous Parliament, potentially preserving his position as chief minister. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his leadership, Yousaf’s decision to break the coalition reflects his attempt to consolidate internal unity within the SNP and maintain stability in the government.