Alex Salmond, the former First Minister of Scotland and a leading figure in the country’s independence movement, has died at the age of 69. According to reports, Salmond collapsed after giving a speech in North Macedonia.
Salmond was a transformative figure in Scottish politics, leading the Scottish National Party (SNP) from the political fringes to the forefront of government. He served as First Minister from 2007 until 2014, stepping down after the independence referendum, in which Scotland voted to remain part of the United Kingdom. His leadership brought the country closer than ever to independence, a cause he championed tirelessly.
Current political leaders across the UK have paid tribute to Salmond’s impact. Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, expressed deep sorrow, describing Salmond as “a monumental figure who worked relentlessly for Scotland’s independence.” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed these sentiments, calling Salmond a “towering figure” who left an indelible mark on Scottish and UK politics.
Nicola Sturgeon, Salmond’s former deputy and successor, expressed her shock at the news while acknowledging the complexities of their relationship in recent years. She referred to Salmond as her mentor and praised his role in modernizing the SNP, leading them into government for the first time and paving the way for the 2014 independence referendum.
Other political figures, including SNP leader Humza Yousaf and Scottish Labour’s Anas Sarwar, highlighted Salmond’s significant contributions. Yousaf, while acknowledging their personal differences, remarked on Salmond’s pivotal role in shaping the SNP into the political force it is today. Sarwar called Salmond “a central figure” in Scottish politics for over three decades.
Salmond’s passing marks the end of an era, as his influence shaped a generation of political discourse in Scotland. His legacy as a driving force behind the independence movement will be remembered for years to come.
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