Just six weeks before the regional elections on 6 May, the political landscape in Scotland is widening: former Prime Minister Alex Salmond wants to run a new party, called the Alba. Like the Scottish National Party (SNP), Alba is asked to campaign for the country’s independence from Great Britain.
Salmond ruled Scotland from 2007 to 2014, leaving the SNP in 2018 following allegations of sexual harassment. He was later acquitted by a court.
He then made serious allegations against his political foster daughter, the current Scottish Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Sturgeon also faced a vote of confidence, but it prevailed.
The SNP boss is expecting an absolute majority in the regional election. This should increase pressure on London to allow a second referendum on Scottish independence. In a first referendum in 2014, 55 percent favored living in the United Kingdom.
Salmond said he did not want to enter direct competition with the SNP with his Alba party. They want to leave direct candidates. Instead, he hopes to get some members of the regional parliament in Edinburgh through regional lists. Both parties could later form a “super majority” for independence according to Salmond.
However, it is doubtful whether this calculation will work. Despite Salmond’s assurances, Alba could dispute the SNP’s votes.
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