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- Alex Salmond former First Minister of Scotland has died at the age of 69
Alex Salmond former First Minister of Scotland has died at the age of 69
Alex Salmond, a prominent figure in Scottish and UK politics, has passed away after collapsing while delivering a speech in North Macedonia. He was a central figure in politics for over three decades, leading the Scottish National Party (SNP) twice and guiding it from a fringe group into a powerful electoral force. Salmond was the nation's first pro-independence first minister, serving from 2007 until 2014, when Scotland voted to remain part of the UK in a referendum. He later resigned from the SNP in 2018 amid sexual harassment allegations. Salmond was a divisive figure, and while he had his supporters, he also had many detractors. King Charles and Prime Minister Keir Starmer have paid tribute to Salmond, with the prime minister describing him as a "monumental figure of Scottish and UK politics".
There will be much more opportunity to reflect in the coming days, but today all of our thoughts are with Alex's family and his many friends right across the political spectrum.
A tour de force in politics, who took us close to independence. Alex had the nation believe in itself. My thoughts to his family, friends and all those who he inspired to dream.
I have never seen a politician master at an earlier age the range of political arts with a more assured step.
The problem that Nicola has, and it is one entirely of her own making, is that the case for independence hasn't advanced one iota since 2014.
Some, not all, are fabrications — deliberate fabrications for a political purpose.
Alex Salmond was a huge figure in our politics. While I disagreed with him on the constitutional question, there was no denying his skill in debate or his passion for politics. May he rest in peace.
As first minister of Scotland, he cared deeply about Scotland's heritage, history and culture as well as the communities he represented as M.P. and M.S.P. over many years of service.
No matter our political beliefs, we can all respect his dedication to public service as an MSP, MP and first minister of Scotland.
My thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time. Rest in peace.
Alex and I obviously had our differences in the last few years, but there's no doubt about the enormous contribution he made to Scottish & UK politics. My condolences to his family & friends.
Over many years, Alex made an enormous contribution to political life, not just within Scotland, but across the UK and beyond.
Alex worked tirelessly and fought fearlessly for the country that he loved and for her independence. He took the Scottish National party from the fringes of Scottish politics into government and led Scotland so close to becoming an independent country.
He took the Scottish National Party from the fringes of Scottish politics into government and led Scotland so close to becoming an independent country.
sources
- 1.The Guardian
- 2.BBC
- 3.The New York Times
- 4.CNN
- 5.Le Monde
- 6.CTV News
- 7.The Times
- 8.ABC News (Australia)
- 9.Agence France-Presse
- 10.Reuters
- 11.Sunday Times
- 12.Times
perspectives
countries
organizations
- 1.Scottish National Party
- 2.Conservative Party
- 3.Holyrood
- 4.Scottish Labour
- 5.Labour Party
- 6.Alba Party
- 7.Scottish Parliament
- 8.British Parliament
- 9.British Press Association
- 10.Buckingham Palace
- 11.Daily Record of Scotland
- 12.House of Commons
persons
- 1.Alex Salmond
- 2.Keir Starmer
- 3.John Swinney
- 4.Nicola Sturgeon
- 5.Anas Sarwar
- 6.Humza Yousaf
- 7.David Cameron
- 8.Joanna Cherry
- 9.Rishi Sunak
- 10.Andrew Neil
- 11.Ash Regan
- 12.Chris McEleny
technicals
- 1.Gaelic