Obituary – Death – Cause of death News :

Alex Salmond, Former First Minister of Scotland, Passes Away at 69

Alex Salmond, a prominent figure in Scottish politics and a long-time advocate for Scottish independence, has tragically passed away at the age of 69. Salmond, who served as the First Minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014, was a key player in the push for Scottish independence, coming close to achieving this goal in the 2014 referendum.

His unexpected death in North Macedonia has sent shockwaves through the political world, with tributes pouring in from all corners. Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised Salmond’s monumental impact on both Scottish and British politics, highlighting his deep commitment to Scotland’s heritage and culture.

Salmond’s legacy is a complex one, marked by his leadership of the Scottish National Party and his turbulent relationship with his successor, Nicola Sturgeon. Despite their falling out, Sturgeon acknowledged Salmond’s mentorship and the successful partnership they shared for over a decade.

Salmond’s political career was not without controversy, as he faced sexual assault charges in 2019, which he vehemently denied and was ultimately acquitted of. In 2021, he launched a new party, Alba, to push for a second independence referendum, but struggled to make a significant impact in Scottish politics.

Throughout his career, Salmond was driven by his vision of Scottish independence, inspired by his grandfather and shaped by his background in economics and history. His role in bringing the SNP to power and pushing for independence has left a lasting impact on Scottish politics.

As Scotland mourns the loss of a political giant, the future of the independence movement remains uncertain. Salmond’s legacy will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come as Scotland continues to navigate its path towards independence.

Alex Salmond, the former First Minister of Scotland, who was a prominent advocate for Scottish independence and came close to achieving it, has sadly passed away at the age of 69. Salmond was a highly divisive figure in British politics, leading the Scottish National Party (SNP) and taking Scotland to the brink of independence during the 2014 referendum. His unexpected death in the lake-resort town of Ohrid, North Macedonia, has prompted tributes from across the political spectrum.

The office of former North Macedonia President Gjorgje Ivanov announced Salmond’s passing, who was attending a cultural diplomacy forum in Ohrid at the time. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the Labour Party described Salmond as a monumental figure in Scottish and British politics, highlighting his deep commitment to Scotland’s heritage, history, and culture during his tenure as First Minister.

Alex Salmond held the position of First Minister from 2007 to 2014 and led the SNP twice, from 1990 to 2000 and again from 2004 to 2014. Despite spearheading the campaign for Scottish independence in the 2014 referendum, he lost after securing 45% of the vote. Following his defeat, he resigned as First Minister, and his long-time ally Nicola Sturgeon took over. Their subsequent falling out became a significant issue in Scottish politics for years.

In response to Salmond’s death, Sturgeon acknowledged the breakdown in their relationship but emphasized the importance he had in her life, noting that he had been her mentor for over a decade. They formed one of the most successful political partnerships in U.K. history.

In 2019, Salmond faced charges of sexual assault and attempted rape, which he described as politically motivated fabrications. He was acquitted of all charges in a trial held in March 2020. In 2021, Salmond launched a new party called Alba, aiming to push for a second independence referendum. However, the party struggled to make a significant impact on Scottish politics.

John Swinney, the current First Minister of Scotland, expressed shock and sadness at Salmond’s sudden death, praising his significant contributions to political life in Scotland and beyond. Swinney highlighted how Salmond had brought the SNP from the political fringes into government and led Scotland to the cusp of independence.

Salmond often spoke about his early inspiration for Scottish independence, attributing it to his grandfather. He joined the SNP in 1973 while at university after a debate with his English girlfriend over his separatist views. His academic background in medieval history and economics shaped his economic vision for Scotland. Before entering politics, Salmond worked as an economist for the Scottish regional government and later for the Royal Bank of Scotland, analyzing the North Sea oil industry.

Elected to the U.K. Parliament in 1987, Salmond became the SNP leader within three years. He supported Tony Blair’s Labour government in the late 1990s in establishing a devolved Scottish Parliament, granting Scotland significant domestic powers. The establishment of the Scottish Parliament allowed Salmond a platform to advance his vision of independence, culminating in the 2014 referendum, which solidified the SNP’s dominance in Scottish politics.

The SNP has governed Scotland since the referendum, despite facing setbacks in the recent U.K. general election. Many of its parliamentary seats were lost to Labour, with the next Scottish elections scheduled for 2026.

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