“It’s the right time for me, for my party and for the country”

After Jacinda Ardern in New Zealand, another Prime Minister is throwing in the towel. Nicola Sturgeon, 52, announced her surprise resignation on Wednesday February 15 after eight years in power. “In my head and in my heart, I know that the time has come, that it is the right time for me, for my party and for the country. I therefore announce today my intention to resign as First minister and leader of my party”she said at a press conference.

Nicola Sturgeon will remain in office until the Scottish National Party (SNP) appoints a new leader. His decision is not due to recent pressure, linked to the law facilitating gender change in Scotland. She is the consequence “of a more in-depth and longer-term evaluation”she clarified. “From the very first moment of labor, I think part of being well would be knowing, almost instinctively, when it’s time to make way for someone else”she added.

Her departure is a blow to the independence cause, the fight of her life, of which she was the undisputed figure, determined and appreciated by the public. Nicola Sturgeon arrived at the head of the SNP and the Scottish government after the resignation of her predecessor, Alex Salmond, in 2014. The Scots then voted 55% in favor of remaining within the United Kingdom.