THE attention of international media is on Scotland’s future after the SNP’s historic win at the Holyrood election.
The SNP and Scottish Greens won a total of 72 seats in Holyrood on a record turnout for the Scottish Parliament elections of 63% – 10% higher than the previous average.
Both parties set out manifesto commitments on holding a second independence referendum in the next parliamentary term.
The New York Times said “hopes for a swift path to independence in Scotland were tempered” after a lack of an outright SNP majority but that that they had “impressive” results in the number of seats they won.
It said: “The Scottish National Party’s results, though impressive, deprived it of a symbolic victory in a closely fought election. That, in turn, is likely to stiffen the determination of Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain to deny Scottish voters the chance to hold a second referendum on independence.
“Yet pro-independence parties stayed in control and even expanded their overall majority in Thursday’s election, which will keep the flame of Scottish nationalism alive and ensure that the threat of Scotland’s breaking away from the United Kingdom will continue to bedevil British politics.”
READ MORE: Scotland has voted for indyref2, Nicola Sturgeon tells UK Government
The paper also said the SNP “will tighten their control” over the Scottish Parliament by allying with the Greens.
The article went on to say that pro-independence majority, rather than an SNP one, may work to the party’s advantage by giving them time to build more support for indyref2.
German broadcaster RTL was praised for "top trolling" in its coverage.
Top trolling by RTL News in Germany reporting on the #ScottishElections21 pic.twitter.com/hZ9CRIr8Ok
— Chris Stratmann #FBPE #RejoinAlliance 🇪🇺 (@TheDailyMull) May 8, 2021
Politico said Sturgeon’s comments that there is now a mandate for another referendum “call into question the future of the UK”.
The political site added: “The government in Westminster will argue that the SNP’s failure to win a majority should put an end to demands for a fresh referendum. But that will cut no ice with the SNP.”
WATCH: Nicola Sturgeon hits back at suggestion Scotland can’t afford independence
The Japan Times said the results left the UK “starkly divided”, showing how different Scotland is from England.
The article referenced how Boris Johnson reportedly spent £200,000 of taxpayer money on his flat revamp.
It said: “The political debate had been dominated by sensational claims he broke rules over the luxury refurbishment of his official residence. But voters didn’t care.”
Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter reported that there is now a majority for independence in the Scottish Parliament.
🇸🇪 “Majority for independence in the Scottish Parliament” https://t.co/18mLTZGfwh
— Ross Colquhoun (@rosscolquhoun) May 9, 2021
French newspaper Liberation said: “Debate over a new Scottish independence vote began immediately after Nicola Sturgeon’s party election victory on Saturday. Tory Prime Minister Boris Johnson tried to counter the fire by presenting himself as the unifier of the United Kingdom.”
It went on to say that the outcome of the Holyrood election has “strengthened the independence cause in Scotland”.
An editorial in the Irish Times said the Scottish results have “taken the shine off the Tories” after Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said the result is “significant” in regards to Irish unity.
Spanish newspaper El Pais described the SNP's victory as "overwhelming" and said it "guarantees support for another referendum".
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