On Wednesday, Humza Yousaf got sworn into service as the new leader of Scotland in a ceremony that mixed formal traditions with his Pakistani origin. The ceremony took place before he announced appointments to his cabinet, which risk aggravating the severe differences that exist within his governing party.
Yousaf, who made history by becoming the first Muslim to govern a democratic nation in western Europe, appeared before Scotland’s superior courts, the Court of Parliament in Edinburgh, wearing a black kameez shalwar while his family watched from the audience.
The individual, who was 37 years old at the time, swore an allegiance oath to King Charles. If he is successful in achieving his goal of terminating Scotland’s three-hundred-year-long political alliance with England, he has stated in the past that one of his goals is to abolish the monarchy and supplant it with a head of state who is elected by the people.
Yousaf prevailed in a contentious election for the leadership of the Scottish National Party on Monday, emerging victorious by the slimmest of margins. The race was held in the wake of Nicola Sturgeon’s abrupt departure from her position as leader of the SNP, which she had held for nearly a decade.
As Yousaf’s major challenger, Kate Forbes resigned from her position in the administration, the internal disagreements regarding how the pro-independence National Party of  Scotland will proceed in the future and the nation surfaced again.
As reported by the Scottish newspapers and BBC, Forbes declined an invitation to take on the position of minister for agricultural affairs and islands, which would have been a step down from her former role as finance minister.
Alex Neil, an EX. health secretary who supported Forbes said that the proposed role was disrespectful and not a genuine effort to bring together the party. Neil also stated that he endorsed Forbes.
Yousaf was anticipated to provide his challenger for the leadership position, whom he defeated by a margin of approximately 2,000 votes, with a more senior position.
Yousaf had stated while running for leadership, that he would take a different approach than Sturgeon’s “inner circle” method of leadership and instead go for a “broad tent” strategy.
Forbes, who had challenged Yousaf’s performance in government during the course of the leadership race, tweeted on Twitter reminders of how close the competition was while also stating that she fully supported Yousaf in her bid for the position.
Yousaf announced on Tuesday that Shona Robison, who is a personal friend of Sturgeon’s, will fill the position of deputy first minister in his administration. On Wednesday afternoon, there will likely be other appointments made to cabinet seats.
