According to an analysis by the British newspaper The Guardian, several nationalist, even separatist, parties could simultaneously come to power in the United Kingdom.
One month before the elections on May 7 in the United Kingdom, several devolved elections are set to take place simultaneously. These include the elections for the Scottish Parliament, the Welsh Parliament (Senedd), and numerous local elections in England. In Northern Ireland, the government is already led by nationalists in favor of reunification with the Republic of Ireland, but the political balances remain fragile.
Polls indicate an unprecedented configuration: nationalist parties, often independence-seeking, could be in power in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland at the same time.
Towards constitutional reforms
This situation would place the British government led by Keir Starmer under increased pressure. The Scottish National Party (SNP), Plaid Cymru, and Sinn Féin are considering coordinating their positions on key issues such as public finances, social policies, and relations with the European Union.
In Scotland, a victory for the SNP could reignite the demand for a new independence referendum. In Northern Ireland, Michelle O’Neill could intensify the pressure for reunification with the Republic of Ireland.
Wales at a turning point
In Wales, Rhun ap Iorwerth hopes to end more than a century of Labour dominance. He is calling for new transfers of powers, particularly in justice and policing. "Plaid Cymru" has previously been in power, but as a coalition partner with "Welsh Labour" between 2007 and 2011 in the so-called One Wales agreement.
How do these executives function?
Unlike in France, voters do not directly choose an executive. They elect a regional parliament. The government (led by a "First Minister") is then formed by the majority party or coalition within that parliament, following a model similar to parliamentary systems.
Thus, an electoral victory for the SNP or Plaid Cymru results in the appointment of their leader to head the Scottish or Welsh government.
A United Kingdom under tension but not isolated
The presence of nationalist or independence-seeking governments in several regions is not unique in Europe. In Spain (Catalonia, Basque Country), Canada (Quebec), or in France in Corsica, autonomist or independence-seeking parties exercise regional power without automatically causing a rupture with the central state.
A structural evolution of the United Kingdom
However, the coexistence of three governments led by nationalist parties would increase political pressure on London. It could accelerate the devolution of the United Kingdom towards a more decentralized system, where the constituent nations adapt central government decisions more closely. An example for France?
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