Wales elects Vaughan Gething as chief minister, the first black leader of a European government

2024-03-16 16:48:00

The next Labor leader, until now responsible for the economy, prevailed over his rival with 51.7% of the votes

16 mar 2024 . Updated at 8:57 p.m.

The until now head of the economy, Vaughan Gethingwas chosen this Saturday as next Welsh Labor leader and chief minister, as well as the first black leader of the country, a position held now, and since 2018, by Mark Drakeford.

Party members chose Gething, 49, with 51.7% of support, over his only rival in the vote, the head of Welsh education, Jeremy Miles, who obtained 48.3% of support, to lead the formation and replace Drakeford.

In his acceptance speech, Gething stressed today that it will be the first black leader in a European country and he stressed that we must fight tooth and nail to make the impossible happen. For the weakest, for the oppressed.

The appointment of Gething, who will become the region’s fifth leader since the Welsh National Assembly – called the Senedd – was established in 1999, took place in a room at Cardiff University.

However, he will not take office as chief minister until next Wednesday at a delicate time for Wales, which is facing farmers’ protests, problems with public health service waiting lists – at record levels – and with an economy that is still has not rebounded after the coronavirus pandemic.

About 100,000 people participated in the vote today to elect the new leader, all of them members of the Labor Party or affiliated organizations such as unions.

The leadership race has been dotted with some controversy, mainly centered on Gething, among other reasons after concern arose when it was learned that some 200,000 pounds (283,000 euros) were donated by a company—Atlantic Recycling—found guilty of having committed crimes against the environment. last January.

That company was fined 300,000 pounds (about 350,000 euros) for the death of one of its workers last February after pleading guilty to having violated health and safety labor regulations.

For their part, Gething and his team have always maintained that the aforementioned donation was declared in accordance with the rules of the Senedd Electoral Commission and have always reiterated the politician’s commitment to transparency.

Following Gething’s election, Drakeford is expected to officially resign next Tuesday and the name of his successor will be formally announced the following day.