in Scotland, the death of Elizabeth II reinforces the desire for independence

in Scotland the death of Elizabeth II reinforces the desire

While Queen Elizabeth II died Thursday at her royal residence in Scotland, many came to gather nearby, and her remains will rest for a few days in Edinburgh, the Scottish capital, for final tributes before returning to London for her funeral. But his death resonates differently in this part of the United Kingdom, whose youth increasingly dream of independence and joining the European Union.

With our special correspondents in Edinburgh, Clea Broadhurst and Jad El Khoury

Edinburgh’s roads are blocked, the police everywhere are watching, you can feel the city getting ready: Queen Elizabeth’s coffin will rest here a few days before her funeral in London.

Fraser and Ian are two young men who dream of an independent Scotland. If they are saddened by the death of the queen, the disappearance of the symbol does not affect them. ” It’s not a good symbol, it’s a British symbol, yes, but I think it does more harm than good says Fraser. ” One could also argue that it is more a symbol of oppression and class difference than anything else. Democratically, it does more makes sense for Scotland to be independent Ian continues.

For the younger generation, there is no doubt that the monarchy must be changed, evolved, or even abolished.

Sophie, in any case, does not respect what she represents: ” I would like them to be separated from the state. I would like us to stop paying taxes that end up in their pockets so that they can live in absolute luxury. I would prefer to give this money to people who really need it, you have to help people at a time when life is more and more expensive. We pay this money to benefit from tourism. But here in Scotland, I don’t think we benefit that much from tourism. »

The crown indeed contributes in its own way to the country’s economy. But it doesn’t matter Elizabeth, Charles, William and its other members: for the youngest, hope is to return one day to the European Union.

Read also : Death of Elizabeth II: the Commonwealth, a true instrument of diplomatic influence?

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