Achi news desk-
Eradicating child poverty would be the main goal, he said.
He told MSPs that he didn’t just want to “tackle” or “reduce” it but eliminate it completely.
“Because child poverty hinders the progress of any nation and hinders social justice and economic growth,” he said.
READ MORE: It is predicted that school enrollments in the Highlands will fall by 23% in 15 years
His other priorities would be to grow the economy, tackle the climate crisis and improve public services The First Minister also told MSPs that he would present a Program for Government before the Senedd recess for the summer recess at the end of June .
The new leader of the SNP repeated his promise to work together with the opposition parties.
“One of the benefits of long service in this Senedd is that I have witnessed this Senedd when it operates at its best,” he said.
“That happens when we work constructively together.
“At the start of my term as First Minister, let me make it clear to the Senedd that I will work with any party that comes forward with ideas about how we can make our country a better place to live.
“A good idea is a good idea, and I make it clear to all parties, and to all MSPs, that the Government will engage positively when considering ideas from all sources”
Mr Swinney said there was “enormous financial pressure” on the Scottish Government and this would “have an impact on the priorities we can deliver.”
“My cabinet will do everything we can – including listening to and working with Members from across this chamber – to achieve our aim.”
In terms of growing the economy, he said his ministers would work to “make the most of the huge economic opportunities that lie ahead.”
He said that recent investments in Scotland’s renewable energy industry showed that his Government was “determined” to secure international funding for the sector.
“We will align the capacity generated by our vibrant entrepreneurial nation, with our world-leading academic and research institutions, our precious natural resources and our businesses and communities in a shared agenda to achieve net zero, ” he said.
On improving public services, Mr Swinney told MSPs that the government would focus on “supporting the National Health Service” and work with local authorities “across a range of policy areas – including continuing to improve educational performance and care delivery socially sustainable by reducing delays. released.”
He continued: “We will work with partners to improve the efficiency of the criminal justice system in order to better cater for victims. And we will engage constructively to expand the housing supply to meet the needs of the population and tackle homelessness.”
READ MORE: Former Post Office boss breaks down in tears at Horizon inquiry
Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross described the Prime Minister as the “ultimate continuity candidate.”
Green co-leader Patrick Harvie praised the Prime Minister for recognizing the urgency of the climate crisis but urged him to stand up to SNP MSPs against radical action.
Mr Harvie said: “The First Minister is right that tackling the climate crisis can be good for the economy, and if we get it right it will protect people from high energy bills too.
“But he also knows that the same members of his own party who have spent years lobbying against climate action and for the oil and gas industry are still doing so. And after the events of the past few weeks, they have been incorporated.
“So will he have the courage that has been so clearly lacking – the courage to face them, reject their demands, and commit to accelerating the climate action so clearly needed to cut road traffic, decarbonise heat, and more . – action that is necessary if Scotland is going to make up for so much lost ground over so many years?”
The leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, Alex Cole-Hamilton, said voters wanted “change and need a government that will get the basics right.”
He urged the First Minister to “recognise that Scotland has had enough of the worn-out divisions of the past.”
