Political Parties

Our Empire yet again finds herself heading headlong into another set of elections. This set of elections will, as ever, be decided by default in many territories, not solely as a result of the electoral system, but as a result of the fractious nature of our political parties.

It is of course well within the right of any Alexandrian to organize a political party, and what a glorious right it is. The problem lies at the juncture between Alexandrian Conservatism and all other political ideologies. The Conservative movement, however unfashionable its logo may be, has got a lot going for it: clear policies, clear ideological standpoint and a large committed member base.

For as long as this is the case, the other parties, the Alexandrian Amelioration Party, The Federalist Party, and lately the Liberal Alternative, will have no real chance of putting into action their programs of reform. They will forever be minnows in the opposition, under whatever electoral system.

My recommendation? Well, surely it will not be a exceptionally popular suggestion, but I have seen it work elsewhere - Baracao and Talamthom are two that come to mind. I feel that the three smaller parties need to start to:

1. find similarities in their manifestos and develop policies along the lines of these similarities;
2. unite under one banner, thus acting as one party, for example the 'Popular Front', but still keeping their individual identities within this larger umbrella;
3. decide on a system of rolling presidency for the party so that all of the component parties get a chance of having their leader as the leader of the umbrella organization.

This 'Popular Front' would maybe be able to find, through negotiation, a solid common ground ideologically and would pool the resources of three small parties' worth of members in order to create a genuine challenge to the Conservatives.

If these parties are listening, then maybe now is the time to start talking amongst yourselves. I hasten to add, this article is not intended as a slight on the merits of the Conservatives, but is instead aimed at creating a stronger party-political arena within our Empire.

Valenciennes Provincial Parliament Round-Up

Over the last two months the Valenciennes Provincial Parliament has been busy working on a few different issues. Firstly the Parliament has been working towards securing the legality of the Provincial Parliament by dealing with constitutional agreements. This has resulted in Geneva's Imperial Parliament and the Emperor clarifying Parliament's right to operate and exist. Furthermore, Parliament has moved to clear up any irregularities between the Imperial and Provincial Constitutions. This was done by passing the Housekeeping Amendment [2007] Act.

Furthermore an amendment to the Provincial Constitution, the Valenciennes Constitutional Amendment [Sept 2007] Act, saw full executive authority vested in the First Minister of the Province. This allows for the First Minister to select and manage a Provincial Executive if they so wish.

This month, I will be looking to finally receive an official budget from the Imperial Finance Ministry so that some real progress can begin to be made in our Province. Valenciennes citizens, your commitment is much appreciated.

Action Plan for Potent Government

It is obviously every Alexandrian citizen's wish for the Governance of the Empire to be strong and active, but I personally feel that there should be more to it than that. I feel that the Imperial Parliament breeds inactivity as a result of the manner in which is constructed. The fact that we are having Parliamentary seats being won by dafault should in itself show that there is some work to be done.

I have spent a little time conducting research into what I call "The Alexandrian Question" - that is, How can we make our parliament stonger? - and have a draft proposal prepared for the Emperor, Prime Minister, Members of Parliament, citizens and other interested parties detailing my suggested changes. This report will be published by my office tomorrow.

Some details of the report:

• It is 3 pages and around 900 words in length;
• It will be made available in a Document Imaging format (.tif);
  
• It highlights problems and suggests logical remedies;
• It proposes reform whilst not undermining current levels of representation;
• It will demonstrate in a clear manner the way in which Parliament should have the flexibility to respond to both larger and smaller populations;
• It will challenge complacency in political parties and will make them really start fighting once more for the votes of citizens that are not involved in elections as prospective MPs.

I hope that all readers will embrace the proposals, or, at least, the sentiment of loyalty to this Empire that underpins them. I look forward to presenting the report to you all tomorrow.

Interview With Josue Torres

Intrigued by the prospect of a party openly selling itself as Federalist, I chose to ask a few direct questions to Josue Torres in a café in Loredo, Rio Grande.

-Alexandria has demonstrated a great commitment to the Federalist agenda in the past, not least in Valenciennes, what difference can your party make?

I feel that Alexandria has entered a new era in its history, that is the "Era of the Federated Awakening;" you’re right, the Valenciennes did demonstrate a sense of commitment by defending their provincial rights, hence becoming the pioneers of Alexandrian federalism. Such commitment was placed aside for some time and thanks to the many of its residents like yourself Mr. Leclerc, the province has regained its provincial prestige. The Federalist Party has emerged at a time where Alexandria needs a new political organization dedicated to spearhead its new era, this could have been nearly impossible following the traditional agendas of the two major Alexandrian political parties. The Federalist agenda is solely to defend and promote the growth of our new national era and cultivate our province’s heritage, the very essence of Alexandrian federalism.

-At the moment your party is small, what plans do you have to try and create a bigger place for yourself in the Imperial Parliament?

I’m trying to get the word out as much as possible regarding the Federalist’s platform, either at public forums or throughout media coverage. I’m optimistic about even this small interview, since I’m sure that it will capture the attention of many throughout Alexandria and possibly the micronational world. I hope that every Alexandrian comes to understand that the Federalist stands for the progress and advancement of their own respective province, whichever that may be.

-Are you planning a national convention or to tour the Provinces to promote the Federalist agenda?

Yes, I’m planning to tour each province in the near future.

-Valenciennes has hit the headlines recently after being attacked by Chief Justice Carmichael for its "autonomy" making a "mockery" of the Imperial Parliament. Where do you stand on this and do you think that he has overstepped the mark with his comments?

Valenciennes people have every right, and indeed constitutional protection, to exercise their autonomy, even the Emperor has recognized this provincial right. The Chief Justice has gone too far by condemning the hard work that the residents of the Valenciennes have accomplished and may only hope is the HIM the Emperor deals with him accordingly. His words have affected his national image and has lost much reputation. I feel that the Imperial Parliament needs to implement immediate reforms in order to continue working effectively.

Since conducting this interview the Chief Justice has resigned his post.

Valenciennes Provincial Parliament Round-Up

The Provincial Parliament is back in session following the vote of confidence that allows me to sit as the First Minister.

Our first order of business has been for a constitutional ammendment to be made to allow for the First Minister to gain executive control of the Provincial Parliament, thus negating the need for a separate Governor to be elected. Furthermore the ammendment removes the upper term limit for a First Minister. The result of this is that as long as a First Minister has a public mandate, they may continue in there role. This was passed unanimously.

The second order of business has been for the previous two acts passed by the last administration to be repealed so that a fresh start may be achieved. This was passed with a 75% majority with one voter choosing to abstain.

Later this week I will be looking to make appointments to the Provincial Executive. In addition a budget will be requested from the Imperial Parliament so that the Provincial Executive may announce its spending for the year.

Valenciennes Success Story Irritates the Chief Justice

In this 'column' I have never professed to being anything other than myself and expressing nothing but my own views on Alexandrian and Valenciennes life. It was therefore my great pleasure to find myself finally at the helm of the great institution that I created, the Valenciennes Provincial Parliament, following a vote of confidence by citizens of the province.

The success of the Provincial Parliament is down to nothing but the hard work of all Valenciennes citizens through the ages. The inception of such federalism bears testament to the Provinces ability to work with every law and decree issued from Geneva and the Imperial Parliament.

It was then, to my surprise, that following a good couple of weeks in the Province that the Chief Justice, John Carmichael, decided to question the Province's well-established federalism. He proclaimed:

"Why does Valeciennes seem to have almost complete autonomy from the central Alexandrian state? I can't see a reason why it is allowed such wide ranging powers when we have a Parliament which should do the job"

He went on to say how the activity of Valenciennes' Parliament makes a "mockery" of the Alexandrian Imperial Parliament.

The Provincial Parliament is, of course, acting within the confines of Alexandrian law and under an Imperial Charter issued by the Emperor. Mr Carmichael's outburst calls into question his impartiality as by attacking Valenciennes he is also attacking the Federalist agenda.

Furthermore, can the blame of the Imperial Parliament's inactivity really be laid at the door of the Valenciennes Provincial Parliament? I think not. If nothing else it is testament to the Province's refusal to allow its institutions to stagnate in the same manner that the Imperial Parliament's members have allowed the national instutions to.

Is Parliament Officially Dead This Time?

So after a three-week debate over the sacking of the previous Speaker of the Imperial Parliament, Felix Cavendish, and the installation of a new Speaker, Juan Ciervo, MP from Rio Grande, why is it that our Parliament building still rests in silence. The last piece of legislation to be discussed, the Path to Provincehood Act, still sits idly atop the dispatch box awaiting the new speaker's permission for it to be discussed.

And whilst this legislation gathers dust, the hopper, the place in which all proposed bills are placed prior to debate, still holds legislation first deposited on the 3rd May this year. Quite frankly this is not a way for the central government of an Empire to conduct its business. Now is the time to work through this legislation before whe forget why it was proposed in the first place.

It is at this point that I address legislators, the judiciary and, most importantly, His Imperial Majesty Emperor Edgard II. Today I write this brief article with a plea; please dissolve parliament and call an Election immediately. We cannot allow for this nation's most imortant organ of state to simply wilt and die through its Member's inactivity.

Inaction of the Speaker Crippling Parliament

Felix Cavendish, speaker for the Imperial Parliament, is by his inaction preventing the democratically elected institutions of the Empire from functioning. Two bills are still waiting to have their debate started, one of which has been on hold since April 29th this year, the other since May 2nd.

The Path to Provincehood Act and the Private Forums Access Act 2007 are currently sitting in the government's debating chamber with the Prime Minister, Jose Frias, surely growing impatient to the Parliaments forced inaction. In both instances the Prime Minister has been left asking "Is this debate open?" Questions must be asked as to why the Speaker is taking no action, or why in his absense, there is no one substituting his position.

It is the feeling of this writer that not only do politicians have a duty to speed up the governmental processes in Alexandria, but the speaker too has a very important role to play in combatting inaction.

The Dauphin Ups the Ante, Followed by King John of Novasolum

HIH Prince Enrique Portela has responded to the recent claims of King John of Novasolum and the Earl of Rambai over the matter of the naval action nearly taken against the Novasolan royal yacht Wattle. The Daupin has defended the legitimacy of the actions of the Alexandrian Navy during a brief visit to the former Kingdom of Rambai, now a protectorate of Novasolum. He said

"Perhaps if you had contacted proper authorites of such a thing, everything would have been different now, wouldnt it? Good day."

King John responded by releasing a statement detailing the exact nature of the altercation. He challenged the Prince's knowledge of maritime law before explaining the actions of the Wattle that were taken to avoid conflict. He also made clear that the Wattle was unarmed and manned by only 11 crew members.

The Novalsolans have definately painted themselves as being the unwitting victims in this incident, but the Alexandrian Royal Family continue to claim that the action taken was perfectly normal for this type of situation. With no hint of an apology from either side, and with Alexandrian paranoia running high, the war of words looks set to continue.

Frias Must Wake-Up the Legislature

Geneva, Alexandria. To the casual observer of Alexandrian politics the passing of the resolution to formally announce the formation of a conservative government can't come a moment too soon. The pace of legislative life in our Empire is currently resembling the pace of life that any two-toed sloth can be found enjoying in any zoo worldwide.

Jose Frias, the Prime Minister, presented a dynamic front prior to the election during campaigning, but now must be seen to push the government into action. Similarly Frias must be seen to take action against absenteeism in the parliament and lead by example by pushing through legislation promised to voters.

For the casual observer the wait goes on, but hopefully inaction will be combatted before the parliamentary seat gather dust and cobwebs.

Alexandria "Fail to heed warnings"

Vrancsia, Alexandria. The Alexandrian Navy have been accused by the King of Novasolum of "failing to respond to warning signals" as his Royal Yacht passed by Alexandria last week. King John was en route for the Kingdom of Rambai to formally oversee the handing over of sovereignty from the King of Rambai to Novasolum. King John claims his ship was forced to re-route after the captain saw Alexandria vessels moving to intercept the Wattle.

The location of Rambai makes it a key stategic acquisition for Novasolum providing a northern lookout over the bulk of Alexandria and the water in-between. There has been no official press release into the incident by the Alexandrian Navy, but their continued silence will not serve well to dispell any tension in the region.