The following piece is reproduced fromThe Kizenian Worker
Nic Stefan Speaks Out
Kizenian Partidul Lucrătorilor Committee Chair remarks about a variety of subjects to the Kizenian WorkerCetatea Albă, Tilarnia
3 November 4108
Nic Stefan, the chasismatic leader of the Kizenian Partidul LucrătorilorThe leader of the Kizenian Partidul Lucrătorilor, Nic Stefan, has given a unique interview to the Kizenian Worker in which he commented on a plethora of different topics, from the New Endralonian Peoples Party's exploitation of workers to the rise of radical, extremist parties like Baloldali Frakció. A transcript of the interview, which was conducted by our Political Editor, Adela Muresan, can be found below.
AM (Adela Muresan): Good afternoon, Mr Stefan and thank you for agreeing to this interview, I hope it can be mutually beneficial to yourself and to the population who want to know more about who you and your party are. Without further ado, let's get started. Firstly, I'd like to know what you perceive the role of the Kizenian Workers Party to be in this complex and diverse multi-party system in the Confederation?
NS (Nic Stefan): Thank you for your question but thank you, also, for allowing me to speak with you and express my party's views and values today. Onto the question. When the KPL was founded, there was no alternative to the self-serving Neoliberal dogma of the New Endralonian Peoples Party, therefore, the primary reason for our existence was to combat the government in a political manner. Obviously, we were clearly an extremely inspirational organisation, in spite of some rather unkind words from our opponents, and we now have as system with as many as seven parties competing for power. In this context, the role of the Kizenian Partidul Lucrătorilor is simple: we are there to represent the workers of Kizenia, and to a lesser extent the rest of the confederation, because if we do not then the fact of the matter is that nobody will.
AM: I can understand why you want to represent workers, it is almost irrefutable that the NEPP has been bad news for them, but why Kizenian workers specifically?
NS: You are right to say that the lives of the working class in this nation have become a living hell in recent times! The Kizenian labourer spends his entire life manufacturing products from which he is ultimately completely detached. Meanwhile, the New Endralonians are able to do very little in terms of actual work and receive huge sums of money in return, it is appalling! If you want proof that this government cares only for ethnic New Endralonians, look at our name, our flag, our motto, our money, everywhere you will see the name and symbols of our colonial oppressors. Even today, they continue to dominate us.
AM: Mr Stefan, it was reported that the Partidul Național Conservativ, who many view as far-right, want to establish a 'confederation where Kizenia dictates the course of action'. Do you agree with this sentiment?
NS: The phrasing makes the proposal sound more shocking than it is, I believe. I think I understand what the party are trying to say, that the Kizenians should be empowered to govern themselves and their homeland, and in that sense I do agree. Why should we be governed by people who are nothing like us, do not care for our lives, do not understand our struggle and do not want us to be free!
AM: What is your view of the rise of these so-called extremist parties, like the National Conservatives and the Left Faction?
NS: Honestly, I think it is a difficult situation. On the one hand, some of the rhetoric which these parties espouse, and I believe you should include the Freedom Front too, is utterly disconnected from reality. They talk about preparing for 'communal, stateless existence' or refer to schools as 'slavery' and I feel embarrassed for their members and their leaders. On the other hand, I really understand the frustration that many people have with the NEPP and I sympathise with their struggle. The government, I read, was concerned by the rise of these parties yet it is their complacency, poor governance and disrespect for Kizenian culture and tradition which has caused these parties to feel so angry. In reality, they only have themselves to blame!
AM: Let's talk some more about your proposals, can you give us a more specific idea about the policies you will pursue over the coming months?
NS: Of course. As a party for the workers, we believe that a robust Trades Union Movement is critical to creating a society that works for everybody. Therefore, our policy priority will be to expand the rights of Unions in whatever way possible. I am speaking all the time with Union leaders to agree deals whereby they will become official partners of the KPL thus vastly increasing our support. Linked to that, is our pursuit of fairer working conditions for all people. We will be moving for legislation which bans child labour, creates a national minimum wage and allows the state to intervene in the economy when jobs are at risk. Furthermore, we believe that individual liberty has been annihilated in our nation, in the name of so-called 'family values'. We will reverse that and entrust all citizens to live their lives as they please.
AM: Finally, because I understand you have many other engagements to attend, a brief word on the Early Elections Bill?
NS: Once all the current legislation in the Assembly has been voted on, we will move that bill to a vote. This will give the NEPP a chance to prove they geniuently respect their citizens right to elect their government.
AM: Thank you, Mr Stefan. Good luck in the future and keep the red flag flying in Kizenia!
NS: We will! Thank you.
