Red Claw Loses Supermajority
October 4, 4214
The governing Red Claw Movement has survived its second electoral test, losing however its super-majority in the Workers' Council as two non-communist parties have appeared on the political scene. The result is a severe test for the Movement's devotion to democracy. Voters were apparently alienated by the Metzist governmment's arrogant refusal to hold a referendum before acceding to the Majatran Revolutionary Socialist Federation (MRSF) in January 4214, a decision heavily criticised by the opposition. Some say the General Secretary Kltzn Mdre's denouncing of the horse god Uljah as a "neighing and reactionary fool" annoyed many herders who consider this high ranking member of the Jelbek pantheon to be above criticism or any slights. Frustratingly for the Meztists, many herders and peasants while generally favourable of the socialist economic reforms are less than keen on any moves against traditional institutions.
The growing MRSF already has two full members, Jelbania and Kalopia while two more, Deltaria and Jakania will be joining later this year. This will create the largest and most populous state in all of Terra. Jelbania is widely viewed as the neediest member and the Government has not been shy to reveal its begging bowl, asking other members to sell its weapons on credit in order to tackle rebels and financial aid to reduce its budgetary and debt. This will be a challenge as the MRSF's constitutive document places limits on the federation's budget and charity can only be really at the choice of a member state. Jelbania's Finance Councillor Cde. Shlajkai Kshklarz has resorted to blackmail, warning that failure to help Jelbania might result in "a reactionary takeover and imploding of the MRSF"