Liberal Party Returning to Electoral PoliticsSupport of controversial entertainment mogul enables the revival of a short-lived political experimentMay 4208Over forty years since their original foundation, the Liberal Party have announced they will be fielding candidates in the next general election. It follows a successful acquisition attempt by sports tycoon Diederick Obbéz, who has now appointed himself as leader. At a specially convened news conference, Obbéz said he was delighted to embark on his new venture, describing it as 'totally unlike anything else he has done in the past'. Since its dissolution, the Liberal Party's rights had been retained by Eksandr Kush- its founder and only previous leader. Kush, now into his seventies, reached a deal with Obbéz which ensured he would be able to retain a role in the running of the party. He has been designated as the Liberal's Internal Affairs Spokesperson.
Diederick Obbéz is a controversial and outspoken figure. Some regard him as a national icon, representative of Vanuku's entrepreneurial spirit, whereas others criticise him as outdated and out-of-touch. He infiltrated the public consciousness as the Chairman of the National Tennis Association, a role he spent over a decade in. During his time, Vanuku saw its international success skyrocket and public participation rose from less than one percent to nearly seven. Nonetheless, he was dogged by accusations about his leadership. By allocating himself a seven figure salary and repeatedly taking payments from foreign corporations, some claim he undermined the sport's credibility. He was forced to resign in 4191 when he was secretly recorded stating that if 'women want the same coverage as men, perhaps they should just show us some ass for once'.
Since then, Obbéz has purchased
Action Wresting Majatra. Investing millions he has developed a cult-like following for the 'professional wrestling' industry through outlandish storylines and audacious manoeuvres.
AWM now broadcasts three two-hour shows every week, with a cast of more than one hundred entertainers performing in front of sell-out crowds across the continent. Unsurprisingly, he has attracted complaints. Parent's groups say the content glorifies violence while women's rights organisations have pointed to the revealing outfits forced on women as evidence of Obbéz's misogyny.
New Liberal Party leader Diederick Obbéz wields a sledgehammer during an episode of AWMIt's not yet clear how this translates into politics, though. Originally, the Liberals operated a caucus structure, allowing a broad range of individuals to support their movement. However, they were clearly free market considerably less conservative than the government at the time. Diederick Obbéz would not be tied down to any particular ideology at the launch event, simply replying that he would 'go with whatever works best' when asked about his economic policy. He has appointed a 'Director of Policy Formulation' who has experience working with the Crown Party, perhaps suggesting he will attempt to undercut their support.
