New Political Party To Contest Next Election
Return to Full Democracy Will Lead to "Prosperity and Progress", Says Duke Sigzma
People celebrate at a rally held in Vrzkel to mark the King's decision to allow new political parties to form.
February 4387 - Duke Sigzma Barnkuksrmko Zhtál has said he is now in the process of registering his new political party after receiving direct permission from King Wrntukai V. The Zhtál-Merlkai Jezhrjekai Prta will contest the next Grand Council and local elections, which are scheduled to take place on 1 January, 4391 – the day His Majesty relinquishes absolute power and the Military Junta's suspension of democracy is lifted.
It is believed that His Grace has expressed to His Majesty that his new party is for steady reform and will work with him and the Jezhrje Knstatak Prta to ensure a stable, constitutional monarchy remains in place. It is also believed that the Duke has endorsed the current government's foreign policy, which includes strengthening ties with Indrala and distancing itself from Dankuk and it allies in Dovani.
Speaking about the recent meeting with the King and Prefect at the royal palace in Wiel, the Duke said: "I can confirm what His Majesty has already said in his statement - that the talks were productive and that a return to full democracy is being progressed.
"The registering of my new party and my ambition to contest the Assembly elections in 4391 is indicative of this progress and I hope this will bring out more people to vote as we enter a new era for Vanuku. Like everyone I hope the period of instability and political uncertainty is over and that this nation will move forward in a prosperous and democratic fashion."
So, What Is Different?
On face value the Zhtál-Merlkai Jezhrjekai Prta seems closely aligned to the governing Jezhrje Knstatak Prta on issues such as the monarchy, foreign policy and defence but there are several key differences:
- Duke Zhtál is an advocate for closer co-operation with the Majatran Union and closer economic ties with Istalia, with a long-term of aim of becoming a member of the continental union rather than remaining outside the supranational organisation.
- His party is expected to receive a lot of its support from the far northern provinces of Vanuku, where Vanukeaans is still spoken and promoted. As a result, expect to see disagreements in the Grand Council over the status of the language and Jelbo-Dorvish culture.
- The new party is in favour of nationalisation in key industries such as defence, energy generation and transport, a view which is at odds with the government's pro-privatisation approach to the economy.
- Reforms to the tax system, which would see everyone paying some level of income tax - even those earning below 20,000 VM - but with subsidised public transport, fuel, energy and a nationalised healthcare system free at the point of delivery.
Despite these differences, people should expect a more steady approach to day-to-day politics with little chance of a return to the unstable, unpredictability of the last few years of the republican government.