Hutori

[Eisenherz]

Presidential Veto possible?

Following this election's introduction of Hutori's president, some prominent republican commentators have suggested that the president be given some powers of oversight over the legislature. The idea has caught particular interest in the Social Democratic Party, whose former leader William Hook was elected in the second round as the first President of the Commonwealth.

An anonymous SDP party insider explains, "President Hook is very much for compromise on the issue, but most of the heavyweights in the SDP are strongly pushing for a limited veto, nothing to block critical legislation, such as budgets or taxation bills, but rather ordinary bills that come before parliament. We do realize, however, that monarchist and anti-republican forces may end the likelihood of this being instituted."

Jane O'Toole, republican radio host, has also been notoriously outspoken for a constitution for Hutori that solidifies the gains of the republican parties, in case of a monarchist coup d'etat.

[Eisenherz]

Presidential Veto possible?

Following this election's introduction of Hutori's president, some prominent republican commentators have suggested that the president be given some powers of oversight over the legislature. The idea has caught particular interest in the Social Democratic Party, whose former leader William Hook was elected in the second round as the first President of the Commonwealth.

An anonymous SDP party insider explains, "President Hook is very much for compromise on the issue, but most of the heavyweights in the SDP are strongly pushing for a limited veto, nothing to block critical legislation, such as budgets or taxation bills, but rather ordinary bills that come before parliament. We do realize, however, that monarchist and anti-republican forces may end the likelihood of this being instituted."

Jane O'Toole, republican radio host, has also been notoriously outspoken for a constitution for Hutori that solidifies the gains of the republican parties, in case of a monarchist coup d'etat.

[sadperson]

SPAT BETWEEN PRIME MINISTER AND PRESIDENT?

NOVEMBER 3231


Baines (right) has accused the President (left) of being a "tyrant" and also a "bully"

In an unusual and unexpected outburst today the Prime Minister said that he was "exasperated" with the President, William Hook.

In a private conversation before a television interview, Baines was recorded as saying in indiscreet terms that he was angry with the interferences from the President- but he was not aware that the microphone connected to his shirt was actually turned on. Part of the transcript was as follows:

He is like a damn tyrant-we just got rid of the monarchy so we could avoid bloody situations like this.......he wanted this silly veto power- I spoke to Lamontagne and he laughed the idea off, but Hook's so insistent that the idea goes through- no doubt Shamrock is bending his ear over it...I eventually had to literally threaten the guy- sort out your damn party and its crazy federal ambitions, or I will pull the plug on any hope of you getting a silly veto

Following the recording one furious backbench MP from the Forward Hutori party insisted the conversation should never have been published:

The Prime Minister was speaking privately to another political interviewee before appearing on tv, for the cameras and press to be spying like this is a disgrace- can no one have a private discussion off the record any more without being recorded?

The Prime Minister's office refused to make a statement concerning the incident earlier today, but it is understood according to unofficial sources that the President appeared to be upset when leaving his Presidential offices this evening. If the PM's account is to be believed, suggestions that the President was looking for a compromise on the veto issue could possibly be considered incorrect.

[Alaric_the_green]

Socialist Party Central Committee denounces Dalton, Communist Party of Hutori formed
November 3231


Nigel Cannock denouncing the 'revisionist wing' of the Socialist Party

In a shocking turn of events Roger Dalton was unceremoniously booted out from his leadership of the Socialist Party today. The former Prime Minister had led the party since 3229 when Alfred Scargill retired as leader. Dalton was attacked at party conference by the charismatic Nigel Cannock, an ultra leftist member of the SP old guard and known Martovist. Here is an extract:

I'll tell you what happens when you have no principles. You start with vague assurances. They are are then turned into a mess of PR, a smooth silence, and you go through the years shifting about, populist, misplaced, irrelevant to the real needs, and you end in the grotesque monstrosity of a Socialist government -- a Socialist government -- letting employers hand out redundancy notices while they sit on six figure salaries!

After Cannock's speech a vote of confidence on Dalton's leadership was called, with a massive majority in favour of his expulsion. Dalton was physically removed by burly security men as the Party proceeded to vote for a change in platform. The Socialist Party was changed into the Communist Party of Hutori and leadership passed to the Central Committee. Though a small number of Daltonites left the Conference hall, it appears that the move was pre-planned by the Committee. Now the Communists will almost certainly move in a far more confrontational direction. Whether they have destroyed any chance they might have of attaining power again only time will tell

[Eisenherz]

The president strikes back!


President Hook explains his stance after much national discussion and controversy over the last few weeks.

In a Bekenial Dispatch special holiday edition, the popular if not controversial Commonwealth President William Hook discussed his many disagreements with the Constitutional and Democratic Affairs Committee.
In an exclusive two-hour interview, the Head of State railed against the regressive, "re-worded" aristocratic capitalism of the Forward Hutori Party and its head the Prime Hinister Eugene Baines. He also blasted the radicalization of the Socialists into "Bolshevik thugs."

"Greetings citizens of Hutori and may I, first, wish you and yours a happy holiday season. I start off by praising what I saw as a successful ten year relationship between the Socialist and Social Democratic parties that resulted in such progressive pillars of our society, as public healthcare, state schools, secularization and a blossoming public sector. Furthermore, the decades old loopholes given to the rich and corporations have finally been eradicated from the tax code - or should I say were until Prime Minister Baines gave a gigantic 11% tax cut to his friends on Aldon Street."

Many, this reporter included, felt that the president had tried to make the office a non-partisan position in the early weeks of its introduction, so when asked President Hook was very blunt with his change of heart.

"Listen, it is rather hard as a career politician, indeed as the very first Hutorian Liberal party leader, to stand by as the laws you bleed for are being destroyed. Moreover the prime minister and his liberal colleague are very set in their ways in regard to this office... they want it as a figurehead position at best. Considering it's the only office to have a direct mandate from the people, I believe it is necessary for the president to have a limited veto so as to safeguard the people from parliamentary excess. Of course, I am all for a two thirds super majority being able to overrule such a veto."

Mr. Hook is referring to recent remarks from Prime Minister Baines that bring a veto completely into question, let alone their working relationship, after Mr. Baines referred to Hook as a "bully" and "tyrant."

"I know Mr. Baines and I have had our disagreements, particularly over the powers of this office. I do wish, however, to continue to work together in a bipartisan matter on issues of foreign affairs, where I remain chief diplomat and state representative. Likewise as commander-in-chief, my weekly discussions with the defence minister are of upmost importance to this nation. I believe the FHP and SDP can find common ground in their opposition to the radical Communist party."

[sadperson]

BAINES HAILS GOVERNMENT THAT CARES FOR ALL


FEBRUARY 3232


Baines has said the government's programme works in the interests of all classes in Hutori

In a conference speech today Prime Minister Baines declared that the government represented the interests of everyone in Hutori:

This government has slashed tax, not just to encourage businesses to come back to our country, but also to help those on the lowest incomes. Never again shall the most impoverished in our nation be forced into paying high levels of tax by socialist governments. We have made our country more tolerant, and more open than it has been in the last 11 years- a country where people are not afraid to worship their god, and a country where aspiration is rewarded.

The communists threaten the very heart of this political message. They would see us return to a time when businesses packed up and fled this country, leaving thousands unemployed and the government to pick up the pieces. They will never gain office, because their message is clear- if you're successful, we shall steal your money and spend it as we see fit, and that my friends is wrong, very wrong indeed.

[Eisenherz]

POLICE CHIEF ASSOCIATION CONFIRMS RISE OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE, HATE CRIMES

March 3232



The chief spokesperson for the Hutori National Association of Police Chiefs Robbin Snake gave an exclusive interview in regards to not infrequent street battles between politically-charged hooligans:

It's getting difficult all over Hutori, but particularly in the large cities and above all in the poorest parts of our metropolises. Politically charged extremists on the right and left have been waging often violent street demonstrations against one another that keep valuable police personnel from tackling serious crime. Unfortunately, last week a series incident occurred where 2 alleged Workers United members were stabbed in retaliation to an earlier attack at a bank in downtown Bekenial.

The Workers United are a subfaction of the Communist Party in Hutori known to be the most supportive of violent means of revolution. Their street battles with pro-capitalist supporters and suspected attacks on the financial sector have resulted in retaliation from unknown opponents. It is not clear whether this spells more trouble, but Mr. Snake is confident.

I have spoken with Prime Minister Baines and President Hook and they have both assured me additional manpower and resources in the case that the situation escalates. Our police departments are well-funded and expertly trained so I doubt it will go that extreme.

This reporter hopes not.

[sadperson]

MERTON CLAIMS UNREST- "SIGN OF OUR MORAL DECLINE"

MARCH 3232


Merton has also strongly denied suggestions that the FHP is moving increasingly to the right

In a controversial speech today deputy FHP leader Vicky Merton appeared to blame Hutori's problems on "a loss of the moral values that once made our country great":

10 years of social democracy did not deliver what its followers expected it to do....where there was once a strong family with traditional values- there are now ever increasing divorce rates, where there was once respect- there is now violence and hooliganism... the communist party's attempts to destroy this country will not go unchallenged- our party has set about restoring the pride of this country- one where aspiration is rewarded, and families are given the power to shape their own lives. Unemployment is lower now thanks to our business tax plans than it has been in the last 5 years, we should take pride in what we have achieved so far- but we must go further.

It is not yet known how this speech will be taken, especially given the escalating political violence across the country. One radical FHP MP suggested to the dispatch that the rioters should be "severely punished" and that the police should be given the powers to use "live ammunition".

[Alaric_the_green]

Senior Forward Hutori member murdered in the street, left wing militants suspected
April 3232


Sean Gray: The former Forward Hutori Finance spokesperson and radical right winger

In a brutal and shocking attack Sean Gray, a senior member of the Forward Hutori Party, was viciously attacked in the streets of Tremaine. The attack happened whilst Mr Gray was canvassing in the notorious 'redstone' area, sometimes nicknamed the 'Socialist Republic of Redstone'. Despite his bodyguard's warnings Mr Gray had insisted on canvassing there, reportedly saying that 'the reds talk the talk but they can't afford guns'. Within twenty minutes of arrival Mr Gray found himself surrounded by a mob of extreme leftists. It is not entirely clear what happened next, but according to one observer the mob descended on the canvassers brandishing knives and began a brutal and sustained assault. Riot police arrived on the scene soon afterwards, but by then it was too late.

The Communist Party of Hutori quickly sought to distance itself from the attack, but refused to condemn the attackers. Here is a statement from the central committee.

It is no surprise that the people of Tremaine spontaneously decided to attack this ultra reactionary. He was a counter-revolutionary and opponent of the decent people of Hutori. Our only regret is that we played no part in the organisation of this assault. It was completely spontaneous and had nothing to do with Paul Mendelsohn, who was a couple of streets away at the time and was definitely not on his phone relaying instructions.

Riot police move in after the attack

The other parties were quick to condemn the attack, with senior members of the FHP describing it as 'a sickening plot by the communist party' and vowing that 'his attackers will suffer the same fate'.

[sadperson]

BAINES THREATENS COMMUNISTS WITH EXPULSION FROM PARLIAMENT AS STATE OF EMERGENCY IS CALLED

April 3232


Baines called for all parties to unite against the "Red Invasion"

A resilient Eugene Baines today declared a state of emergency as left wing extremists were accused of being behind a terrorist attack on a government building in Falristan. The wreckage (shown below) was believed to have been caused by an IED in the early hours of the morning of 22nd April. Luckily no one was killed, but 14 nearby were injured. Baines has vowed to destroy the "enemy within", the enemy being left wing extremists who are believed to be working with the Communist party of Hutori.


The wreckage of the government building in Falristan, fortunately no-one was killed in the blast

The Prime Minister also took the step of declaring his intention to pass a bill in parliament which could expel the Communist party from parliament until the calling of the next election in 3233. The bill is said to be in progress due to the recent murder of prominent FHP MP Sean Gray, who was killed whilst out canvassing last week. Baines insisted that although the move was controversial, it sent "a clear message to the communists that we will not tolerate their refusal to condemn these outrageous terrorist attacks which threaten our society".