Alcino Cotta announces Presidential bidJune 4925Cotta at a rally in VinesiaAlcino Cotta, chair of the Conservative Socialist Party, has announced his next project: a bid for President in 4929. "The time has come for new leadership, for a President who will take care of each and every Istalian," the 63-year-old businessman said in a fiery speech. "There will be no compromise. I will stand before the people!"
Cotta's announcement comes in the aftermath of Germano Scrivani (AP)'s failed race against incumbent President Eliza Rangotti (PNI). Although endorsed by the Popular Alliance, Socialists & Democrats, Radical Democrats, and Conservative Socialists, Scrivani garnered only 40% of the vote in a highly-anticipated 4925 run-off. Rangotti is now serving her fifth term as President.
Although the united opposition made legislative gains against the majority National Party in 4925, the fragile left-and-center coalition may fracture following a proposal by Cotta to reduce environmental protections. Rossana Mastice of the Eco-Left announced that her party would boycott the existing coalition if the Conservative Socialist-proposed Environmental Liberalization Act passes, leaving the future of Istalian government uncertain.
The results of the 4925 electionShould the coalition fail, Cotta's dreams of a presidential race may be realized - or dashed - earlier than planned.
Although Cotta has long advocated for political policies, the multimillionaire showed little desire for office until the foundation of the Conservative Socialist Party in 4919. Cotta's run for President would be the first time he's stood before the Istalian people on his own merits.
Born to a poor farming family in Sarregna, Cotta opened a small Romulan grocery store at the age of 32 and has since created a retail empire across the country. In addition to a variety of retail stores, Cotta owns Istalian Transportation & Logistics, a transportation company, and Cotta Warehouse Solutions, a network of storage facilities. Cotta's controversial public life has caused concern among some conservatives, despite his publicly socially conservative stances: the businessman has a reputation for "living the high life," and is known for heavy smoking, drinking, and womanizing. In addition, Cotta has franchised the Endralonian supermarket chain Buy & Use in Istalia, which some critics have said could cause a conflict of interest should he be elected President. Most recently, Cotta oversaw the expansion of BoroCube - a plastic toy series - to the Istalian market.
Cotta has refused to apologize for his actions, and in the face of criticism he has only insisted that, whatever his faults, he stands for the Istalian people. "My sole concern is the Istalian people. In my Istalia, there would be no unemployment, no poverty, no hunger. As President, I will look after each and every one of you."
Disclosure: Alcino Cotta owns a majority stake in the Vinesian Beacon
.