Saridan

[Forward_Saridan]

The Saridani Voice is an independent Luthorian-speaking online news podcast hosted in Saridan, with transcripts also available in Duntrekaans and Canrillaise.

Interview with Storm Clark, Leader of Forward Saridan
May 11, 4640


Storm Clark pictured above in 4636, courtesy of Forward Saridan.

Q: Did you expect to win a majority during the last election?

Definitely not. We had very, very modest expectations—not even close to a minority. The last election win actually caused a great deal of anxiety. We started off less than two years prior as just a small party that was practically unknown. Then, the very first election we participate in, we are suddenly handed the keys to the country. It was a shock for everyone.

Q: Why did your party demand so little cabinet seats in the coalition government?

The reason relates closely to the fact that we are a very new party and up until the last election, did not have many experienced candidates. I think now after serving about three years in the cabinet and legislature, that our party will have more confidence to serve in additional cabinet positions in the future. Keeping in mind, it is our goal to share power rather than hoard it, so you'll never see a situation where we occupy the entirety of a government cabinet unless that is what the other parties have decided will be the case.

Q: In your view, how has the coalition with the Federal Party gone thus far? Do you plan to work with them in the future?

The coalition has gone very well, I wouldn't say there are any concerns at this point. I think it really helps that both our parties are quite aligned in what we overall want for Saridan. And we definitely plan on working with them in the future, as we would with other political movements.

Q: Your party has run on a platform of bipartisanship, how do you see that evolving in the future?

We talk a lot about the need for bipartisanship and how compromise can lead to solutions that work for more people and groups rather than just a few. What I have seen evolve with our government coalition with the Federal Party is a postpartisan state. For the past few years the Saridani government has effectively ruled with the efficiency of a one-party state, but with the methods of a multiparty liberal democracy. I would say that the present political situation we are in is very ideal and is something other nations should certainly strive for. I mean, when was the last time you saw a political attack ad or seen politicians act like bullies on a school playground in the Federal Assembly? Even the media environment is cordial. Yet, this is not the result of censorship, but rather a nation currently in a state of democratic unity. It's no longer "us vs. them", it's just people working to make the country a better place.

Q: Will you be running as a presidential candidate in the upcoming election?

Only if recommended by our coalition partner, but for now, we don't have any plans to field an opposing candidate. Our nation has benefited greatly from the reforms made under van Bogge's leadership. When he retires come next term, he will leave a positive lasting legacy that moved our nation away from authoritarianism. As a humanist party, we obviously have no disagreements with the integration of human rights into the constitution, so we intend fully to support successor plans that the Federal Party has in regards to national leadership.

Q: There have been voices in your party that have expressed disagreement with conscription, do you have plans to change the existing policy?

It's not really a matter of "disagreeing" with conscription in principle, it wasn't introduced for ideological reasons in the first place by the Federal Party. Simply put, the military was facing shortages in man-power and conscription has proven to be the way to solve that. I can't speak much of the future as I think we have to remain adaptive to the needs of the present and put our own idealistic preferences aside. So, yes. On principle, we don't agree with conscription in general, but we have to be pragmatic. Already, we introduced a reform that received bipartisan approval to conscription that has excluded certain members of society from conscription: those with disabilities, pregnancy, and or people actively caring for—without pay—children and vulnerable adults. I think there are good elements to conscription, the military has a way of breaking down ethnic, socioeconomic, and other social barriers. Rich and poor serve alongside each other, men, women, black, and white. Maybe sometime in the future conscription won't be necessary, but for now it is.

Q: What is your party's platform for the upcoming election?

We don't provide specific promises to the electorate when it comes to policy: we have to be dynamic and respond to changing situations. However, we do plan on addressing substance abuse, obesity prevention, and mental health. In that category, we hope to make the most out of modest proposals as current legislation seems adequate for harm reduction. Address climate change and working to transition our nation to more sustainable practices is definitely also a future goal. Thanks to bipartisan support with the Federal Party, we have already made significant progress in agricultural sustainability and ensuring workplaces are safe to breathe in. Overall, we hope to complement the plans of our coalition partner.

Q: Will you continue to lead your party in the upcoming term?

Probably. We function on sociocratic organizational methods, so I am not entirely sure who the party will decide to lead. It really depends on the situation and who would be best suited. On a personal note, my husband and I have been trying for a second child for sometime, so if we succeed in that, I'll step down if I'm not replaced before then.

[Forward_Saridan]

The Saridani Voice is an independent Luthorian-speaking online news podcast hosted in Saridan, with transcripts also available in Duntrekaans and Canrillaise.

The Postpartisan Era of Saridan
January 4, 4643


As with their previous public election campaign, Forward Saridan emphasizes bipartisan cooperation in their advertising.

The latest elections have given Forward Saridan, a relative political newcomer, a supermajority — legally capable of effectively steamrolling the legislature into making virtually any form of constitutional change. Yet despite this massive majority power (more than 75% of the seats), the party remains committed to bipartisan solutions, urging the need for a "consensus democracy" in Saridan. Their latest government coalition includes their de jure competitor, albeit they may as well be a sub-faction within the ruling party's monolithic sociocratic apparatus.

Kasper Ozzie Trask, a professor of political science, has called this period of politics the "Postpartisan Era". An era he claims is one where partisan lines have essentially been blurred to the point of irrelevance. He further concludes that the success of Forward Saridan is their radically unorthodox "antipolitical" approach to politics, a strategic method of catching a wide variety of voters by eschewing partisan divisions.

One could say that the seemingly sacrificial compromising nature of Forward Saridan is the key ingredient to their success, that and having a progressive rival. What we have seen in Saridan since 4637 is arguably rather unprecedented or outright unseen in the rest of the world. Where else does a ruling party with a supermajority actually give away more seats — more powerful government positions at that — to a different party than their own?

Their claims of bipartisanship are not just words, but rather statements that have been proven to be genuine. In every single election they have participated in, they have achieved coalition governments. I think by doing that they have gained a lot of trust among voters. It displays to others that they aren't "power-hungry" and won't force a particular ideology on anyone.

Trask goes on to say that it would be a mistake to miscategorize Forward Saridan as "radical centrists" or "fence-sitters" as a small few have suggested.

At the heart of their party is a strong humanist base. They agree with scientific consensus and to a degree support social progress. Their legislative history shows that they do "take sides" on issues through consensus. Part of their appeal I think is their promise and fulfillment of both unity and action. Finding common ground to act on.

The traits of humility, tolerance, and pragmatism are required among party candidates in Forward Saridan. Their leader, according to Trask, resonates a kind of "Halo effect" around her. He notes that she is "remarkably uncontroversial" and represents to many, a "humble Saridani woman" with a background in homesteading and lives a "traditional modest lifestyle".

[Maxington]

Newly-elected State President Delize Van Ryneveld, fresh from her electoral victory has her work cut out for her when it comes to
implementing her extremely ambitious policy agenda in the foreseeable future. State President Van Ryneveld and her team set the
bar high in their campaign platform, promising sweeping policy changes on everything from Saridan's economic outlook in the
foreseeable future - she promised to increase Saridan's manufacturing output and business potential - to the appointment of
Supreme Court justices, National Healthcare Policy, National Housing Policy, National Social Services Policy, Equal opportunity
for minorities and Social equality for minorities. Van Ryneveld's New Labour Party have also committed to improving Saridan's
relationship with the indigenous peoples of the nation, boosting Saridan's commitments to international development and changing
the nation's historic image as a nation which predominantly supports far-right movements throughout the world. She has also
promised to inspire a green revolution in Saridan to transform the nation into a carbon-free, environmentally friendly state by
5000. On pocketbook issues, they have pledged to slash taxes for the middle class while raising them for the wealthiest
Duntrekkers and rolling out an infrastructure plan that will assist the nation's economic development and restructuring.

In his victory speech in the early hours of this morning in Sint Pietereiland, Van Ryneveld said the people of Saridan had spoken
loudly in favour of a government “with a vision and an agenda for this country that is positive and ambitious and hopeful”. “I
will make that vision a reality” she said. “I will be that State President.” The daughter of former President Pieter Van Ryneveld
and leader of the New Labour Party won an absolute majority, taking all 750 seats in the federal assembly with representatives in
every province and 100% of the popular vote. It was a sound defeat for the outgoing Golden National Party President, Belay Botha,
who has been in power since 4661. His party has collapsed and many of his supports have switched to the camp of the New Labour
Party. In holding her first press conference as State President Van Ryneveld was asked if she will commit to the Koeistad
Protocol and implement its key policies. She said she will be meeting with leaders from the manufacturing and heavy industry
sectors with a clear intention of imposing the will of the people and ordering the two sectors - which are the largest carbon
emitters in Saridan - to adhere to the provisions of the Protocol. She said he needs to balance the need to get a government up
and running in Saridan with the country’s commitments on the world stage. Van Ryneveld stated that she had made her intentions
clear when she stated that she had every intention of pulling Saridan out of the Seleyan Union recognising it has failed to
become a functioning organisation for regional integration.

When asked what accounts for her success she said: “I think the Saridani had an extraordinary desire for change. He said the
Liberal party’s “concrete but ambitious vision” inspired voters. Trudeau said he will unveil his cabinet on 4 November, about two
weeks from now.” She said she aims to set up a cabinet that achieves gender and ethnic balance. She stated that she recognised
the important for Saridan to make amends with the Ikpi community and to come to a common agreement on land reservations for the
Ikpi people. Whilst she noted that there was a need for significant attention to be paid to the armed forces, she stated that a
review of the Saridan Defence Forces had been ordered and will be published in the future. When questioned about her intentions
with law enforcement, she stated that she intends on strengthening the Federal Police towards transforming it into an extremely
efficient law enforcement agency alongside a new agency to assist in crime fighting known as the National Crime Bureau.

[Maxington]

With more than 5 million persons homeless, the recently formed Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDC) is moving to
address the situation through lessens learnt from other nations' solution to their own housing crisis. Cities across the world
are facing unprecedented crises of housing affordability as rents and house prices soar despite the wages of most workers being
stagnant or growing very little. The response of many governments has been to provide incentives for private developers to build
more “affordable” housing — a misleading term that sounds good, but usually refers to rents less than the average private market
rate, which is not at all affordable in most cities. In contrast, rents for public housing are often based on the income of the
occupant to ensure they don’t pay more than 30 percent of their income on housing. Public housing is the only true affordable
housing, but it’s often ignored by North American policymakers, and that’s causing serious problems in the housing market. There
are several factors contributing to housing affordability crises, and they differ for every city, but it’s impossible to ignore
the negative effect of previous government's disinvestment from and privatisation of public housing a sentiment which had been
made by President Van Ryneveld, especially when looking at the housing of the poorest and most vulnerable people in modern
societies. CEO of the Housing and Urban Development Corporation, Adriaan Goldberg stated that she had been given instructions
from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transportation to implement a five-year programme aimed at housing some 1 million
persons.

President Van Ryneveld is rising to the platform to address the situation in its entirety. Adriaan Goldberg has noted that simply
building more units is not the singular solution to what could potentially be a long-term crisis. He stated that government
policy would have to be enacted to ensure that certain principles are maintained as it pertains to housing. The Ministry of
Infrastructure and Transportation released the Social Land Policy which recommends that as the government moves to introduce a
tax regime, that certain articles of said regime be aimed at discouraging the use of land and homes as financial assets and share
out some of the eye watering unearned windfall gains from house price inflation. Any reform that makes housing less attractive as
a financial asset could result in a sudden withdrawal of demand from investors, and potentially prompt some to try and sell. The
resulting price drop could in turn make mortgage lenders more cautious about lending at high loan to value ratios, which would
suck even more purchasing power out of the market, putting further downward pressure on prices. Although many aspiring homeowners
would welcome a reduction in house prices, there are political and macroeconomic risks associated with falling prices that must
be avoided. In particular, a house price crash would be punishing for households who bought for the first time at the height of
the boom, and could push some into negative equity, making it impossible to move or re-mortgage. On the other hand, a more timid
approach to a functioning and effective housing system will leave a whole generation locked out of home-ownership: it will take
decades to regain a “normal” house price-to-income ratio if we merely slow the rate of house price inflation and wait for wages
to catch up.

In speaking on the formation of the Housing Development Fund, Goldberg explained the fund's purpose. Persons would approach the
Fund when they have found a house they wanted to buy and ask the Fund to purchase the land underneath the house. The buyers would
cover the upfront costs of the bricks and mortar only (which on average account for just 30 per cent of the price of a property),
and then pay a land rent to the Trust. This would enable many more people with small deposits to enjoy a form of home ownership,
and with it greater security and control over their living space, without taking on imprudent levels of mortgage debt. Second is
to facilitate the gradual transfer of land into common ownership, so that the associated unearned land rents can be pooled and
distributed according to need, rather than captured by private landowners and financial institutions. And the third is to
stabilise house and land values. If prices are falling too quickly, the Trust would bid slightly above market prices for the
land, to slow the price decline. In other words, the Trust would be a lever for supporting stable and sustainable forms of demand
in the housing market, to offset the withdrawal of volatile and socially damaging forms of demand. (Importantly, if prices were
rising, the Trust would cease to bid at all, until government had brought the inflationary forces under control.)

[Auditorii]

Koeistad Times
Conservative Party forms amid caretaker government
October, 4701

Koeistad, Tasselstaat - Leading members of the “Orange Committee” announced the formation of the Saridan Conservative Party earlier last month and registered with the Ministry of the Interior. In the first convention of the party, Arnoux Van Vollenhoven was selected as the Chairman of the Conservative Party, the overall leader of the party and candidate for the Presidency of the Federation of Saridan. Vollenhoven was elected on a platform of massive administrative and constitutional reform, building Saridan into a unitarian state called the “People’s State of Saridan” and building on the concept of the “Volkstaat” that has become central to Duntrekker nationalism. Vollenhoven, an openly Ameliorate Tasselist welcomed the challenges of leadership and noted that the task facing Saridan was daunting and that he needed every Saridaner to step up and take charge. In his speech before assembled convention delegates, he announced the new platform for the Conservative Party.

The first announcement was the protection of the Restored Ameliorate Church of Saridan and the declaration that it would be the official state religion. He denounced any attempt to take a more secular stance and welcomed cooperation between the church and state which has and had been intertwined in the past. While he stated that Duntrekkers were “bound by faith” he noted that does not mean that they could be religiously intolerant of their fellow neighbors or countrymen and women who do not share the same Tasselist faith that they do.

The second major platform of the party would be the liberalization of the economy, focusing on a sort of “shock therapy” as announced by leading economist for the party, Stiaan Van Der Knaap, who would take over the Finance Ministry should the KP win in the coming snap elections. The shock therapy includes a massive program of deregulation and limited oversight by the central government but at the same time, focusing on developing trading ties with regional and international powers such as Kalistan, Dorvik, Kanjor, Rildanor, Kazulia, Lourenne, Alduria and others who could provide significant new markets for Saridani agriculture, which currently makes up 75% of the Saridani economy. Van Der Knaap called on the creation of a “Farmer Subsidy” (Duntrekker: Boerensubsidie) for all farmers within Saridan and a focus on exporting the massive amounts of agricultural products that Saridan produces.

The third would be an overhaul of the domestic administration of the country which Vollenhoven stated would be revealed “…at a later date.” This coincides with a restructuring of the government to make it “…more efficient, fair and transparent for all Saridani.” The fourth was the creation a defense force that would be responsible for domestic peace operations, international peacekeeping and “limited” foreign intervention when necessary. Despite promises of a free market economy, the man tapped to take over the reigns as Minister of Defense, former Major General Igmar Bronkhorst, is in favor of nationalization of defense industries into a central “Saridan Defense Industries” to focus on the development of a domestic arms industry.

[Uhtred]

Saridan Herald|The Nation's Best Quality Daily
3rd January 4740

Religious Leader Threatens to March on Capital

Social discontent in Tasselstaat threatens to snowball into full scale insurrection with the call for a "Lord's March for Justice" on the nation's capital. Charismatic preacher Pieter de Heilige has called for all Hosians to join him in a march on Koeistad to confront what he has termed "the evil in our society." His movement, which was forged from discontent over economic liberalisation and restrictions on religious education, harks back to the teachings of Hosian-Socialism which swept the country over 100 years ago. In recent days his followers have not only increased in number, but have developed an almost hysterical enthusiasm.


Pieter de Heilige pictured on Sunday

On Sunday Pieter de Heilige preached,

This is the land of the Lord, of Eliyahu, never let that be lost from your hearts. There is evil in our society and in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their wickedness is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep. They seek to exploit for profit, to corrupt for power. Remember that although the cords of the wicked may ensnare you, do not forget the Lord's law. We must not let them forget the Lord's law. Brothers and sisters, we must cut out this evil, blood and bone, and take back what is the Lord's.

Armed groups supporting the preacher have already overrun some areas of Sonskaap, as local authorities struggle to regain control. The full impact of his words on the national scene remain to be seen.

[Uhtred]

Saridan Herald|The Nation's Best Quality Daily
1st March 4740

"Lord's March" Ends in Tragedy

• Marchers clash with government forces, shots fired
• Panic as faithful flee, crushing 200


Marchers flee the crammed streets of Juwestad, in what supporters now call Helden Gang (Heroes' Corridor)

Pieter de Heilige's "Lord's March for Justice" ended in tragedy when gunfire caused a stampede among the marchers, crushing 200 and injuring around 1500. Marchers making their way to the city had caused minor clashes with security services in towns en route to the city of Juwestad, some 30 miles from the ultimate destination of Koeistad, but had easily overpowered their opponents. At Juwestad however one mile from the city centre, along a series of narrow roads, Saridani armed forces were waiting. The marchers entered the city noisily with little sign they would back away, when almost immediately the sound of gunfire filled the air. Panic quickly set in among the protestors, who turned and routed. Many were trampled and crushed in the chaos, with casualties exacerbated by the narrow streets and urban terrain.

Both sides have denied any intention to instigate an armed confrontation, with suggestions that individuals within the army corp or the march may have opened fire. It has been reported that Peter de Heilige had lost much of his authority over recent weeks and that the marchers had spurred each other on in a state of religious fervour, moving more boldly against towns and opposing forces.

The newly reformed Bond van Hosian-Socialisten, closely alligned with the march, called the events a tragedy and an 'act of brutal state repression'. Early public reactions to the event suggest a shock and dismay within the larger populous and calls for early elections to choose the forward direction of the country.

[Uhtred]

Saridan Herald|The Nation's Best Quality Daily
1st September 4740

Hosian Socialists Take Control of Interim Government


Flag of the Hosian Socialists

Snap elections have seen the return of Hosian Socialism to Saridani politics. Last an ideological force over 100 years ago, its revival marks a shift away from recent secularisation and liberalised markets. The election, preceded by weeks of tension and negotiation following the "Lord's March" tragedy, has seen an interim Hosian Socialist government take charge, with the existing Head of State structure remaining until further elections are held next year. New Erste Minister Mads Kuipers declared the results, 'a great new chapter in the history of our country.'

New Cricket Season Will Go Ahead


Logo of the Saridani Cricket League

Internal Affairs Minister Andrietta Brits has confirmed that the newly formed Saridani Cricket League will begin its inagural season later this year after negotiations between league organisers and security services ended in agreement. Due to security concerns, matches between provincial rivals Koeistad Lions (Koeistad Leeus) and Tasselstaat Tigers (Tasselstaat Tierre) will be played behind closed doors however. The opening fixtures will see Koeistad travel to the Pietersburg Pirates and Ijkpieland Cricket Club (Krieketklub Ijkpieland) begin the League by hosting the Walvisplek Warriors

Round 1
Krieketklub Ijkpieland Vs Walvisplek Warriors
Pietersburg Pirates Vs Koeistad Leeus
Bokhoring Bulle Vs Tasselstaat Tierre


Pictured: Teams in this year's Saridani Cricket League, reading left to right: Bokhoring Bulls (Bokhoring Bulle), Pietersburg Pirates, Koeistad Lions, Tasselstaat Tigers, Walvisplek Warriors
and Ijkpieland Cricket Club

[Uhtred]

Sportwêreld|Saridan's No.1 Sports Newspaper
17th August 4742

Bulls Collapse Complete as Warriors Take Crown

• Walvisplek Warriors new KLS Champions winning by 7 wickets
• Bulls were 5-0 halfway through the season, but won just 1 of final 6 games


Walvisplek Warriors captain Dean de Burnyn celebrates their victory

The Walvisplek Warriors have won the Krieketliga van Seridjan Cricket Championship with a dominant display in the Championship Playoff Final at the Ijkpieland International Cricket Arena. Masterful bowling by Ruud van der Quok saw the Bulls finish on only 112/8 after 20 overs, a target easily reached by the Warriors with 6 overs and 7 wickets remaining.


This year's final between the Warriors and the Bulls was watched by a crowd of 35,000 at the Ijkpieland International Cricket Arena

The Warriors' delight was matched only by the Bokhoring Bulls despair. The standout team for much of the season, the Bulls were at one stage expected to canter to the title. But their now infamous collapse, winning just one of their final 5 league games saw them nearly miss out of the final altogether, only qualifying on the net run rate tiebreaker. Manager Charl Ontong had brought on board a specialist psychological preparation coach for the final to try to improve the team's fortunes, but to no avail.

Asked about the reaction he expected from the fans back in Boerestaat, Ontong said ,

The boys gave it everything out there. I'm really sorry for the fans that it wasn't enough. We need to go away and look at what went wrong and try to rectify that, but the fans need to know that we will be back stronger next year.

Walvisplek Warriors captain Dean de Burnyn said,

I can't believe it, all our hard work...this is what it's all about. The lads were amazing, truly top class. I knew what it was like to lose a final [The Walvisplek Warriors lost in the final 2 years ago] and I never wanted to feel like that again. Amazing. Just amazing.

There were minor clashes between police and Bokhoring Bulls fans after the game, however a strong security presence prevented further escalation.

[Uhtred]

Het Financieele Dagblad|Financial News
3rd September 4742


Government Set To Cap Bank Lending Rates

Finance Minister Wim Jansen has confirmed the government will set a cap on interest rates in an effort to protect borrowers from excessive charges, as well as increase credit affordability and access to finance. Jansen said that the measures were necessary due to "excessive rates and excessive profiteering in the banking sector."
The Hosian-Socialist government has so far resisted calls for mass industry and bank nationalisations, in spite of its hostile rhetoric towards wealth and big business, instead favouring structural and regulatory reform. Similarly fears over capital flight have prevented rises in corporation tax, although income taxes on the wealthy have risen.
Banking insiders fear this announcement may signal a shift in policy, perhaps marking a precursor to price controls and greater government control.

Government Owned Stock Exchange To Begin Trading In January

The Treasury has announced the relaunched Koeistad Stock Exchange shall open for trading on 3rd January 4743. Trading has been suspended since June after the government determined there to be "abnormal fluctuations" in the bond market. It had been much debated with the financial sector just what the new Hosian-Socialist government would do with an institution synonymous with Saridani captialism, with party hardliners urging Ministers to 'drive out the money lenders'. Legislation to nationalise the exchange, which passed unanimously through the Konklave van die Volk, seemed to be an attempt to reach a middle ground and indicated, according to one financial analyst, a "surprising flexibility to doctrine".

The stock exchange will be operated and regulated by the Saridan Securities Regulatory Commission (SSRC), an institution within the Treasury. The securities listed at the Koeistad Stock Exchange will include the three main categories of stocks, funds and bonds, including both treasury and corporate bonds. Stocks shall be issued in two distinct types, "A" shares and "B" shares. "A" shares shall be traded in Saridani Dollars and issued only to domestic investors, while "B" shares will be quoted in Lodamun Dollars available only to foreign investors. The Treasury confirmed that they have no plans to amend legislation regarding foreign investments in the near future.

Companies applying for the listing of shares on the Koeistad Stock Exchange must meet the following criteria:
• The shares must have been publicly issued following approval of the Treasury Securities Management Department.
• The company must be based and operating within the Republic of Saridan
• The company must not have committed any major illegal activities, false accounting records or "immorality" within the last three years.

The "immorality" cause could prove to be the biggest stumbling block for companies and the stock exchange. Seemingly deliberately ill-defined it will require significant private-public collaboration to achieve or to circumnavigate.