Port Golavia: After almost a month of preparation, the Liberal Party has been founded in Lodamun, sparking scorn from the left and interest from the centre in a nation long controlled by a succession of left-wing parties. Many leading businesses and political groups have already declared support, suggesting it is a party worth taking interest in.
The Liberal Party Leader, Edward Clarke, declared that the party’s founding “served as a shock”, to the established Green Parties and “utopian” Feudalists who have for so long led the nation into, “stagnation and economic idiocy”. The party’s program calls for major changes to the Lodamese economy, military and constitution. But are they such a departure from the standard fair? Our political editor, Edward Fisher, interviewed Clarke to find out more.
Fisher: I want to begin by thanking you for attending this interview at such short notice.
Clarke: You’re welcome. And thank you for giving me this opportunity.
Fisher: The creation of your party has so far attracted a great deal of interest among a variety of different groups across the political spectrum from social democrats to libertarians. I think we should therefore start by asking you how your party differs from the established parties, and what you intend to bring to the political scene?
Clarke: For far too long Lodamese politics have been stagnant, with little change in the economic protectionism which has plagued past administrations. The Liberal Party seeks to open Lodamun to trade and investment by improving our economic, financial and political organisations and by implementing policies which enable improvements in employment and living standards.
Fisher: How does your party seek to bring about such changes?
Clarke: Past administrations have focused far more on maintaining the present system than striving for progress. We still have an economic policy and constitution implemented by socialist and even communist governments. We have legislation on the books which is openly hostile to businesses, legislation which limits trade and investment, and which prevents the government from maintaining the rule of law. These policies must change. The Economic and Defense Reform Acts currently being voted on in the Presidium highlight our party’s policy when it comes to the economy and defense.
Fisher: What do you think our nation should focus on economically?
Clarke: Our geopolitical position has a lot of potential for a variety of different roles within a broader economic context. Our location strategically between Artania, Seleya and Dovani provides a great location for commerce as well as a financial centre for transactions across the globe. Our large, educated and Luthorian speaking population gives our people a great economic advantage in the realm of trade, finance and technological innovation. The tertiary and quaternary sectors are key to our party’s view of the future.
Fisher: What constitutional changes does your party wish to make?
Clarke: Federalism is an important component of the Lodamese political model, its maintenance is of high importance. However, many elements of the current model, such as the lack of a Head of State, pose significant barriers to the effective implementation of domestic and foreign policy. As a party we would be pushing for the implementation of a new constitution which modernises the state while also protecting the federal system of our founding fathers.
Fisher: I’d like to conclude with a question on defense. Your party’s current platform appears to be highly focused on ending the part-time nature of the Lodamese Defense Force, as well as removing the role of the paramilitary sector from our defense system. Can you comment on this?
Clarke: The paramilitary system is an important component of the Lodamese culture, and our party does not intend to limit gun ownership or paramilitary membership. However we operate within a dangerous world full of nations with highly skilled, professional fighting forces. Lodamun deserves the most advanced and effective military necessary to fulfil our strategic and economic requirements. Our military currently does not have the technology or training necessary to defend Lodamese interests and ensure peace and prosperity in the long term.
Fisher: Thank you for your time.