October 4412
Konstitusjonpartiet Opposes Monarchic ConstitutionKoppang: Monarchy Incompatible with Rule of LawKoppang Decries Efforts to Force Illegitimate Monarchy Down Kauzlia's ThroatSKALM - The young Konstitsjonpartiet is already engaging in the fight for its values of republicanism, devolution, and equality before the law. The issue at question is the proposed Reformed Constitution of the Kingdom of Kazulia, which was introduced by the Nasjonal Arbeiderkongress and was just brought to a vote before the Stortinget. "We are simply outnumbered in the Stortinget," National Chairman of the Konstitusjonpartiet Kjell Koppang told
Konstitusjonen. "It looks very likely that, barring a miracle change of opinion by De Liberale Konservative, this constitution that enshrines monarchy will be foisted onto the Kazulian people."
That hasn't stopped Koppang from arguing at length about the downsides of the proposed constitution. "First off, the fact that the two-party duopoly is trying to enforce this right as we emerge as a national power player, is ironic at best, conspiratorial at worst," Koppang said in his interview, echoing the introduction to his Stortinget floor speech on the topic. An except from the floor speech can be found here:
Of course, the most objectionable element of this mock constitution is the monarchy. We are a proud people, yes, but that makes us capable of self-government. We Kazulians should rule our nation as the ultimate sovereigns, not a king or queen who has inherited their throne. There is a minor concession in the form of an elected monarchy, but upon closer inspection, it is clear that the monarch is in fact a member of the royal house! This is not an election, it's a farcical display of cowardice. Let's allow for the head of state to be elected, and then we can see if the monarch can maintain his or her popularity for decades. Because we all already know the answer: a hereditary monarch is undemocratic and would be heartily rejected by the Kazulian people.
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Herr Huspresident and members of the Stortinget, thank you for indulging me, for listening to what must be said. This is in defense of democracy, this is in defense of self-government, of equality before the law, and most importantly in defense of Kazulia! I hope that the inherent contradictions of this document have been exposed for what they are, and that we can move forward with a republican system of government.
Koppang also called out the lack of mainstream media attention to the constitution ratification debate. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create real, effective government that is simply going squandered and wasted on attempts to protect the monarchy - a vile institution that is grossly unpopular. We need a real national debate, perhaps even a referendum on this issue. But we're not getting that, instead we're getting it shoved down the people's throat before the Konstitusjonpartiet has a real chance to stand for a general election."
The debate, which was called short, didn't even see the NAK or DLK respond to the arguments put forward by the Ks' leader. This calls into question the legitimacy of the entire process, which was intended originally as a mark-up but instead saw a flawed document go to a vote before the Stortinget. In fact, the document has two sections labelled "Article VI", which just indicates how rushed and botched the roll-out of this constitution really was.
When asked about what to do to counter the monarchic constitution - a document that places the king/queen above the rule of law - Koppang suggested joining the Ks and voting for Konstitusjoners come election day. "Until then, we can only hope that DLK is willing to vote no on this constitution. But don't hold your breath," Koppang advised.
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Green and Indigenous Action (Ação Verde e Indígena), Tukarali, 5420-present