Zardugal

[Polites]

Tagathonika plays Kingmaker
The Black Star


The HDPP chairwoman sees herself as a Coburan Lord

November 4078 - The elections in July this year, due to the overwhelming protest vote granted to Our Revolution, was a clear call from the voters to end the right-wing and conservative monopoly on power and return the voice of the working class to Federal politics. But the pseudo-leftist HDPP instead chose to continue its coalition with far-right SNT, betraying its own electorate. Claiming that the governing coalition received a majority of the vote and ignoring the voters' demand for change the HDPP blatantly ignored the wishes of its own voters for the sake of more government posts. This highlights the comfortable position Tagathonika Filimonido brought her party in, as now any viable coalition, including the leftist one proposed by the KNL, is bound to include the Hosian Democratic People's Party. The office seeking behavior of the so-called Hosian Democrats is now clear; a party that once represented the vested interests of capital and clergy adopted a superficial leftist veneer that made it popular among poor but devout Mallans, governed together with the revolutionary left, and then changed course when presented with more cabinet posts from a downright fascist party. And now when presented with the Grand Logothesion on a platter Filimonido did not think twice before allowing this clerico-fascist coalition to continue. Hopefully Zards will see past the superficial leftism of this party of priests in workers' clothing and overthrow Filimonido's kingmaking in the next elections.

[Rathon]

SNT Not Racist, But Not Conservative Either
By: Marina Zaharido
Belgae Post


Marina Zaharido is a political consultant for the Post.

There are many misconceptions surrounding the Soldatoj de la Nova Tagiĝo. Many on the left denounce the SNT and, in particular, its leader, President Johanneso Ludovikido, as conservatives and racists. The evidence, however, shows that they are neither. In this article, I seek to shed some light onto the SNT's true nature.

To start, it is a bit ridiculous that the SNT continues to be viewed as a racist party. They are currently working with their coalition partners, the Hosia Demokrata Popola Partio, on a comprehensive reform that would encourage the hiring of members of the Mallan ethnic minority, as well as compel schools to educate students in Zardic Mallan history and culture. Of course, the SNT is opposed to unfettered immigration and lax border controls, but all signs show that these views are not motivated by racism, but by nationalism. It appears that the SNT considers a Zard of any race or religion to be as Zardic as an Augustan Hosian Zard, but is cold, or at least indifferent, to those outside Zardugal. Their frequent bickering with the HDPP over the latter party's religious legislation shows that the SNT is well to the left of the HDPP on religious matters. It is also worth noting that prominent SNT members belong to ethnic and religious minorities- Logothete of Justice Jordana Boskido is Yeudish, and Hypologothete of Infrastructure and Transport Kelolo Simeonido is half-Mallan. Surely a racist party would exclude such people from their frontbench, if not from the party entirely.

The second common misconception is that the SNT is a conservative party. This could not be further from the truth. A cursory look at their voting record should be all that it takes to dispel this myth- while they did enact some conservative reforms such as ending public funding for abortions and banning prostitution, they also voted to ban free foreign investment in Zardic businesses, working with, of all parties, the left-anarchist Konfederacio Nacia de la Laboro to pass it into law. They also voted with the KNL to partially centralize our transportation industry- one of the few remaining bastions of private sector enterprise remaining in Zardugal. They have introduced legislation to ban the free exportation of arms to other nations. In short, the SNT is just another leftist party on economic issues, though perhaps not to the same extreme as the KNL or the Revolutionaries.

They're not much better on social issues, either. Despite the above-stated abortion and prostitution legislation, the SNT's position on social issues can be described as moderate at best and completely lacking in conviction at worst. For instance, Logothete of Science and Technology Krsto Kerularido has recently introduced legislation that would open up the door to human cloning research. The only areas where the SNT has shown any real conviction are the areas of the environment, where they are avowed skeptics, and the military, which they seek to greatly strengthen.

To sum it up, the SNT is a party of nationalists, not a party of conservatives. They purport to be a right-wing party while shamelessly trampling over the conservative ideals of the free market and showing little to no initiative in passing conservative social reforms either. At best, they get the begrudging votes of conservatives nationwide while we wait for a better option.

[Rathon]

Right-Wing Coalition Retains Power By a Whisker, Ludovikido Wins Third Term


President Ludovikido watches the election results from his office.

Belgae, Endiraho, August 4082-The governing right-wing coalition of the Soldatoj de la Nova Tagiĝo and the Hosia Demokrata Popola Partio has ostensibly held onto power by a razor-thin majority of five seats, as the elections of 4082 were largely favorable to the political status quo. Our Revolution remains the largest party in the Senate, having won 135 seats, a net loss of four. The SNT and HDPP once again traded places within their own coalition, as the SNT gained eight seats for a total of 126 and the HDPP lost fourteen seats for a total of 109. The Konfederacio Nacia de la Laboro gained ten seats, but remains the smallest party at 95 total.

In the Presidential election, the HDPP opted against fielding a candidate, allowing incumbent President Johanneso Ludovikido a convincing first-round lead of 45.71% compared to Ernie Saunders of Our Revolution at 29.66% and Mateo Dermokajto of the KNL at 24.63%. Ludovikido defeated Saunders in the second round, 52.48% to 47.52%.

In his victory speech, Ludovikido, 73, announced that this will be his last term as President and as SNT leader. "In my view, I have already succeeded in defending the honor and glory of Zardugal even beyond my imaginings. I will continue to serve Zardugal in my final term as President as I have done in the past, and then I will pass on the baton to the next generation of Zardic patriots."

Ludovikido's announcement has already spurred on his potential replacements to jockey for position within the party, but the clear favorite to replace him is Anastasia Mojsido, the Logothete of Education and Culture. Mojsido has made a name for herself by opposing Zardugal's religious establishment and by co-authoring the beleaguered Mallan Inclusion Act which, despite meeting with the approval of both governing parties, the HDPP has failed to bring to the floor for a vote. Mojsido mentioned her top priority for the next term is to pass the educational reforms that she authored for the Mallan Inclusion Act independently of the HDPP's proposed hiring quotas.

At 48, Mojsido is the youngest member of an aging SNT frontbench, which raises questions as which other prominent members of the SNT may soon retire. Logothete of Environment and Tourism Tholomaio Trpido and Hypologothete of Food and Agriculture Redieta Gaurilido will both be over eighty years old at the end of the new term, and several other SNT frontbenchers will be over seventy, but thus far, Ludovikido is the only one to have announced that he will retire. With exit polls showing that young voters have moved away from the SNT this election, there is a growing movement within the party to introduce some new blood- the SNT frontbench has not changed a single member since the activist group was organized into a political party in February of 4068.

But SNT Senate Leader Lina Markido has a different opinion. "We have done unexpectedly well in our first election, and have been elected to government in every election since our second. The SNT in its current form has very strong leadership, and the voters clearly respect that. There's nothing to fix because our party isn't broken."

[Rathon]

OOC: *shows off my complete and utter lack of skill in photo editing for the sake of putting Zardugal's national animal on Ludovikido's desk*

[Rathon]

Simeonido Addresses NAAMZ Summit


Hypologothete Simeonido, right, speaks with NAAMZ leaders after the summit.

Sebastopolo, Sakvejo, September 4083= Hypologothete of Infrastructure and Transport Kelolo Simeonido (SNT-Sakvejo), a prominent Zardic Mallan politician, addressed the annual summit of the Nacia Asocio por la Antaŭas de Malla Zardoj (National Association for the Advancement of Mallan Zards) in Sebastopolo yesterday. During the annual 5-day summit, NAAMZ leaders discuss issues facing Mallan Zards, hear testimony from the public, and brainstorm possible solutions.

Simeonido spoke about recent legislation aimed at ending anti-Mallan discrimination, including Logothete of Education and Culture Anastasia Mojsido's Education Reform Act of 4082, which was passed into law in June. "Tolerance begins with education," Simeonido said. "With our students now being taught Zardic Mallan culture, understanding and acceptance will spread, and bigotry and discrimination will perish."

Simeonido also blasted the opposition Our Revolution party for its vote against the Education Reform Act. "The Revolutionaries are always quick to accuse the SNT of being racist, but which party was it that introduced education reforms and ending segregation in private schools, and which party voted against it? I think our record speaks for itself."

The HDPP-proposed complement to the Education Reform Act, which would introduce voluntary hiring quotas and tax breaks for businesses that meet those quotas, continues to stall in committee as the party remains divided on the specific details. During his address, Simeonido expressed optimism that that legislation will soon pass also. "The SNT is fully behind the voluntary quotas, and my colleague, Hypologothete (Zeno) Filadelfo (of Trade and Industry) is working with the HDPP in a mediatory role. We hope to pass this legislation by next year."

The NAAMZ summit will continue until Friday, when a new platform for the upcoming year will be drafted.

[Polites]

Emperors Condemn Trigunia, Praise Vanuku
Co-Emperors do something


Co-Emperors Theodoro and Paŭla

October 4083 - In its first major intervention since its establishment in 4074, the Imperial Throne of the Augustans issued a communique signed by its two heads of state, Co-Emperors Theodoro II and Paŭla I, reacting to the current upheavals in the Terran Patriarchal world. Particularly the co-monarchs condemned the usurpation of the Trigunian throne by Vladimir Fyodorovich Romanov, who in 4079 overthrew Tsarina Aleksandra I Udinova and was consequently crowned as Tsar of Trigunia. Normally this would not cause much opposition other than the occasional condemnation by some ineffective international body of monarchs or another, and the Co-Emperors would not have reason for much more than some stern words of condemnation, particularly since Trigunia is not party to the treaty of the Imperial Throne of the Augustans, and as such the Emperors have no formal authority over the Trigunian political system. However this is not just any monarch being overthrown and replaced by another; Trigunia is a Terran Patriarchal nation, and as such it is, in the eyes of the Imperial Throne, an Augustan nation and under the Co-Emperors' universal jurisdiction, meaning that the co-monarchs have reason to see the usurpation as a direct affront to their authority. To add insult to injury, the usurper not only claimed the Tsarist throne, but also laid claim on the imperial title, directly challenging the universal sovereignty of the Imperial Throne over its own world. And the co-monarchs have the backing of a majority of Terran Patriarchal nations and of the Church itself, placing Trigunia once again in conflict with the great powers of Majatra.

In another major act by the two monarchs issued on the same day, they elevated the rank of the monarch of Vanuku from Prince to King, and formally bestowed the title of "Basielopator (Father of the Emperor)" to the newly promoted King. Basileopator is an ancient title of mostly symbolic value occasionally granted by the old Augustan Emperors, but in this case it is used more literally, as Emperor Theodoro is in fact the son of King Pawl.

With these two acts the Imperial Throne is taking its first steps towards becoming a force to be reckoned with in international affairs. Whatever the response of Trigunia to the new challenge posed to the legitimacy of its monarch, it will have to face not only the internationally and religiously recognized co-monarchs of the Terran Patriarchal world, but also the might of one of Terra's Great Powers, Zardugal.

[Rathon]

Mojsido Takes Over as SNT Leader


Newly-appointed SNT Leader Anastasia Mojsido sits at her new desk.

Belgae, Endiraho, April 4085- Logothete of Education and Culture Anastasia Mojsido officially took over the reins of the Soldatoj de la Nova Tagiĝo yesterday from party founder and current President Johanneso Ludovikido. Ludovikido personally selected Mojsido as his successor, and the succession was formalized by a unanimous vote of the SNT Statprezidantos representing each of Zardugal's five states.

Mojsido's ascension marks the first change in SNT leadership since the party was founded in 4068. "Anastasia is a rising star in our party," Ludovikido said. "With her at the helm, the future of the SNT, and indeed of all of Zardugal, is as bright as ever." Ludovikido said that he will complete his term as President, but retired early from the party leadership to ensure a smoother transition. Mojsido already carries some name recognition with her, having gained fame from her squabbles with the Hosia Demokrata Popola Partio over religious policy and her authoring of the Education Reform Act of 4082.

Asked about her plans to run for the Presidency, Mojsido shocked reporters when she stated that she would not be doing so. "I like being in the Senate," she said. "Being a Senator gives me a more hands-on role in the governing of our nation. I'd rather not trade that in for a mainly ceremonial title."

Mojsido will act as SNT Senate Leader in the next term, replacing the current incumbent, Lina Markido, who announced her retirement earlier this year. She will continue to act as Logothete of Education and Culture until then.

Also retiring are Logothete of Environment and Tourism Tholomaio Trpido, Hypologothete of Environment and Tourism Redieta Gaurilido, and Logothete of Justice Jordana Boskido, the three oldest members of an aging SNT frontbench. Volusiano Morono, Hypologothete of Foreign Affairs, also announced his retirement last year, but recently retracted his announcement, citing regional uncertainty in the wake of the communist revolution in Deltaria.

By opting not to run for the Presidency, Mojsido has likely caused the SNT to hold its first Presidential Convention since the founding of the party. The only announced candidate thus far is Damaskino Fotido, SNT Statprezidanto of Ingomo. Other likely candidates include Markido (who some have speculated retired from the Senate to pursue a presidential bid) and Logothete of Health and Social Services Dosea Cittido.

[Rathon]

SNT Convention Names Fotido Presidential Candidate


Damaskino Fotido, SNT Statprezidanto of Ingomo, gives his acceptance speech to the SNT Convention.

Konstandian Bay, Unkaso, July 4085- With a year to go before the 4086 Presidential election, the Soldatoj de la Nova Tagiĝo held their first presidential convention since the party's founding in 4068 last week in Konstandian Bay. The convention selected Damaskino Fotido, the SNT Statprezidanto of Ingomo, as its nominee for the Presidency on the fourth ballot. Fotido defeated Logothete of Health and Social Services Dosea Cittido, Hypologothete of Infrastructure and Transport Kelolo Simeonido, and Hypologothete of Trade and Industry Zeno Filadelfo for the nomination.

Under the SNT Convention rules, 200 delegates are allocated to the states in proportion to the number of votes the SNT received in that state in the previous election, and then each state is granted ten additional delegates. The chart below shows the number of votes received by the SNT in each state in the 4082 elections, and the number of delegates the state was entitled to.



On the first ballot, Fotido and Cittido received 82 delegate votes each, Simeonido received 55 votes, and Filadelfo 31. Regional favoritism of candidates was evident in the voting, as Fotido won most of Ingomo's delegates, Cittido most of Unkaso's, Simeonido most of Sakvejo's, and Filadelfo half of Endiraho's. Under the rules, which eliminate the candidate with the lowest number of votes per ballot until three or fewer candidates remain, Filadelfo was eliminated in the first round. He declined to make an endorsement, stating simply, "I will support the eventual nominee."

On the second ballot, Filadelfo's limited delegates outside of Endiraho voted for the delegates' home state candidates, while the delegates from Endiraho spread their votes out more evenly. Fotido received 95 votes to Cittido's 92 and Simeonido's 63. On the third ballot, Simeonido bled support to the other two candidates, as Fotido received 99 votes, Cittido 97, and Simeonido only 54. Simeonido dropped out after the third ballot and endorsed Fotido, leading Fotido to a 139-111 win on the fourth ballot. The full results by state are shown in the chart below.



In his acceptance speech, Fotido promised to continue in the direction that President Ludovikido has successfully led the party over the course of three consecutive terms, and also spoke of the Deltarian crisis. "The Communist revolution in Deltaria threatens the stability of all of Majatra. While it is my hope that the democratically-elected monarchist government regains power, I support the HDPP resolution and am willing to host peace talks. Barring an acceptable solution for all sides, I am also prepared to commit aid to the legitimate government, possibly in the form of direct military intervention."

[Rathon]

Filadelfo: Why Bother With Deltaria When We Have Communism Here?


Hypologothete of Trade and Industry Zeno Filadelfo during the press conference.

Belgae, Endiraho, November 4085- Hypologothete of Trade and Industry Zeno Filadelfo (SNT-Endiraho) gave a press conference yesterday expressing his frustration with Zardic economic policy in the wake of his legislation to ban secondary strike action failing to gain traction with the other parties in the Senate.

"Why bother with Deltaria when we have Communism here?" Filadelfo said. "Workers have complete control over businesses, there is no free enterprise, and whole industries can be shut down by workers striking for the benefit of workers in other industries! It's no better than what the rebels in Deltaria are trying to achieve."

Filadelfo's reference to Deltaria is to its current crisis, in which Communist rebels have seized the capital and are currently fighting a civil war against the democratically-elected monarchist government of Czarina Alena. Filadelfo said he stands by his party and supports the HDPP's condemnation resolution, but called it "soft."

"The resolution has its good points, such as the embargo and supplying arms to the legitimate government, but it also clearly shows sympathy to the terrorists. If the resolution passes, then the official position of Zardugal is to pressure a democratically elected government, under duress, to capitulate to many of the rebels' demands. The resolution also threatens to go to war, when we have every reason to believe that the HDPP has no intention of doing so after the farce that was the invasion of Cobura."

Filadelfo was a candidate for the SNT nomination for President, but was eliminated on the first ballot. SNT Statprezidanto of Ingomo Damaskino Fotido won the nomination.

[Rathon]

SNT Wins Senate and Presidency But Right-Wing Loses Majority


Newly-elected President Damaskino Fotido addresses his supporters.

Belgae,Endiraho, July 4086- The 4086 elections returned the Soldatoj de la Nova Tagiĝo as the largest party in the Federal National Senate and elected SNT candidate Damaskino Fotido to the presidency, even as the right-wing coalition lost its Senate majority in the wake of a minor collapse by their coalition partner, the Hosia Demokrata Popola Partio. The SNT gained six seats for a total of 132. Our Revolution came in second, losing seven seats for a total of 128, the Konfederacio Nacia de la Laboro gained sixteen seats for a total of 111, and the HDPP lost fifteen seats for a total of 94.

The HDPP's losses were enough to lose the right-wing coalition's pre-election majority of five seats despite the SNT's gains. The new balance of power stands at 239 seats for the left-wing KNL-OR coalition, to 226 for the SNT-HDPP coalition.

On the presidential side of the election, the SNT was elected to its fourth consecutive term in the Presidency, as Fotido defeated the perennial candidates of the three other parties- Ernie Saunders of the OR, Mateo Dermokajto of the KNL, and Tagathonika Filimonido of the HDPP. Exit polls attribute Fotido's win despite the right-wing coalition's overall loss to KNL voters' dissatisfaction with the sometimes abrasive Saunders- over a quarter of Dermokajto's first round voters crossed coalition lines to vote for Fotido in the second round. Such division did not occur among HDPP voters, as nearly 95% of Filimonido's voters supported Fotido.



Above, percentage of Dermokajto's voters who voted for Saunders (black) and Fotido (gold) in the second round.
Below, percentage of Filimonido's voters who voted for Saunders (black) and Fotido (gold) in the second round.

With the right-wing coalition defeated, there may be a great change in terms of Zardugal's foreign policy. The HDPP's Condemnation of Deltarian Terrorism Act, passed just last month over KNL opposition, has seemingly lost its teeth, as the new government is unlikely to support the embargo on the Communist government or supplying the Czarist regime in exile. President Fotido is still hopeful to resolve the issue peacefully, and has reiterated his desire to host peace talks in Zardugal between the two warring factions.