IZQUIERDA- The Voice of the Kalistani Left
Isolationist Backbencher named to Speakership of the Socialist Party
Bennots-Diego, Deputy from Ananto takes Office on Third BallotKaliburg, Ananto
August 22, 4166Franklin Bennots-Diego, Multi-Award Winning Country musician poised to take over the reigns of the Socialist Party of KalistanA relative "unknown," second term Deputy named Franklin Bennots-Diego seems poised to become the Leader of the Socialist Party. Bennots-Diego, hailing from the long Bennots dynasty, is a Deputy from Eveari Ananto.
If the name sounds familiar to you, Bennots is better known by his other profession, which he partially interrupted when the SP was reformed a few years back. He goes by the stage name of Frank Diego. Yes, THAT Frank Diego, the hugely successful and critically acclaimed country and blues musician. The last we heard from Mr. Diego, he was winning the Music Industry's award for Country album of the year and mentioning that if the SP reformed, he would run. Well, he predictably won, and then proceeded to fade into the wallpaper in the National Assembly for nearly six years.
But the recent death of the Premier has created an opening for Diego. At last week's snap National Executive Committee, the discussion turned quickly to the future of the Party. Bennots-Diego's name was entered into the running more as a protest vote by Howard Grinnell, Deputy from Suldanor, and his tiny cadre who are not satisfied with the speed that Kalistan has moved out of the International Arena. Grinnell lobbied the committee fiercely for Bennots' consideration, and while the Committee was evenly split over the first two ballots between the other two candidates, suddenly, Bennots' candidacy seemed more attractive.
Said one committee member, "Well, there's really nothing I can say against Diego- I don't much care for his music, but when the Party called, he rushed to stand for election... And in that very close race, it is possible that his star power is what did it for him... You gotta give him that." By the third ballot, enough of the committee had been convinced by that sort of logic that a majority voted for Bennots' candidacy, and he became the newest Speaker of the Socialist Party.
Frank Diego was unavailable for comment by Press time, but he is reported to be considering the offer, given his contractual obligations outside the Government. Diego's publicist suggested however, that the singer turned Deputy was open to the offer, and was considering it.
Little is known about Bennots' voting record: He has voted with the Party in each vote cast, and holds a few committee assignments, specifically in foreign affairs and industry and trade. He is said to be a strong isolationist, and was prepared to do much of the heavy lifting for the SP's campaign to withdraw from the Security Council in Ananto. He still may, but whether that bill will go forward following the next election is up in the air at this moment. Additionally, he has notably led the apparently fruitless charge within the SP for the rejection of the Dranland treaty.
Bennots-Diego is nearly 36 years old, has a wife and two kids. Under the stage name of Frank Diego, he has sold more than 8 million records over ten years. But since taking office, his live touring has often taken a backseat to his political work. When he does appear in person now, the concerts are more political rally than music event, which has left a bad taste in some of the fans' mouths. Bennots notably played Lourenne eight years ago where he met Former Premier Bjorksdattir. He famously said "I went from being apolitical to being a Partisan that day. The President was so kind and generous, and so soft spoken... and she made the connection between the things I was singing about and the things she cared about. How could a reasonable person NOT be converted..." When he returned to Kalistan, Diego famously started passing out antiquated SP propaganda at his shows. And when Bjorksdattir returned from Lourenne, he quickly joined the newly reformed SP and ran for office.
More to follow, but for now, Bennots-Diego has been named Party Leader, and Speaker of the Socialist Party of Kalistan.