Kalistan

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Jones-Terrance to Consider another Run for the Presidency
Touts diplomatic Success with Baltusia, expresses concerns about possible rift on the Left
Kaliburg, Ananto
July 8, 4097


Foreign Minister Jones-Terrance widely favored to secure nomination from the SP

Kalistan is still enjoying the early benefits of a new diplomatic and political treaty with Baltusia, a new Spending bill has recently passed the Assembly, and Foreign Minister Michal Jones-Terrance, who has already served a term as President of the Republic, is widely believed to be maneuvering toward a nomination from the SP. Jones is the favorite for the nomination in the SP, eclipsing the Party Speaker Omar Al-Khali, who seems happy with his job at the head of the Party and has made no indication that he intends to run for President.

Jones' nomination comes at a crucial time for the Kalistani Left, as Labour appears to be moving toward the center and away from robust support for Kalistan's institutions. Minister Jones is on record on the topic:

"If it appears that our Legislative partners may be turning against Kalistan's institutions, the Party may reconsider our longstanding political association. Whatever other Parties' positions on business and so forth, defense of national industries and especially the Presidential Prerogative is imperative. Those who vote against it cannot rely upon support from the Socialist Party. There have been no moves to end the Prerogative from our friends in Labour, but the latest edition of the People's Press raises the topic, and if Labour's organ needs to raise it, we should view this as a signal of at least a possibility that Labour will abandon the Institution and help the Conservatives finally get their way. At that point, we would consider that a definite sign that our Comrades in Labour have already gone a different way."

A split on the Left could signal a new era of fierce legislative rivalry which seems to have calmed in the last few administrations, but most assuredly drive the Socialist Party to the Left and away from the pragmatic accommodation which has thus far characterized the Party under Al-Khali.

The Convention of the Socialist Party of Kalistan will be held in October.

[jamescfm]

The People's Press
Labour Party Members Approve New Constitution
Ana Berg institutes sweeping reforms to the organisation of the party but some accuse her of centralisation
Kaliburg, Ananto
July 14th, 4098


Ana Berg has been a vocal supporter of widespread reform within the Labour Party

The Labour Party has voted in favour of adopting a new constitution which includes numerous and extensive modifications to the way the party functions. The vote has come as a surprise to many because of the amount of power it hands to those at the top of the party, which will now be called 'the Labour Party'- dropping the reference to Kalistan. With three-quarters of voters having to vote in favour, many believed that new leader Ana Berg would be unable to have the new constitution approved but the recent success in the National Assembly elections, when the Labour Party increased their number of seats once again, seems to have reflected well on her and 75.3% of Labour members offered their support.

The proposal was technically devised by the 'Constitutional Committee' but, in reality, this was simply a group of Berg's close advisors and it included many of the changes she had called for in the past. More unexpected, though, was the creation of the 'Party Congress' and 'Central Committee' to replace the old National Executive Committee. Whereas before the NEC was voted for directly by party members, it will now be decided by the Party Congress with the members only voting for the General Secretary- the new official title for the party leader. The Party Congress will be made up of a representative from each county throughout Kalistan and Ananto, voted in by the party's local branch. The PC will then decide who should be appointed to the Central Committee at an annual meeting. Other changes included the removal of the article which required the party leader to hold a confidence ballot every three years, the necessity to have a spokesperson for several issues and an increase in the percentage of the party members required in order to edit the constitution in future, from 75% to 85%.


Former President of the Republic Jim O'Connell was critical of the changes

All of this has led to concern from some within the party, including former leader Jim O'Connell, who said that the changes were 'anti-democratic'. In spite of this, the party members seem to be on board with the changes, albeit only just enough to allow them to pass. This provides Ana Berg with a clear mandate to carry out further reform of the Labour Party and she looked to build on the mood of change in a speech after the result was revealed;

The Labour Party has to pull its head out of the sand and get back in touch with working people. I will not settle for being the third-largest party in Kalistan, we have to win. All of the people who support us and who vote for us, desperately want a Labour government and it's our responsibility to provide them with that. I am simply not content to be the leader of a protest movement. We have to win elections.

With that said, we have to find out what the people of Kalistan want and provide them with it. That means that we have to adapt our values to a new era. I don't think it's a betrayal of the working class to say that we want to do whatever we can to support the growth of small businesses. I don't think it's a wrong to admit that we want to be tough on crime. I don't think it's a crime to say that Kalistan has its flaws. We can't close our eyes and put our fingers in our ears forever. For all their admirable qualities, the Socialist Party have been rejected in recent elections and the political theatre they employ by changing their name makes a mockery of our politics. The Kalistani people want change. We have to say to them 'we are the party of change'. That doesn't mean abandoning socialism, it means developing a pragmatic socialism.

The first step in changing Kalistan was to put the Labour Party on the best foundation for achieving success in the next election. We can't win if we aren't united, decisive and modern. Clinging to outdated principles and values at the expense of winning seats in government is the true betrayal of the Kalistani people. The Labour Party has to win elections otherwise we will achieve nothing. I didn't come into politics to change the Labour Party. I came into politics to change the country.

Mrs Berg's comments will only add fuel to the suggestion that the Labour Party and Socialist Party are becoming increasingly divided, especially when combined with comments from former President Michal Jones-Terrance. On the Labour side, the leadership is said to be particularly angered, as Berg alluded to, by the SP's rebranding as the 'Kalistani Party of the Right'. Whether the long-standing association can continue for much longer is hard to tell at this stage. Either way, the Labour Party looks both reinvented and reinvigorated.

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IZQUIERDA- The Voice of the Kalistani Left
KPR calls changes in Labour Party an "Democratic coup"
Al-Khali insists that relationship is still strong
Sulari, Suldanor
August 27, 4098

Speaker of the Kalistani Party of the Right, Omar Al-Khali was asked by IZQUIERDA's Diane Thompson about the developments within his Party and the rebranding of the Socialist Party of Kalistan into the Kalistani Party of the Right. Below is the transcript of the exclusive interview:

(Izquierda Reporter) D(iane) T(hompson): Speaker Al-Khali, many in Kalistan are confused about the snap rebranding of the Socialist Party as the Kalistani Party of the Right. Would you care to shed some light on the matter for our readers?

O(mar) A(l-Khali): Sure. It has to do with this fiction that the Conservatives keep trying to run to suggest that the people of Kalistan are supporters of conservatism. They argue that they are being rewarded for their conservatism by the people in Kalistan. Our counter argument was that, no, they are being rewarded because the voters can't tell them apart from the socialists. We know that the bills they put up are so offensive that they could never get passed, and yet, when it comes to elections, they have defended the status quo so often that there is no daylight between the Parties on the Left and the so-called "Conservatives". So we are debunking this myth that Parties who CALL themselves conservative, or in our case, rightist, are rewarded for their name. In fact, it is the long standing support for socialism which is what we, and the CIP are being rewarded for. You can't claim some constituency just because you call yourself conservative. So we'll see. If we call ourselves conservative, but continue to vote the way we always have, we should, by their thesis be able to dramatically take power. And if we do not change in seatcount overall, their thesis is not supported.

DT: That seems like a fairly radical thing to do just to prove a point.

OA: Well, we have been enduring the distortions by the Conservative Party for decades. And it is time that they just cut it out... Kalistan is a socialist country. The laws of the nation are in fact slightly MORE socialist now than when the Conservative Party began their quest to trick everyone into thinking that they are a genuine alternative to decent politics, and despite their holding various percentages of the Assembly on their back bench, nobody is rewarded for taking a conservative stance in Kalistan. So we'll see.

DT: Moving on. It would appear that the Labour Party has adopted a new Constitution which some are saying could potentially do damage to the relationship between the Socialist Party and the Labour Party.

OA: I had read that, but that might be the take of the newspaper more than anything that actually happened. It appears that there was a democratic coup within the leadership of the Labour Party. Their regime has been altered pretty significantly. I don't see it as a real problem: Our leadership has always been selected by a convention, rather than asking the members their opinion. Our shadow officers have always been selected by the central committee of the Party. As speaker, I need to know that at need, the Minister of Agriculture, or whatever will support me. Why would I leave that open to a vote? I don't see the Labour Party's move as troubling.

DT: And what do you make of Labour's comments that it is time Kalistan move beyond outdated institutions? We presume the spokesperson means dogmatic support for the National industries and the Prerogative.

OA: I hadn't read that.

DT: It was in last week's edition of the People's Press.

OA: Look- I know the Party Presses like to gin up conflict. Everyone knows Izquierda likes to run yellow every once in a while too. If I took my cues from the Party Presses, we'd be at each other's throats. Look. I'll say this. Our relationship is strong. We are working together on the Terrorism bill the Premier has put forward. We may disagree on the Prerogative, but we still get along fine. I just had the old Speaker at my house the other week for dinner. I can't imagine something that would cause tension between our Parties. I do wish, sometimes that Labour would work just a little harder to turn out voters for the SP's candidates. This last election, Jonesy lost by less than a point and a half: the difference could have been made up by Labour voters who stayed home in Ananto. But that's neither here nor there, I suppose. We still have plenty of ground to cooperate on. And I think we'll still work together in the near future, though if they go full on against the National Institutions and against the Prerogative, we could revisit this...

DT: Thank you, Comrade Speaker, for your time.

OA: My pleasure.

[jamescfm]

Premier Berg Explains Her Agenda
Labour Party leader Ana Berg talks to the The Republic about her aspirations for a Labour majority
Kaliburg, Ananto
January 18, 4099


General Secretary of the Labour Party Ana Berg talks to the Republic on a plethora of topics, from the SPoK to Labour's future

Earlier this month, President William Pear was finally able to get a cabinet proposal approved, albeit one which was put together by the Labour Party, and since then Ana Berg- the Labour's reformist leader- has been serving as Premier. In her short tenure to date, her government has proposed numerous pieces of legislation aimed at moving her party away from the hard left and back towards the centre. Whilst some argue that this is what the party has needed for decades, others are less supportive stating that it is a betrayal of Labour's heritage and supporters. Our Chief Political Reporter, Rohit Bhattacharya met the General Secretary of the Labour Party just before the Party Congress met to appoint a new Central Committee.

(Rohit Bhattacharya's) Q(uestion): Firstly, thank you for finding the time out of your schedule to talk to us today, I appreciate that you must have a lot happening between Party Congress and National Assembly matters. Now let's not beat around the bush here, is the Labour Party disavowing the SP, or the Kalistani Party of the Right as they are now?

A(na Berg): Absolutely not, we maintain an affinity with the Socialist Party which is unlike any relationship with other parties in Kalistan. However, that doesn't mean we unequivocally support their every action, otherwise, we would simply all be members of the SP! So, whilst we will continue to work together to ensure Kalistan stays a Socialist nation we will also make sure they are held to account where necessary. You correctly refer to one such incident in your question: this business with the changing of the party's name. In my opinion, it is pure nonsense and I've told my good friend Mr Al-Khali as much. I'll be glad to see the return of the Socialist Party of Kalistan in 4101.

Q: Do you intend to support the Socialist candidate in the next elections?

A: It's much too early to discuss such matters as you well know.

Q: I think that sounds like a no, Mrs Berg.

A: It most certainly is not, we cannot even be sure if the SP will run a candidate in the next elections yet. Until we can evaluate who is running, I will make no further comment.

Q: In that case, can you give us some insight into the legislation your government has introduced- starting with the National Agriculture Agency Reform Act?

A: The Reform Act is intended to bring the policy of our nation into line with the consensus of opinion of the population. We know that most people no longer believe that the agricultural industry should be completely state-owned and we therefore argue that it should not be. It's no bad thing for state industries to have competition from the private sector, so long as that encourages them to progress, grow and innovate. This is the kind of bill I mean when I talk about a pragmatic socialism.

Q: What about The Education, Education, Education Act then?

A: Quite simply, Kalistan needs better education and the Act in question provides that. Successive governments, including Labour ones, have failed to improve our education system and that's why we are dealing with it now. A brilliant education is a need, not a want.

Q: Some in your own party have criticised your changes to the Labour Party's structure, do you face a fight to keep members on-side?

A: I don't think that's a fair assessment, over three-quarters of party members voted in favour of the new constitution which provides all members with local representatives who have a tangible impact on the direction of our party. If we are ever going to see a Labour majority, which I think we will, we need to adapt our platform. I've spoken extensively about what needs to change and I will continue to do that but we need everyone in the party to get behind our initiatives.

Q: Finally then, party membership has been in a state of decline for around the past eight years, how will you changes that?

A: I'll show the Kalistani people what a Labour government can do and how we can change Kalistan for the better. We are the party of change.

Q: Thank you for meeting with me and good evening.

A: It has been a great experience!

In spite of the bullish tone of Mrs Berg, there are still many issues which she faces as General Secretary, including a potential coup. As the party moves closer to the centre ground, the People's Army (which has historically been the stomping ground of the far left) has ramped up its rhetoric in opposition to her. As a result, Berg has a decision to make: either get the milita on board or get them out...

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Ahead of Combatting Terrorist Act's Passage, The RSMoK goes to the field
"Coordination with the Regulars is Key" says Militia Colonel Franklin
Vrassa City, Vrassa
Feb 15, 4099


Socialist Militia associated with the Kalistani Party of the Right take to the field against the New Army of Kalistan

Ahead of the anticipated passage of the "Combating Terrorism Act", Leftwing Partisans were deployed across Vrassa today as the Kalistani Party of the Right moved its militia toward terrorist strongholds. Under the leadership of Militia Colonel Milton Franklin, who commands the Vrassa Division's Explosive Ordinence Disposal unit, ground forces began engaging with a few of the terrorists in the field, but the militia saw no major action on the first day.

"Our main problem with the terrorists thus far has been in their use of improvised explosives. They'll put explosives in just about anything that will hold them, hoping that we will come across them and detonate them, killing our forces. I trust the Militia, though: As we move forward, we will clear the fields of these little bastards, to make it safe for the Regulars, because coordination with the Regular forces is key to the success in this operation," Colonel Franklin reported. "We'll work with the People's Army, when they get out here, but whether their political leadership deploys them, I suppose that's a different question. At least Labour's militia still knows what hand is left." This thinly veiled swipe at the Labour Party's political shifts was immediately contradicted by the KPR leadership, who insisted "The relationship between the Labour Party and the Party of the Right is as strong as ever, and the Colonel's comments were taken out of context."

[jamescfm]

Labour Furious Following Death Fighting the NAOK
Senior figures crtitical of the RSMoK after a soldier is killed by an amateur explosive device
Vrassa City, Vrassa
June 27, 4099


The NAOK have been employing improvised explosive devices extensively throughout Vrassa

The Labour Party is in uproar tonight following the death of a People's Army infantryman conducting operations against the New Army of Kalistan, the far-right terrorist organisation operating in Vrassa. The man, who has not yet been named by authorities, was brutally killed after the Revolutionary Socialist Militia conducted a controlled explosion in an area where the People's Army was travelling. Two other men are in hospital as a result of the detonation but it is unclear whether their condition is stable at this time.

The People's Army and the Revolutionary Socialist Militia of Kalistan have been operating in cooperation with the Kalistani Regulars in an attempt to eradicate the threat of domestic terrorism in the country but this has led to tension between the two organisations, reflecting the overall relationship between the two parties leaderships. The unfortunate incident only serves to highlight how much damage has been done. We contacted both sides for a comment on the matter and, whilst the KPR/SPoK were unable to provide us with one, the Labour Party told us:

We are extremely saddened to hear of the death of a hard-working and committed member of the militia who was giving their life to defend others. We absolutely and utterly condemn the action of the Revolutionary Socialist Militia of Kalistan in this chain of events and we will be informing superiors of the incident so that those responsible can be held to account. This matter could have serious consequences for the party's future.

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Socialist Militia Colonel Pulls No Punches
Blames People's Army and Labour Party for soldier's death
Bston, West Vrassa
August 17, 4099


Colonel Milton Franklin, seated at Left, takes no responsibility for fatal explosion

The commander of RSMoK militia forces in Vrassa spoke out against the charges that RSMoK militia forces were responsible for the death of the People's Army soldier a month ago. Colonel Milton Franklin, already a controversial figure for his unwillingness to fully coordinate with both the Regulars and the People's Army in the ongoing fight against the New Army, and his alleged civilian depopulation efforts in some portions of the District, gave a brief statement on the death fo the soldier in June. Below are his remarks:

"No, those soldiers were in the wrong place. I am not entirely sure who gave the order to the People's Army to drive their convoy through my EOD's demo range, but we had signs clearly stating that there were live ordinance in the area, and we had pickets out along the road to stop vehicles from entering. The People's Army actually contacted us about traveling through to engage some supposed hostiles in the area, and we refused them entry into the range because we were actually performing demo of the IED's which we had cleared. So they went ahead and went anyway- they actually drove around our checkpoints. It's their dumb decisions who left their militiaman dead."

When asked if the RSMoK was going to suspend activities in the areas that the People's Army was operating in, Col. Franklin shook his head. "No. Suspend operations? We're on mine clearing duty... these IEDs ain't going to blow themselves up. What we are doing is important- So I would think the PA should clear with us before they go into our demo zone."

The outspoken Colonel added, with a note of personal pique: "Nice to see those boys out in the field. I guess Labour finally decided to get in the game, even if they killed one of their own guys doing it..."

[jamescfm]

The People's Press
THINGS CAN CHANGE
Labour Party begins campaiging with a postive message for the new century
Kaliburg, Ananto
July 30th, 4100


A Labour Party poster makes reference to their strong record on education in recent years

Ana Berg, General Secretary of the Labour Party, has today launched the Labour Party's campaign for the Kalistani National Assembly election next January. It was marked by a positive message about Kalistan's future, creating a sense of hope around the country. In her first major event of the campaign her party's plan for Kalistan and the impressive record of her government.

In Kalistan, it is now clear that there is only one party who will stand up for working people. If you want the best education for your children, where pupils succeed based on their ability not on their family background; if you want a healthcare system that is there for you whenever you need it; if you want a government that ensures its citizens are kept safe from the threat of terrorism; if you want a society which works for all, if you want all these things then you have to vote Labour!

Don't just listen to me say the words, look at my record! Labour passed the Combatting Terrorism Act, which has put the New Army of Kalistan on the brink of complete annihilation. We are about to see the Education, Education, Education Act passed with support even from the CIP. How can you argue with our track record? We have consistently shown that we will do everything in our power to stand up for the average citizen in Kalistan. Meanwhile, the Libertarian Democrats and Conservative Independence Party refuse to act. They pretend that everything is going swimmingly for the people of Kalistan. That's just not true. The people want change and they want the party of change: that is the Labour Party!

As seems to have become a regular feature of Labour Party events, the speech was met with rapturous applause by the assembled crowd, a feeling which Ana Berg will hope the electorate shares. This election has been characterised as incredibly hard to call with the polls showing all kinds of different kinds of outcomes, some putting the LD ahead, some the Labour Party and one poll even gives the Kalistan Unionist Party a four-point lead. As a result, many are speculating that it will be the Presidential nominations which define the race and so far Labour have kept quiet about whether or not they will run. All five major parties have been keeping their cards close to their chests so far, with no announcements yet made about who will run.

The speech notably lacked any kind of mention of the Socialist Party/ Kalistani Party of the Right. The working relationship on the Left has reportedly fallen apart in recent months and years due to a series of fraught public communications. Primarily, this was a consequence of the seemingly careless reaction of the RSMoK Colonel Milton Franklin to the death of member of the People's Army, tragically blown up whilst fighting terrorism. Labour's most successful leader Luca Curti has been quoted as saying that the KPR/SPoK have 'left the Labour alone as the credible, electable left-wing party in Kalistan'. Whether they will maintain their historic pact in January is anybody's guess.

As Kalistan enters a new century, it faces a choice about what kind of society it wants to create. One can only hope that the voters chose a better society, one run by the Labour Party...

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Socialist Party Re-enters the Wilderness
Socialists call for snap Election following disbanding of the Libertarian Party
AL-Khali: "We're content to Govern Ananto"
Kaliburg, Ananto
September 17, 4101


Leader of the Socialist Party of Kalistan, Omar Al-Khali speaks about life in the Opposition

"We're content to govern Ananto," says SP Speaker Omar Al-Khali. Al-Khali mused on the recent split between the SP and Labour last week in a rare interview with Kalistani Papers. Below is the transcript of the interview, conducted by The Republic's feature editor Janice Scarlotti.

J(anice) S(carlotti): How does it feel to be in the Opposition, for the first time in, goodness... for decades?

O(mar) A(l-Khali): Eh- well, you know, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. This is the nature of democracy. We do well in elections, but there are 3 Parties now, and they are all competing for the exact same block of voters, so, I mean, what are we to do?

JS: Three Parties? You mean Four, correct?

OA: No. The Libertarians just went defunct earlier this month. But, I've called for a snap election, so our time in the wilderness may be a little shorter than anticipated. But you know... what ever happens, we are rather content. Jones-Terrance is in Ananto. We'll see what this leads to.

JS: So what is on the Agenda for the SP this coming term. I assume the SP will be contesting in the Snap Election for President of the Republic.

OA: Bet on it. Jonesey did well in the last election- one of the top two contenders is out of it, so I suppose we will finish in the top two. Labour could back Jones if they like, but if we have to do it ourselves again, we will.

JS: And what if Governor Jones is elected?

OA: Well, we have something that needs attention, eventually. Kalistan is in the running for Security Council, so this may be an opportunity for Kalistan to make a splash among the world community. We also are paying attention to the spread of Brethrenism to a country called Telamon. They are a small nation in Makon, known I suppose for skiing, and they used to supply naval weaponry to the world. Some Brethrenists have gained control over the government up there and are attempting to turn it into a theocracy. But some of the ways they are interpreting the faith when in power are at odds with the testimony of the All-Terra Conference. That might cause some problems- Theocracies are, of course not something the SP would ever support, so as it is, we can't endorse those developments...

JS: Do you think there will be any reconciliation with Labour?

OA: I don't know. If Labour takes a march to the right and takes up a spot in the center, of course, that's their choice. We are going to continue to promote Socialism in Kalistan. We've made the point that socialist policies are preferred by the people of Kalistan. We aren't going to move off our spot on the spectrum. If they want to work together, we are always game.

JS: You've been leader of the SP for a while now. Do you have any plans to retire?

OA: Well, I was pretty young when I started, and I'm a bit older now, but no. Retirement is not in the cards just yet. Jonesy may be getting ready to kick off, but I'm in for another couple decades at least.

JS: Thank you for the comment, Comrade Speaker.

OA: Thank you for the Interview, Comrade Reporter.

[jamescfm]

You Say You Want A Revolution
Ana Berg decries dissolution of centrist parties and claims that Labour is the single moderate party left in Kalistan
Kaliburg, Ananto
November 15, 4101


Ana Berg has been extremely critical of other Kalistani parties in recent times

Ana Berg has given a scathing condemnation of the two largest parties in Kalistan following the early elections this month (when Labour won more seats than at any other time in history) to fill the seats vacated by the Libertarian Democrats of Kalistan disbanding. She claimed that 'the Labour Party was the only party left who don't want a violent revolution' and said that 'Kalistani politics is worse off without the Libertarians and Unionists, we now lack moderate voices'. The ferocious comments were made in a speech at a Trades Union Conference in Kaliburg, following the Labour Party Congress meeting to appoint a new Central Committee the day previous- during which a motion of confidence in Mrs Berg was held. Only one Congressperson voted against the leader who is still presently the Premier of the Republic.

At the same event, we were able to briefly speak to Tony Curti, the Foreign Affairs Minister and son of former Premier and President Luca Curti, about the direction of the Labour Party since his father's resignation.

Q(uestion from Interviewer): Mr Curti, thanks for letting us talk with you today, I'll try to keep it as succinct as possible because I understand you are about to give a speech. Do you think the Labour Party has betrayed your father's legacy?

(Tony) C(urti): Of course not, what a preposterous notion. When my father led the party, Kalistan was a different place, with very different needs. Just as he changed the way the party operated during his tenure, in order to adapt to Kalistan's requirements, so Ana alters it today. If I did not believe she knew what she was doing, or if I felt she was acting in a manner contrary to the values of the Labour Party then I wouldn't serve in her government! Ana has moved the Labour Party into the new century, a century when it seems we are the only reasonable party left in this country.

Q: Your last comment seems to be a swipe at not only the Conservatives but the Socialists too, can the relationship between your parties ever be salvaged?

C: With respect, that is a simplistic interpretation of what I actually said. All I am suggesting is that the two larger parties represent a kind of dogmatic, almost revolutionary, outlook. They see each other as absolutely and completely intolerable. We, on the other hand, believe in pragmatism. This means that we have to work with both sides of the aisle for the benefit of the whole population, not just our own members. I'll give you an example: recall- if you will- the debate on 'The Youth Assembly'. The moment the slightest disagreement occurred, the discourse fell apart completely. It isn't good enough really.

Q: My colleague interviewd Mr Al-Khali, the Socialist speaker, just prior to the last elections and he was quoted saying 'If [Labour] want to work together, we are always game'. You didn't support Mr Jones-Terrance for President, will you be taking up this offer any time soon?

C: I don't think I can necessarily answer that question on my own, I'm only the Foreign Affairs Spokesperson after all. What I will tell you, however, is that we made the decision not to back Michal because we simply didn't think he could win. Unfortunate as it is, until the Socialists nominate a candidate who the Labour Party and our members can become enthused about, we'll be unable to endorse them. You would have to ask Ana for a real answer.

Q: Do you intend to replace her as General Secretary of the Labour Party?

C: Crikey almighty, I don't think so! She's doing an exceptional job and I've no reason to doubt she will continue to do so.

Q: Are you sure about that, Mr Curti? The 'word on the street' if you like, is that you harbour ambitions to take her position?

C: I'm certain. No such ambitions exist, I can assure you of that. We've just seen the Party Congress, of which I am a member, almost unanimously support her. This sounds like a bit of media naughtiness.

Q: What will the party's agenda in the coming term, then?

C: We'll be looking to collaborate with the Socialist Party to repeal some of the repressive legislation that the CIP and LDoK were able to pass at the peak of their dominance. If I remain Foreign Affairs Minister, then I'll be coordinating the nation's efforts to win a seat on the Security Council. Otherwise, we'll wait and see what the government becomes. I'll have to wrap things up now, I'm due to speak in ten.

Q: OK, no problem. Thanks for answering our questions Mr Curti.

C: It's my pleasure, I'm glad you gave me the opportunity to talk with you.

The Labour Party has since announced it will be temporarily rebranding to allow the Libertarian Democrat members of government to properly fulfill their duties within a party structure. They will use the name 'Libertarian-Labour Alliance' until a new cabinet bill passes and Libertarian Democrat Ministers will be granted an observer seat on the party's Central Committee.