Thyes Steps Down, Richard Steichen Steps Up // Gazette
Above: Richard Steichen
Blanche Thyes, the leader of the HR for 13 years, has announced her resignation as party leader after another disappointing election result for the party, which saw them lose 18 seats. For the third election, the party has remained around the 130-150 mark, giving them some sway in the Senate, but not giving them the results needed for a victory. As the government cruises to yet another victory, the HR remains only the third largest party. Thyes told reporters that she takes 'full responsibility' for the party's meagre performance, and will be stepping down due to this and other personal issues involving her husband's health. The issue then went to the party's Senate membership, who narrowly chose Richard Steichen.
Richard Steichen is a moderate on social issues, but retains a rightward tilt economically. He is also considerably more internationalist than Thyes, but continues to oppose the AU - though for pragmatic and less racially charged reasons. His victory over far-right failed presidential candidate Aloïse Hautchien is notable indeed, as Steichen triumped 69 to 63, with Thyes herself abstaining in order to allow for a fairer vote. Hautchien has said she will 'fully back' Steichen, who will now look to make the HR's base wider and react to the highly leftward tilt of Alorian politics. Steichen has particularly pressed the necessity to allow small businesses to function as unimpeded as possible, and investment in education - especially universities.
The titanic mountain that stand above the right of Aloria is certainly impeding, but Steichen says he is up for the challenge. With the full weight of his party behind him, he will now seek to radically change the HR's outreach, focusing on communities and local areas. Steichen has also appointed several Draddwyr candidates to his spokesperson brigade, and will be looking to withdraw party candidacy in the next presidential election to endorse the Werin Da, who came reasonably close to defeating President Rhys Cadwgan. Cadwgan is safe for the next four years, but Steichen will need to be putting out policies left, right and centre in order to change the highly stable form of politics in Aloria - which currently puts the left way in front.