Can Vanuku Benefit From The Rise of the 'Noble Republic'?Special report into the growing influence of the aristocratic oligarchsDuke Féodr IV van Zalder, partriarch of the Zhtál-Merlkai noble house, is one of many influential aristocrats showing a keen interest in politics.October 4362 - Laws which have given aristocratic families
greater powers and seen the reinstatement of the hereditary title inheritance laws, have led to a new breed of politics in Vanuku. While the country is constitutionally a presidential republic with an elected head of state in the form of the Rklemjikai, many people are beginning to use the term "noble republic" to reflect the influence the powerful houses have over the state.
Many noble families have closely associated themselves to political parties in the national legislature (The Grand Council) providing funding and other support in return for pushing their political and socio-economic agendas. Others are less open and partisan, providing their support ad-hoc on a bill by bill basis. So, while the republic and democracy continues to prosper, an almost aristocratic oligarchical system is being established behind the scenes centred on the most rich and powerful members of society.
Tar Malikj, Emeritus Professor of Political Science at the University of Prinsenaard, said: "We have seen the political landscape change dramatically over the last decade but no one could have predicted that when the dust settled this hybrid of republicanism and aristocracy would emerge.
"The so-called noble republic is certainly a compromise deal between arch-republicans and those who wish to reinstate the monarchy. But, simply put, the noble families had too much wealth and influence in institutions like the military to be simply ignored following the abolition of the monarchy. So they either had to play a significant role in society or, as in a communist system, removed completely and their wealth distributed. The latter path would most certainly have led to civil war; the route that has been taken is one of less resistance and allows very differing philosophies to co-exist.
"We now have a situation where the major noble families have considerable sway and influence over the political parties, through funding and other support. We will likely see more members of the nobility hold positions in the grand council and the cabinet again, and the awarding of senior military positions to aristocratic family members - something that has been kept to a minimum since the formation of the new republic.
"To be honest, even in the staunchest of republican countries there is a political elite or political dynasties that hold sway for many generations and dominate one party or another through their power, influence and wealth. That is the sort of system we have gravitated towards here.
"Those who are for the status quo must now safeguard against one house or the other gaining too much power or control, or it will upset the fine balance of democracy and aristocracy. If that can be achieved, there is no reason why Vanuku cannot flourish under this system."
A Who's Who Of The Most Prominent Noble Houses:House Banmek-Sntazed - noble house of the former kings of Vanuku, Throughout history closely associated with the now defunct Greater Nationalist Party; believed to be loosely associated with the current Noble Party. They are unashamedly pro-monarchy and promote nationalist and conservative values.
House Kwkh-Ílja - known to be devoutly Hosian and socially conservative. Are now strongly linked with the fundamentalist Holy Army, the largest party in the Grand Council.
House Zhtál-Merlkai - A noble house that favours the current political system and advocates joining the Majatran Union. Links to the Republican Party.
House Vrkz-Krlmék - one of the most prominent Ahmadi dynasties in the country, progressive thinkers and strong proponents of a pro-environmental, pro-Jelbic Union government.
House Teunissen van Pender - a liberal, pro-business, pro-secular-leaning dynasty. Extreme wealth accrued from the oil and defence sectors
House Anzlék-Zahr - Hosian, pro-agrarian, centre/centre-right of the political spectrum. Owns vast swathes of farmland in the south.
(OOC: Please note this list will be added to retrospectively as the names of more noble house are passed onto me.)