06-02-2023, 08:18 PM
“Now we are all present, we can move on to the next agenda item: consideration of applications to form an official political party. We have five applications, and I wish to take this opportunity to remind you all that we are NOT voting on whether we personally agree with the ideology presented, but whether the ideology presented is a potential threat to the existence of Kerlile,” Councillor Chiu addressed her fellow Councillors.
Rosemary Arnott, back from her forest trip, was sweating in a bulletproof vest next to Letitia Greenwood, who was leaning away from the younger Councillor and intermittently pinching her nose. Jennifer Hale was once more accompanied by her four-year-old daughter, who had crawled under the table and fallen asleep. Nirmala Patel was wearing tight-fitting clothes, very unlike her usual style, in an attempt to make Rosemary feel more at ease, given the lack of locations to conceal weapons. They all waited for Chiu to continue.
“The five applications will be taken in alphabetical order. First application for consideration: Anti-Patriarchy League. Copies of their form will be in your agenda packs,” Chiu said.
The assembled Councillors began rustling through their paper information packs. Pauline Pierre pulled out her copy and looked at the summary sheet on top.
“I hate to be the one to say this,” Pierre piped up reluctantly, “but this actually might cause a danger to Kerlile. They say it themselves: it could prompt retaliation. Furthermore, an end to all imports and exports may be survivable, but it certainly is not desirable. Approving this group would also be the fastest way to anger Xiomera.”
“Yeah, I’m with Pauline,” Jennifer Hale shuddered. “They sound like a Kerlian version of Lauchenoiria First, and you all threaten to attack Lauchenoiria every time Paul Doberman opens his mouth, so.”
“Well, we must consider the balance between protecting the Matriarchy, and allowing reform to proceed,” Natalia Hart said calmly, eyeing Hale. “Surely the voters are smart enough to reject such things at the ballot box, Jennifer?”
“Stop using democracy against me,” Hale replied. “Do you have sympathies with these people? Plus, Pauline laid out a clear case for why they are dangerous. Most notably angering the Xiomerans. For what it’s worth, I still don’t approve of us having to approve parties; but if we’re doing so, we might as well prevent such nonsense. I can’t count all the times pro-democracy Lauchenoirians have wished they could outlaw Doberman’s nonsense.”
“Before we get into a long-winded debate, can we have an initial vote to see if there is an overwhelming preference one way or the other?” Chiu asked. Nobody objected, so she went around the room taking votes.
“That seems clear to me,” Chiu replied. “Although, as an aside, I am curious as to your reasons for your vote, Rosemary.”
“Unlike Jennifer, who seems to have forgotten her principles,” Rosemary looked pointedly at Hale. “I am making my disapproval of this process known. We should not be restricting who can and cannot form a party in this manner, and therefore I shall vote to approve all applicants.”
“Okay,” Chiu said, letting the word draw out a little. Jennifer had turned red, and Chiu decided to move on quickly, before a fight broke out. “Second application is for the Fleuran Restoration Party.”
Everyone in the room turned to look at Natalia Hart, who was staring down at the paper with a look of utter surprise on her face. She looked up and around, as if expecting someone to laugh and call the application a prank. Nobody did; and she noted that several of their looks were ones of suspicion.
“Councillors, I promise I knew nothing of this,” Hart said hurriedly. “I would not even, I would not even accept such a thing if proposed in a serious nature. I share my great-grandmother’s position on the matter. The Fleuran monarchy is best staying dead and buried.”
“Well, given that Councillor Hart is named in this and does not support the aims, I would suggest we reject the application without further discussion,” Chiu said. Everyone nodded, especially Hart.
“Moving on to our third application, the Gynarcha-Socialist Party.”
“How did Charissa Clarke submit an application from Sanctarian prison?” Jennifer Hale joked, holding the paper away from her as if it smelled.
“Very funny,” Patel replied. “Will you also vote against this one then, Miss Reformist?”
“As much as I hate the idea, no,” Jennifer Hale said. “There’s nothing in here meeting the criteria of ‘danger to Kerlile’s existence’, and whoever is behind this clearly knew exactly how to play to all of you.”
“Oh? How so?” Chiu asked.
“All their policies are just normal socialism, yet they stuck gynarchy in their name. Surely you see that this is a ploy to win your votes,” Hale replied.
“Hah!” Rosemary Arnott said, leaning forward to eye Jennifer. “You’re upset I called you out, so now you’re trying to get them to vote it down so you don’t have to. Your time here has corrupted you, Jenny.”
“You understand nothing!” Jennifer snapped.
“Enough!” Chiu shouted before it could escalate. “Preliminary vote, now. And if anyone draws a gun, I swear to the Goddess I will schedule the remains of this session for your beloved Sunday. Now, voting!”
“Chaherian bullshit,” Jennifer muttered under her breath.
“Next we have the Next Stage Party,” Chiu announced, choosing to ignore Jennifer.
The gathered Councillors were all stunned into silence. The sheer audacity of whoever had submitted this application was impressive. To use the Founding Mothers of Kerlile to further such a seemingly anti-Kerlian ideology was risky in the extreme. It was true, of course, that the founders intended the period of female-only rule to be temporary to create an egalitarian society once the cultural shift had been attained. That was not something that it was safe to point out in the present day, however.
“I never thought I would view the Reform Party as moderate,” Nirmala Patel mused after the silence had begun to stretch.
“I guess we should vote,” Chiu said.
“Two-thirds have rejected the application; therefore, we shall not proceed with further discussion,” Chiu said, the relief evident in her voice. “Final party for consideration is the Progressive Economy Party.
“Are you gonna freak out about commies again, Jennifer?” Georgiou asked.
“No, these ones aren’t communists,” Hale shook her head. “They sound like social democrats without the democrat bit. They’re fine. The red flags are things like planned economy.”
“Red flags,” Rosemary burst out laughing. “Sorry, that was just very funny. Uh, carry on.”
“Can we just finish voting so I can get to my meeting with the Zongongian ambassador?” Chiu snapped. She was getting a headache.
“Great, two approvals and three rejections. End of session,” Chiu said quickly and then immediately swept up her papers and stormed off out of the room.
“What’s with her?” Rosemary asked.
“Her great-grandchildren ran away to Zongongia on a horse,” Jennifer replied.
“Uh, what?”
“Jia and Cheung took a horse from the Chiu stables and rode to Zongongia. Good thing their house is near the border because there’s no way I’d want to ride a horse with a two-year-old for longer than, well, to be honest zero seconds,” Jennifer shook her head.
“Isn’t Jia, like, six?” Rosemary asked.
“She’s eight, but your point is noted. Councillor Chiu is embarrassed that she lost two small children in her care. They’re safe, don’t worry. I spoke to Xia and they managed to make it to the Palace. Some poor Zongongian border guard got a fright when a horse rode at him, but it all worked out. But also, Rosemary? Don’t insult me in a Council session like that again,” Jennifer said. “We’ll talk about this later.”
Rosemary Arnott, back from her forest trip, was sweating in a bulletproof vest next to Letitia Greenwood, who was leaning away from the younger Councillor and intermittently pinching her nose. Jennifer Hale was once more accompanied by her four-year-old daughter, who had crawled under the table and fallen asleep. Nirmala Patel was wearing tight-fitting clothes, very unlike her usual style, in an attempt to make Rosemary feel more at ease, given the lack of locations to conceal weapons. They all waited for Chiu to continue.
“The five applications will be taken in alphabetical order. First application for consideration: Anti-Patriarchy League. Copies of their form will be in your agenda packs,” Chiu said.
The assembled Councillors began rustling through their paper information packs. Pauline Pierre pulled out her copy and looked at the summary sheet on top.
Quote:Name: Anti-Patriarchy League.
Short summary of ideology: economic self-sufficiency; closed borders; no alliances with non-gynarchies.
Top 5 policy priorities: 1. Removal of Xiomeran military bases. 2. Full economic self-sufficiency to end all imports and exports. 3. Close all borders, no immigration/emigration. 4. Closure of all embassies with non-gynarchies. 5. Increased military spending in case of retaliatory invasion.
“I hate to be the one to say this,” Pierre piped up reluctantly, “but this actually might cause a danger to Kerlile. They say it themselves: it could prompt retaliation. Furthermore, an end to all imports and exports may be survivable, but it certainly is not desirable. Approving this group would also be the fastest way to anger Xiomera.”
“Yeah, I’m with Pauline,” Jennifer Hale shuddered. “They sound like a Kerlian version of Lauchenoiria First, and you all threaten to attack Lauchenoiria every time Paul Doberman opens his mouth, so.”
“Well, we must consider the balance between protecting the Matriarchy, and allowing reform to proceed,” Natalia Hart said calmly, eyeing Hale. “Surely the voters are smart enough to reject such things at the ballot box, Jennifer?”
“Stop using democracy against me,” Hale replied. “Do you have sympathies with these people? Plus, Pauline laid out a clear case for why they are dangerous. Most notably angering the Xiomerans. For what it’s worth, I still don’t approve of us having to approve parties; but if we’re doing so, we might as well prevent such nonsense. I can’t count all the times pro-democracy Lauchenoirians have wished they could outlaw Doberman’s nonsense.”
“Before we get into a long-winded debate, can we have an initial vote to see if there is an overwhelming preference one way or the other?” Chiu asked. Nobody objected, so she went around the room taking votes.
Quote:Should this Council approve the creation of new political party, the Anti-Patriarchy League?
Arnott – Aye
Chiu – Nay
Georgiou – Nay
Greenwood – Nay
Hale – Nay
Hart – Aye
Patel – Nay
Pierre – Nay
Viallamando – Nay
“That seems clear to me,” Chiu replied. “Although, as an aside, I am curious as to your reasons for your vote, Rosemary.”
“Unlike Jennifer, who seems to have forgotten her principles,” Rosemary looked pointedly at Hale. “I am making my disapproval of this process known. We should not be restricting who can and cannot form a party in this manner, and therefore I shall vote to approve all applicants.”
“Okay,” Chiu said, letting the word draw out a little. Jennifer had turned red, and Chiu decided to move on quickly, before a fight broke out. “Second application is for the Fleuran Restoration Party.”
Quote:Name: Fleuran Restoration Party
Short summary of ideology: monarchism, restoration of Fleuran monarchy, crowing of Natalia Hart as Queen to be succeeded by the female line.
Top 5 policy priorities: 1. Crown Natalia Hart as Queen. 2. Council to become advisory body. 3. Splitting of Head of State and Head of Government into separate roles. 4. Invite South Fleura to rejoin us. 5. Change name of country to Queendom of Kerlile-Fleura.
Everyone in the room turned to look at Natalia Hart, who was staring down at the paper with a look of utter surprise on her face. She looked up and around, as if expecting someone to laugh and call the application a prank. Nobody did; and she noted that several of their looks were ones of suspicion.
“Councillors, I promise I knew nothing of this,” Hart said hurriedly. “I would not even, I would not even accept such a thing if proposed in a serious nature. I share my great-grandmother’s position on the matter. The Fleuran monarchy is best staying dead and buried.”
“Well, given that Councillor Hart is named in this and does not support the aims, I would suggest we reject the application without further discussion,” Chiu said. Everyone nodded, especially Hart.
“Moving on to our third application, the Gynarcha-Socialist Party.”
Quote:Name: Gynarcha-Socialist Party
Short summary of ideology: social and political gynarchy, economic socialism, abolition of capitalism
Top 5 policy priorities: 1. Nationalisation of important sectors. 2. Increased social security net. 3. Transformation of most businesses into worker-owned co-ops. 4. Introduction of planned economy. 5. Robust laws protecting trade unions.
“How did Charissa Clarke submit an application from Sanctarian prison?” Jennifer Hale joked, holding the paper away from her as if it smelled.
“Very funny,” Patel replied. “Will you also vote against this one then, Miss Reformist?”
“As much as I hate the idea, no,” Jennifer Hale said. “There’s nothing in here meeting the criteria of ‘danger to Kerlile’s existence’, and whoever is behind this clearly knew exactly how to play to all of you.”
“Oh? How so?” Chiu asked.
“All their policies are just normal socialism, yet they stuck gynarchy in their name. Surely you see that this is a ploy to win your votes,” Hale replied.
“Hah!” Rosemary Arnott said, leaning forward to eye Jennifer. “You’re upset I called you out, so now you’re trying to get them to vote it down so you don’t have to. Your time here has corrupted you, Jenny.”
“You understand nothing!” Jennifer snapped.
“Enough!” Chiu shouted before it could escalate. “Preliminary vote, now. And if anyone draws a gun, I swear to the Goddess I will schedule the remains of this session for your beloved Sunday. Now, voting!”
Quote:Should this Council approve the creation of new political party, the Gynarcha-Socialist Party?
Arnott – Aye
Chiu – Aye
Georgiou – Aye
Greenwood – Aye
Hale – Abstain
Hart – Aye
Patel – Aye
Pierre – Aye
Viallamando – Aye
“Chaherian bullshit,” Jennifer muttered under her breath.
“Next we have the Next Stage Party,” Chiu announced, choosing to ignore Jennifer.
Quote:Name: Next Stage Party
Short summary of ideology: democratic reform, male rights, furtherment of Founding Mother’s mission by moving from cultural change stage to new society stage
Top 5 policy priorities: 1. Equalise rights regardless of gender. 2. Grant Parliament priority over Council. 3. Democratic presidential elections immediately. 4. Abolish Alt-Ed centres and Kerlian Censorship Board. 5. Allow foreign election observers to ensure fair and free results.
The gathered Councillors were all stunned into silence. The sheer audacity of whoever had submitted this application was impressive. To use the Founding Mothers of Kerlile to further such a seemingly anti-Kerlian ideology was risky in the extreme. It was true, of course, that the founders intended the period of female-only rule to be temporary to create an egalitarian society once the cultural shift had been attained. That was not something that it was safe to point out in the present day, however.
“I never thought I would view the Reform Party as moderate,” Nirmala Patel mused after the silence had begun to stretch.
“I guess we should vote,” Chiu said.
Quote:Should this Council approve the creation of new political party, the Next Stage Party?
Arnott – Aye
Chiu – Nay
Georgiou – Aye
Greenwood – Nay
Hale – Aye
Hart – Nay
Patel – Nay
Pierre – Nay
Viallamando – Nay
“Two-thirds have rejected the application; therefore, we shall not proceed with further discussion,” Chiu said, the relief evident in her voice. “Final party for consideration is the Progressive Economy Party.
Quote:Name: Progressive Economy Party
Short summary of ideology: economic progressivism
Top 5 policy priorities: 1. Increase taxes on wealthy individuals and reform of tax rates generally. 2. More public spending on health, education and social security. 3. Increase state pension rate for both women and men. 4. Improved workers’ rights laws. 5. Greater corporation tax and regulations for businesses.
“Are you gonna freak out about commies again, Jennifer?” Georgiou asked.
“No, these ones aren’t communists,” Hale shook her head. “They sound like social democrats without the democrat bit. They’re fine. The red flags are things like planned economy.”
“Red flags,” Rosemary burst out laughing. “Sorry, that was just very funny. Uh, carry on.”
“Can we just finish voting so I can get to my meeting with the Zongongian ambassador?” Chiu snapped. She was getting a headache.
Quote:Should this Council approve the creation of new political party, the Progressive Economy Party?
Arnott – Aye
Chiu – Aye
Georgiou – Aye
Greenwood – Aye
Hale – Aye
Hart – Aye
Patel – Aye
Pierre – Aye
Viallamando – Aye
“Great, two approvals and three rejections. End of session,” Chiu said quickly and then immediately swept up her papers and stormed off out of the room.
“What’s with her?” Rosemary asked.
“Her great-grandchildren ran away to Zongongia on a horse,” Jennifer replied.
“Uh, what?”
“Jia and Cheung took a horse from the Chiu stables and rode to Zongongia. Good thing their house is near the border because there’s no way I’d want to ride a horse with a two-year-old for longer than, well, to be honest zero seconds,” Jennifer shook her head.
“Isn’t Jia, like, six?” Rosemary asked.
“She’s eight, but your point is noted. Councillor Chiu is embarrassed that she lost two small children in her care. They’re safe, don’t worry. I spoke to Xia and they managed to make it to the Palace. Some poor Zongongian border guard got a fright when a horse rode at him, but it all worked out. But also, Rosemary? Don’t insult me in a Council session like that again,” Jennifer said. “We’ll talk about this later.”
LIDUN President 2024 | she/her | Puppets: Kerlile, Glanainn, Yesteria, Zongongia, Zargothrax