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CONSERVATIVE AND UNION PARTY
Spectrum: Right
The Conservative Party was formed during the split in the Chancellorate and was the ruling party in the Provincial Chancellorate, and is, as such, the oldest party in the Electorate. It advocates traditionalism and personal rights; they fight for stability and oppose reformism and modernism. The Conservative Party is also the main opponent of Urcean Communism, or Contism, and readily advocates for its suppression. Other than that, the Conservative Party is also a supporter of moderate libertarianism. [s]The Party does, however, believe that the government needs to be more forceful when it comes to social issues, pushing for the state to support morality, specifically in issues like the legal status of drugs as well as gay marriage.[/s] The Party was lead by Michael Colombo from when he was elected Imperial Chancellor in 2025 (Urcean Calendar) to his death in 2047, and has had a bumpy electoral history; it controlled a majority of seats (in a coalition with the former Julian Party) until 2030, when it was relegated to the inferior status within that coalition. Currently, the party also supports the creation of a large, strong National Army under the guidelines of the Constitution.
In an effort to keep out leftists as well as those advocating for a strong central, imperialistic government, the former Union Party and the Conservative Party initially formed a coalition, with the Union Party as the junior partner. However, as the Conservative Party became increasingly in favor of provincial rights and against a strong central government, the Union Party agreed to merge into the party; they formed the Conservative and Union Party. They now fight for strong provincial rights in government, while advocating for slight social conservatism; they advocate it mostly through provincial legislation, but also through Federal legislation.
The Conservative Party theoretically opposes President Nero's war, however they view it as an economic opportunity for the country, as well as an opportunity to secure the nation's southern borders. In principal they support these moves as well as Nero's claims to foreign thrones, but they oppose Nero's slow centralization of government under the guise of the war effort. Since the creation of the Imperial Party, social Conservatism has disappeared from the party, as the Conservative Party has begun a major shift to right social libertarianism.
CURRENT SEATS: 28
LIBERAL PARTY
Spectrum: Left
The Liberal Party is a messy unification of the former Social Democratic, Republican, Contists (Urcean Communists), and Left Libertarians. The viewpoints of the party vary widely, but they mostly agree on one thing - reformation of the nation. The Liberal Party generally agrees that unity, even between conflicting viewpoints, is the best option to overturn the long-standing control of Urcea by the political right. The party, like the Conservative party, has had a bumpy history. Prior to 2030, the Republican party held a large number of seats, followed by the Social Democrats holding a few and the Contists holding little. Despite the Julian Party victory in 2030, the Social Republican Party (a merger of the former Social Democrat and Republican Party) made gains; the new Chancellor, Brian Julius (Julian Party) was willing to "play ball", in regards to Social Republican reform. After the war and the separation of the Electorate, the Social Republican Party was handily defeated in the 2034 provincial elections, losing all but eight seats. Under the leadership of Brian Julius, who renounced his titles of nobility and switched parties, the Social Republicans took advantage of the Libertarian split by forming a Liberal party, merging with left libertarians who broke off, as well as the Contist party.
The Liberal Party is the primary opposition party of government. By controlling only 12 of 50 seats, they have trouble instituting most of their platform, and can only do so mainly by gigantic compromises. They oppose Urcea's wars with its neighbors, and they oppose President Nero's claims to foreign thrones.
CURRENT SEATS: 12
IMPERIAL PARTY
Spectrum: Right
The Imperial Party supports a strong National Army to project Urcea's force both in Ixnay and abroad. They also favor the dissolution or severe limitation of the provincial militas, in favor of one large, well organized army. The Imperial Party supports limiting the political power of the Legions, as they may attempt to usurp central power; as it is written in law, they may currently overrule provincial governments in an emergency. The Party is in favor of rapid expansionism, particularly the annexation of Rexheim, Canaery, Meropolis, New Greston, and San Carlos, which are Urcea's neighbors. In addition, the party advocates expansion overseas in order to fuel the economy. The party advocates a hands-off approach to economics, but several "Imperial Guarantees" industries important to national security, such as arms manufacturing and fossil fuel production. The Imperial Party finds most of its support within the ranks of the military or within the province of Imperia. A faction of the Party advocates using the Constitution's emergency powers clause to reestablish the Imperial Monarchy on a yearly basis, however, this is not a national platform.
The Imperial Party's main base lies within devout Catholic voters, Great War Imperial veterans, the wealthy in the province of Imperia, and expansionists. They support President Nero, despite the fact he has not officially decided to join their party, and much of their platform is based upon his policies. The Imperial Party and Conservative Party often compromise and work together, considering that some of their views are similar.
CURRENT SEATS: 10
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THE DEBATE
As happens every so years in Urcea, provincial government elections are coming soon. As such, the national debates between party representatives are key in swaying many voters to come out to the polls in their provinces. Members of the national Congress are not directly elected, but rather by provincial appointment. Thus, these provincial elections are crucial to the legislative ability of the country. These national debates, therefore, are often the central event of deciding the party of choice within the provinces.
Urcea's party system has shifted many times since the system began in 2025. As of now, however, three main parties exist; the Conservative Party, the Liberal Party, and the Imperial Party.
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The national hero. The veteran. Now, the elder. Julius Nero, the most widely known man in Urcea, hailed as a savior of the Republic, came out of retirement form Urcean politics in order to moderate the debate between the candidates for the 2057 election. Nero has not completely removed himself from politics; as Grand Duke of Urceopolis, he often involved himself in municipal affairs. Upon being asked by the President, his nephew, to moderate a debate, he gladly accepted.
Fmr. President Nero: Tonight's representatives for the parties will be former Presidential candidate and current Chancellor, Gregory Spano, for the Conservative and Union Party. For the Liberal Party will be former Presidential candidate and Congressman from Rexheim Minor, Kevin Valentin. For the Imperial Party tonight is Augustus Clark, proconsul of the fifth district, and candidate for Congress from the province of Sol Y Sangre. Proconsul Clark recently secured the surrender of one of Urcea's southern enemies, Canaery. Gentlemen.
Chancellor Spano: Good evening, Mr. President.
Congressman Valent: It's a fine night for debate, Mr. President.
Proconsul Clark: Good evening, sir.
Fmr. President Nero: Tonight, we shall be opening up the debate to questions from those watching on the internet.
Rejaina wrote:"Hello" said a voice on the computer screen "I have a question for all of the candidates, If a nation near in the region were to go into a civil war against a well known dictator, this dictator has given Urea years of great support and resources creating a friendship. The opposition is aware of the friendship and has vowed to break all ties with Urea when in power. What will you do as congressional leaders to keep the situation under control? What will be you initial reaction?"
Chancellor Spano: Well, the Urcean government should use any political capital and economic assistance it can scrap together to help the dictator remain in power. If the opposition takes power, so be it; so long as they do not threaten our interests or our people, they are no longer our concern.
Congressman Valentin: Oh, now they're no longer our concern? Chancellor and People of Urcea, this is no hypothetical, as our government actively supports anti-communist dictatorships around the world. Simply put, these governments are not our problem; by getting involved, we violate the right of self-determination that Former President and tonight's moderator, Julius Nero, fought so hard to preserve. Urcea should abandon all of its absurd ventures into foreign governments.
Proconsul Clark: As a people, we must do whatever it is that benefits us, that benefits our self-determination, but at the same time protects our interests. In such a hypothetical, an Imperial Congress would vote to use military force to ensure that such a leader would remain in power in his or her said country.
Rejaina wrote:"hmm, okay". "Looking at many rural neighborhoods in Urcea there is much too improve on with wealth distributions, welfare, and the economy period. I have talked to many who claim they eat dog food becasue prices are too high and Immigrants who are forced into less then reputable position for money". "So I ask you what would you do to help build a thriving economy for all Urcea citizens and people, and to help newly entered citizens in Urcea survive?" "This again is directed toward all parties."
Chancellor Spano: I, for one, dispute this claim. The price of food in the Federal Republic of Urcea is quite low due to the supply given to the market by farmers. The Conservative Party places no restrictions or quotas upon these farmers, and they provide for our people quite adequately. I also take offense at the claim that our economy "needs help"; the Urcean Dollar has never been stronger, and statistics show that the average Urcean makes around $50,000, which is a good salary. Last, I dispute your claim that we need policies of welfare and wealth distribution; these are not only draconian and take away the rights of our people, but are simply unnecessary. In Urcea, the structure is in place to receive help, though not through government; for those in need, getting help is as simple as reaching out to the Church. Our party seeks to maintain such systems, as they work. As to your question, myself and my party would do nothing to "help" the economy - and that's exactly how we will reach increased prosperity.
Congressman Valentin: I don't doubt the claims levied within the question. It is very true, as well, that Urcea needs a strong infrastructure outside of the Church to help the neediest among us. That power must be taken from the closed Church to the people, or rather, the government of the people. As Chancellor, I would propose and back legislation enabling welfare programs within our nation in order to give those who really need it wealth from those who really have it.
Proconsul Clark: I can't add much more to what the Chancellor said on the economic issue, as myself and my party are in full agreement with the Chancellor. On the immigration issue, I do not believe that we as a nation should allow for immigration at the current moment; we are currently incorporating anywhere from one and one half billion to two billion people from the conquest of the continent. Our societal and governmental systems must adapt to this gargantuan growth before being able to incorporate more people into our national entity.
Plantagenet Jerusalem wrote:[i]Watching the debate, Guy LeBlanc sent in the following question online from his homeland, the Kingdom of Jerusalem:
Greetings gentlemen. As we all know, Urcea has many foreign dependencies, such as the Kingdom of Jerusalem. How would your respective parties deal with not only Urcean foreign dependencies, but also the Urceo-Valencian Empire and other foreign claims by the President of Urcea or the House of Plantagenet-Nero in general?
Chancellor Spano: The Urcean people and the Conservative and Union Party is committed to our relationships with our dependencies, such as the Kingdom of Jerusalem; we advocate for the continued allowance of finances and arms to that nation. As for the Urceo-Valencian Empire, my party and I feel that we should maintain cordial relations, however, we should not get involved in their affairs. As for the President's foreign claims, we feel that many of these claims are legitimate and should be pursued, but they should only be enforced with Urcean arms and Urcean blood through the approval of Congress and the provinces.
Congressman Valentin: Is this a serious question? Why must we send our sons, daughters, brothers, and sisters to defend a land that is not even Urcean? Furthermore, how is it pursuant to the goals and foundation of our Republic to allow our soldiers to be sent overseas simply for the benefit of the House of Plantagenet-Nero? If we do this, how are we any different from the Empire that we fought so hard against to maintain our freedoms from? Our party maintains and will always maintain that if foreign dependencies of the House of Plantagenet-Nero are in trouble, it is solely the responsibility of the House, and our nation cannot or should not get involved as a personal pet toy of theirs.
Proconsul Clark: We believe our nation should pursue a closer bond with our dependent states, so much so as to involve a partial integration of said states into our Union. For the benefit of our people, our economy, and the prestige of our nation, as well as its security, we fully support the President's claims to the thrones of Brasland and Istorya, and fully support use of Urcean soldiers and arms to support these claims; for instance, Istorya under the rightful control of President Nero would create a fairly large southern buffer against any potential threats. Additionally, it would increase our ability to project power both throughout the region and throughout the world.
