The Empyrian Presidential Elections [Francisco re-elected]

[Emperyo]

Today marks the start of the 2024-2025 Presidential Elections.

While the current President Miguel Francisco, running for a second term, has achieved numerous achievements that ensured stability locally and internationally, such as ending the TOP insurgency and curbing rising radical political ideologies from the Left and Right internationally, introducing a pragmatist alternative, Franciscoism, to the international community, President Francisco faces opposition from those of low income and those who were once under the Theocratic State.

Some have even believed in the restoration of the Federation, with increased civil rights for the people. The Federation Party was hence established in 2024 by some members of the Reformist Party, believing in not just a restoration but also to 'revise and improve' the flaws of the then-Reformist Party.

Some have been against rising taxes, adopting a Libertarian stance, and some believe in rising taxes for the low income families and abolishing the Corporation Acts in the name of social democracy and equality.

Nevertheless, Emperyo is divided in political ideology. Will the era of Franciscoism remain, or will another ideology create it's own dynasty in one of the most influential nations in the free world?

[Emperyo]

Michael Wachtel (Libertarian Party)

Achievements:
Longest-running Senator of Germania (3 terms)
Improved the Federal State of Germania after the Revolution; adopted free-market policies in Germania (this adoption was possible as the Federal State governments were allowed to make laws for their own Federal States under the Reformist Era), the State of Germania became the Economic Powerhouse of Emperyo
Low crime rates; Germania ranked #1 in Law Enforcement in Emperyo.

Senator Michael Wachtel once ran for his first term under the Reformist Party, believing in a more democratic society for the Empyrians. His charisma won him 88% of the vote in the Germania Senate Government elections, and was slowly seen as the 'Face of Reformism' by the media, eclipsing then-President Roberto Alfonso. Senator Wachtel switched party loyalty after President Alfonso announced in his 2nd race that he would be allowing for state control over the economy, as Wachtel had a more libertarian stance.

"..I respect our President Alfonso, and one way for this respect is to be honest about your loyalties, therefore I leave the Reformist Party..."
~Michael Wachtel in his resignation speech to the Reformists

Wachtel highly favoured the Francisco administration, for its extremely free market policy and its increasing improvement of the Economy. However, he turned down President Francisco's offer for Vice President, stating that 'Franciscoism encouraged more government control over individual freedoms'.

"Francisco and I have had differing ideologies. He believes in control of the government to achieve stability. I believe that as long as the government educates its citizens well, we don't have to worry when dangerous political parties start popping out of nowhere. That being said, the government should fund more on Education, and not Law Enforcement.."
~Senator Wachtel on why he turned down the VP position

[Emperyo]

Francis Underwood Clinton (Social Democratic Party)

Achievements:
Co founder of the non profit organisation named Clean Water Initiative with Claire Urquhart, the first Minister for Overall Social Policies
Majority Whip of the Senate of the Federation of Emperyo (2005-2015)
Pushed for increased civil rights throughout the region during the Commonwealth period, was pro-minority, allowing President Francisco to pass the Minority Rights Bill, the first of its kind in Emperyo.

Francis Underwood Clinton is a liberal progressivist, believing in the openness to other political ideals. He believes strongly in left-leaning political ideas, and promises to proritise "civil rights and political freedom" in Emperyo, as he believes that freedom and welfare for the Empyrian individual leads to a more stable Emperyo, not an increase in law enforcement.

"..The only policy we can applaud President Francisco with is that of the Commonwealth Reformation. Other than that, he has clamped on our freedoms just for the sake of political stability. This resulted in the near brink of a civil war. We need to increase welfare and individual freedom. That's how society moves forward.. However my belief in welfare differs to that of the Reformists. We will think of a better way to serve the citizens."

He promised for more jobs, introducing the EmperyoWorks intiative, a policy he promised to execute when he gains the Presidency.

"...The only way for us to serve you is to give you the means to serve yourselves. That's exactly what I intend to do. Not handouts - jobs. Real paying jobs. When I get elected, I will introduce a bill called EmperyoWorks. Its goal is simple: to put the ten million Empyrians who are unemployed to work. All of them. If you want a job, you get one. The cost is $500 billion. Now, that's a lot of money. To pay for it, we'll have to rethink Social Security, health care, and benefits from the ground up. We can't maintain the welfare state as we know it. Now, that's not a popular thing to say. Anyone running for office wouldn't dare utter those words. Every adviser and consultant and staff member would beg a presidential candidate not to say them. But I can say them... because I will be seeking the Democratic nomination in 2025."

~Francis Underwood Clinton in his Announcement Speech

[Emperyo]

Frederico Alonso (Federation Party)

Achievements:
Senator of the South Italian Republics (2015-2020)
Reformed the towns of Sicily to more modernized-looking cities.
Vice President of the Commonwealth (2020-2025)
Also a staunch critic of the Commonwealth government, believing that appointment of the Ministers in the Parliament by the Prime Minister alone could be biased to political ideals.

Frederico Alonso is a federalist, believing in the increase of representation of the people in Emperyo.

"..The only reason why the Reformist Party is able to execute policies with ease is because of their majority representation, true, but they have rose to this majority purely from the vote of the People of Emperyo. However the only reason why the Commonwealth is able to execute plans is because the Prime Minister holds immense power, and is appointed by the President, and not the people..."

~Vice President Frederico Alonso

"We must allow for legislative power for the Senate once more. The Parliament is stationed only in the richer states, in Germania. One way to combat wealth gaps is to allow the people of poorer States to elect their own leaders that favour their beliefs (....) and eventually allow for economic reform."

~Vice President Frederico Alonso

[The Intergalactic Universe Corporation]

The Corporation will gladly endorse President Francisco in the current election, but is open to seeing Mr Clinton too, because his EmperyoWorks initiative provides a new way to look at maintaining a sustainable welfare state with minimal long term spending.

OOC: Underwood For The Win!

[Emperyo]

Miguel Francisco

Achievements:
Established Franciscoism as a safer alternative to the rising global mainstream right-wing expansionist movement in Europe.
Stopped imperialist growth in Nationalist Spain, controlled the Nationalist Italian Insurgency and subdued the hostile Union of Legionary Republics.
Ended the War on Terror.
Ensured stability by allowing the Decrease of Political Freedom plebiscite, banning the Communist Party of Emperyo, and banning any party from staging violent protests.
Allowed for a free-market policy in Emperyo, increasing economic growth in Emperyo.
Emperyo was deemed Global #1 in Freest Markets during his presidency
Emperyo was in the top 5 in economic growth worldwide.
Changed Emperyo into a Commonwealth, allowing for a separation of legislative and executive power to the Parliament and Senate respectively.

President Francisco is currently left-leaning in social issues, but right-leaning in economic issues. He believes in how corporations contribute greatly to economic growth, and successfully cut taxes from 38.4% during the Alfonso presidency to 25% during his administration.

Promises to provide jobs for the population, and opposes the EmperyoWorks initiative given by Francis Underwood Clinton.

"...Senator Francis Clinton wishes to cut down spending on Welfare to provide jobs for the population. Providing free jobs is just like increasing the minimum wage greatly. Also, cutting spending in the Welfare sector will also cut jobs related to the welfare sector due to economic inactivity. That defeats the purpose of EmperyoWorks."

~President Miguel Francisco

[The Intergalactic Universe Corporation]

Miguel Francisco

(Image)

Achievements:
Established Franciscoism as a safer alternative to the rising global mainstream right-wing expansionist movement in Europe.
Stopped imperialist growth in Nationalist Spain, controlled the Nationalist Italian Insurgency and subdued the hostile Union of Legionary Republics.
Ended the War on Terror.
Ensured stability by allowing the Decrease of Political Freedom plebiscite, banning the Communist Party of Emperyo, and banning any party from staging violent protests.
Allowed for a free-market policy in Emperyo, increasing economic growth in Emperyo.
Emperyo was deemed Global #1 in Freest Markets during his presidency
Emperyo was in the top 5 in economic growth worldwide.
Changed Emperyo into a Commonwealth, allowing for a separation of legislative and executive power to the Parliament and Senate respectively.

We praise President Francisco for his achievements as President of Emperyo

[Emperyo]

Miguel Francisco

(Image)

Achievements:
Established Franciscoism as a safer alternative to the rising global mainstream right-wing expansionist movement in Europe.
Stopped imperialist growth in Nationalist Spain, controlled the Nationalist Italian Insurgency and subdued the hostile Union of Legionary Republics.
Ended the War on Terror.
Ensured stability by allowing the Decrease of Political Freedom plebiscite, banning the Communist Party of Emperyo, and banning any party from staging violent protests.
Allowed for a free-market policy in Emperyo, increasing economic growth in Emperyo.
Emperyo was deemed Global #1 in Freest Markets during his presidency
Emperyo was in the top 5 in economic growth worldwide.
Changed Emperyo into a Commonwealth, allowing for a separation of legislative and executive power to the Parliament and Senate respectively.

We praise President Francisco for his achievements as President of Emperyo

"We will continue our free-market trade relations with international countries, especially the IUC, when I run a second term"

~President Miguel Francisco

[The Intergalactic Universe Corporation]

We praise President Francisco for his achievements as President of Emperyo

"We will continue our free-market trade relations with international countries, especially the IUC, when I run a second term"

~President Miguel Francisco

We are glad to hear that

[Stojam]

The Stojamian government will endorse the current president, Miguel Francisco and the Capitalist Party.

[The Intergalactic Universe Corporation]

The Stojamian government will endorse the current president, Miguel Francisco and the Capitalist Party.

Another ally endorses the Capitalists! Yay!

[Emperyo]

The Stojamian government will endorse the current president, Miguel Francisco and the Capitalist Party.

"We thank the government of Stojam for their support."

~President Miguel Francisco

[Emperyo]

Bumpz

[Great Alaskan Republic]

"I don't think the president of Emperyo needs to change as of now. We so not know if a president change can turn Emperyo into another closed hard-to-contact nation. Or into a utopia.
Yes, Emperyo needs changes, but not changes of who is sitting in the chair and solving issues."
-President Ellie Fox.

"I believe another president could see our views as too aggresive or impossible.
I think the president should stay, or we can all await unforseen consequenses."
Head of The ADD.

[Emperyo]

---BREAKING NEWS---
As of today, 27th February 2025, the frontrunners are as follows:

President Miguel Francisco, Capitalist Party, representing the Conservatives. (Gained 75% average in the Conservative polls, and 33% in the National polls)
VP Frederico Alonso, Federalist Party, representing the Liberals. (Gained 66% average in the Liberal polls, 20% in the National polls)
However, Senator Michael Wachtel of the Libertarian Front is gaining traction, having a percentage favouring him in the polls almost equal to that of the current President Francisco. (Gained 88% average in the Third Party polls, 30% in the National polls)

---LIBERAL COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS---
This week, Francis Clinton of the Social Democratic Party may have lost favour within the Liberal community but believes that 'the war is not over', and refuses to give in to the de facto Nominee of the Liberal community, VP Frederico Alonso.

"...I represent liberalism in its essence, and I have made it clear ever since the beginning; I will fight for the freedom and welfare of the Empyrian citizen!"
~Francis Underwood Clinton

Francis Clinton in his campaign speech.

Clinton also mentioned that 'international relations will never falter in his presidency'.

"...International relations are important for an influential nation like Emperyo. We can't be all closed and self-sufficient. The free world is always based on globalism."
~Francis Clinton

[The Intergalactic Universe Corporation]

---BREAKING NEWS---
As of today, 27th February 2025, the frontrunners are as follows:

President Miguel Francisco, Capitalist Party, representing the Conservatives. (Gained 75% average in the Conservative polls, and 33% in the National polls)
VP Frederico Alonso, Federalist Party, representing the Liberals. (Gained 66% average in the Liberal polls, 20% in the National polls)
However, Senator Michael Wachtel of the Libertarian Front is gaining traction, having a percentage favouring him in the polls almost equal to that of the current President Francisco. (Gained 88% average in the Third Party polls, 30% in the National polls)

---LIBERAL COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS---
This week, Francis Clinton of the Social Democratic Party may have lost favour within the Liberal community but believes that 'the war is not over', and refuses to give in to the de facto Nominee of the Liberal community, VP Frederico Alonso.

"...I represent liberalism in its essence, and I have made it clear ever since the beginning; I will fight for the freedom and welfare of the Empyrian citizen!"
~Francis Underwood Clinton

(Image)
Francis Clinton in his campaign speech.

Clinton also mentioned that 'international relations will never falter in his presidency'.

"...International relations are important for an influential nation like Emperyo. We can't be all closed and self-sufficient. The free world is always based on globalism."
~Francis Clinton

We congratulate the candidates for their successful week of campaigning and wish them the best in the election.

[Emperyo]

---CONSERVATIVE COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS---

Ever since the beginning, President Miguel Francisco has been currently on the lead in all the national polls and Conservative polls, despite increased opposition from other members of the Conservative community.

Governor Michael Romney, current Governor of Germania and frontrunner of the Republican Party, criticised President Francisco a week ago for his 'increasingly liberal policies'.

"..I define marriage as the union of a man and a woman(..)and what our President is doing (legalising LGBT marriage) is attacking on the religious institutions of our country. This is why we have experienced a crisis that almost literally split our nation... The government must do more to respect the sector of Religion."
~Governor Michael Romney in his campaign speech

Governor Romney in the Republican Conference

However, Governor Romney left the presidential race 3 days ago, claiming that he has 'conducted talks' with President Francisco' and now sides in support with him.

"Yes, he is too liberal to be a conservative... However, I have observed that liberals labels him as a conservative. President Francisco did one thing no leader would ever do--succeed in clashing both the liberal and conservative view, advantaging on both of its strengths and adopting a pragmatic approach. That is Franciscoism."

~Governor Romney in his resignation speech

[Emperyo]

---LIBERTARIAN HAPPENINGS---

Senator Michael Wachtel, like President Francisco, has remained in the lead ever since the beginning of the electoral period, However, unlike Francisco, he is undisputed. So far, opponents under third parties were overshadowed by Senator Wachtel's campaigns.

Senator Wachtel advocated reforms in the government budget, pushing for more funding in Education and not in Law Enforcement.

"..We have seen the radicalised, and how they came to that stage.. A hate for the establishment, claiming the establishment was 'too controlling'. In order to prevent this, we must not only produce an image of hostility, but also educate the people. As a wise man once said, knowledge is power."
~Senator Wachtel in his campaign speech

At one point during the electoral period, the National polls showed him on equals with the current President Miguel Francisco.

[The Intergalactic Universe Corporation]

---CONSERVATIVE COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS---

Ever since the beginning, President Miguel Francisco has been currently on the lead in all the national polls and Conservative polls, despite increased opposition from other members of the Conservative community.

Governor Michael Romney, current Governor of Germania and frontrunner of the Republican Party, criticised President Francisco a week ago for his 'increasingly liberal policies'.

"..I define marriage as the union of a man and a woman(..)and what our President is doing (legalising LGBT marriage) is attacking on the religious institutions of our country. This is why we have experienced a crisis that almost literally split our nation... The government must do more to respect the sector of Religion."
~Governor Michael Romney in his campaign speech

(Image)
Governor Romney in the Republican Conference

However, Governor Romney left the presidential race 3 days ago, claiming that he has 'conducted talks' with President Francisco' and now sides in support with him.

"Yes, he is too liberal to be a conservative... However, I have observed that liberals labels him as a conservative. President Francisco did one thing no leader would ever do--succeed in clashing both the liberal and conservative view, advantaging on both of its strengths and adopting a pragmatic approach. That is Franciscoism."

~Governor Romney in his resignation speech

We respect Governor Romney's decision to side with President Francisco despite disagreeing with some of his social policies. We respect his ability to put aside ideology for Emperyo's future.

[The Intergalactic Universe Corporation]

---LIBERTARIAN HAPPENINGS---

Senator Michael Wachtel, like President Francisco, has remained in the lead ever since the beginning of the electoral period, However, unlike Francisco, he is undisputed. So far, opponents under third parties were overshadowed by Senator Wachtel's campaigns.

Senator Wachtel advocated reforms in the government budget, pushing for more funding in Education and not in Law Enforcement.

"..We have seen the radicalised, and how they came to that stage.. A hate for the establishment, claiming the establishment was 'too controlling'. In order to prevent this, we must not only produce an image of hostility, but also educate the people. As a wise man once said, knowledge is power."
~Senator Wachtel in his campaign speech

At one point during the electoral period, the National polls showed him on equals with the current President Miguel Francisco.

We commend Senator Wachtel for his inspiring stance against radicals and his stance for education instead of control by law enforcement, but would like to remind him to ensure a strong and capable police force if he leads Emperyo, as in an increasing unstable world, stability needs to be enforced by the government and law enforcement.

[Emperyo]

Note, if you have any questions for the candidates (especially for policies) do feel free to post them.

[The Intergalactic Universe Corporation]

"Senator Wachtel, we would like to check and clarify your economic policy and your attitude toward Galactican-Emperyian relations if you manage to clinch the presidency. Also, we would like to clarify your stance on national security and defence."
-Spokesman for Ministry of Foreign Affairs

[Emperyo]

"Senator Wachtel, we would like to check and clarify your economic policy and your attitude toward Galactican-Emperyian relations if you manage to clinch the presidency. Also, we would like to clarify your stance on national security and defence."
-Spokesman for Ministry of Foreign Affairs

on Economy: "When I take the presidency, the free market will still remain. Emperyo's title of Superpower will always maintain as long as it involves itself in the global market."
on Security: "In terms of national security, we will have to reform the Defense system from its current ruthless, intimidating image to a more 'protective, supportive' force. One way for this is to give Empyrians clarity on the Commonwealth's security policies. Allow for our citizens to be more critical of it's government. We don't want Emperyo to move into a more authoritarian, 'Father Knows Best' government. That way, Empyrians can sleep at night knowing their security functions for the good of the people."
on Defense: "We will have to move Defense more to the citizens, and not to the control of Corporations. I believe that if the Army is comprised mainly of citizens, and taken charge by the leaders its citizens have voted for, the Army will serve as a more patriotic branch, than one that simply secures a Nation."

[Emperyo]

"Senator Wachtel, we would like to check...your attitude toward Galactican-Emperyian relations if you manage to clinch the presidency."
-Spokesman for Ministry of Foreign Affairs

"Relations with the current IUC will continue as the free market will function as usual in my presidency."

[The Intergalactic Universe Corporation]

"Senator Wachtel, we would like to check...your attitude toward Galactican-Emperyian relations if you manage to clinch the presidency."
-Spokesman for Ministry of Foreign Affairs

"Relations with the current IUC will continue as the free market will function as usual in my presidency."

"What are your positions on defence and national security?"
-Newscaster