Apella debates Keiper Integration Bill⮞ 11 Yuletide 2200
Martian Standard Time
Planets like Makemake could be integrated into the Ecumene according to proponents of the 'Keiper Integration Project'
Editor Eliza Iverness | Apella, Harlow, Hellasmark, Mars, Sol System
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HARLOW — Lawmakers in the Apella were at odds over a new proposed bill by the
Keiper Integration Project spearheaded by MPs like Dellatross and Michaels (LCP) according to those familiar with the debate. The KIP successfully lobbied for legislation that would formally integrate Keiper objects like Makemake, which had been annexed under the
Keiper Economic Industrialisation Act, and make them official territories of the
Ecumene -- a new administrative development created by Tristan I for the
'core worlds' of Hypatia.
Unlike other territories, however, Keiper objects within the
'Keiper Economic Zone' aren't 'inhabited' in the same sense but are specially zoned regions of intense industrialisation comprised of various corporate or federally-subsidised industries and housing for workers or automation. KIP argues, however, that these habitats known as
'The Blocks' by workers in these zones are technically habitation and thus qualify the KEZ for integration. KIP says that incorporating the zones into the Ecumene would provide new protections and benefits for workers and weaken the corporate power of industry giants like Yokohama, DuVal, and Fournier.
The Big Three, as they are collectively referred to as, however, argue that this definition of habitation is legally dubious and that under charter these zones are considered corporate property. Any attempts, they say, would violate federal law regarding eminent domain without just compensation and that if integration were to happen, companies operating these habitats would be forced to close them, rendering the point moot.
Javers (UNP) was sympathetic to the Big Three and argued that it'd be "silly to have a territory where no one lived". But the disagreement isn't just between the United Nationalists and the Liberal-Conservatives. Labour, who forms part of the governing coalition with the LCP, took the opportunity to lash out at their allies for "lukewarm support" according to Labour First Secretary Charlie Eden. Eden, who has a history of challenging her coalition partners, told Labour supporters during a press conference that the "LCP's hesitance to move on landmark legislation is a disaster in the making for this government." Eden further commented that the LCP is more concerned about "kickbacks" from corporate donors than "morals."
In a surprising rebuff, Erin Blackmoor, who serves as the leading chair of the LCP, suggested that the Labour First Secretary had "her head in the clouds" during a townhall meeting yesterday when he was asked about her comments. "It is a rare occurrence that the UNP and the LCP have similar views on an issue, but the fact is that if a company like Yokohama closed down their habitats and facilities, there'd be no voting base in the Keiper. We'd have to legislate a way to prevent that -- and at that point it just becomes madness. Workers in the Keiper are already guaranteed certain protections under the Fair Labour Act," Blackmoor said.
Overall, Keiper objects like Quaoar, Sedna, Haumea, Makemake, Orcus, Salacia, Vanth, Actaea, and Weywot could be candidates for the integration if the bill made it through the House according to the Imperial Charters Office. The ICO, which handles the registration and annexation of territories in the Commonwealth, told lawmakers today that even if this bill were to pass, it would require an amendment to the KEIA that either superseded it or redefined these territories. "Currently, the KEIA is very clear that these dwarf planets and the regions around them are economically zoned and not currently considered 'inhabited' in a legal sense; their purpose was never to be for colonisation but to maximise industrial potential in Sol after the repeal of the Mutual Security Treaty," ICO Chief Arval Del told lawmakers.
In order to safeguard facilities, the Commonwealth renegotiated the Mutual Security Treaty with the Menelmacari, ending the fleet cap in Sol and the Solarian Cold War. Soon after, KEIA came into force to move large amounts of material and facilities into Sol from regions like the Martian Delta. It also provided a great number of jobs as several megascale projects were created by Nerys I to help the country recover from the Great War. "We needed to get the labour force moving, and we needed to quickly get ourselves back on our feet. We had to match military production and economic production to pre-war levels and for that reason, KEIA was necessary," Admiral Julios told HCN.
With opinions split in the nation's parliament, many suspect that compromises will first need to be made between Labour and the Liberal-Conservatives, otherwise, the bill won't make it past the first debate. Prime Minister Stigandr has not voiced support either way, but having a split camp at a critical time when the UNP is gaining a lot of traction in previously LibCon strongholds like the Martian Delta could mean a major defeat come the midterms.