NS Parliament Life Outside [IC]

[Martune]

Carl von Leslie enters the Governor-General's residence.

"Your Excellency, I would like to appoint Rasti Andresson my Minister of Foreign Affairs."

"It is well noted, and the message will be sent to the Chamber at an appropriate time."

[Martune]

A New Government: Thoughts on both sides

Julia Svenson-July 17, 2019

Politics

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Sankta Hilda News 5 is an independent and neutral news network. The following piece has been reviewed and edited as to not display a partisan bias in our news reporting

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With the formation of a new minority government in Sankta Hilda, we as SNH5 thought it'd be a good idea to get opinions from both sides of the aisle. We bring to you interviews from Lance Darrow (FPP-FU) and James Penta (Greens-LGA). Both MPs were asked the same questions except for James Penta, who was asked a strictly opposition related question.

Lance Darrow
Free People's Party-Government Benches

What is your opinions on Prime Minister Leslie and his government?
Leslie will make an effective Prime Minister. Little conservative for my taste, but he'll do OK. I will insist that he appoints a new Minister of Foreign Affairs who is from the Free People's Party, in order to keep the balance between the FPP and NPP.

We don't really have a cohesive justice system. What model would you implement into Sankta Hilda?
I'm not all that well educated in various justice systems, but local courts and appeal courts, alongside a Federal Supreme Court should be able to do the job well enough.

How do you feel about the current tax bill that will most likely be implemented?
The taxes are far too high. I'm not all that thrilled about its passing, but the coalition is demanding we vote to pass it. I've chosen to abstain in the Chamber, but I can be quite clear beyond it: I do strongly disagree with the bill.

Markets are expanding in Sankta Hilda. What will you do to ensure this growth continues?
Growth of the economy and protection of economic freedom is likely the most important topic to me. I would like to pursue a course of non-interventionism, which, in my own opinion, is the system that will most grow our nation's economy. I don't believe in ideas of extensive subsidization or protectionism. Foreign trade is very important if we plan to grow, and subsidizing certain industries will not aid us. The coalition plans to pursue the subsidization of the agricultural industry. I'll tie the party line on that, but subsidization beyond that I will stand firmly against.

As expected, Mr. Darrow had some stronger opinions on the Confidence and Supply deal's stipulation forcing the Freedom Union to pass an arguably progressive tax bill. His answers weren't strange out of the blue however.

James Penta
Greens-Opposition Benches

What is your opinion on Prime Minister Leslie and his government?
I am greatly dissapointed with the actions of Prime Minister Leslie thus far. He has included in his government open deniers of climate change and refused to create a ministry for the most important issue facing Saint Hilda. He has also used the ambiguous excuse of 'social traditions' to justify discrimination against LGBT people.

We don't really have a cohesive justice system. What model would you implement into Sankta Hilda?
I would support a civil law system with a penal code that is based on Sweden's.

How do you feel about the current tax bill that will most likely be implemented?
Whilst I do agree it is a good compromise, I think it is completely unjust that earnings at $100,001 are taxed at the same percentage as earnings in the billions, and I also think that the 40% corporation tax rate is outrageously high. I also think that monetary values should be taken in Krona rather than USD. I have abstained on the bill myself.

Markets are expanding in Sankta Hilda. What will you do to ensure this growth continues?
I plege that I will support lenient corporation and income tax for low earners to boost growth. However, I also support higher taxes on inheritance and higher earners to fund impecable public services which will also contribute to economic growth.

What are the oppositions plans to check the government? Is there any plans to bring it down?
There are currently no plans to bring down Von Leslie's government that I know of as it is in its infancy. However, we are currently drafting a referendum act - authored by me - which would counter this government's desire to not let the people have a say on the monarchy.

As expected, a member from the opposition didn't agree with the government that much. However, it intrigued me that Mr. Penta commented on how high taxes were set, rather than supporting the level set (corporate taxes). Mr. Penta mentioned drafting a referendum on the monarchy, which is being voted on now, which would bring the people to the polling station to decide whether to stay or split with the crown.

SNH5 predicts that the referendum act will fail to pass the chamber. (60-40)
But, should it pass, SNH5 would call the referendum a tossup, too close and early to call. Time will tell whether we stay with the crown or become a truly independent republic.

[Martune]

Update: A typo

SNH5 has released an article into our Politics section detailing the interview of 2 MPs in Sankta Hilda. Unfortunately, we misnamed Lance Darrow as Austin Miller repeatedly in the article. We had reached out to both for an interview and Mr. Darrow was the one who responded from the government side. Neither the article author nor editors caught the mistake as it went through the system.

We apologize for the mistake. We also tried reaching out to Mr. Miller but he wasn't receptive to our apologies and corrections. Thank you for your understanding.

[New Lindale]

*turns to Austin*
So, I hope you were able access the notes I sent you. I've been having formating issues lately, and hope to get your opinion, and also get some more view points.
*calls over server*

[Alozia]

Sunshine Motel, Fort Ulrika

There was a time when Filip found Saint Hilda overwhelming. It's tropical climate, high temperatures and relentless mosquitos were nothing like Sweden or the British Isles. But that was a long time ago. Ever since then he was able to have a fairly successful career, fostered a loving family and, most importantly, found a great deal of appreciation to what once seemed like a foreign land. Filip was took great pride in being able to serve as his town's first MP. He was hoping to bring about a change not only to what he regarded as his "true hometown" but the entire country. The last few days were very hectic for him in no small part due to his late arrival to the capital. This is why he especially appreciated days like this, sitting on the balcony of his motel room, cigarette in one hand, bottle of Heineken in another, looking for a second house to live in during his many visits to the capital.

"That one is pretty nice." Filip said as he pointed to one of the pictures on his laptop screen. "I think Lucia would like that one."

"All right, I'll see what I can do about that." Martin Grönberg, his long time associate and newly appointed Chief of Staff commented. "I'll contact the seller and try to schedule an appointment. It would be nice to see it in person."

"Oh, of course. It would also be nice to move out of this darn motel."

The two men shared a laugh.

"I already scheduled a couple of appointments to see potential office spaces. As soon as we get it done we should be able to swiftly hire new staff."

"That's great. Anything else?"

"There's one thing." Martin replied. "I thought you could do an interview with SHN5."

"The're pretty neutral right?" Filip continued before Martin could reply. "I guess it's not going to be a walk in the park, but I'm not going to get slaughtered either. Fine, schedule the interview, I'll make sure my suit looks nice for the occasion."

"All right, thank you sir. Now if you don't mind I have a call to make."

"Sure."

Martin stepped out of the balcony as soon as Filip gave him a go ahead. He dialed the number he got the day before and waited for someone on the other side to pick up the phone.

[Alozia]

Sunshine Motel, Fort Ulrika
Filip Stenbeck

As his Chief of Staff headed out to find a more discreet place for his phone conversation Filip decided to reach out to the leader of his party, a man by the name of Marius Forsman. He didn't know much about him to be perfectly honest, or the party for that matter. He liked their platform, he wouldn't run under their name if he didn't, but he was sceptical of a party that declared itself "radically centrist". Regardless, he opened a new tab, logged into his account and started writing an e-mail.

From: Filip Stenbeck
To: Marius Forsman

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Subject: Meeting

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Greetings,

I would like to meet with you in person at earliest possible time. I would like to discuss our party, it's views and path forward as well as get to know it's leader better.

Regards,
Filip Stenbeck

[Martune]

Sankta Hilda 5 News Office
Public Relations Department

blooop bloop click

"Hello, my name is Adam. This call may be recorded for quality service assurance purposes. How may I help you today?"

[Alozia]

Sunshine Motel, Fort Ulrika
Martin Grönberg

"Good afternoon, my name is Martin Grönberg, I am the Chief of Staff working for Filip Stenbeck. I would like to schedule an interview with him."

[Martune]

Sankta Hilda 5 News Office
Public Relations Department

"Uh huh. Ok. Gimme a sec."

keyboard clicking

"Ok. Mr. Stenbeck. Will you be attending the interview with him? And the interview should last about 15 to 30 minutes. We have a 5:30pm to 6:00pm slot. Is that ok with you?"

[Alozia]

Sunshine Motel, Fort Ulrika
Martin Grönberg

"I would like to be in the room during the interview, if that's possible. I will be standing behind the camera crew at a comofratble distance, of course. The time slot seems to be fine."

[Martune]

[quote="Martune";p="35993204"]

Sankta Hilda 5 News Office
Public Relations Department

"Ok. The producers and executives will decide whether this goes on national TV or another outlet. Regardless, I have you for an interview on Friday. Is that all?"

[Alozia]

Sunshine Motel, Fort Ulrika
Martin Grönberg

"It is. Thank you."

[Martune]

[quote="Martune";p="35993204"]

Sankta Hilda 5 News Office
Public Relations Department

"It's my pleasure. Goodbye."

[Agarntrop]

James Penta @RealJamesPenta Strange how a supposedly 'libertarian' party is backing the most authoritarian bill brought before the house since independence. #FPP #LifeAmendment RetweetsFavourites 976675 05:08 pm - July/25/19

[Agarntrop]

Njal Stefanson @NjalStefansonCAFU The Life Amendment isn't enough. Murdering fetuses should be illegal and punished with beheading in the town square in all cases, without exception. We must also mandate the death penalty for murder, treason, terrorism, cowardice whilst in the army and promoting sodomy rather than restricting it. RetweetsFavourites 872928 05:18 pm - July/25/19

[The Archipelago Territory]

(Image) James Penta @RealJamesPenta Strange how a supposedly 'libertarian' party is backing the most authoritarian bill brought before the house since independence. #FPP #LifeAmendment RetweetsFavourites 976675 (Image) 05:08 pm - July/25/19

OOC: you know a deal they made forces them to right?

[Agarntrop]

(Image) James Penta @RealJamesPenta Strange how a supposedly 'libertarian' party is backing the most authoritarian bill brought before the house since independence. #FPP #LifeAmendment RetweetsFavourites 976675 (Image) 05:08 pm - July/25/19

OOC: you know a deal they made forces them to right?

OOC: And?

[Alozia]

Seaside Garden, Fort Ulrika

Filip, having not worked in the capital for some time, didn't know much about restaurants in the city and had to rely on the advice of his old friend from Strandgård who was more familiar with the city and everything it had to offer. One of his most recommended places turned out to be a humble restaurant with a beautiful garden not that far from the beach. Filip skimmed over the menu before entering. He ordered a cup of tea and sat down in a quiet spot, awaiting the people who were supposed to join him.

[Alozia]

Filip Stenbeck @FStenbeck We shall not forget the fact that the PM was the first person to vote for the barbaric, anti-women "Life Amendment" that would take us centuries back if passed. If passed, the PM and his party will be directly responsible for a great deal of suffering women of this nation will have to endure. They proposed it, they are pushing for it. Perhaps we should push them out of government. - FS #PushBack

[Roosevetania]

(Image) (Image) Filip Stenbeck @FStenbeck We shall not forget the fact that the PM was the first person to vote for the barbaric, anti-women "Life Amendment" that would take us centuries back if passed. If passed, the PM and his party will be directly responsible for the suffering of the women of this nation. They proposed it, they are pushing for it. Perhaps we should push them out of government. - FS #PushBack

A man reading the tweet wonders if Stenbeck knows he is in Government.

[New Lindale]

OOC: you know a deal they made forces them to right?

OOC: And?

OOC: Since their party made a deal, they have to vote on it or face punishment. Being apart of a party, we were hoping you would have known that.

[Agarntrop]

OOC: And?

OOC: Since their party made a deal, they have to vote on it or face punishment. Being apart of a party, we were hoping you would have known that.

OOC: I'm in the opposition. I can still criticise them for it.

[Rebels and Saints]

(Image) (Image) Filip Stenbeck @FStenbeck We shall not forget the fact that the PM was the first person to vote for the barbaric, anti-women "Life Amendment" that would take us centuries back if passed. If passed, the PM and his party will be directly responsible for a great deal of suffering women of this nation will have to endure. They proposed it, they are pushing for it. Perhaps we should push them out of government. - FS #PushBack

Lance Darrow     @Lancelot     @FStenbeck You are PART OF THE GOVERNMENT. Your party supports the PM.     RetweetsFavourites     945133         XX:XX am/pm - Month/Day/19

[Alozia]

(Image) (Image) Filip Stenbeck @FStenbeck We shall not forget the fact that the PM was the first person to vote for the barbaric, anti-women "Life Amendment" that would take us centuries back if passed. If passed, the PM and his party will be directly responsible for a great deal of suffering women of this nation will have to endure. They proposed it, they are pushing for it. Perhaps we should push them out of government. - FS #PushBack

Lance Darrow @Lancelot @FStenbeck You are PART OF THE GOVERNMENT. Your party supports the PM. RetweetsFavourites 945133 XX:XX am/pm - Month/Day/19

Filip Stenbeck @FStenbeck Perhaps I think that should change? Perhaps I think that my party's policy should change? Perhaps I think the circumstances under which my party supported the current cabinet have changed? You know that the Center-Progressives haven't signed a life-long blood pact which forces us to support the government regardless of it's policies? -FS #PushBack

[Rebels and Saints]

Lance Darrow @Lancelot @FStenbeck You are PART OF THE GOVERNMENT. Your party supports the PM. RetweetsFavourites 945133 XX:XX am/pm - Month/Day/19

Filip Stenbeck @FStenbeck Perhaps I think that should change? Perhaps I think that my party's policy should change? Perhaps I think the circumstances under which my party supported the current cabinet have changed? You know that the Center-Progressives haven't signed a life-long blood pact which forces us to support the government regardless of it's policies? -FS #PushBack

OOC: You did sign an agreement. Maybe you shouldn't have joined CP, which, for your information, isn't a Social Democrat Party.