PUF Parliament in disarray (Semi-Closed, GD and friends)

[Mokastana]

Background:

News Story

The Parliament of the People's Unified Federation recently passed Parliament Bill P4B9.269 "Private Arms and Registered Private Militias Regulation Updates Act I”. While the bill did pass, votes were more split more on geographic lines, rather than party lines, fracturing many leading Political Parties. Because of this, Speaker of the People Rutilio Gomez, People's Party, was voted out of leadership, when the Socialists and pro Militia factions broke away from his coalition and pushed to remove him from power. A move the opposition gladly voted in favor of, hoping to gain power.

Situation:
Parliament is tasked with creating new laws that apply to the People's Unified Federation, oversee the other branches of government, and voting in favor of new government departments. Moderate Socialists have been in power for nearly two decades, and now the power may shift. However, a new Speaker of The People needs 151 votes of the 300 seats to take over, which means compromises and deals need to be made.

Parliament total: 300 seats
Needed for a new government: 151 votes

Below is a summary of the Political Parties in Parliament, how many seats they have, and basic opinions on militia rights and economic policy

People's Party: 47 Seats

• 21 pro Militia, 26 pro regulation
• Mixed market

Liberal Party: 11 seats

• All pro regulation
• Moderate Free Market

Conservative Party: 68 seats

• 39 pro Militia, 29 pro regulation
• Moderate Free Market
• Promote native cultures

Motokata National Representatives: 38 seats

• 7 pro Militia, 21 pro regulation, 10 undecided
  
• 7 People's Coalition, 23 Freedom Coalition, 8 uncommitted
• Most are mixed market
• Motokata does not have political parties

Socialist Workers Party: 27 seats

• All pro Militia
• Socialist

Protectorate Party: 33 seats

• All pro regulation
• Mixed market
• Increase Lyran style military

Ironhearts Party: 29 seats

• All pro regulation
• Moderate free market
• Increase Lyran style military

Liberator Party: 1 seat

• Pro Militia
• Free market

Royalist Party: 14 seats

• Pro regulation
• Moderate Socialism

Marshite Council: 32 Seats

• Pro Militia
• Moderate Socialism

OOC Instructions:
For those who are either members of the Greater Dienstad, our discord or I've RPed with, feel free to review the below decisions and pick up to three(3) to vote on. I'll probably give it a week for people to make decisions on and decide what happens next. Also if you have any ideas for how the political parties could make deals, or fun legislation they could introduce, feel free to include them. It was Holy Marsh’s idea for some Registered Private Militias to request exemptions, and that was reflected in the news stories, and RP'ed as the reason why the People's Coalition managed to maintain their control of the Senate.

Form:

Code: Select all

[B][u]Coalition:[/u][/b] replace
[B][u]Decision:[/u][/b] replace
[B][u]Any ideas:[/u][/b] replace

Decisions:

People's Coalition - 87 Seats

People's Party, 47 seats
Motokata Representatives, 7 seats
Protectorate Party, 33 Seats

The People's Party has managed to hold control of Parliament for nearly two decades, when they created a more inclusive coalition bringing more moderates to support the Socialist faction. As additional countries joined the PUF and more ideas gained traction, it has been harder for The People's Party to hold power.In order to hold onto power, it may need to radically change its allies, or policies. They still have the Loyalty of one of the two Lyran Militarist Parties, should they appeal to the other one, or try to win back the left leaning Parties.

[1] Rally both Lyran Militarist parties to their coalition and abandon the Socialist and Marshites (+29 Seats) 1
[2] Allow the pro Militia side of the party to take over, promising to support the Socialists and Marshites (+59 seats, possibly -33 seats) 1

Freedom Coalition - 92 Seats

Conservative Party, 68 seats
Motokata Representatives, 23 Seats
Liberator Party, 1 seat

The largest opposition coalition, now with a chance to take over Parliament. They are divided generally on the issue of regulation, with non-Mokan conservatives generally not having a militia culture and instead being pro-regulation, and Mokan conservatives generally promoting the rights to a Militia. With their recent shift to prioritizing native cultures and traditions over economic policy they have gained more seats. One option is to negotiate with the Socialists and the Marshites to form a new coalition, or they could embrace the military factions.

[1] Negotiate with the Socialists and Marshites, give up economic goals for political power (+59 seats, possible loss up to-24 seats)
[2] Negotiate with the Lyran Militarist Parties, giving up personal freedom goals for political power(+29 or +62 seats)
[3] Pursue deals with the minor parties, such as the Liberals, Royalists, undecided Motokata Representatives (dice rolls for seat increases) 1

Socialist Militia Coalition - 59 seats

Socialist Workers Party, 27 seats
Marshite Council, 32 seats

The Socialists Workers and Marshite Parties split from the People's Coalition, creating this crisis. They don't have the numbers to take over, but are not willing to compromise on certain Militia and Socialist policies.

[1] Pursue a deal with the conservatives, ensuring exemptions for their militias but give up economic goals (Join conservatives coalition)
[2] Pursue a deal with the People's Coalition, to empower the far left members of the People's Party to take over (Join People's Coalition)
[3] Wait and see

Liberal Party, 11 seats

A minor party likely on the way out, but even their 11 seats could make or break a coalition. Although they have supported the Conservative Opposition for over a decade, they are firmly pro regulation, and the Conservatives seem divided on the issue. Generally more free market than the People's Coalition, whoever allies the Liberals will need to make concessions.

[A] Switch allegiance to the People's Party, as they got regulation passed and may abandon Socialist interests. 1
[2] Stay with the Freedom Coalition to pursue economic policy
[3] Wait and see

IronHearts Military Party 29 seats

The Lyran Militarist Party used to back the Freedom Coalition, but with Militia regulation on the table, they are trying to form a new coalition with the other Lyran Militarist Party, the Protectorate Party, to ensure additional regulations continues. They have no strong opinions on economics, but see the benefits of economic liberty and prosperity leading to larger military budgets.

[1] Make a deal to steal the Protectorate Party from the People's Coalition, and form a Federal Military Coalition (62 seats total)
[2] Join the People's Coalition to support the pro regulation, but try to push their economics closer to the free market
[3] Continue to support the Freedom Coalition, but try to push them for more regulations on militias
[4] Wait and see

Royalist Party 14 seats

A party dedicated to Queen Kaida Nanao of Aqua Anu, attempting to enact her will in Parliament, or what they chose to believe is her will. She has already agreed to exemptions for the Socialist and Marshite Militias that have protected her nation. Now her Party must decide how to help get Parliament back in order. The regulation has already been passed, so they can lean into socialist economic policies, or back the People's Party regardless of new coalition.

[1] Join the pro Militia Socialists faction(Socialist Militia Coalition +14 seats)
[2] Continue backing the People's Party (People's Coalition +14 seats) 1
[3] Wait and see

[Diarcesia]

Coalition: People's Coalition
Decision: Allow the pro Militia side of the party to take over, promising to support the Socialists and Marshites
Any ideas: If votes are split along geographic lines, would there be nationalist parties that may want greater autonomy/independence?

[Mokastana]

Coalition: People's Coalition
Decision: Allow the pro Militia side of the party to take over, promising to support the Socialists and Marshites
Any ideas: If votes are split along geographic lines, would there be nationalist parties that may want greater autonomy/independence?

Most non mokan nations have a degree of autonomy due to negotiations to join the PUF. However Belmotin was conquered and eventually given membership status, like a Hawaii was eventually made a state, but much more slavic. Their nationalist want the ability to renegotiate their membership, and/or leave entirely, they are also very pro military and Militia regulation. They have 10 seats in Parliament: 6 Conservative, 3 Ironheart and one Protectorate.

Motokata, Aqua Anu, and Wellovia together possess a majority of seats in Parliament(177), so together could, in theory, take over Parliament if needed. Plus they have unification rreaties given them special exemptions depending on their own needs.

[The Ice States]

Coalition: Royalist Party
Decision: Continue backing the People's Party
Any ideas: N/A

Coalition: Liberal Party
Decision: Switch allegiance to the People's Party, as they got regulation passed and may abandon Socialist interests.
Any ideas: N/A

Coalition: People's Party
Decision: Rally both Lyran Militarist parties to their coalition and abandon the Socialist and Marshites
Any ideas: N/A

[State of Ordena]

Coalition: Freedom coalition
Decision: [3]
Any ideas:n/a

[Mokastana]

MNN: SPECIAL REPORT!!!
News so short your can't help but read the full story...

TOP STORY:

Parliament still unable to vote in New Speaker after the 3rd round of voting

After Rutilio Gomez failed twice to reclaim his title as Speaker of the People, new candidates are gaining traction

Mokastana City, People's Republic of the Islands,
People's Unified Federation

A third vote to elect a Speaker of the People to Federal Parliament has failed. After two failed votes to restore Speaker Rutilio Gomez, the People's Party has officially changed their position. They are no longer running the former Speaker, a moderate, and instead ran Priya Biswal of Wellovia, a pro-military hardliner. This move was likely part of a plan to rally both the Lyran Militarist Parties to their Coalition, thus taking away support from the Opposition and preventing a Conservative take over of Parliament. However, this may prevent the People's Party from striking a deal with the Socialist factions in Parliament.

The third round of voting also saw the first application of members voting for multiple candidates. As Federal Parliament only requires a majority approval for a Speaker, Parliamentarians can technically vote in favor of as many candidates as they wish. However, this is rarely done in practice, as most coalitions agree only to vote for their own leading member.

In this particular vote, numerous parties voted for multiple candidates. Members of the Liberal Party (11 seats) voted in favor of both Priya Biswal(People's Party) and their longtime ally Esteban Decolorado(Conservative Party). The Royalist Party(14 seats) of Aqua Anu actually voted in favor of all three leading candidates, including Hannah Kim(Socialist Workers Party), a native Anuien. All members of the People's Party did vote in favor of Priya Biswal, but 21 of the 47 seats also voted in favor of Hannah Kim.

People's Party candidate Priya Biswal only needs 10 more votes to secure her place, but there are no unaffiliated seats left to strike deals with. Her only options now are to make a deal with Motokata conservatives, the Conservative Party Coalition, or try to strike a new deal with the Socialists.

Conservative candidate Esteban Decolorado lost the support of the IronHearts Party, which would have given him the votes to become Speaker. Much like his opponent, he needs to either strike a deal with the Socialists, or persuade the Militarist to vote for him.

Socialist candidate Hannah Kim's main goal is to prevent more regulation on militias, and prevent economic deregulation, but since neither major group has approached her coalition, she will continue to run as a protest candidate.

VOTING ROUNDS:
First:

• Rutilio Gomez, People'sParty - 101 votes
• Esteban Decolorado, Conservative Party - 132 votes
• Kim Hannah, Socialist Workers Party - 59 votes

Second:

• Rutilio Gomez, People'sParty - 101 votes
• Esteban Decolorado, Conservative Party - 140 votes
• Kim Hannah, Socialist Workers Party - 59 votes

Third:

• Priya Biswal, People'sParty - 141 votes
• Esteban Decolorado, Conservative Party - 125 votes
• Kim Hannah, Socialist Workers Party - 94 votes

[Mokastana]

Decisions:

People's Coalition - 141 Votes

People's Party, 47 votes
Liberal Party, 11 votes
Motokata Representatives, 7 votes
Protectorate Party, 33 votes
IronHearts Military Party, 29 votes
Royalist Party, 14 votes

The People's Party has managed to hold control of Parliament for nearly two decades, when they created a more inclusive coalition bringing more moderates to support the Socialist faction. As additional countries joined the PUF and more ideas gained traction, it has been harder for The People's Party to hold power.In order to hold onto power, it may need to radically change its allies, or policies. They still have the Loyalty of one of the two Lyran Militarist Parties, should they appeal to the other one, or try to win back the left leaning Parties.

[1] Strike a deal with Motokata Conservatives for special treatment in Motokata (Gain control of Parliament)
[2] Strike a deal with the Freedom Coalition, granting economic deregulation (Gain control of Parliament)
[3] Strike a deal with the Socialists keeping economic regulation (Gain control of Parliament)

Freedom Coalition - 125 Votes

Conservative Party, 68 votes
Motokata Representatives, 31 votes
Liberator Party, 1 vote
Liberal Party, 11 votes
Royalist Party, 14 votes

The largest opposition coalition, now with a chance to take over Parliament. They are divided generally on the issue of regulation, with non-Mokan conservatives generally not having a militia culture and instead being pro-regulation, and Mokan conservatives generally promoting the rights to a Militia. With their recent shift to prioritizing native cultures and traditions over economic policy they have gained more seats. One option is to negotiate with the Socialists and the Marshites to form a new coalition, or they could embrace the military factions.

[1] Strike a deal with the Socialists, compromising economic goals (Gain control of Parliament)
[2] Strike a deal with the Militarists, compromising on personal freedom goals (Gain control of Parliament)

Socialist Militia Coalition - 59 seats

Socialist Workers Party, 27 votes
Marshite Council, 32 votes
People's Party, 21 votes
Royalist Party, 14 votes

The Socialists Workers and Marshite Parties split from the People's Coalition, creating this crisis. They don't have the numbers to take over, but are not willing to compromise on certain Militia and Socialist policies.

[1] Pursue a deal with the Freedom Coalition, ensuring exemptions for their militias but give up economic goals (Join conservatives coalition)
[2] Pursue a deal with the People's Coalition, allowing further militia regulation, but keeping economic regulations in place (Join People's Coalition)
[3] Refuse to negotiate

[Diarcesia]

Coalition: Freedom Coalition
Decision: Strike a deal with the Militarists, compromising on personal freedom goals (Gain control of Parliament)
Any ideas:

[The Ice States]

Coalition: People's Coalition
Decision: Strike a deal with the Socialists keeping economic regulation (Gain control of Parliament)

[The State of Monavia]

OOC:

I had to track down and examine your three prior news posts to get a handle on the situation and figure out what might make sense. Here are my proposals (including updates).

---

IC:

Coalition: Freedom Coalition
Decision: Strike a deal with the Militarists, compromising on personal freedom goals (Gain control of Parliament)
Any ideas: The coalition adopts a series of tactical (short-term) and strategic (long-term) policy goal changes to build a broader and more durable power base. I think a bullet list might be handy here:

• Given how power vacuums resulting from a lack of police resource created a practical necessity for militias in the first place, there does not seem to be much practical justification for increasing regulations on registered militias. The coalition should sidestep the entire militia regulation issue by:
  - Shifting its focus entirely away from regulating militias towards regulating private individuals
  - Devolving militia regulation from the federal level (one-size-fits-all policies) to inferior levels of government (allowing greater focus on local security needs)
  - Shifting focus towards toughening enforcement of existing regulations instead of trying to legislate new ones
• Per your first news post, “Many in both major parties are torn between tradition, a major selling point of the New Conservative platform, and the stability of the Federation, as numerous Militias have, in recent years, taken up arms against both Federal and National rule.” Given that stability is how tradition survives, the Freedom Coalition needs to adopt policies that tie both goals together. Adoption of policy changes that devolve more power from the federal level downward would probably attract long-term support from various corners of the PUF and swell the coalition’s ranks.
• If the Freedom Coalition wants more free market policies, they can soften socialist opposition to their overall program by narrowing proposed tax cuts and deregulation to focus on private entrepreneurs and foreign investment by private individuals while giving the socialist factions the policies they want regarding corporate interests.
• Gain and retain long-term Royalist support by softening or eliminating hardline anti-monarchist policies, acknowledging the nonpartisan and pragmatic benefits of monarchial governance. Given how religiously, ideologically, and culturally pluralistic the PUF is, an increased tolerance (or even support) for a nonpartisan, non-sectarian strain of monarchist ideology could internally unify the coalition and peel off support from Lyrans, Marshites, Motokatans, etc.
• Rebrand the coalition under a new name, such as “Liberty and Identity” or “Liberty and Heritage”

Now, what do I see the other side doing in response? Here are my thoughts:

Coalition: People’s Coalition
Decision: Strike a deal with the Freedom Coalition, granting economic deregulation (Gain control of Parliament)
Any ideas: Here comes another bullet list:

• Preemptively offer economic freedom concessions in order to pull votes away from the Freedom Coalition, but hold a hard line on using state power to counter corporate power. Despite being in power for a long time and the broad influence that socialist parties have enjoyed for a long time, the PUF is somehow home to both vast drug cartels and corporate conglomerates run by plutocrats.
• Whip coalition members to oppose any Freedom Coalition proposals that might give the Freedom Coalition control of Parliament.
• Win over Motokatan support (and that of other regional blocs) by proposing a general devolution of powers from the federal government to the PUF’s regional governments.

Coalition: Socialist Militia Coalition
Decision: Refuse to negotiate
Any ideas: Aim to play kingmaker by drawing both sides into a “bidding war” over who is willing to grant more concessions.

[Holy Marsh]

Coalition: Socialist Militia Coalition
Decision: [1] Pursue a deal with the Freedom Coalition, ensuring exemptions for their militias but give up economic goals (Join conservatives coalition).
Any ideas: The MDC prefers the economic policies of the socialist flavor, but consider the exact economic ideals secondary to effectiveness. Considering it started as a Militia organization, it is after its survival first and will work to achieve that. It will bring in members of the Royalist Party that it can due to strong ties in Aqua Anu as well as The People's Party and SWP- arguing that while economic policies can be changed in the future, survival of the militias is on the table in the immediacy.

[Mokastana]

MNN: SPECIAL REPORT!!!
News so short your can't help but read the full story...

TOP STORY:

Esteban Decolorado of the Conservative Party is made new Speaker of The People! Parliament gridlock ends after the 5th round of voting!

After what can be assumed to be many hard negotiations, the Freedom Coalition manages to take control of Parliament for the first time

Mokastana City, People's Republic of the Islands,
People's Unified Federation

A fifth vote to elect a Speaker of the People to Federal Parliament has succeeded. Esteban Decolorado(COP), Parliamentarian from District 14 of El Sur de Gran Mokastana, has been elected Speaker of the People. Esteban has been leader of the Conservative Party for the past three years. Under Decolorado's leadership, the Conservative Party has been moving away from prioritizing economic privatization, and more towards celebrating the diversity and traditions of various ethnic groups in the Federation, including moving political power from the Federal, to the national and province level.

The Forth election had two candidates reach the 151 requirement, with Priya Biswal reaching exactly 151 and Esteban Decolorado with 154. Technically Decolorado had the win, but the vote was close enough for a recount. This recount gave time for final negotiations to occur, during which the Freedom Coalition managed to negotiate with the Militarists for votes, and struck deals with the Socialists to keep them from backing The People's Party.

While the details of those deals are currently unclear. Both leadership of the Socialists and Militarists factions seem content with the promises made to them. The Socialist faction likely received assurance that the Ministry of Socialized Services will be untouched, while the Militarists factions will no doubt be getting a significant investment in the Federal Armed Forces, especially in the Colonial holdings where the Militarists party holds significant power.

Some of Decolorado’s plan was cleared up in his opening speech, where he proposed the creation of a new Department of Economic Development under the Ministry of Economics. This new Department would act as a single point to oversee international investments, no doubt to appeal to the left leaning majority in Parliament, but also give Decolorado room to open up the Federal economy to more international investment.

Currently, most foreign investment is limited to originate from nations currently in a formal alliance with the People's Unified Federation, and limited in size and industry, especially in Mokastana proper. Wellovia, Motokata and Aqua Anu do have their own exemptions, but Decolorado wishes to loosen regulation Federation wide. Only a handful of banks from Lyras, The Golden Throne, Morrdh and similar allied nations are allowed to operate in Mokastana proper, and only with strict financial agreements. For example, many are required to hold significant foreign cash reserves physically in the PUF's borders. Decolorado plans to reduce the requirements for international banks to operate in the PUF, and reduce regulations to encourage more foreign investments. Decolorado also encouraged Federal nations to create their own economic regulations to match their own unique needs if they choose.

However, creation of a new Federal Department requires a two third majority vote in Parliament, so only time will tell if Decolorado can negotiate and compromise enough to get something meaningful passed in Parliament.

VOTING ROUNDS:
Forth:

• Priya Biswal, People'sParty - 151 votes
• Esteban Decolorado, Conservative Party - 154 votes
• Kim Hannah, Socialist Workers Party - 94 votes

Fifth:

• Priya Biswal, People'sParty - 151 votes
• Esteban Decolorado, Conservative Party - 187 votes
• Kim Hannah, Socialist Workers Party - 94 votes