Kalistani Major History

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You Say You Want A Revolution
Ana Berg decries dissolution of centrist parties and claims that Labour is the single moderate party left in Kalistan
Kaliburg, Ananto
November 15, 4101

Ana Berg has given a scathing condemnation of the two largest parties in Kalistan following the early elections this month (when Labour won more seats than at any other time in history) to fill the seats vacated by the Libertarian Democrats of Kalistan disbanding. She claimed that 'the Labour Party was the only party left who don't want a violent revolution' and said that 'Kalistani politics is worse off without the Libertarians and Unionists, we now lack moderate voices'. The ferocious comments were made in a speech at a Trades Union Conference in Kaliburg, following the Labour Party Congress meeting to appoint a new Central Committee the day previous- during which a motion of confidence in Mrs Berg was held. Only one Congressperson voted against the leader who is still presently the Premier of the Republic.

At the same event, we were able to briefly speak to Tony Curti, the Foreign Affairs Minister and son of former Premier and President Luca Curti, about the direction of the Labour Party since his father's resignation.

Q(uestion from Interviewer): Mr Curti, thanks for letting us talk with you today, I'll try to keep it as succinct as possible because I understand you are about to give a speech. Do you think the Labour Party has betrayed your father's legacy?

(Tony) C(urti): Of course not, what a preposterous notion. When my father led the party, Kalistan was a different place, with very different needs. Just as he changed the way the party operated during his tenure, in order to adapt to Kalistan's requirements, so Ana alters it today. If I did not believe she knew what she was doing, or if I felt she was acting in a manner contrary to the values of the Labour Party then I wouldn't serve in her government! Ana has moved the Labour Party into the new century, a century when it seems we are the only reasonable party left in this country.

Q: Your last comment seems to be a swipe at not only the Conservatives but the Socialists too, can the relationship between your parties ever be salvaged?

C: With respect, that is a simplistic interpretation of what I actually said. All I am suggesting is that the two larger parties represent a kind of dogmatic, almost revolutionary, outlook. They see each other as absolutely and completely intolerable. We, on the other hand, believe in pragmatism. This means that we have to work with both sides of the aisle for the benefit of the whole population, not just our own members. I'll give you an example: recall- if you will- the debate on 'The Youth Assembly'. The moment the slightest disagreement occurred, the discourse fell apart completely. It isn't good enough really.

Q: My colleague interviewd Mr Al-Khali, the Socialist speaker, just prior to the last elections and he was quoted saying 'If [Labour] want to work together, we are always game'. You didn't support Mr Jones-Terrance for President, will you be taking up this offer any time soon?

C: I don't think I can necessarily answer that question on my own, I'm only the Foreign Affairs Spokesperson after all. What I will tell you, however, is that we made the decision not to back Michal because we simply didn't think he could win. Unfortunate as it is, until the Socialists nominate a candidate who the Labour Party and our members can become enthused about, we'll be unable to endorse them. You would have to ask Ana for a real answer.

Q: Do you intend to replace her as General Secretary of the Labour Party?

C: Crikey almighty, I don't think so! She's doing an exceptional job and I've no reason to doubt she will continue to do so.

Q: Are you sure about that, Mr Curti? The 'word on the street' if you like, is that you harbour ambitions to take her position?

C: I'm certain. No such ambitions exist, I can assure you of that. We've just seen the Party Congress, of which I am a member, almost unanimously support her. This sounds like a bit of media naughtiness.

Q: What will the party's agenda in the coming term, then?

C: We'll be looking to collaborate with the Socialist Party to repeal some of the repressive legislation that the CIP and LDoK were able to pass at the peak of their dominance. If I remain Foreign Affairs Minister, then I'll be coordinating the nation's efforts to win a seat on the Security Council. Otherwise, we'll wait and see what the government becomes. I'll have to wrap things up now, I'm due to speak in ten.

Q: OK, no problem. Thanks for answering our questions Mr Curti.

C: It's my pleasure, I'm glad you gave me the opportunity to talk with you.

The Labour Party has since announced it will be temporarily rebranding to allow the Libertarian Democrat members of government to properly fulfill their duties within a party structure. They will use the name 'Libertarian-Labour Alliance' until a new cabinet bill passes and Libertarian Democrat Ministers will be granted an observer seat on the party's Central Committee.