Baltusia

[Elena1012]

Aiden Merridan criticizes the Radical Party Establishment; A Rising Star?
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December 9th, 5643
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Ever since the 5641 election, the Radicals have defined themselves as being the go to opposition party. While they have helped pass some notable bills such as the SEC Entry with the CRP/M39-40, the Radicals have defined themselves by liberalism. However, some have questioned how far that commitment to liberalism goes. What makes the Radicals any different from the Constitutional Reformists? Are they just Constitutional Reformists in Red? It would seem many others in the Radical Party have shared these concerns, and chief amongst them is Aiden Merridan, a rapidly rising star within the Radicals who has bashed the Radical Party Establishment for it's lack of proper identity and lack of "pragmatic idealistic visions". Congressmen Merridan has bashed his Party for both promising intangible things, whilst not promising anything for voters at all. Before we delve into his speech, it would seem the only thing saving him from expulsion is the fact that there is agreement within the Radicals. So much so that there's even an inside joke that it's the Radical Party who is the sister party to the CRP, and not the Movement of 39-40. While some argue that Merridan is damaging party unity and is better off starting his own party, he is so far, safe from party expulsion.

Let's be honest friends. The Radical Party isn't radical. It's simultaneously too afraid to dream, and too high in the sky to walk two steps forward. The Radical Party can do better. It can have an identity, and not save the CRP everytime their own voter coalition has anxiety about fiscal responsibility or the Concord Deal. Between our own party, the opposition party, mind you, saving the CRP on key votes several times and having do nothing liberals within our party, I don't think I can say I'm happy with the current direction. The Radicals can, and should do better. We should promise the sky and provide the latter too. We need to promise tangible reforms that voters , and most importantly, the people will be interested in, whilst providing just enough idealism to believe in the future. Otherwise, we're no different than the CRP. And if we're not different than them, why will voters bother trusting us? They'll go to the CRP or the NPL. Instead of promising green energy when we hardly have the infrastructure for it, we need to promise jobs, equality, justice and development. We need to promise liberalism, not Lourennais Socialism.

While Merridan has found considerable criticism by defenders of the Radical Party, he has found just as much, if not more support both amongst Radical voters and Radical party members which has lead many to question if Merridan may make a bid for First Ministership in 5644. As "Do-Nothing Liberals" and Merridan esqe Liberals clash internally, the only one to really benefit from a divided Radical Party right now is the Constitutional Reform Party. But as this internal power struggle continues on, we'll have to wait until the Primary Season occurs in 5644 to determine if who will come out on top.

[Elena1012]

Campaign Season begins as Primaries are finished; Bold new visions for the future.
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May 3rd, 5644
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Campaign Season is upon us and it's just as exciting as it was prior. All parties are making a bid for First Ministership. So, let's go over the parties, the candidates and their platforms.

First Minister Gabriel Barrett was expected to win the nomination of the CRP once again and easily secured the nomination. Barrett has pledged to continue the Concord Deal, continue moderate centrist governing and not rocking the boat too much. The sister party, Movement of 39-40 has not fielded a candidate, instead endorsing Barrett for a second term. While concerns are still raised in whether Barrett will cave to fiscal hawks or delay the Concord Deal, most within the CRP seem optimistic that Barrett will secure a second term.

In opposition lays the Radical Party, which has been experiencing a minor party rebellion for quite some time. Mark Messiah tried to run once again but was quickly eliminated in the primaries, losing to a surprising candidate. Aiden Merridan. Merridan has pledged a campaign focused on reviving the soul of liberalism. Vast education reform, a federal job corps, the so called "Real Deal" offered as a bold alternative to the Concord Deal, improving the Trans-Seleyan Railway, reviving the economy and offering a bold future. While critics, mostly fiscal hawks, question how the Real Deal is achievable and even question if it's just a liberal plagiarism of the Concord Deal, the Radical Party base has been nothing short of excited. However, many have noticed the silence Merridan has had on any green transition, as was pledged by Messiah last election. 

Moving to the left, the Non-Partisan League. The NPL had two candidates in the primaries. Moderate social democrat Alice James who had tried to appeal to voters by offering a social democratic vision, akin to what's seen south of the border and a staunchly Pan-Seleyan foreign policy. She would quickly loss the primaries to socialist Evan Harris, pledging to focus on nationalizations, expanding state influence on the economy, leaving the SEC, and controversially, rehabilitation of the SAUS and it's public image. To say that the Harris campaign is radical is nothing short of an understatement as moderates (social democrats and progressives) within the NPL have chosen to not only reject campaigning with Harris, but have also chosen to quickly form their own parties, splintering from the NPL. Alice James would leave the NPL, forming the Pan-Seleyan Social Democratic Party of Baltusia, whilst Miriam Lloyd would form the Progressive Party. With the left vote effectively splintered, optimism for the Harris campaign is hard to find. Pundits expect NPL voters to be split or to even go to the Radicals.

Moving to the centre, the Libertarian Party has managed to keep itself united, fielding Jayden Powell as the nominee. Powell has pledged a strong focus on federalism, moderate deregulation, opposing the Concord Deal, and giving the free market full breathing room to revive the economy. Powell has largely made his campaign focused on economics and a referendum on the Barrett Administration whilst avoiding social issues, which aren't much of a defining factor this election. Powell has also focused on supporting the rights of federalism strongly, arguing that the Commonwealth should be a Commonwealth of States instead of what it currently is. A strong proponent of federalism, this tone shifts economically as Powell has endorsed moderate deregulations, but just enough to give the free market all the room it needs. 

To the right of everyone is the Baltusia First Party. Running Efrain Fuentes, Fuentes has campaigned on social conservatism, border control, questioning the extent of the SEC, and job expansion. The Fuentes Campaign has been nothing short of controversial, but that's where the BFP best thrives. Campaigning strongly on a "moderate, moralist conservative" platform, Fuentes has called for supporting religion, enacting "common sense" social reforms, stricter border control, reforming immigration, and surprisingly, job expansion, coming out strongly in favour of protecting unions, and even supporting the idea of a federal job corps. An unorthodox campaign, but still controversial for some.

As campaign season continues on, we'll have to wait and see until later this year to see who resonates the best with voters, and who will govern Baltusia for the next 4 years.

[Elena1012]

Radicals secure landslide majority amidst a split left and shocking right wing underperformance; Merridan to become First Minister.
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October 12th, 5644
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Elections are always times of shocks and this time has been nothing short of electrical. The 5644 elections saw several parties look to win. And it was many developments. Between the NPL suffering breakaways due to the extreme Harris campaign, such as the PSSDPB, and the Progressive Party, and the far right BFP running a populist working class agenda, it was hard for anyone to predict results. But many expected Barrett to prevail. His administration was stable, centrist and competent. His campaign focused on not rocking the boat and maintaining moderate liberal conservatism.

But it seems Baltusians want renewal, change, and above all, liberalism. In a shocking turn of events, the Radicals with Merridan would not only secure victory in First Ministership, but also secure a majority in Congress. It can be guessed that the Left was too fractured and went to the Radicals while the right was either split between the BFP and CRP/M39-40, or was just outright demotivated or didn't care to vote. Whatever the reasons, Aiden Merridan is set to become the 2nd First Minister of the Commonwealth of Baltusia. On his agenda lays the Real Deal. He has pledged economic stimulation, economic recovery, a federal jobs corps, renewing the torch of liberalism in Baltusia, education reform, and promising the future for Baltusia. 

However, as the cabinet gets confirmed, some controversy has emerged over the Secretary of Labor being a relative of the First Minister. While also a politician, and a member of the Radical Party, this hasn't stopped some accusations of nepotism. But with a majority in Congress, it's unlikely that the Radicals will face opposition there. Or in any of their agendas for the time being. The Real Deal can proceed with no issues, and liberalism can thrive in Baltusia for the coming years. In any case, all parties did concede defeat and did respect the electoral results. In terms of who prevailed, the Radicals obviously came in first. Followed by the Libertarians, the fractured left (NPL, Progressives, PSSDPB), the CRP/M39-40, and the BFP in last. 

Where the Constitutional Reformists go now is anyone's guess. Going from ruling party to second smallest party in Congress is a major defeat, and they will have to conduct a thorough autopsy on what happened this election. Barrett has already resigned whilst some question what just happened to cause this result. In any case, the Radicals will govern for the time being. On paper, they have a majority at least. Should every party unite against them, then they lose that majority but getting the NPL and BFP to ever agree is essentially impossible. So in reality, the Radicals enjoy a comfortable majority for the time being.

[Elena1012]

Beginning the Real Deal; Congress passes the "National Work and Labor Act".
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December 16th, 5644
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The Real Deal has differed from the Concord Deal with its bold vision. The Concord Deal focused on stability, fiscal responsibility and recovery. The Real Deal however, has made recovery and uplifting an immediate priority. The biggest aspect was a federal job corps to get Baltusians employed, and get the economy moving beyond a snails pace. As such, when the Radical Party introduced the National Work and Labor Act into Congress, it was expected to pass quickly. And pass quickly it did.  Signed into law, the NWLA has established the Regal Job Corps, looking to employ thousands of Baltusians in public works programs, infrastructure management (and modernizations), and getting Baltusians contributing to the economy. 

The goal right now is to get jobs rolled out for Baltusians across the country. Unemployed Baltusians don't benefit the economy in any way. Alongside employment, the RJC will focus extensively on vocational training, sponsoring college entries, and other technical requirements to ensure that every Baltusian has the opportunity to better themselves. By offering these supportive programs, not only is there an even stronger incentive for Baltusians to sign up for the Job Corps, but it'll also ensure a future workforce capable of maintaining higher quality, better paying jobs. 

However, without fiscal hawks stopping the Radicals and the Merridan Administration, the Real Deal will be able to go further than the Concord Deal. The next effort will be getting local economies up and running, and beginning major infrastructure programs. While fiscal hawks across the aisle will argue that the Real Deal threatens recovery and the fiscal situation, it's clear that the Merridan Administration is willing to do whatever it may cost to recover. Even if it risks incurring a deficit.

[Elena1012]

Modernizing the Trans-Seleyan Railway; Utilizing the RJC.
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September 2nd, 5645
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The Real Deal has focused on economic recovery. It's been a big aspect of the Real Deal. And the best way to revive the economy is to work with the SEC, and especially utilize the Trans-Seleyan Railway. The first step is modernizing the railway in Baltusia. And the best way is to use the Regal Job Corps to put Baltusians into work and also modernize the Trans-Seleyan Railway. As such, efforts have begun to work on modernizing the Trans-Seleyan Railway. If it can be modernized, the economy can recover faster. More goods can be processed faster, sent to other SEC states, and more goods can be imported into Baltusia.

As such, the RJC will work on modernizing the railways across the country. This will keep Baltusians busy and working, and will feed into economic recovery. Alongside this, the modernization, and expansion of the Trans-Seleyan Railway can incentive and re-incentive development in communities near the Trans-Seleyan Railway. Whether it be state investments or, more likely, the private sector investing into developing these communities, the Real Deal is looking to uplift all of Baltusia. Not just major cities, but rural and urban alike. Plus, not only is it economically necessary, and morally right but politically, any victory of the Real Deal gives the Radicals more support. And it keeps voters away from extremists.

In any case, the Real Deal continues on with grand infrastructure plans. Modernizing the Trans-Seleyan Railway, modernize coastal infrastructure, modernize the highways, modernize infrastructure of service buildings, etc etc. These efforts will be vital for recovery. But economic recovery doesn't stop at giving people jobs. The Merridan Administration will look to continue reforms such as expanding and developing the middle class in Baltusia.

[Aethan]

Valruzia proposes North-Seleyan Games

[Elena1012]

Modernizing social infrastructure; Rebuilding the economy and soul of Baltusia.
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June 2nd, 5646
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Besides trains and railways, what does every nation need? Social services. Schools, clinics, hospitals, police stations. These are vital not just to the economic health of any nation but the social health of a nation. And the Real Deal will not neglect them. The Regal Job Corps is once again being mobilized to begin assisting in the construction of new service buildings. Rural clinics, urban schools, new hospitals, modernized police stations, you name it. These efforts will be vital to establishing faith in the democratic system, and continue to provide jobs. After all, no one will take an awful job in the middle of nowhere. But a decent job in the middle of nowhere and suddenly things change for better.

The focus will largely be focused on all of Baltusia but a particularly focus is on underdeveloped areas first. Modernized schools will bring in more teachers and reach more students. Modernized hospitals treat the sick. Modernized police stations protect the innocent. Service buildings are vital and show that rebuilding Baltusia isn't just numbers, GDP and economic growth. It starts at the individual. 

While fiscal conservatives from the Movement of 39-40 continue criticism and question how the Real Deal will solve anything if the government is left in a debt crisis, the Merridan Administration has marched forward in spending, looking to uplift Baltusians entirely. The main benefit of modernizing service buildings is that it keeps the RJC busy and keeps Baltusians busy and working. Everything takes time and non government associated stable jobs take time to occur. Keep the RJC busy and the private sector will be stable and comfortable enough to employ Baltusians entirely masse. Until then, the RJC will have a busy schedule.

[Elena1012]

Rebuilding the economy; Preparing the future for uranium.
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December 2nd, 5646
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The Real Deal continues on. While the Concord Deal offered moderate support for industries such as copper, the Real Deal has been less accepting of caution, determined to revive the economy. While getting Baltusians employed is a good start, you can't revive an economy well enough by simply handing out jobs like candy. As such, this is where our natural resources come in. The most notable is uranium. What's one thing that uranium gives you? Besides cancer if you handle it wrongly. High paying, high quality jobs that investors like to see. And who doesn't like a high paying job? 

As such, efforts have begun on preparing for this agenda. While it will be expensive, it'll be well worth the cost. And the first step is finding good uranium deposits. A national survey will be enacted to find said deposits, their quality, depth, and accessibility. Once those are found, they'll be extracted and mined. The state will work hand in hand with the private sector in mining uranium and this means the private sector gets its time to shine and provide jobs. As the survey goes on, the Atomic Authority Agency, or the AAA will handle all matters related to uranium and atomic usage. Mostly in ensuring safety (safe workers are happy workers), ensuring who gets licences for mining and eventually operating nuclear power plants, and training Baltusians on how to handle nuclear power plants. It goes without saying that we're not crazy. While the old United States of Baltusia spent millions and millions on the military, we will not do the same. Atomic weaponry is a genie that is one, too expensive, and two, a genie that must be smothered in its cradle. The big bonuses of nuclear power will be clean energy and great paying jobs. A green future if you will.

It'll take time for the next phase, but the Real Deal is setting itself up for economic recovery, and Baltusians could not be more happier with the direction. The Radicals and their version of liberalism appears to be making great strides. But there's always work to be done.

[Elena1012]

Trade Deal signed with Kundrati; Rebuilding a Baltusian Trade Network.
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June 4th, 5647
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Before the syndicalist revolution, during the US, Baltusia had attempted to establish a trade network. Suffice to say, it died out when the Syndicalist revolution occured. Under them, they embraced autarky. And isolation. Evidently, neither is good for an economy and while the Real Deal continues to invest internally, the Merridan Administration is looking outward to sign trade deals with nations. Chief amongst them is Kundrati. While formerly under a totalitarian fascist state, the nation has started to enjoy democratic freedoms thanks to an international coalition toppling the prior regime. As such, this opens an opportunity. Two rebuilding nations working together is a valuable opportunity.

Uranium is a valuable resource. Valuable for nuclear power, and also making money. And while Kundrati is a state renowned for its uranium, it never hurts to have extra and make a quick buck. As such, the Kundrati owned Podlezl Mining Conglomerate, renowned for operating and owning about 30% of all mining operations in Kundrati will have permission to begin operations in Baltusia. This will provide them with profit (which depending on Kundrati law should benefit the state too), and it'll provide us with more employed Baltusians by the private sector and foreign investments. These private mines will have the right to do what they please with what they mine, so while they won't dominate the private sector, they still get their slice of the radioactive cake. Because they have that right, they will employ Baltusians to operate and build mines. A fair compromise.

For the Kundrati government itself, they'll buy 30% of the copper domestically produced at a 10% cheaper market rate. A win win. We sell copper, expand our trade volume and make cash, and Kundrati gets copper that's needed for rebuilding and modernizing, plus they also get to expand their trade volume and enjoy the benefits of a market economy. As trade begins, we can start looking to other nations. Perhaps the rest of the SEC? Other Seleyan states? Anything is possible, and it'll be beneficial for an economic recovery.

[Elena1012]

Continuing the Uranium Revolution; Expanding and supporting mining efforts.
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December 18th, 5647
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The Real Deal has honed in on developing domestic industries in Baltusia. After all, this puts workers into jobs and food on the table for Baltusians. It gets many of them out of the working class and into the middle class. While the middle class does need relief, they are too small at the moment. So, the goal is getting more Baltusians there. And the best way to do so is via good employment and stable economics. As such, Uranium mining continues to be a rising industry. While the private sector focuses on developing mines, Baltusian Liberalism can't be solely laissez-faire. The Merridan Administration is not compromised of do nothing liberals. As such, while most of the industry is going private, there will be state employment opportunities and with that, the state will provide.

As such, state owned mines will be modernized to be kept up to date. We trust private mines to be modernized given their nature but for those that quickly established themselves and are in need of modern equipment (looking at the mines that are older and using abandoned mines from the syndicalist era), the state will work in providing modernizations. For private mines, they will receive a tax break if they pair good healthcare and housing with their benefits. For state mines, they'll provide good healthcare and housing. 

For local communities close to the mines, they'll have the benefit of providing storage. This'll boost their development and provide a safe place for uranium to be stored. A win win. Overall, these efforts may seem miniscule but they will be vital to an economic recovery. And as the Real Deal continues on another year, next year's elections will see Baltusians determine if the Real Deal is just as good as the Concord Deal or worth keeping for another term.