Seko

[Zanz]

http://forum.particracy.net/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=81

[beifengxiaoxiao]

Baegukese MDPs Denounce Bakufu Military Faction, Call for WDU to be Ready to Suspend Sekowo

[Alaskancrabpuffs21]

CEO Tycoon and Reactionary Populist Hiroshi Takamura to become the next Sekowan Prime Minister, as his party "Seko Fundamentalist Restoration Party (SFRP)" to have a majority in the Imperial Diet


September 4th, 5654

Seko has gone to the polls, and for the existing Liberal Democratic Coalition, it has been disastrous. The far-right party known as the Seko Fundamentalist Restoration Party (セコ原理主義復興党), has won a clean sweep of elections, with their leader, the charismatic  Hiroshi Takamura set to become the next Prime Minister of Seko. The elections were not even close, with Takamura's party winning a clean sweep across all major prefectures in Seko. 

Takamura has promised to bring stability and glory back to Seko, saying that

For too long we have been overshadowed by Lourenne and other states. For too long our economy has stagnated and declines due to liberal mismanagement. For too long we have had a government that is out of touch with reality. The center has lost, the center left and the center right have teamed up to ruin this country, to set us back decades, and to ruin the culture and dignity of our nation. 

Our call for freedom and liberation, means that Seko stays a true ethostate where Sekowan and Kunihito people may live in peace and prosperity, and where we are not interfered with by the likes of Western Nations anymore! Seko can become a place where the family unit is protected again, where traditional living is uplifted, and where those that try to tear our country down, will not be able to do so!
So friends, today we seize a new opportunity, a new beginning for Seko. A new path forward for our great nation! Today we set about a new course into the sun and out of the shadows!

The right-wing in Seko is pleased, but a majority of his voters are those upset by the status quo. A growing number of Seko's population has major distrust in the democratic structure. People are working more than they used to, and for wages that have stagnated. The country is simply treading water, and if Takamura can hold their promises to these voters, they can and will succeed. However these same voters easily could buck to a new party if things get worse. 

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[Alaskancrabpuffs21]

Takamura Government Releases Massive Plan to build "Megaprisons" Across Seko to hold criminals and to incarcerate more of Seko's Populous 



June 7th 5655

The Takamura Government has announced the creation of a "megaprison" system across Seko, to address the claims of "rising crime" across the country. This coincides with many laws being updated by the Seko Fundamentalist Restoration Party (セコ原理主義復興党) which targets groups they see as causing chaos and disorder to Seko. Some of these groups include college and university professors, sex workers and prostitutes, and environmental activists. For sex workers the prison sentences have been increased to 20-30 years per charge.

Takamura has claimed that this will stamp out what he calls "lawlessness" across Seko, and will "stop" radicalism from spreading through colleges and society at large. What Takamura has claimed he will institute is a political ban of Leftwing parties, however this would violate the current Seko constitution which protects people based on political beliefs. 

Takamura spoke at a rally today saying that their efforts will "fully protect and defend Seko society from those who want to bring us down". 

The megaprison system will see the creation of 7 of these massive prisons which will be supermax facilities which are intended on helping stop the overcrowding of Seko's prisons. Many opposition figures against the government see the prisons as a place where Takamura can put his supposed "enemies", and some have called this a crime against humanity. With local elections coming up, there is a growing sentiment across Seko, of voting for those who will stand against the current Government.

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[Alaskancrabpuffs21]

 

BREAKING: Police Raid Red Light Districts in Ishinawa, Nakamura, Toyoyoama and other major cities across Sekowo. 150 people Arrested


October 3rd 5656

Members of the Seko Emergency Response Team, have targeted 6 major cities, mainly targeted the red-light districts in each of these cities. This is apart of the Government's broad plan to tackle crime, by putting what the Prime Minister calls "sex exploiters" into prison. Over 6 red-light districts in Seko's largest cities were fully raided by armed response teams, which quickly ransacked and arrested anyone caught or suspected of participating in prostitution or other illegal activities. 

Local government officials praised the raids, with the Mayor of Seko's largest cities Ishinawa, Fujiyama Yugoro thanking the members of the team for helping "clean up" the city. Yugori is apart of the Prime Minister's party, the current ruling party in Seko, the Seko Fundamentalist Restoration Party (セコ原理主義復興党). 

Around 150 people were arrested overnight in conjunction with the raids, with them being sent to Seko's new "superprisons", where they will endure up to 10 years of hard labor, and classes on how to become better citizens and productive to society. 

Members of opposition parties such as the fledgling Seko Communist Workers’ Party (セコ共産主義労働者党) and the State Democratic Party of Seko (セコ国家民主党) have called the raids "excessive" and the Communists have called the super-prisons as "death camps" however there is no evidence of this taking place at all. With local elections coming up, it seems there is pushback against the Takamura Government, with polls in several cities showing growing support for the left. 

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[Alaskancrabpuffs21]

Mizushima Oda elected Mayor of Toyoyama as apart of the Seko Communist-Kaminskist Workers’ Party - Promises to fight the Takamura Government



July 4th 5657

In a stunning victory, for the Communists have gathered enough support across Seko, against the ruling Government, and in the city of Toyoyama to pull off a stunning upset. This comes as the Seko Kaminskist Workers Party [font=sans-serif](セコ共産主義労働者党)[/font], gained many small victories in mayoral races, and local elections across Seko. The biggest upset of the night was the victory of Mizushima Oda, the deputy leader of the SKWP, who has become Mayor of Toyoyama. In his speech he called for "sanity to be restored" to the city following police crackdowns, and he has promised to fight as much as possible on the city level, to combat the raids from the Government. 

In his victory speech. Oda thanked his supporters and the crowds of onlookers saying 

Tonight the voices of those who have been silenced by this government, have spoken out. Tonight Democracy has triumphed and fear and authoritarianism has failed. Tonight the "workers vanguard" has triumphed. This is a message to the Takamura government, the the people of Toyoyama, are tired of the government, and they are tired of the raids, they are tired of the scare tactics. They are tired of the long hours, they are tired of the oppression of the workers, and they are tired of the exploitation of the people.

Tonight our great journey is only beginning. Starting in small communities and moving to cities, our voices will not be silenced, our cause will not be compromised, and our spirits will not be dampened. Together we will fight for the good of society, and fight for fair treatment of the working and middle class. Together we will fight against the oppression from our government, and we will set into motion a movement that cannot be stopped.

Join me, join us on that mission!

The Prime Minister when asked about the election of Oda, said simply

The man is a raving lunatic, and cannot be trusted. We will be investigating their party, and their movement. This country will not fall to Metzists!

The country that Takamura has heralded, as a bulwark against Metzism, however a Communist has been elected to one of Seko's largest cities, and despite the claims made by the Government, there is no way they can remove him, without local government action. This could prove to be a huge problem for the reactionary government. 

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[Elena1012]

The State of Seko in the 5700s; A turbulent era.

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May 27th, 5704
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To say that the years have been difficult for Seko is an understatement. Ever since the Takamura Government was elected in 5654, and the various issues (such as communist radicalization and a more authoritarian government in Eiwa, the country has gradually been in decline. Slipping from a full democracy to arguably, an anocracy, and with a fragile economy, it's no surprise that the country is in a fragile situation, economically and politically. Faith in democracy has been damaged by continuous governments from the Seko Fundamentalist Restoration Party, which has only continued to become increasingly authoritarian. Combine that with a lack of international trade, lowering spending power for the average Sekowan, no confidence for investors and radicalization leading many to either the SFRP or the far left Seko Communist-Kaminskist Workers’ Party (SCKWP) and it's clear that unless next years elections bid positive results for the Liberal Democratic Coalition (consisting of the Cooperative Democratic Party and the Progressive Party), then Sekowan democracy may very well finally die.

But, it begs the question. Who are the actors on the political stage? From the far left to the far right, the Sekowan political environment, as it stands, for better or worse is a home to all. Extremists and centrists alike. So, let us start with the most prevalent, the far right Seko Fundamentalist Restoration Party. Founded in 5654 and winning election in that year, the SFRP has been defined constantly for its authoritarianism, usage of right wing populism, and conservative attitude towards society. It remains the 3rd biggest party in the Imperial Diet as of 5704, and has been making major gains in the polls, with some polls expecting a +3 swing for SFRP next year. Being chiefly responsible for Seko's slide into anocracy, many are not asking if they'll be elected, but rather when they'll be elected, and take democracy in its current form with them.

Moving onto the centre, it gets a bit more squished. Starting off with the centre-right Cooperative Democratic Party, being one of the oldest parties in the current incarnation of Seko. The CDP has been largely responsible for holding the Liberal Democratic Coalition together and trying to undo the most authoritarian excesses when elected. With the CDP however, their issue lies in the fact that moderate conservatives are simply becoming more and more rare nowadays as many on the right flock to the SFRP. Moving onto the centre, the Liberal Party of Seko, advocating for market liberalism, and something that many thought would've killed them long ago politically, republicanism. They've often been excluded from the Liberal Democratic Coalition due to said republicanism, but have supported CDP cabinets (albeit with reluctance) in the past. And finally, the other face of the Liberal Democratic Coalition, the Progressive Party, consisting of social democrats and progressives who split from the far left. They've been the conscious of the Liberal Democratic Coalition, and have tried to act as an old branch to left wing voters. 

And speaking of the left, the Seko Communist-Kaminskist Workers’ Party. Like the far right, they've been critical of the current status quo, but have never been elected to national government, even if they make up a sizable chunk of the Imperial Diet. Equally responsible for supporting no confidence resolutions against the far right and centre, the SCKWP has only been making ground amongst the left due to economic instability, and being the only party to actively be hostile to the far right.

To say that things are unpleasant is an understatement. But it all depends next year. If the far right is elected, Sekowan democracy may very well pass the point of no return. If the centre holds, either the inevitable is delayed or some recovery can occur, despite the doubt of cynics. If the far left can prevail, then Sekowan democracy may be equally doomed and history may very well repeat. Whatever the case, next year will see the party's choose their candidates and Sekowans go to the polls. Most are anticipating either a slim victory for the far right or a narrow victory for the centre. Neither of which, is inspiring for the tired, battered, centre.

[Elena1012]

Cooperative Democratic Party does not rule out coalition with Liberals in 5705; SFRP criticizes.
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September 2nd, 5604
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As elections loom next March, the Liberal Democratic Coalition has found itself trying everything it can to ensure that a centrist cabinet can be established in 5605, especially with the steadily growing polling of the Seko Fundamentalist Restoration Party. With the chances of a Cooperative Democratic majority slimer by the day, and with the Progressive Party equally seeming unlikely to secure a majority, the CDP has been left with two choices. Either bank everything on winning a slim majority and accept the risk of a minority government, or even not forming a centrist cabinet, or, make a deal with another party that can ensure the odds of a centrist cabinet are increased. The only catch? Such a deal only leaves one party that is centrist enough. The Liberal Party. 

Due to their support of Republicanism, they've often been excluded from the Liberal Democratic Coalition, and especially from cabinet positions, as the CDP has feared rocking the boat, and especially as the CDP is a monarchist party at the end of the day. But with desperate times come desperate measures. As such, Isayama Kiyonaga, a spokesperson from the CDP has confirmed that the Cooperative Democrats will not rule out the possibility of including the Liberals in a potential cabinet, should the election yield results amicable to the Liberal Democratic Coalition. Such a move made headlines rather quickly, with their only coalition member, the Progressive Party endorsing the move, citing it to be a necessity for democratic preservation. Reactions from everyone else however, were more muted. The far left Seko Communist-Kaminskist Workers’ Party made no statement, as many individual communists simply decried "bourgeois parties". The far right however, has been extremely vocal about it. 

The shining star of the Seko Fundamentalist Restoration Party, Miyaguchi Eien was quick to criticize the move, and in a statement released online, had the following to say.

The decision by the Cooperative Democrats to even entertain the idea of including the Liberals in a future cabinet is, quite frankly, alarming. These are republican radicals, no better than the communists. Including them into a government is an insult to the Imperial Family, and to Sekowan tradition. It's rather crazy, that so called conservatives are willing to bend over backwards yet again to not only align with the Progressive Party, but also extend an open hand to radicals in the Liberal Party.

While it's unclear as to whether the March Elections will even yield a result that allows for the formation of a centrist cabinet, or if the Liberals will even be needed, it's clear that just the possibility of republicans in the cabinet is enough for the SFRP to make more gains, especially amongst conservatives and moderates in the monarchist camp. Whatever the case, we likely won't see anything substantial until next year, January at the earliest for better polling.

[Elena1012]

Centrist cabinet established despite narrow victory; Republicans included in coalition SFRP cries foul.
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March 14th, 5705
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The 5705 General Elections have concluded with tumultuous results. To say that many expected a far right victory is an understatement, but it seems those expectations have been dashed, only narrowly. With the Seko Fundamentalist Restoration Party coming short of a majority needed to form a cabinet by a few seats, this election has been close. As such, before the SFRP could appeal to independents to form a cabinet, the Cooperative Democratic managed to form a coalition, including the Progressive Party and, the Liberal Party. Without the Liberals, the Liberal Democratic Coalition would lack the necessary votes to form, but including thr Liberals had ensured a workable majority. 

As such, discussion began immediately on who would be Prime Minister, whether Liberal, Cooperative Democrat or Progressive. After much arguments, an agreement was made on nominating Ando Koiso as the Prime Minister, a moderate on the left of the Cooperative Democrats, acceptable to Liberals and Progressives, and of course, the rest of the CPD. However, the formation of the Koiso Cabinet has not come without compromises. The Progressives have been firm in demanding economic relief for Sekowans, whilst the Liberals have demanded a formal resolution on the status of the monarchy, and if allowing, a vote on the establishment of a Republic. Given the alternative is no cabinet and a far right cabinet, both demands have been accepted, however the vote on a Republic has been delayed to an undetermined date in the future. 

Koiso has promise to reaffirm democratic institutions, provide economic relief to workers, businesses, and the wider economy, and not rock the fragile boat. With support from Liberals and Progressives, her cabinet does face an issue of not having much public confidence. Apathy and cynicism is rampant in the country thanks to the past cabinets. And with a workable, but not firm majority, radical bills will be off the table.

The far right however, has cried foul, decrying the coalition as an insult and even a danger to Imperial Norms and has bashed the Koiso Cabinet for its formation as the SFRP is technically the biggest party in the Imperial Diet. And with the Communists refusing to engage in parliamentary procedures, moderate bills will be needed and with an angered far right, the prospects of the Koiso Cabinet are looking bleak. But not hopeless. Yet at least.

[Elena1012]

Koiso Cabinet enacts stimulus relief; An attempt at restoring predictability.

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June 3rd, 5705
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One of the first things to establish is the Sekowan economy. It's certainly seen better days, and has been on a constant decline. While less of a crippling depression, it's more of a constant state of stagnation. This isn't to minimize the rather poor state of the economy, or make things appear better then they are, it's clear that the economy has been in a constant downward spiral, whether in a plummet or a slow descent. So, it's no surprise that the Koiso Cabinet's first goal is to focus heavily on the economy. Anything radical is instantly dead in the water as the Imperial Diet will not pass anything extreme. Doubly so with the Liberal Democratic Coalition ranging from social democrats to market liberals.

But, that hasn't stopped the Koiso Cabinet from being able to achieve something. And that something, is providing stimulus relief to Sekowans, whether businesses or workers. Let's face it, the major reason that the far right has appeal is because of the dire economic situation. It's the biggest reason. The state is felt as absent, the economy is inconsistent, jobs are insecure, it's not exactly a welcoming environment for the average Sekowan. The goal of this stimulus relief is to restore predicability, even if it's for a limited amount of time. It's better to have some aid done than stay silent trying to achieve perfection.

So, what will this package entail? First, and certainly not least, cost of living rebates. Automatic rebates will be offered on electricity, heating (especially for the winters), and basic food staples. Warm, well fed Sekowans is the goal. These rebates will be offered via utility bills, tax credits and taking advantage of social insurance systems. No applications, no paperwork. Instant, yet boring aid. Next, is extended unemployment benefit durations. Unemployment benefits themselves will not be extended (as this discussion was quickly shot down amongst the coalition), but the benefits will receive an extension, so Sekowans can have more time. The jobless go to extremes. And finally, wage insurance. For laid off workers, once they find a job, it's usually one that pays less, and they usually leads to downward economic mobility. The state will step up, and temporarily cover parts of that former wage gap. Coverage will decline over time however. 

Within the Liberal Democratic Coalition, this has been surprisingly accepted. Progressives have applauded any progress as good progress, and have pitched the idea of a public works program to get Sekowans reliably employed, bringing some controversy to the coalition. Liberals have supported it, because the state isn't actively stepping on the market, and cynically some presume it's to build up goodwill and public favour for the inevitable vote on the monarchy's fate. Cooperative Democrats have been supportive, both because it's largely their initiative, and it's calm enough to work.

While it's not much in the grand scheme of things, and the road to recovery is long, and certainly arduous, the Koiso Cabinet is trying. And that's more than can be said about past cabinets.