Seko

[Elena1012]

National Employment and Confidence Act narrowly passes the Imperial Diet; Proto-Jobs Program enacted.
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September 23rd, 5705
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Economic recovery is never easy for any nation. For a country in a situation even close to Seko, it seems daunting. But not impossible. If there is one thing that the Koiso Cabinet is willing to gamble it's capital on, it's getting jobs available. Even if stagnation isn't stopped, providing jobs is a solid method to stop the proverbial bleeding, and stop the biggest attraction to the extremes. As such, the Imperial Diet saw a vote on the National Employment and Confidence Act. To the surprise of many cynics, the NECA narrowly passed, receiving full votes from all members of the Liberal Democratic Coalition, and the few independents in the Imperial Diet. 

So, what does the NECA do? For starters, an Employee Retention Subsidy is established, in which the state will temporarily co-pay wages, and ensure firms that cooperate, commit to no layoffs during the subsidy period. Contracts will range from 12 months to 18 months, and will not be renewable. The goal is to get Sekowans paid for working, not for idleness. Alongside this, the Youth Employment Track, which will see the target group be all Sekowans under the age of 30, laid off apprentices, and first time job seekers. Wage subsidies will be offered for new hires, state backed apprenticeships will be offered, and retraining stipends tied to employment. 

The NECA has been unanimously supported by all members of the Liberal Democratic Coalition, with Cooperative Democrats endorsing it as necessary to prevent economic freefall and unrest. Progressives have supported it on the merits of it being progress in making sure no Sekowan is left behind, and that workers stay employed. Liberals have supported it on the grounds of NECA ensuring firms don't collapse, and supply chains being protected. While officially, no one is saying that the NECA was designed to incapacitate the appeal of the far right and far left, it's clear that the NECA is targeting the jobless, who are often likely driven to the extremes. And with the Koiso Cabinet determined to keep democracy afloat, economic recovery is a must before democratic institutions can be rebuilt.

[Elena1012]

Liberal politician, Iwamoto Kuniyuki endorses Seko First ideals; "Seko would do better embracing a neutral foreign policy, and focusing inward".
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December 12th, 5705
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In terms of foreign affairs, Seko has often been forgotten and cast aside by the world. What relevance does a nation in decline have after all? But that doesn't mean the conversation has stopped as many in Seko have wondered, what's to be Seko's spot in the world stage? And with the world changing rapidly, there are many voices. Some call for complete isolation, others for full internationalism. Some call for neoconservative thought and only working with the democracies of the world. Others prefer a more pragmatic approach. For the extremes, this question has had a simple answer. No entanglements. The far left favours isolationism entirely until socialism can be achieved, and then violently spreading socialism, whilst the far right favours isolationism, framed as Seko First. The centrist party's have had less of a formal position, but within the Liberal Democratic Coalition is an anomaly within the Liberal Party.

Iwamoto Kuniyuki, a prominent Republican in the Imperial Diet, and an even more prominent liberal in the Liberal Party, has always had his fair share of controversy. This week, may perhaps have been another controversial, yet appealing addition to the bucket. Kuniyuki has gone on record, in an interview, to endorse Seko First. However, this doesn't make him sympathetic to the far right. He does have considerable controversy for arguing for the banning of the far left and far right. He has chosen to frame his endorsement around neutrality.

I understand that my colleagues within the Liberal Party and the wider Liberal Democratic Coalition want internationalism. I believe, economically, internationalism is not a bad thing. But, I also believe that Seko would do better focusing inwards. We should embrace a neutral foreign policy. No entanglements. No foreign commitments. No webs. Just neutrality, and our independence. We can trade with whoever we like, but we should firmly stick to a mindset of Seko First when it comes to foreign commitments. No alliances would be a firm like in the sand that I believe we should support. Maybe even a formal Neutrality Act. We have too many problems at home to consider foreign policy. Let the world handle itself. We should focus on helping our people first and foremost.

Now, we did say appealing earlier. On paper, you wouldn't be wrong to think that this position by Iwamoto Kuniyuki is in bad taste for a liberal democrat. But, this is a unique political environment. And his position has found appeal, both with moderate Sekowans, and especially Sekowans who endorse the SFRP's foreign policy. And for them, perhaps they'd be persuaded to vote for Kuniyuki and hold their nose to get his foreign policy, in the next elections. However, it would require the rest of the Liberal Party to formally adopt his idea as apart of the Party's Platform. Whatever the case, the Liberals remain an anomaly within the Sekowan political environment. Economically liberal, republican, and flexible on foreign policy. But perhaps being an anomaly is what they need, for any press that isn't calling them traitors to the country, is certainly positive press.

[Elena1012]

Koiso Cabinet passes the Economic Reconstruction and Employment Act; An attempt at recovery.

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March 19th, 5706
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With signs of the proverbial bleeding ceasing, the Koiso Cabinet has continued to gamble on job growth to facilitate economic recovery, betting on the Economic Reconstruction and Employment Act, which managed to pass the Imperial Diet. The EREA will expand upon NECA and continue to act as an expansion of a proto jobs corp. But what is the EREA?

The first aspect of the EREA is the formal creation of a national mandate, of which, that mandate will last for 10 years, to oversee economic recovery, stabilize and promote job growth, revitalize infrastructure, and restore industrial capacity. This is where the Economic Recovery Commission will formally be created and come into play. Using that mandate, the Economic Recovery Commission will focus on providing jobs by national need, which will largely focus on infrastructure. A job guarantee by function essentially. Jobs will be created to fill the demand, and will have standardized pay. Such jobs will focus on infrastructure, such as road maintenance and vital service construction. The state will act as an employer of last resort, and the ERC will be allowed to temporarily issue contracts directly, revive mothballed industries, and coordinate supply chains. However, it shall have sunset clauses.

The goal isn't to pay people to dig holes, but it's to get people into a job and the best way to do so, is with infrastructure. And any economic recovery will require solid infrastructure. Or, at the very least, Sekowans working. And this, is the first step of many towards economic recovery. While it's unknown if it'll succeed, it goes without saying that people with jobs are less likely to go to extremes, especially if the job pays well and is stable. And the Koiso Cabinet seems to understand this, even if it'll never admit it. And the Koiso Cabinet is determined to ensure every Sekowan is able to have a stable job and de-radicalize Sekowans.

[Elena1012]

Food Security Program enacted; Making moves to ensure stable food prices.
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June 17th, 5706
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What is one thing that everyone can agree on, no matter the political ideology? Food should always be cheap and affordable. Many governments worldwide have always known this to be a live or die message, as most governments rarely lost long with food lines. In Seko, this is a lesson that the Koiso Cabinet is taking notes on, and it's no secret that Koiso is looking to ensure her term is focused on de-radicalization and basic economic recovery. This is where the Food Security Program comes into effect, which was enacted this week. Despite grumblings from the most Laissez-faire Liberals, the Food Security Program has been accepted by the coalition as something necessary for the survival of Sekowan democracy.

So, what even is the Food Security Program? In short, it's a program to ensure food is affordable for all Sekowans. Prices will need to be stabilized and much to the chagrin of classical liberals, the state will ensure fishers and farmers get a guaranteed floor price, and that no surplus dumping can occur. Every producer of food will have a buyer. This is especially true for the logistics of food production. Fuel, fertilizer, equipment, feed and ice for fisheries. They'll be invaluable, and to keep priced affordable, and prevent rural economic collapse. For urban communities, however, as an olive branch to liberals and keep them pleased with the coalition (as progressives can already champion the price floor), urban communities will see licensed food processing firms enter, which will not be state owned, and will be either majority private, or mixed, but certainly not mandated to be public or state owned. The state will at best, have a minimum piece of ownership, and guarantee loans. These facilities will focus on urban communities, but especially communities experiencing de-industrialization, rail hubs and port hubs. They'll handle basic meat packing, canning, fish freezing, drying, milling, and fish processing. 

Food prices will be allowed and encourage to fluctuate, but price bands will be put in place until the economy is deemed sufficiently stable. Price controls have been firmly rejected by the coalition. Much to the disappointment of the Progressive Party. The state will only intervene in absolute emergencies. 

The Food Security Program has of course, been applauded by Progressives, who despite having some disappointments in concessions to the market, have accepted it as a necessary aspect of coalition building democracy. Cooperative Democrats have supported it as vital to economic recovery and day to day economics is something anyone can get behind and endorse. The Liberals however, have swallowed their pride and taken whatever concessions they can get, accepting the compromises made with the Food Security Program. While it's clear that the Liberals are a bit unnerved, it's only expected of a diverse coalition. But with food prices set to stabilize, the oxygen for the far left and far right will certainly take a major hit. Whether the coalition can prevent dissent long enough however, is an entirely different question but so far, Koiso has done well in keeping her diverse coalition together.

[Elena1012]

Liberals draft Republican Bill; Far-Right denounces the bill as the LDC moves the vote to late 5707.
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December 18th, 5706
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One of the requirements for Liberal participation in the Liberal Democratic Coalition, was a referendum on the fate of the monarchy and a push for a Republic if allowed. With year 2 of the Koiso Cabinet set to occur in a few weeks, the Liberals have begun drafting the "Imperial Resolution and Republican Values" Act (IRRVA) and while it was intended to be introduced in early spring, negotiations from the rest of the coalition, particularly the Cooperative Democrats, have convinced the Liberals to push the bill back to late 5707. Despite this, the Liberals have gone through with drafting the bill, even if it won't be set to vote until that time.

As the name implies, the IRRVA, if passed, would authorize a public referendum on the fate of the monarchy, and if the referendum is in favour of abolishing the monarchy, the Imperial Diet will formally request the abdication of the Emperor, and formally abolish the status of Emperor, revoke Imperial Titles (but as a concession to moderates, the Imperial Family would keep special privileges), and grant the Prime Minister full Head of State privileges, which would be elected by parliamentary procedures. The Imperial Diet will also be formally reorganized into the State Diet, which will be responsible for holding the Prime Minister accountable and electing the Prime Minister. 

With Liberals rallying around the bill, the first major challenge of the Liberal Democratic Coalition is bound to come next year as the Koiso Cabinet will need to ensure that this vote goes smoothly. With Liberals bound to vote in favour, and Progressives being dependent on the Diet Member, Cooperative Democrats will need to be whipped into voting for the bill, as there's no doubt that the coalition may be shot down if the bill is killed by Cooperative Democrats. However, the Far Right Seko Fundamentalist Restoration Party has been livid, denouncing the bill as an attack on Seko itself, and has arguably been mobilizing it's voter base to canvas and get as much popular support to kill the bill, and kill the referendum. Various SFRP politicians have been making public statements and rallies to oppose the bill, demonizing the liberals and the Koiso Cabinet heavily. The communists however, have remained silent, and it's likely that they will remain silent, as they rarely engage with the Imperial Diet.

[Elena1012]

Concern grows over the Liberal Democratic Coalition's sustainability over the looming IRRVA; Conservative wing of the CDP confirm that they will not vote in favour.

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June 17th, 5707
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The IRRVA is set to be voted on this November, and with it comes a flurry of controversy. From the left, right and centre. This is the Republican Bill after all. If passed, it would authorize a referendum on the fate of the monarchy, and if that passes, the abdication of the Emperor, and the abolishment of the monarchy. For the Liberal Democratic Coalition (P+CDP+LPS), this has been nothing short of a logistical nightmare. The Liberals have spent the summer whipping votes to ensure that no liberal defects and votes no, but equally have been trying to offer whatever concessions they can to the Progressive Party, and the Cooperative Democrats to ensure that the rest of the coalition votes in favour. For the Progressives, while they are firmly Centre-Left, the Progressive Party also has no formal position on the status of the monarchy, largely focusing on economic rights and social issues, instead of constitutional ones. This, in essence, means that each Progressive Diet Member is a gamble. 

And even if every Progressive and Liberal voted yes, it wouldn't be enough to pass the bill. Which is why the Cooperative Democrats are needed. However, this is an issue on account of the CDP formally being a monarchist party. And as liberals have found out the hard way, no amount of concessions will make die hard monarchists ever vote in favour of a republican bill. Earlier this week, member of the Imperial Diet, Saito Toin of the Cooperative Democrats most conservative wing, has confirmed that conservatives within the CDP will not vote in favour of the bill, and will go across the aisle to join in opposition to the bill. This doesn't mean that every CDP Diet Member is going to oppose the bill, as the CDP is a liberal conservative party, every vote matters. With centrists in the CDP hedging, and the SFRP only ramping up it's proverbial attack campaigns on the bill, it is looking rather grim.

Speaking of, the SFRP has had a field day with conservatives confirming that they will vote against the bill, with an inside joke emerging that if the Liberal Democratic Coalition can't even whip votes for this, how can they govern and guide the country? As the issue becomes yet another polarizing issue in Seko, it is worth noting that the Liberals have also made it clear to the CDP and the conservatives, that the coalition lives or dies based on this vote. While technically the coalition was founded on the basis of agreeing to a vote, and not on the basis of voting in favour, Liberals have been adamant, saying that if the CDP votes against the bill, and the bill fails, they will trigger a vote of no confidence.

This of course, has worried Progressives, as snap elections are only bound to benefit the extremists. But fundamentally, it is already a huge ask to get a monarchist party to even tolerate a coalition with republicans, much less vote in favour of a bill to end the monarchy. And unless a miracle occurs, it's likely that both the IRRVA, and the Liberal Democratic Coalition will die by the end of the year. The LDC has always held fragile unity, and IRRVA is showing how fragile that unity is.

[Elena1012]

Liberals offer radical concessions to Progressives in exchange for votes; Progressives offer the KRT Plan and pledge to vote in favour.
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June 21st, 5707
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With the CDP seeing itself divided on the November IRRVA vote, and conservatives in the CDP confirming that they'll vote no, and with the looming threat of a vote of no confidence if the rest of the CDP votes against the bill, the Liberals have spent the weekend practically begging and offering any concessions to the Progressives and anyone really, to vote in favour. Today, the Progressive Party has confirmed that it will whip votes and vote in favour of the IRRVA. This certainly won't be enough to pass the bill, but it'll make the margins closer and a little more optimistic. Despite the Progressives not having a formal stance on the monarchy, they've been persuaded with a valuable concession, as the Liberals have swallowed their pride and offered to back a Progressive led economic recovery plan. That plan, the KRT (Kyoshi-Riku-Toju) Plan.

Each Progressive, even those in monarchist districts, can say that they didn't vote for a Republic, but for jobs, infrastructure and economic recovery via the KRT Plan. With Liberals swallowing their pride (much to the strong disappointment of Laissez-faire Liberals), and offering a radical concession, Progressives have started rallying around both the KRT Plan, and the IRRVA, and have at least gone out of their way to defend the bill from slander. Part of the concessions, however, mean that the Liberals must back a legislative bill to enact the KRT (which would require CDP votes), and the Liberals have accepted given that they can't really afford any defective votes. As such, the KRT would see a national works authority enacted, which would begin massive public hiring for energy grid upgrades, railway upgrades, urban housing (expanding upon the NECA), and flood controls. Jobs would be under temporary, renewable contracts, and preference would be placed on underemployed and unemployed workers. It would also see the state expand credit via a public reconstruction bank, industrial stabilization councils, and targeted emergency welfare expansions.

Normally, the Liberals would oppose this, and privately, many do, but many prioritize the establishment of a Republic over their pride and have chosen to frame the concession as a "targeted investment for economic recovery". This was arguably, the best outcome as Progressives conceded on nationalizations, but wouldn't budge on anything else. Given it is a Progressive led initiative, it can also attract centrists within the CDP. Whatever the case, the Liberals are willing to offer any concessions, especially ones they absolutely hate, to ensure IRVVA passes. While it does beg the question of if the CDP can be persuaded, or at least it's centrist wing, can be persuaded to vote in favour, it's unlikely as the bill is still widely expected to fail, and if the coalition does survive, the Liberals will have had made major compromises, and got nothing tangible out of it at the end. And that's a big if, in if the coalition survives. With the vote set to occur in November, the liberals only have a few more months to whip up votes and offer concessions and compromises. Whether possible or not, is an entirely different question, and all the meanwhile, the SFRP may also equally be making offers to centrists in the CDP to kill the bill. And that's not even discussing the referendum, which can also flop. In any case, it does show that the Liberals hold their priority on the establishment of a Republic, first and foremost and are willing to wince, hold their nose and make concessions they absolutely hate, to achieve that goal.

[Elena1012]

IRRVA passes as SCKWP saves the bill; Referendum set to occur in February.
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November 20th, 5707
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Against every expectation, IRRVA passes the Imperial Diet. With Liberals managing to hold the line and whip every Liberal to vote in favour, as well as Progressives joining the vote, it seemed doomed to fail as most of the CDP ended up voting against the bill. Except, the bill didn't fail. The far left Seko Communist-Kaminskist Workers’ Party, which frequently refuses to engage in parliamentary procedure due to their ideology, did not abstain or vote no, but voted fully in favour, having every communist Diet Member vote in favour of the bill. This means that the bill only narrowly passed.

A spokesperson from the SCKWP confirmed that the vote was fine to advance "Proletarian Interests", while still heavily criticizing the centre for "bourgeois capitalism". With the bill passing, a referendum is being organized and will go into effect next February, where if passed by public approval, the IRRVA will go into effect and the Imperial Diet will request the abdication of the Emperor. Unsurprising, the far right has reacted rather negatively, especially with the communists voting for the bill, equating all the centrist parties as nothing more than communist puppets. This has also had the unintended side effect of seeing protests occur across the country, mostly from monarchists but also rallies from both sides. Monarchists are determined to convince swing voters to vote for the monarchy in the referendum, whilst republicans are reinvigorated and have held rallies, looking to ensure a republican outcome prevails on the outcome.

And, with the bill passing, two things are certain. The KRT Plan, which was a concession given by the Liberals to court the Progressives, and almost certainly, the Koiso Cabinet is set to die as a vote of no confidence is almost certain next year. The Cooperative Democratic Party did, in the end, vote against the bill and while the Liberals did say they would kill the coalition if the vote failed, the CDP still did vote against it by and large. While it's possible that the coalition survives, it's looking unlikely as the tensions within the Koiso Cabinet are simply too high for practical governing to last long term. Which means, it's most likely that we'll see snap elections next year, and with the referendum set to be another match in the fire that is polarization, snap elections may prove dangerous. Irregardless of the referendum results.

[Elena1012]

February referendum comes to an end; Republicans prevail with 57%. Imperial Diet set to request abdication later this year as Seko looks to a republic.
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February 14th, 5708
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When IRRVA passed last November, a referendum was prepared for the public, as it would be the public who determines the future of Seko, and ever since November, monarchists and republicans have spent weeks and months rallying and campaigning, trying to convince swing voters to support them in the referendum. This week, to the surprise of many, despite the apathy that defined Sekowan politics before, there was high turnout. 79% turnout. For good or ill, Sekowans were engaged in this, from all aspects of the political aisle. And with that turnout, the results have arrived. 57% of the public have voted for the establishment of a Republic.

Reactions came almost immediately into referendum night, as the youth vote, something rare in Sekowan politics turned out heavily to vote in favour of the republicans. Almost immediately, republicans across the country celebrated, as despite the issues affecting Seko, this is one issue that was solved without violence. However, to little shock, the far right and monarchists were distraught with the results. No claims of fraud have come yet (no major claims at least, as minor claims of fraud were reported and are being verified), but many feel a sense of dread in the air. Despite the largely peaceful outcome, this is something that the far right has spent months campaigning against, only to lose. The same far right, responsible for turning Seko into an anocracy.

Whatever the case, the Imperial Diet will begin filing and preparing to request the abdication of the Emperor, sometime later this year, with the Imperial Palace releasing a brief statement. 

It is recognized that the will of the people is adamant in wanting the Imperial institution formally abolished. This is a decision that the Imperial Family does not take lightly, but one that the Imperial Family will acknowledge.

With the referendum over, it's clear that Seko is set to become a republic. For better, or worse. However, the referendum autopsy does beg insight, as youth turnout was notable, which could be pointed towards apathy dying out thanks to NECA and slight economic recovery. It could also be pointed towards the referendum being given to the public, that appealed to moderates, or the monarchy not having much of a presence in public life. Whatever the case, 5708 will certainly be interesting for Seko.

[Elena1012]

Emperor abdicates as the Republic of Seko is declared; Despite anger from the far right, minor economic stabilization gives centrists breathing room as snap elections loom.
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June 2nd, 5708
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The end of an era has come, and a new era has begun. The Emperor of Seko has formally abdicated the throne (albeit the Imperial Family will keep special privileges), and the former Imperial Diet (now State Diet) formally going through with the legal proceedings of the IRRVA, the monarchy has been formally abolished, and the Republic of Seko has been declared. Koiso will remain as interim Prime Minister until the next elections (which will be later this year, as snap elections have been called as the governments confidence has wavered immensely). Almost immediately, celebrations rang out from republicans, left and centre alike, as while the country still faces many issues, this is a step forward. Monarchists on the other hand, moderate and radical alike, have felt abandoned, betrayed, or worse. The far right has essentially been screaming nonstop, decrying the Republic as illegitimate, and especially demonizing the Liberal Party of Seko. Moderate monarchists, such as those found in the Cooperative Democratic Party however, have felt concern over the rhetoric of the far right, but equally have concern over the formation of a Republic.

With snap elections looming later this year however, many Sekowans, previously thought to be apathetic have become more engaged, even if ever so slightly, and why is that? Because the economy is showing some signs of minor stability. While certainly not ideal, and plenty of work is still needed, enough signs, small as they may be, have allowed the centrist party's to point towards that progress, and say, progress is being made. And this, is why the centrist party's are holding on polling despite everything. While it's unknown whether it's enough to win outright, it certainly is reducing the chances of the SFRP forming a government and reversing the Republic. And speaking of Republicans, they've begun to rally around the centrists, instead of being disunited, particularly rallying around the Progressives and Liberals. The SFRP however, has continued to rally, pledging to shoot down any government that does not commit to ending the Republic. Protests, rallies, you name it. The SFRP is making it very clear that this is something they adamantly hate. But unless they get elected, they'll have to live with the newborn Republic.

And with that Republic born, there is still much work to be done. Many said that a Republic nowadays was impossible. That Seko should remain a monarchy instead of returning to republicanism. Today, those who said that remain silent. And perhaps, recovery, which equally seems impossible, is also possible to occur?