Gaduridos

[Elena1012]

Modernizations of the Oil Industry; Supporting Gaduri Oil and Workers.

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July 19th, 5720
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The oil industry is arguably one of the most important industries for Gaduridos, and especially for the working class. Not only is it that, but it's an industry which rakes in a lot of cash for the state. So it's no surprise that the de la Cruz administration has chosen to focus on modernizing the industry to make it more efficient and effective. As such, the state is taking a proactive role in investing into the modernization of Gaduri Oil Production, most especially the state owned Petróleos Gaduridanos (Pegad). 

As such, the first step is actually upgrading drilling rigs, such as rotary rigs, expanding surveying projects, and investing into more modern valves, pumps, and the like. Improving extraction is just as important as exploration to ensure stable oil production. Furthermore, the oil industry must be more than just drilling for oil. Refineries will need to be upgraded, particularly modular upgrades, such as catalytic cracking units. Alongside this, storage units must be expanded if production is to increase, and of course, safety measures such as fire suppression, leak detection and reinforcing containment measures. But modernizing an industry doesn't stop at just the industry itself. It's workers are just as important. Technical schools will need to be expanded and supported to ensure workers are adequately trained, as well as supporting labour unions within the oil industry to ensure workers are treated fairly in an industry that the country relies on.

The government will largely focus on handling the costs of modernizations, but what fee private interests exist in the Gaduri Oil Sector will also receive minor support in modernizations, mostly in the form of low interest loans from the State Bank of Gaduridos for equipment modernizations. Befitting a social democratic government however, the oil industry will largely remain state directed and state dominated. The goal is to ensure that not only does the state get more cash from efficient oil, but also ensure that workers in this industry are treated with respect.
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In Other News;

Two years of the PSSG; Public support remains high.

His Majesty, Víctor de Valcorico recommends more parks in Ciudad de Gadur; City Council to take the suggestion into thought.

Is the PSSG a People's Party? Most likely due to its broad coalition.
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El Mensajero de la Mañana (Morning Courier) is the nationwide daily morning newspaper, located in Gadur.

[Elena1012]

Princess Gabriela of Egelion spotted near Valcorico Estate; Speculation emerges.
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January 18th, 5721
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As Princess Gabriela of Egelion has been traveling to Gaduridos quite frequently in recent months, the media has been very vocal about its questions, leading to vast rumours regarding why she's visiting so often. This week, it seems the media has gotten awfully excited as the press was able to see the Princess near the Valcorico Estate. Almost immediately, rumours set abound in the media world. Was this some strategic alliance between Gaduridos and Egelion in the making? A personal union? Would Gaduridos join the Egelian Empire? Were they dating? The rumours have only continued, and few sources have been able to confirm anything beyond the bare minimum.

According to what few sources that have information, the topics they discussed were surprisingly mundane, mostly about personal matters and the occasional geopolitical comment. Despite a few sources gaining some information, most information has largely been kept behind closed doors regarding the two. 

Whatever the case, and whatever the answer may be, the media has been very curious and non stop on speculating on just why an Egelion Princess is making numerous visits to His Majesty. Perhaps, there is some merit to some theories. Some. But not all. Most especially the rumour of Gaduridos joining the Egelian Empire or entering a Personal Union as while technically plausible, it's incredibly unlikely to be true, especially compared to other rumours that are more grounded in reality.
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[Elena1012]

Reforming the Civil Regulation and Competition Administration; Ensuring a fair market economy.
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May 2nd, 5721
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The Civil Regulation and Competition Administration is responsible for ensuring that the free market remains fair and works for everyone, not just the few. However, in recent times, the RCAC has often been slow, sluggish and inefficient. And if there's one thing that can kill a social democracy, it's slow bureaucracy. To that end, the de la Cruz administration is looking to change things up and restore the RCAC to its heights. 

As such, the first reform to come to RCAC is to ensure its mission is achievable. The goal of RCAC is to ensure the market stays fair, competition thrives and oligarchs don't form. However, its powers must be expanded to ensure that the economy stays this way. Stronger anti monopoly measures will be needed, such as blocking mergers that are anti competitive and the ability to break up firms that are monopolistic. Alongside this, consumer protections such as price transparency, protections against exploitative price gauging, product safety enforcement, and contract fairness. Another reform however, to ensure that the economy can continue working, is streamlining licensing for businesses.

The goal of reforming RCAC is to not only update social institutions, something that the de la Cruz administration is very determined to achieve, but ensure that as the economy grows, so too does the prosperity of the people.
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El Mensajero de la Mañana (Morning Courier) is the nationwide daily morning newspaper, located in Gadur.

[Elena1012]

Workers Party of Gaduridos fractures; Communists break off over ideological direction.
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October 7th, 5721
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Out of every political party in Gaduridos, the Workers Party of Gaduridos remains an anomaly, in that it lacks a coherent identity. Or rather, it lacks coherent appeal. If you're a left wing voter, you'd find yourself much better voting for the PSSG as it does contain genuine democratic socialist elements. So, the Workers Party has largely only attracted communists, left republicans, and those who feel that the PSSG isn't left wing enough. However, the party has been in turmoil since the 5718 election, as the party saw its weakest performance in decades. Despite some hopes of revitalization with incorporating left republicans, the internal contradictions of the workers party seem to have reached a boiling point as the 5721 Party Congress for the Workers Party of Gaduridos exposed the divisions of the PDtG. After the Party Congress confirmed that the Workers Party of Gaduridos would commit to the status quo of "parliamentary socialism", and not make changes to the party platform, the communist wing of the PDtG formally splintered off, forming the Communist Party of Gaduridos.

Formally committed to the ideals of Metzism-Leonidism, the Communist Party of Gaduridos (PCG) has laid out it's vision in its party manifesto, calling for the immediate dissolution of capitalism, the abolishment of the monarchy, and the establishment of a workers republic. However, with the communists splitting off, not only will the PDtG have to contend the PCG for voters in an already small ideological arena, but it seems with the communists having left, the republican left have chosen to depart from the PDtG over its perceived radicalism, breaking off and forming the Republican Left of Gaduridos (IRdG), focusing largely on republicanism and social democratic principles.

For all intents and purposes, the Workers Party has essentially fractured. This will likely mean that the far left will find a harder time in entering Congress or challenging the PSSG.
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In Other News

De la Cruz administration looks to reform Social Security next; Creating a more kind nation.

PSSG Left continues drafting the End Poverty in Gaduridos Plan: Would it work this time?
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El Mensajero de la Mañana (Morning Courier) is the nationwide daily morning newspaper, located in Gadur.

[Elena1012]

National Housing Administration to be expanded; Expanding public housing.
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February 3rd, 5722
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The Administración Nacional de Vivienda (National Housing Administration) remains one of the most reliable methods for low income Gaduri to have a stable roof over their heads. However, like all aspects of society, the Malaise has significant eroded how effective the ANV is, especially compared to the golden eras of the past. This week however, the de la Cruz administration is looking to expand the ANV and particularly expand public housing options to combat poverty. The goal is to ensure that the ANV actually works, does its job and that public housing is expanded. 

And the first step is, of course, to expand public housing drastically. Urban and industrial areas will be the focus, with the national government (and Duchy governments) funding construction of housing projects. After all, Gaduri can't be housed into affordable housing, if there's no housing available. Alongside this, the ANV will formally issue rent stabilization caps, which will block extreme rent increases, and encourage gradual increases and protect tenants from sudden displacement. Furthermore, land that isn't used for housing will be taxed, to discourage speculation, and restrictions will be placed on mass bulk buying of land and property. Finally, as the de la Cruz administration is ultimately committed to social democracy, state backed mortgages, low interest loans and down payment assistance will be offered to first time home buyers as well as a forgiveness program for existing home owners to provide support.

Every Gaduri will receive a home, that is a must. Whether public or private, the de la Cruz administration is now looking towards waging total war on poverty as the End Poverty in Gaduridos Program is set to begin once more (initially a program enacted during the golden era, the program was largely abandoned by later governments). In any case, as elections loom this year, it's clear that there was a second motive for this move beyond altruism, and that is getting an easy political win for voters. 
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In Other News;

His Majesty, Víctor de Valcorico looks to travel to Vintalli to meet with Vintallian communities; Keeping the country united.

Hosian Democratic Party reportedly more supported amongst conservatives than the Reform Party; Could the HDP be a challenger to the PSSG or will the right wing cannibalize itself?
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El Mensajero de la Mañana (Morning Courier) is the nationwide daily morning newspaper, located in Gadur.

[Elena1012]

Campaign Season in Gaduridos; PSSG holds high hopes.
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July 9th, 5722
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As the October Election looms, and Primaries conclude in Gaduridos all across the political environment, the campaign season has naturally arrived as all political parties, from the furthest left to the furthest right look to make their case to Gaduri across the country and explain why they should receive votes over their competitors. This campaign season is no different. But the spotlight is on 4 particularly candidates. 

Of course, from the left is Benjamín de la Cruz with the Seleyan Social Democratic Party of Gaduridos, having achieved overwhelming support from the PSSG in the Primaries, campaigning on continuing reforms, reaffirming economic rights, expanding trade, and waging war against poverty. Still broadly popular amongst the working class, as well as making grounds into the middle class, and enjoying considerable support from Gaduri-Esinsundu voters and the youth, the PSSG stands to gain a lot and protect their majority in Congress, this October. Regarding de la Cruz himself however, he has gone forward with endorsing more traditional social democratic objectives, such as a formal agricultural state buyer, pension reforms, and insurance reforms to the healthcare system, laying them on top of his goals of reforming existing social institutions. De la Cruz, and by extension the rest of the PSSG are certainly banking on their electoral coalition to hold and even expand to court farmers.

On the other side of the aisle, the Liberal Democratic Union has nominated Efraim Rubio as their nominee, former banker turned politician (who, as a side note, is gay, and his nomination has been applauded by activist groups for inclusion and diversity). Rubio has looked to ensure that the ULD can hold down the middle class and has campaigned on pushing back the excessive regulations from RCAC, reduce excessive government bureaucracy, drastically expand infrastructure across the country and education reform. The ULD and Rubio are largely banking on the middle class holding, and progressive voters to give the liberals a chance.

Shifting to the traditional right, Reform has chosen to instead endorse the Hosian Democratic Party and their candidate, Mauricio Graciani who has campaigned on a moderate platform of not rocking the boat. Promoting "family values", most especially economically with supporting small businesses, and workfare over drastic welfare expansions, largely trying to appeal to moderates, conservatives and hosians. With Reform endorsing the HDP, Graciani certainly has a chance to rally the Gaduri right and prevail.

And speaking of the right, the far right Free Soil Party (and their electoral allies, the National Party) have certainly looked to make their presence known on the campaign trail, nominating formed mayor of Puerto Blanco, Pedro Gálvez. Gálvez and the PSL have campaigned heavily on immigration reform, reforming the Royal Armed Forces of Gaduridos, and protective tariffs for domestic job creation. Most interestingly, the PSL have stayed silent on the issue of Bentasur.

Whatever the case, this election is certainly going to be a race between the PSSG and the HDP as the PSL is almost certainly going to lack any coalition partners to actually govern and the ULD can only hope to be a kingmaker in the best case scenario, should the PSSG lose their majority.
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In Other News;

Communist Party of Gaduridos refuses to run in elections; Cites "refusal to participate in bourgeois democracy".

Bakeries on the grow in towns and cities across the country; Nifty!
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El Mensajero de la Mañana (Morning Courier) is the nationwide daily morning newspaper, located in Gadur.

[Elena1012]

PSSG wins second term; PSSG Majority in Congress not only defended, but expanded.
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October 8th, 5722
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The October elections have concluded and it's become abundantly clear that voters have chosen the PSSG once again, rejecting the ULD and HDP. The diverse coalition that the PSSG has built up has held firm as they delivered the PSSG another mandate to govern for four more years. With the ULD and HDP conceding, de la Cruz's majority in Congress was not only defended, but outright expanded as seats were flipped. 

De la Cruz has pledged that within these four years, the economy will continue to be developed, social institutions will be rebuilt and redefined, and a total war on poverty will be waged. With an ambitious goal, the PSSG most certainly has the mandate to enact their vision. From reforming Social Security to creating an agricultural state buyer, the PSSG has the political capital and the mandate to do so. With the HDP and Liberals reeling from being rejected another chance at entering Los Altos for another four years, there have been some questions floated around over what went wrong with the campaign, or if voters simply trust the centre left more to govern.

Whatever the case, de la Cruz will have everything he needs to enact his ambitious agenda. The only real issue is if he does nothing, and wastes the opportunity given. But, that seems unlikely as the PSSG is very enthusiastic about enacting it's policy agenda and meeting it's party platform.
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In Other News;

Farmers give PSSG a chance; Truly, the PSSG may be becoming a People's Party.

Where does the Gaduri Right go now? Should they continue the status quo or concede to the changing political landscape?
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El Mensajero de la Mañana (Morning Courier) is the nationwide daily morning newspaper, located in Gadur.

[Elena1012]

Universal Care and Support Act passes Congress; Reforms to the Gaduri Health System.
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December 17th, 5722
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One of the key things that de la Cruz and the PSSG campaigned on, was insurance reforms. The Gaduri Health System has always been a proud achievement of the PSSG, but in recent times, the system has fallen in stress and hard times. This week, Congress has looked to provide a solution, passing the Universal Care and Support Act (UCSA), looking to redefine Gaduri Healthcare. The first and most pressing issue is the speed. Universal Care systems usually have slower times unfortunately. And this, is make or break for keeping it universal. For the PSSG, this is something that can't be allowed any longer. 

The first step is, of course, reducing waiting times. As such, every citizen must be guaranteed to see a doctor within at least 48 hours. Whether in person or by telehealth. To further support this goal, same day urgent care must be expanded to reduce overcrowding, as well as the establishment of a national booking system to ensure a coherent national platform for appointments, records and referrals. Furthermore, healthcare must be modern, not just working. Mental health must be a priority. Therapy and psychiatric care will be integrated fully into standard coverage, as well as no referral required for first consultation. And of course, insurance itself will be fully unified and simplified. A standardized benefit package will be created, which will focus on ensuring that out of pocket costs for chronic illnesses or essential medications are outright eliminated instead of capped (a gift to the PSSG Left). Healthcare must be fewer costs, fewer surprises and more care. 

Alongside this, expanding healthcare coverage. Doctors and nurses will be granted incentives to serve rural communities, and telehealth will need to be expanded to support rural communities across Gaduridos. Every citizen must be guaranteed good healthcare. Furthermore, annual checkups will be fully state covered by the state to ensure preventative care. And to ensure that demand is met for healthcare workers, the state will increase the wages of nurses and frontline medical workers, expand medical school slots (as well as work with scholarship groups and the Ministry of Education for training programs), and of course, supporting mental health workers.

These won't suddenly make Gaduri Healthcare better, but it'll put the system on the right track and provide benefits to Gaduri across the country. The healthcare system will remain a shining jewel of the PSSG and perhaps in time, a jewel of North Seleya.
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In Other News;

Confidence in de la Cruz administration remains high; PSSG continues to have high support.

HDP reaffirms commitment to Hosian Democratic ideals; The status quo shall stay.
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El Mensajero de la Mañana (Morning Courier) is the nationwide daily morning newspaper, located in Gadur.

[Elena1012]

PSSG looks to Pension Reforms; Making the system future proof, and sustainable.
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April 2nd, 5723
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One of the key issues that any modern state faces is, of course, pension reforms. Whether it be fiscal issues, an aging population, or a fragmented system, pensions can often make or break a government and for social democratic governments, this is a matter of life or death for the social democratic project. For the PSSG, this is something that cannot be allowed to falter. If the PSSG wants to prove to Gaduri voters across the country that social democracy is the future, and a forward thinking project, pension reform will be absolutely vital.

And so, this week, Congress passed the Pension Modernization Act, which looks to make the system more sustainable prevent elder poverty, and give the youth a future to look forward to. As such, the first thing that the PMA does is guarantee a minimum floor for pensions. This guarantee will be automatic adjusted to inflation and the median wage growth. The goal isn't to guarantee luxury, but to guarantee freedom from poverty. No Gaduri who worked their entire life must face poverty. Alongside this, the entire pension system will be unified into the National Pension System, handled directly by the Social Security Administration. Accrual rates will be standardized, as well as benefit formulas and eligibility. Simplifying the process is just as important as keeping it afloat. Furthermore, to prevent pension decay in general, they'll need to be adjusted to inflation and general wage growth. Alongside this, full portability of benefits. Pension contributions will follow every citizen across the country, from any industry, Duchy, public or private sector, anything. This will ensure stability for anyone looking to change careers and reward a mobile dynamic economy. Along side, instead of dying on the hill of raising the retirement age that fiscal hawks preach for, or risk sustainability for a lowered retirement age as the far left advocate for, the PSSG will look to the centre, in which retirement can occur early, albeit with reduced benefits, occur at the standard retirement age, or be delayed in exchange for extra benefits.

Finally, of course, is the question of how to pay for this. Oil profits alone won't save a fiscal crisis, especially for something as expensive as pensions. As such, while it won't be a perfect solution, it's a start. And that start is, reforming contribution. Contributions will be increased slightly, with employees and employers sharing the burden. Of course, this alone won't solve the issue. But it's a start and if oil profits do well, perhaps the welfare system can remain stable indefinitely, most especially with the Fondo Estatal de Riqueza e Inversión (State Wealth and Investment Fund) being brought back into action. Whatever the case, pensions are just one of many aspects of social democracy that the PSSG will need to reform, and this, is a solid start.
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In Other News;

His Majesty Víctor de Valcorico looks to support a Royal Scholarship Program for low income students; The People's King.

National Party of Gaduridos sees internal conflict over the party's future; Will it become independent from the PSL, or remain in an electoral pact?
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El Mensajero de la Mañana (Morning Courier) is the nationwide daily morning newspaper, located in Ciudad de Gadur.

[Elena1012]

PSSG looks to rural policy; Creation of an Agricultural State Buyer.

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October 17th, 5723
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One of the key rural policies that the PSSG has pledged, was the creation of an Agricultural State Buyer to ensure stable prices for farmers, and ensure stable food prices across the country. This week, the Ministry of Agriculture has looked towards achieving this goal, and with the support of Congress, the Bolsa Nacional Agrícola (National Agricultural Exchange) has been created. The BNA will act as a buyer of last resort for farmers, purchase surplus when market prices crash, and set a guaranteed minimum price floor for farmers, to ensure that no matter what, someone will always be buying their produce. If prices fall, the BNA will buy and if they rise heavily and spike, the BNA will release it's reserves. This'll ensure stable prices for farmers and consumers.

The BNA will also focus on stockpiling food to ensure that in any event, such as trade disruption, crop failure or anything else, food reserves will be fully available, and prices can remain stable. Alongside this, the PSSG is looking to provide support for rural communities, working with Duchy governments to modernize roads and infrastructure in rural communities, as well as distributing grants for farmers to modernize their equipment. 

Farmers are just as important as the oil workers and businessmen of Gaduridos. They cannot be allowed to fall behind. And the PSSG is certainly going to do what it can to achieve that goal and support farmers.
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In Other News;

Should the PSSG reapproach the idea of a North Seleyan Economic Community? Or should it stick to itself for the time being?

National Party to remain with PSL; An anticipated result.
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El Mensajero de la Mañana (Morning Courier) is the nationwide daily morning newspaper, located in Ciudad de Gadur.