Kalistani Major History

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Louise Bjorksdattir:  Former President and Premier of the Republic Dead at 78Socialist Party turns out to mourn loss of Elder Stateswoman
Kaliburg, Ananto
August 7, 4166


Louise Bjorksdattir, Premier of the Republic, Speaking before the National Assembly earlier this year

When Louise Bjorksdattir, the Late Premier of the Republic was born in 4088, Kalistan was a very different place.  The Socialist Party was one of the two main institutionalist Parties in Kalistan, the World Congress had not yet formed, and political strife and conflict was a commonplace feature of Kalistani Politics.  Soon after Bjorksdattir assumed control of the Party at the age of 27, Kalistan launched on an effort to create a single Party state which failed miserably, and led to a robust, and largely stable multi-Party democracy.  Bjorksdattir expatriated to Lourenne in 4120 to assist the Brethrenist Party of Lourenne attempt to build political Brethrenism, but returned to Kalistan a few years ago, and found herself in charge of the second largest Political Party in the Current system, a position which earned her, once more, the title Premier of the Republic under a Labour Administration. 

Bjorksdattir was quite the firey nationalist in her early age, but upon returning to Kalistan, was known as a quiet and reserved adherent of the Brethrenist Faith, preferring to speak rarely, and then in short sentences:  She herself had lost command of Luthori while living in Lourenne for 4 decades, and often spoke Luthori with the help of a translator.

Bjorksdattir will lay in state at SP HQ in Downtown Kaliburg for one day before being taken to her family's estate in Suldanor where she will be buried on the property.

Bjorksdattir was 78 years old.  The cause of death was listed as "natural causes".  Bjorksdattir is survived by her Granddaughter Helga Bjorksdattir-Olivier and her grandson Thomas Bjorksdattir.  Neither have expressed an interest in politics.

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IZQUIERDA-  The Voice of the Kalistani LeftIsolationist Backbencher named to Speakership of the Socialist Party
Bennots-Diego, Deputy from Ananto takes Office on Third Ballot
Kaliburg, Ananto
August 22, 4166


Franklin Bennots-Diego, Multi-Award Winning Country musician poised to take over the reigns of the Socialist Party of Kalistan

A relative "unknown," second term Deputy named Franklin Bennots-Diego seems poised to become the Leader of the Socialist Party.  Bennots-Diego, hailing from the long Bennots dynasty, is a Deputy from Eveari Ananto.

If the name sounds familiar to you, Bennots is better known by his other profession, which he partially interrupted when the SP was reformed a few years back.  He goes by the stage name of Frank Diego.  Yes, THAT Frank Diego, the hugely successful and critically acclaimed country and blues musician.  The last we heard from Mr. Diego, he was winning the Music Industry's award for Country album of the year and mentioning that if the SP reformed, he would run.  Well, he predictably won, and then proceeded to fade into the wallpaper in the National Assembly for nearly six years.

But the recent death of the Premier has created an opening for Diego.  At last week's snap National Executive Committee, the discussion turned quickly to the future of the Party.  Bennots-Diego's name was entered into the running more as a protest vote by Howard Grinnell, Deputy from Suldanor, and his tiny cadre who are not satisfied with the speed that Kalistan has moved out of the International Arena.  Grinnell lobbied the committee fiercely for Bennots' consideration, and while the Committee was evenly split over the first two ballots between the other two candidates, suddenly, Bennots' candidacy seemed more attractive.

Said one committee member, "Well, there's really nothing I can say against Diego-  I don't much care for his music, but when the Party called, he rushed to stand for election...  And in that very close race, it is possible that his star power is what did it for him...  You gotta give him that."  By the third ballot, enough of the committee had been convinced by that sort of logic that a majority voted for Bennots' candidacy, and he became the newest Speaker of the Socialist Party.

Frank Diego was unavailable for comment by Press time, but he is reported to be considering the offer, given his contractual obligations outside the Government.  Diego's publicist suggested however, that the singer turned Deputy was open to the offer, and was considering it.

Little is known about Bennots' voting record:  He has voted with the Party in each vote cast, and holds a few committee assignments, specifically in foreign affairs and industry and trade.  He is said to be a strong isolationist, and was prepared to do much of the heavy lifting for the SP's campaign to withdraw from the Security Council in Ananto.  He still may, but whether that bill will go forward following the next election is up in the air at this moment.  Additionally, he has notably led the apparently fruitless charge within the SP for the rejection of the Dranland treaty.

Bennots-Diego is nearly 36 years old, has a wife and two kids.  Under the stage name of Frank Diego, he has sold more than 8 million records over ten years.  But since taking office, his live touring has often taken a backseat to his political work.  When he does appear in person now, the concerts are more political rally than music event, which has left a bad taste in some of the fans' mouths.  Bennots notably played Lourenne eight years ago where he met Former Premier Bjorksdattir.  He famously said "I went from being apolitical to being a Partisan that day.  The President was so kind and generous, and so soft spoken...  and she made the connection between the things I was singing about and the things she cared about.  How could a reasonable person NOT be converted..."  When he returned to Kalistan, Diego famously started passing out antiquated SP propaganda at his shows.  And when Bjorksdattir returned from Lourenne, he quickly joined the newly reformed SP and ran for office.

More to follow, but for now, Bennots-Diego has been named Party Leader, and Speaker of the Socialist Party of Kalistan.

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Foreign Minister Meets Vanukean CounterpartCharlie Murray breaks new ground as he welcomes a Vanukean delegation
Kaliburg, Ananto
November 12th 4168

For the first time in decades, a member of the government of Vanuku has arrived in Kaliburg in an official capacity. Although Clementine Espinoza and Sophia Conti travelled to Wiel in 4125, there has been no formal visit by either side since that date. Now a 'perfect storm' of internal political upheaval in Vanuku and increased international instability have forced the two traditional rivals into discussion with one another. Upon announcing the engagement, the government's website stated that the Foreign Ministers would 'meet to exchange valuable information and develop a strategy to tackle threats to international security and stability'.

Foreign Minister Charlie Murray welcomed his counterpart Pawlín Jeztri to Kaliburg on Wednesday evening and the pair held a joint press conference yesterday morning. Among the topics for discussion was the Koeistad Pact, which Murray described as 'the pinnacle of all that is evil in Terra'. Though Jeztri did not echo his comments, she did not appear to publicly disagree. Over the next two days, a series of meetings between the Vanukean delegation and the Kalistani government will be held to discuss future cooperation- however these are unlikely to run smoothly given the history of distrust on both sides.

Meanwhile, leaked communications between the Foreign Ministry and the Premier's office suggest that Murray may be on the brink of resignation. The Socialist Party's isolationist agenda is at the centre of the controversy. After the passing of the Security Council Bill which saw the National Assembly withdraw support for Kalistan's Seat C position on the Security Council, Murray told Premier of the Republic Franklin Bennots-Diego of his outrage at the decision. It is believed that party leader Stefaan Samuel instructed Murray to stay. Nonetheless, such clear disagreements raise questions over the continuation of the cabinet.

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Premier Bennots:  A Portrait of an IsolationistSecurity Council Bill PassesKalistan takes first steps to leave the Security Council
Kaliburg, Ananto
November 7, 4168


Premier Franklin Bennots-Diego wants to pull Kalistan back from the Front of the World Stage

The Security Council Bill passed in September overwhelmingly, with wide support from all quarters of the Kalistani National Assembly.  Only the Labour Party, long supportive of the internationalist organization opposed the bill.  The Premier proposed that Gaduridos take Kalistan's place on the Security Council, and while there is no guarantee that Gaduridos will actually overtake Kalistan in the vote coming up in a few years, Kalistan's vote to drop its candidacy for the Seat represents a significant change in direction.  Kalistan has occupied the seat for the better part of a century, but the isolationist leaning Bennots argued "It is time for someone else to have a chance." 

Privately he added that Kalistan should not be seen as the default occupant of Seat C on the Security Council, and has asked Foreign Minister Charlie Murray to begin asking Kalistan's supporters to shift their votes to Gaduridos.  There is no indication that Minister Murray, who expressed his outrage at the passage of the bill recently will comply.

Meanwhile, the Premier is reportedly outraged that Kalistan is meeting with Vanuku. 

"Does the Minister not know that Vanuku was responsible for the death of Kalistan's President Elga Bjorksdattir-Carrangus in 3925, and has never apologized for its role in the downing of the President's Plane?  How can we possibly treat with that nation as legitimate actors on the world stage?  Vanuku is Kalistan's bitterest enemy.  I encourage the Minister to immediately recall our Embassy staff and stop talking to Vanuku immediately until Kalistan receives a full resolution to this ancient grievance."

In all, the Administration of Premier Bennots is shaping up to be one of the most isolationist in recent memory.  Bennots claims to have more isolationist measures in mind, but the appetite for isolationism has only been moderately tested.  Whether the Assembly will go along with the Isolationist bent of the Premier, or the more internationalist angles promoted by the Labor Party and the FA Ministry remains to be seen.

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The People's PressModerate Backbencher Elected General SecretaryFollowing Samuel's resignation, Appelman's election exposes Labour's divisions
Kaliburg, Ananto
July 4th 4173


Valerie Appelmans has been a Labour backbencher for nearly a decade

Less than a month after the resignation of Stefaan Samuel, the Labour Party has elected its next leader. Samuel, who had led the party for almost two decades, resigned in the wake of what he described as 'disappointing' election results. Though Labour saw both their share of the vote and their number of National Assembly seats rise dramatically, their decision to back the Democratic Party's Joshua Bartlet in the Presidential election was viewed as a failure. Bartlet finished bottom between the four major candidates and this ultimately led to the election of a member of the former Radical Front. Samuel will now take a role as the governor of Odufaray.

Labour's next General Secretary will be Valerie Appelmans, an Assembly Deputy from Vrassa. In a tight race between herself and Transport Minister Charlie Murray, Appelmans' bold rhetoric of a so-called 'moderate' vision overcame Murray's internationalist outlook. However, the outcome was not without controversy. Murray has since left the Labour Party entirely, accusing his rival of foul play with regard to the rights of Socialist Party members. Although Labour members are prohibited from holding membership of another political party, the SP is specifically excluded from this provision- owing to a time when further integration of the two organisations was desirable. Murray believed that members of the SP were signing up to Labour in order to spite him, following a previous fallout over Kalistan's position on the Security Council. Tensions were made worse when Murray's own brother was preferred as Appelman's Deputy Leader.

Overall, the new leader endeavoured to select a Central Committee packed with close allies. Each appointment brought fresh controversy as the Party Congress attempted to block the most divisive members. In the end, compromise was required. Outgoing President Lala Kalena was returned to the Foreign Affairs brief and Robin Houghton, a prominent Murray supporter, was handed Finance. All members of the Central Committee now say they are focused on providing a united and sustained opposition to the new President but such oratory may not reflect the mood of the party at large.

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The People's PressLabour at War Over Reality TV StarAppointment of former comedian Nick DeVon as Internal Affairs Spokesperson exposes internal strife
Kaliburg, Ananto
December 13th 4174


Critics argue that DeVon presents an unprofessional image of the Labour Party

Labour Party leader Valerie Appelman's decision to appoint Nick DeVon, a former reality television star and comedian, as Spokesperson for Internal Affairs has led to a motion of no confidence in her leadership being brought before the membership. Though party members rejected the motion by a 2:1 margin, it highlights wider issues within the party. Any appointment to the Central Committee, which acts as Labour's internal cabinet, must be approved by the Party Congress but this is a body which remains sceptical of Appelmans' leadership abilities. When she submitted DeVon as the replacement to Caitlyn Robles, who resigned over her support for the Firearm Sales Act, the Congress sensed an opportunity to undermine Appelmans. DeVon's appointment was voted down and a no confidence motion was drafted soon after.

Professor of Political Science at the University of Kalistan, where the Labour Party was founded over a century ago, explains the root of the problems;

Ultimately, the core issues which now divide the Labour Party are more a matter of approach and personality than of genuine political disagreement. Last summer's bitter and polarising leadership election has led many to adopt a somewhat tribal affiliation to either Valerie Appelmans or her prominent critics- such as Lala Kalena and Caitlyn Robles. The reason for this is both sides have convinced each other that the other is damaging the party, which becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy as Labour becomes engulfed by internal rows.

In reality, the three individuals mentioned above are actually in agreement on the vast majority of policy issues- especially compared to Labour's historic position. They are all so-called Bergites, that is adherents to the school of thought professed by former leader Ana Berg that the Labour Party has to position itself clearly in the centre-ground of Kalistani politics and draw socially conservative voters who their Socialist allies simply cannot attract. While this faction seems to have received a boost with Kalena's three terms as President and Appelmans' election as leader, that will soon change if its central figures cannot put personal differences aside for the sake of winning elections.

Since the result of the motion, DeVon has been confirmed by the Labour Party Congress as Internal Affairs Spokesperson. Despite the storm around his selection, it is a remarkable achievement, given that DeVon has only held a National Assembly seat for eight months (he was chosen to replace a deceased Labour Deputy). Prior to entering politics, he hosted the reality television show, Open Doors in which a panel of celebrities attempted to determine the famous owner of a property. DeVon was well-known for his lewd gags and provocative behaviour on the show, which is the cause of much of the concern around his selection.

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Action
Official Newsletter of the Democratic Party of Kalistan

Rodriguez elected leader, announces run


Newly-elected DNC chairwoman and party leader Maria Rodriguez poses for a photo with party founder Clinton Poole

Maria Rodriguez, who has served as the spokeswoman of the Democratic Party since its formation (under the name Liberal Party) sixteen years ago, has won the race for DNC chair and party leader against centrist Gordon Lloyd in a landslide. When asked what her vision for the party's future was, she replied, "My predecessors Matthew Phillips and Susan Duffy showed us that in order to win elections, we ought to stay vocal in our beliefs rather than shift them to the center," signaling a rebuke of the Bartlet-era compromise strategy that many point to as the Democrats' downfall in the most recent elections.

VOTE TALLY:RODRIGUEZ: 6,012,819 (77.2%)LLOYD: 1,779,410 (22.8%)

When asked if she planned to launch a campaign for a possible Democratic presidency under herself, Rodriguez responded, "Of course. I'm confident that our party's new vision and strategy will be effective in securing our victory."

Former Education and Culture Minister Claudia Scott has been appointed Rodriguez's replacement as party spokeswoman.

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Action
Official Newsletter of the Democratic Party of Kalistan

Rodriguez bows out of race, endorses Murray

Maria Rodriguez, DNC Chairwoman and leader of the Democratic Party, announced today that she is stepping out of the race for President that will take place in June, opting to endorse Labour's Frank Murray.

In an official statement, Rodriguez said she was stepping aside and endorsing Murray "in order to preserve, extend, and foster the relationship that the Democrats have with their closest partner in government, the Labour Party."


Rodriguez was elected DNC Chairwoman in a landslide just over two years ago

The news comes as Democratic members of the National Assembly were involved in a spat with Labour after they voted as a bloc in favor of a cabinet proposal which excluded the Labour and Socialist parties. Rodriguez, a longtime advocate of partnership and cooperation with allied political parties, remained silent throughout the affair.

Rodriguez says she looks forward to continuing to work with the Labour Party, and also to improving the working relationship that the Democrats and Labour have.

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Action
Official Newsletter of the New Democrats

Democratic Party undergoes major restyling

Following another loss of seats in the most recent national election, the Democratic National Committee unveiled several style and manifesto changes for the slowly fading Democratic Party today.


This year's Democratic National Convention began today (July 7th), and runs through the 14th

DNC Chairwoman Maria Rodriguez took to the convention's main stage and announced the brand changes. The party will change its name to the New Democrats indefinitely, and the party's color scheme has been changed to a light-blue, in contrast with the party's signature navy blue look.

Also announced was the formation of the party's youth wing, the Young Democrats, as well as a new commitment to raising and training the next generation of Democratic leaders and placing a heavier emphasis on youth issues. A formal stance in favor of internationalism was also added to the party's platform.

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The People's PressLabour Confirm Houghton as NomineeFormer economist Robin Houghton is selected as a 'unity candidate' by the Party Congress
Kaliburg, Ananto
December 2nd 4181

Following a protracted decision-making process, the Labour Party Congress passed a motion confirming Robin Houghton as the its Presidential candidate in next June's election. Unlike in the past, there was genuine competition for the nomination and the LPC sat for a record ten hours as more than a dozen rounds of voting by its officials were required before a candidate reached the necessary two-thirds majority. Neither of the initial front runners Faith Holmes and Howard Kubík were able to secure the nomination, with both candidates seen as being to internally divisive. Holmes (an ardent supporter of party leader Valerie Appelmans) came closest but Kubík increased his share in later rounds of voting.

As it became clear that a compromise was not possible, further representatives floated their candidacy but many were too inexperienced to stand a reasonable chance of successfully contesting the general election. Ultimately, Finance Spokesperson Robin Houghton spoke at length with Appelmans, Kubík, and deputy leader and former President Frank Murray before agreeing to submit himself. On the fourteenth round of voting, Houghton defeated the only remaining challenger by a 9:1 ratio.

Though he may not have predicted he would ever be in this position, Houghton has taken to the campaign like a duck to water. After notifying Labour's traditional political allies that he would be running, he held a rally in Kaliburg where he attacked the former Kalistan Radical Front over their continued refusal to work with the government. Alongside Foreign Minister Lala Kalena, he also recommitted Labour  to supporting Kalistan for Seat C on the Security Council. Currently, the nation is voting for Gaduridos as a result of a bill submitted by isolationist Premier Frank Bennots.