A Battle Unseen

[Elena1012]

A Shift in Direction.
December 1st, 5683
Metz-Leonid, Koroboro, Xsampa
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Sherab Aurousseau sat down at the table. Besides her at the table were the People's Commissars of every People's Committee, the Directors of the Internal Security Committee and the State Security Committee. A full cabinet meeting. This wasn't rare, per say. It was needed to draft up SERA and ensure it was fully compatible with all sects of society, but today's meeting was different. Canton 14. It was no secret that nearly everyone in the CPX wanted to leave the Canton immediately. Of course, that wasn't possible, they all knew that. It would be a mistake to leave the Canton when it's underdeveloped, lacking proper institutions and the like. But a proper solution was needed. It couldn't be stuck in limbo until 5695.

"Well..." Sherab spoke up first. She had to as Premier. "Let's cut right to the chase. Canton 14 is a... Troublesome Canton. We all remember the riots last year. We don't want a repeat anytime soon. It's clear that the status quo can't last. So I'll be frank. We need to organize proper political entities and live up to the ideals of the revolution. These people, whether they stick with us in '95 or vote for independence are still people at the end of the day, and we have a duty to care for them and represent them. It's good we didn't deploy Public Security last year. We'll keep law enforcement in Canton 14 separate from Public Security." She let the words fill the room for a moment, before grabbing a folder off the table and opening it up.

"Here's what I'm proposing. First things first, immediate organization of political parties in Canton 14. We'll of course, support the socialists willing to cooperate. But because of the... Unique situation in Canton 14, we'll need to formally create a Special Autonomous Canton. That means permitting the formation of... Bourgeois party's. After that, we begin immediate direct investments into the West Bank. Get more jobs rolled out, a proper independent power grid, wins turbines and all, as well as recognize these people's concerns. I want Local Committee's to be established in the West Bank as soon as possible and the creation of a Regional Committee. We'll give them their own Assembly. I doubt they'll want to join us in PAX, so we'll let them have their own unique legislature. Any opposition?" She closed the folder and looked around. 

The People's Commissar of Internal Affairs, Rigsang Pomeroy spoke up first, raising concerns. "Comrade, I understand the goal, and why it needs to be done but I have strong reservations about endorsing a political party in the West Bank, let alone permitting bourgeois party's to operate in the Canton. The constitution is very specific about outlawing right wing and bourgeois party's. I'm sure we can get the SLP to permit it but the public? Even with a Revolutionary Order, it would a hard sell for the public. As for endorsing a political party, let's face it. Call a spade a spade, the Passereau Administration made a neo-imperialist move. We're stuck cleaning up that move. Backing a political party in the West Bank would come off as just trying to exert more influence on the Canton. We'd doom actual socialists."

Sherab thought for a moment. Pomeroy brought up a good point. She offered an alternative. "That is true. However, the Constitution doesn't have any specifics regarding Special Autonomous Cantons. And who's to say we can't take a note from the revisionists? A commitment to socialism has to be made, but cynically, Canton 14 will never be in a spot to embrace socialism, even if they vote to stay with us. Who's to say their socialism is different from ours? As for backing a political party, i can concede there. If we do it foolishly, we doom socialists in the West Bank for a very long term. However, we're not a nation of fools. The Independent Labour Party of the West Bank. We give prominent socialists in the West Bank the funds they need to organize the party, make it smooth for it to form, and make sure that they promote a civic nationalist outlook, as well as Socialism with Yeudi Characteristics. If the Interior can make sure that the People's Electoral Committee can get all party's up and running smoothly, it works better for us. I want this Canton to not be a Canton, but a protostate. We're nation building. We want them to be loyal enough to not revolt and cause chaos, but we want them to want independence. I believe we can achieve that."

Pomeroy stayed silent for a moment. He nodded his head. "That's cynical. But it's the best outcome for us. I'll see to it that the PEC is ready. I presume the ISC will handle finding the socialists in question?" Sherab nodded.

"They'll also find liberals, and other socialists against us. A healthy democracy requires disagreement. We don't want the people to view this as a controlled democracy." The Director of the ISC nodded silently. Sherab continued, "Then I believe we have a plan set. We've got a lot of work to do. Let's hope it works." The meeting came to a close, and as everyone filed out of the room, she remained seated. Truthfully, she wanted to just sign a Revolutionary Order and vacate the West Bank immediately. But she couldn't do that. It would be wrong. To the people and to the bridges Passereau burnt. She stood up from the chair. There was still a lot to do.