Kalistani Major History

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Zandra Arnold InterviewArnold defends performance in Government, understanding of Socialist attitude
Kaliburg, Ananto
December 1, 4434


Deputy Premier Arnold spoke to the Republic directly for the first time

Speaking to the Republic directly in an interview for the first time, Deputy Premier and Leader of the New Liberal Alliance Zandra Arnold defended the NLA's performance in a coalition government with the Southwark Movement. "Our parties are working together harmoniously, managing the finances and defending our place in the world's markets, we did everything we said we'd do when the coalition agreement was signed," Arnold told the Republic, "What was more important to me however was that this was a template, a 3 year test run of a coalition of like-minded free market liberals, and I think the voters will judge it to be a success."

Asked about the Socialists, Arnold was understanding of the attitude of the opposition. "I think Kalistan's political climate and system is changing, it's no longer shared government and cushy ministerial jobs. The Socialists just have to realise this, and use opposition as a process to refine their message, like we did. We didn't refuse coalitions with the Socialists out of disrespect, but out of a need to provide an opposition and work out what we wanted to do in government." Arnold was not worried about the comments made by Socialist leaders after the coalition had been formed. "I said they were arrogant at the time, but it was coming from a party used to 20 years of almost unchallenged power. The al-Khali scandal humbled them, as did our decision not to work with them in government. They'll recover."

Arnold declined to talk about the 4436 election, stating it was "too early". Arnold however did comment on rumours conservative leader Sunitha Medina-Rue would run for the Presidency. "What makes President Maslow such a good President is that he's NLA through and through but he treats all parties on equal footing. Can a person who thinks the opposition party will lead Kalistan to ruin be trusted to hand them the keys to power if they win them? That's the question she needs to ask herself."