Gaduridos

[Elena1012]

Congress debates amending the National Service Act; PSSG Doves push for abolishing military service.
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May 9th, 5727
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What won Rene Pardo the PSSG Primaries was her outspoken pacifism, and most especially her opposition to the National Service Act, and this summer, she's spent time debating with Congress over amending the National Service Act, as even with a majority, the PSSG itself is evenly torn on it. There's no doubt, the PSSG is a pacifist party, even despite the decades and changes, but doesn't neutrality suffice enough for pacifism? For Pardo, it's not enough. In a speech to convince Congress, she urged the PSSG and pacifists in the opposition to support amending the National Service Act to at least cut out the required military service.

Esteemed members of Congress.

Gaduridos finds itself in an era of calm and peace within Seleya. We find our neutrality to be recognized and supported by the world at large. Regardless of partisan affiliation, we all want what's best for Gaduridos and to preserve it's neutrality. What good is neutrality if we stock up on guns and bombs? If we hide our behind our neutrality with weapons of war? I understand that we cannot commit ourselves to being defenseless, but neither can we keep our mindsets from a time when Gaduridos was apart of the Anantonese Empire. We must lead by example. Show Seleya that pacifism is a strength. We can spend more on building bridges, not razing them or worrying about a hypothetical. If not for the sake of finances, then surely for a better future for Gaduridos.

While doves in the PSSG and across the political environment have supported Pardo, either in outright abolishing the National Service Act or amending to to remove conscription, there has been opposition from more cautious elements in the PSSG and of course, nationalists. One Congressmember, Sergio Quesada (PSSG) had the following to say.

The Prime Minister has noble goals. There's no doubt I can have about that. However, stability is fragile in Seleya. Just 50 years ago, there was a rogue fascist state in Southern Seleya. The world may respect neutrality, but rogue states will not. We mustn't act as warmongers or triple the defense budget in fear of an imaginary foe, but it never hurts to be prepared than sorry. Keeping the National Service Act as it stands, is ideal. We have a guaranteed employer for the youth, and we build the Royal Armed Forces. Its simply a net positive.

Despite this, Pardo has at least been willing to concede on the argument of a guaranteed employer, and has hinted that she's willing to throw her support behind keeping civilian national service, and removing military service. Of course, the far right PSL has been vocally opposed to any attempts to change the National Service Act, arguing that a defenseless Gaduridos is ripe for "specific revanchist imperialists to waltz over Gaduridos". The PEdG has also argued against amendments, arguing that the best way to keep peace, is to carry a big stick. Whatever the case, the doves within Congress remain just short of being able to pass the bill, and will need to spend more time appealing to the rest of the PSSG or finding support from the opposition. But it's certain that Pardo is sticking to her guns as much as she can. And if she can prevail, then maybe pacifism in the PSSG will find itself with a bigger boost than previously thought possible.
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In Other News;

New polling shows public support for His Majesty, Víctor de Valcorico at 89%; The People's King!

Steel industry shows growth; The road to an economic golden age is a long road.
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El Mensajero de la Mañana (Morning Courier) is the nationwide daily morning newspaper, located in Ciudad de Gadur.