Kalistani Major History

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Socialists agree to join the GovernmentWork across the Aisle now possible
Kaliburg, Ananto
November 7, 4905


Deal between SP Speaker Georgia Van Wyck, President of the Republic and conservative Parties paves way for Coalition Government

The Socialist Party has entered into the Government of Premier David Colbert, marking a significant shift toward the middle for the Ancient Party of the Republic.  The Socialists will sit for the remainder of the term with their old coalition partners the NCP, who SP Speaker Georgia Van Wyck lobbied to be named Premier, and the liberal Parties LDP and New Way.  Van Wyck issued the following statement on the decision to join the Government.

"We have received assurances that we will adopt a more pragmatic approach to privatization of the Nations' industries coming forward.  This, I think means, that the SP will at least be a part of the discussion.  From our seat, it is our hope that we can at least ensure that Kalistan's vital strategic interests are not squandered to the ideological commitment of liberalism.  It is our sincere hope that all Parties involved see this proposal as a victory, maybe not of all they wanted, but at least most of what they wanted, and this term, we pledge to not let the perfect be the enemy of the good.  We also finally have left wing influence in the Food and Ag Ministry, as well as the Finance Ministry and the Environment and Tourism Ministry.  We hope to use that influence to help Kalistanis as much as we are able, as well as ensure that as many of Kalistan's interests are protected as possible."

Van Wyck said Finance Minister Katherine Daniels will be sponsoring a tax bill that will lower taxes for millions of Kalistani citizens in the top marginal tax brackets, to attempt to bring Kalistan's revenues more in line with its needs under the new privatization regime.  "It is a matter of fact now that the government intends to kill off our national industries.  If they succeed in doing so completely, we will be collecting far too much money for the needs of our society.  Which means that the Government will be sending much of it back to the people, with the aim of protecting the surplus, but also not killing the economy in the process."  A spending bill which makes serious cuts in several sectors will follow, once the new Tax scheme passes, to bring spending in line with new Government policy. 

"Given much of the initial investment in these areas has been paid for many times over, it is not unreasonable to cut spending here without diminishing services," said Finance Minister Daniels. "We will be proposing a modest increase in some areas:  for example, our military is in desperate need of modernization, and costs of maintaining and expanding the infrastructure have only just recently begun to outpace funding.  Creative book keeping has allowed us to continue funding these priorities, but we need to make some adjustments."

The Incoming Food and Agriculture Minister wishes to offset privatization of agriculture with a new programs to maintain the supply of the Food Bank indefinitely.  "We envision replacing the food bank with local-run farmers markets and vouchers for people who can buy as they please," said incoming Minister for Food and Agriculture, Gorge Smith.  "This new market experience, which is entirely foreign and untried, might end up yielding a higher degree of choice for consumers, a decent living for farmers, and greater efficiency in supply.  The goal is to avoid placing any additional burdens on the consumers. It will be a juggling act to pull off, but I am confident that we can do it."

All in all the SP's leader has high hopes for the incoming Government.  "We have enough friends, I think that we can cobble together majorities for these proposals.  We'll see."