Kalistani Major History

[Doc]

Premier Phillip D'Angelo discusses rise of New Opposition Parties
Announces consideration of District Government Act
Kaliburg, Ananto District
February 12, 4054


Premier D'Angelo appears on Jill Martin's long running show "National Ryot with Jill Martin"

Jill Martin interviewed the Premier of the Republic, Phillip D'Angelo, for last week's "National Ryot."  In the interview, D'Angelo expressed some impending changes which were in store for some of the institutions of Kalistan's Government.  The interview is partially transcribed below

JM:  We have noticed consideration of a New District Government Act.  What's going on with this?

PD:  The new opposition parties have expressed support for some forms of devolution.  So we are taking a look at the Institutions we currently have in place and seeing how we can tweak those District governments to give the Districts some more local authority, without necessarily devolving a lot of power out of Kaliburg.  Of particular interest is potentially a District Assembly, at least in Ananto.

JM:  Does this signal a willingness on the Part of the SP to support some degree of federalism in Kalistan?

PD:  Well, Comrade.  I don't think there is any support right now for Federalism in the National Assembly.  I think any MA from the SP who support federalism would be voted out of office as soon as the next election came along.  We'll let the opposition carry the torch for Federalism.  What we are talking about is defusing any actual support for independence of one or another district from Kalistan proper.  So we will hit this issue on both fronts:  with some concessions to localized government, like possibly District Assemblies and moving the Military to the District levels, but at the same time, not promoting federalism in the National Law, and opposing any efforts at independence.

JM:  What do you think are the prospects for the SP being pushed into the minority by a plurality coalition?

PD:  It is certainly a possibility.  The two opposition Parties have formed a coalition, and they are mirroring the SP's positions on most issues.  As long as we are able to keep the Presidency, we should still be able to ensure that the SP will have seats in government, but, if there is a three way split in the Assembly, the SP will have to make some deals to ensure that its agenda remains.  But Jill, you have been at this game for decades-  you know how long opposition Parties last in Kalistan.  Our Party's motto should be:  "It's only a matter of time."  If we lose power in National elections, we merely have to wait, and eventually the opposition Parties join the SP.  It's one of the consequences of being a part of Kalistani Politics for so long:  Opposition rises and fades, but the SP never goes anywhere.

JM:  Indeed.

The discussion then turned to popular music, and Comrade Martin introduced a new Punk band from Suldanor, called "Lord Ma-Lori."  After the break, the Premier discussed the possibility of vacating the Imperial crown and abolishing the Empire, calling the rumors "premature".  He added, though, "It is something the SP is currently investigating, and if a decision to do so is made, it must be made in consultation with the current nobility in Kalistan."