Kalistani Major History

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The People's Press
Persson Exclusive
The People's Press meets SDP leader and former President Hans Persson ahead of elections in twelve months
Kaliburg, Ananto
Decemebr 6th 4131


Hans Persson has been leader of the Social Democratic Party since its creation

As campaigning gets under way for the general election of January 4133, The People's Press was able to contact former President of the Republic Hans Persson, who leads the Social Democratic Party. Persson and the SDP have endorsed the Labour Party's Franklin Foster in the Presidential election, with the expectation that he would lead a Foster government as Premier. As a young man, Persson studied Law at Kaliburg District University- taking a summer job in a nearby factory in order to sustain himself. Following his graduation and national service, he began working there full-time and became popular for his idealistic views about Kalistani society, even meeting his wife during his time at the factory.

Eventually, Persson became involved in Trade Union activities due to what he saw as workplace injustice, including punitive sanctions against employees and dishonest reasons for redundancy. By the age of thirty, Persson was the leader of the Industrial, Mining and Oil Workers Union, retaining that role for almost fifteen years. Ultimately, he was able to force the CEO of the factory he had worked in to resign in disgrace. Persson made the transition into politics following the merger of the Labour Party and Socialist Party into Left Kalistan. While regularly voting for LK, and Labour before then, he felt that the party did not accurately represent his own views as a centre-left, liberal, social democrat. He founded the Social Democratic Party and has been leader throughout its history, serving as President from 4127 until being defeated in 4130. Hermenegildo Silva's interview follows below.

(Hermenegildo Silva, reporter): Greetings Mr Persson, it is an honour to be with you. Let's get started right away, shall we? What do you say to people who argue you now lack credibility as a leader following your defeat to Randell Ross in the last Presidential election?

(Hans Persson, leader of the Social Democratic Party): Well, thank you too. We analysed this loss extensively and came to the simple conclusion that the parties on the left were not united behind a single presidential candidate. In contrast to the parties on the extreme right, which were. There is no shame in losing an election: the people spoke and, while I don't agree with Mr Ross- in fact I severely dislike the man- they picked him. Regardless, it's something I will do everything in my power to prevent happening a second time and that is why the Social Democratic party fully supports the Labour Party's Franklin Foster for the Presidency, while I will run for Premier of the Republic. The parties on the left must unite against these ugly fascist winds.

S: If you were to find yourself as the Premier, what would be your immediate agenda after taking power?

P: Reversing the fascist and anti-worker agenda that the current administration has pushed through. Of course, I would bring back the commitment to the Dual Economy destroyed by the radicals.

S: What about internationally, how would you ensure that Kalistan is able to rebuild its, admittedly strained, relationships?

P: I can promise voters that one of my first actions would be to instruct my Minister of Foreign Affairs, whoever that might be, to reach out to every country that we have long considered friends and begin to mend relations and build bridges again. I also will vow to them that the export of oil, through the Kalistani National Petroleum Company, will continue no matter the government in charge. But most of all, I'll ensure that we rebuild trust, which is the most important thing between Kalistan and our many allies.

S: A number of prominent members of the Society of Brethren, including Sherman Noteman from the Labour Party's Central Committee, have spoken of their dismay at the passing of Nuclear Initiative bill. The Social Democratic Party voted in favour of this bill, what do you say to those critics?

P: The SDP has always been a party that supports our armed forces. If we are to have a credible neutrality it means that we must be able to defend ourselves without any other nation's help. I don't condone the use of chemical weapons but it is a deterrent.

S: With respect Mr Persson, the bill authorised the use of such weaponry where it had previously been prohibited, does this not raise questions about your principles when combined with the fact that you have governed with right wing parties before?

P: Sir, I want to be very clear with you. The proposals from the Kalistan Radical Front supporting slavery and such came after we sat in government with them. Don't forget, too, I proposed another cabinet dumping them. As I have already said, we are proud of our military and believe in defending our nation. I will not apologise for supporting our armed forces and making this nation just a little bit safer.

S: One last question, a short answer if you please, will you be leader of the SDP in eighteen months time?

P: Of course. The party still has full confidence in me and as long as that's true, it would be wrong for me to resign as leader.

S: Thank you for meeting me Mr Persson.