Kalistani Major History

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Premier Bjorksdattir calls FP defection "regrettable, but not unpredictable"
SP vows to carry on without FP cooperation, Calls for Early Elections
Kaliburg, Ananto
April 2, 5079


Premier of the Republic addresses the collapse of the Grand Coalition

The Government which has been in place for nearly 7 years has officially collapsed, according to a statement by Premier of the Republic Bjorksdattir in the Capital yesterday. "We were informed by FP leaders that several of their main Legislative Members have defected from the Party, and have adopted a more confrontational stance toward the Socialist Party under the new leadership of Alex Griffin. We are unclear as to all of the reasons for the Folks Party abandoning cooperation, and put the responsibility on a few radicals who so firmly objected to the libertarian positions of the SP's majority with regard to smoking and drinking. It is the FP's right, of course to withdraw support from the National Government, and if the Party's members are insistent, as I believe they are, on leaving coalition, I will have no choice but to call for elections about half a year ahead of schedule. The Majority then will likely form a government which is composed of a single Party, whoever that happens to be. But we will abide by the will of the voters as in all things."

The Premier called the defection of the FP from the Government "regrettable, but not unpredictable given their unreasonable support for Government intrusion into the decisions of individuals with regard to smoking and drinking, and I suspect also our position on Abortion. But the SP will always stand for the people of Kalistan, and we expect that voters will certainly reward our Party for taking the positions we have on these important issues."

The Premier was insistent that the collapse of the Government has not derailed deepening economic integration with Lourenne, or naval developments already underway. "These important developments will remain ongoing," said the Premier. "Development and procurement sit in a separate realm from political disagreements between Government Parties."