Kalistani Major History

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Empress addresses Liberal Protests with Cabinet
Chancellor offers Proesting Deputies an ultimatum
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
November 25, 5502


Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Nicolette II, meets with Pro-Government supporters in Kaliburg

Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress Nicolette II joined conservative leaders and Cabinet Ministers yesterday at the National Assembly to send a message to liberal Deputies who have been protesting (by staying away from the legislature and organizing street demonstrations in their home towns) the increased taxation and spending rates that have become law this year as the Empire moves to address the energy shortfalls. The Empress reportedly felt that her presence was finally necessary to pressure liberal Institutionalists to fall in line with Her Imperial Majesty's policies.

"It is a rare occasion that We are asked to intervene in the activities of our Legislature," said the Empress. "However, we felt that it was correct for Us to inform the individuals who are promoting these protests across our Realm that Our patience with their petulance has grown rather thin. We have heard their petition, and it has been rejected as a base statement of ideological preference that We find to be counter to the interests of the People of our Nation. It is now therefore time for these fomenters of disorder to return to their posts to fulfil their sworn duties to their constituents, and to perform the action of government. Dereliction of the public trust is a serious offense akin to political corruption, and it is Our hope that the absent Deputies return to the National Assembly willingly."

The Lady Chancellor Kelly Newburg joined the Empress in meeting citizens who gathered at the National Assembly to express support for the Government. Lady Newburg was able to be more candid than the Empress, "Her Imperial Majesty is very gracious to these liberals, but I am not so constrained. I am drafting a resolution now to require attendance of all members of the National Assembly for all sessions, or require the resignation of those who are truant from each session. There is no excuse for 44 Deputies doing all the work of Legislation, when there are 79 Deputies elected. If these Deputies do not feel the need to report to work, they should return to their homes and get out of the way for those who do want to serve." The Chancellor has promised new elections and disqualification for the 35 liberal Deputies who have been engaged in protest against taxing and spending policies of Her Imperial Majesty's government for 10 months. "It's time to get back to work, and if these Deputies do not want to work, I'll find 35 individuals who will."

The incendiary words of the Chancellor provoked an immediate backlash from the Liberals. Liberal Spokeswoman Gina Garrand, Deputy from Platte/Vrassa City issued a statement in response, "This tyrant is threatening 35 members of this Legislature who are standing on principle that the Government should be taking less of our money and doing less that should be done by private actors. We believe that this is a fight worth having, and if we are systematically denies any opportunity to effect any sort of change within the government, because the Prime Minister has systematically shut us out of power, what difference does it make if we protest inside the Assembly Chambers or out in the streets? Our voices, the voices of the People of Kalistan will not be silenced by the Chancellor's heavy handed tactics."

As of today, the 35 liberal Deputies have asked for a final meeting with the Empress, who has granted a personal audience with Deputy Garrand alone, and set the appointment for next week. No press or staff will be present, and Lady Newburg has been asked to also stay away. "The Empress is a reasonable person, I believe," said Deputy Garrand. "Far more reasonable than that megalomaniac Prime Minister, who believes that her word is equivalent to the fiat of the Empress. I shall talk to Her Imperial Majesty, and I believe that once I explain our position, the Empress must see things from my perspective. Believe me, when I explain things to her, she'll understand."