Our history has much to teach us about our present.
In 1990/X, Wes Erni was selected as the Progressive Conservative Prime Minister, backed by King Robert I. It was Erni's selection that established as unofficial law the pattern of Talossan politics before the Great Abdication: Robert I's party always wins, eventually.
Prior to Erni, of course, there had been many PC victories. Right back to the first Seneschal, the PC had always been the single most potent force in Talossan politics. But it was with Erni that we see this grey law come into its own. The King was omnipresent, remorseless, and in his view embodied the whole of Talossan culture and history - how could anyone really oppose him? Moreover, he had longevity and consistency - Robert I presented a figure that voters associated with stability. And most effectively, the King used his clout with the heaviest hand he could manage.
After Erni, the record becomes dire. Read the successive parties voted into office: PC, PC, Un-named, PC, PC, PC, PC, PC, PC, PC, PaF, PC, PC, and PC. When at this point in history, Robert I began backing Manus Nigrum instead, the record shifted slightly: MN, PC, MN, I, MN, and (in the last election under Robert I) CLP. Opposition and rival parties were temporary and soon collapsed, [i]never once[/i] succeeding to a second term in office. The Royal party - be it PC or MN - was the only continuity known to the Talossan citizens.
In our current era, this grey law is a thing of the past. The King endorses no political party and has a light hand, taking care to be apart from the squabbles of politics. And while the RUMP has won the past few elections, the Progressive Party of Talossa has emerged as a rival, combining several opposition parties into one main thrust whose continuity is a valuable thing. Margins have been narrow, and while I'm not urging a toppling of the RUMP just yet, I think all know it won't be too far away (perhaps in as soon as twenty years, when I leave power and retire to my mountain stronghold).
In preparation for this day and out of recognition of a new world of Talossan politics, my Government has been taking steps to institutionalize our institutions. Rather than vesting the keys to our Kingdom with individuals, we intend to craft viable ways to hand over power in the future. Let's review some of them.
- Disclosures - The Government has created a blog, Notiçieir del Regipäts Talossan, whose administration can be easily handed over to an incoming government. This will maintain continuity of governance, so citizens can still look at past efforts and our record, while also eliminating a lot of the busy-work of setting such things up. Further, the Government has established a calendar of events and projects in a simple format that is easily copied. A new administration (be it RUMP or PPT) won't have to worry about how things are done, because they'll have examples laid out. And citizens won't have to worry about keeping track of a bunch of new things, because the institutions will carry over to a new government.
- Policy - By creating a central (although still on the simple side) policy bank, this Government is allowing people to find a quick place to reference some of the trickier or more disputed elements of our public policies. What is the nature of our country? What is our policy towards the Republic? These questions (and more future ones) can be found on this page. And a future administration can change them or add new ones - or maintain them, without having to work through and write them again.
- Symbols - Our Minister of Stuff, Dréu Gavártgic'h, has been working with the inestimable College of Arms to create numerous new coats of arms for each Ministry. By the end of the term, this endeavour will be complete (it's already ahead of schedule!) When combined with letterheads and templates, these symbols will give Talossans a feeling of security and remind them that they're not just dealing with Jahn Q. Talossan: they're dealing with a Talossan official.
This Government is forward-thinking, and working to make sure that our democracy remains strong. Support us and your country by getting involved in language, culture, or government.
Long live the King, and long live Talossa!
Alexander Davis
Seneschal del Regipäts Talossan
