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A short summary of Kurultáj platform for the 1975 elections.
Economy – The MNV endorses a classical liberal economic policy, which has already been extensively followed in the country. The MNV wishes to bring more and more economic decision making to the communal and regional levels, to the hands of local Hungarians.
Society – Staunchly conservative, advocating for promotion of a healthy society, the MNV wishes to introduce more physical education and promotion of healthy, nationalist lifestyle. Most social reforms are condemned as socialist. The MNV also seeks a ban on wanderers and beggars, causing outcry from international Romani rights associations.
Europe – Further European co-operation should focus on defense against the Socialists, not so much on political or economic integration, which might undermine the rights and economic wellbeing of the Hungarian rural population
Ethnic Separatism – The MNV doesn’t endorse separatism, especially not in the current geopolitical situation. It however demands further cultural and political autonomy for the Magyar-inhabited region. Slovene and socialist parties are blamed for fermenting ethnic strife and for holding separatist aspirations.
Women's rights – Officially the MNV is indifferent on the matter; however several local politicians and organizations have taken stances for or against. Lately the party has been advocating for better opportunities of women in universities and the workforce, though such advocacy only extends to the Hungarian minority’s off-spring. The MNV allegedly tries to promote female enrollment in higher education in order to boost the presence of Hungarians in the higher echelons of society.
Faith – The MNV charter states that the party is secular. Especially in Hungarian regions its policies walk hand-in-hand with the opinion of the church, however. It however deems the broader organization of the church to be an archaic and foreign-influenced institution that shouldn’t have societal or political power.
Free Speech – State censorship is required to eliminate socialist propaganda and to uphold national integrity.
Borders – Promotes the opening of borders to victims of socialism and other oppressive ideologies, as long as such persons can prove to be fluent in a national language. The MNV also endorses immigration from other parts of Europe, as well as from ‘brotherly’ countries, a reference to the Republic of Turkey, mostly for work.
Monarchy – Extremely opposed to the institution of Monarchy and even to the participation of the former royals in politics, the MNV blames them for many of the 20th century hardships Zubrowka has faced.
Education – The MNV believes that the education system should be entirely in the hands of the State, and that religious schools should be banned for dangerous indoctrination and the fear of a parallel system of government originating from them. In the transition phase the state should vastly increase its control over their curricula.
Military – More funding and a broad extension of conscription needed. The national army must increase its indoctrination of conscripts, as well as its general contribution to the creation of a patriotic society.
Energy – The MNV advocates for the construction of a Zubrowkan nuclear power plant, as well as the construction of more coal-power plants, in order to secure self-reliance. Natural gas purchases from the USSR should be terminated immediately.
State Welfare – The state must ensure the wellbeing of the poor. Alternative ways, such as charity, should be eventually eliminated as they constitute a threat to state authority.
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A Short Speech by SSP Leader Jurij Anton Gerbić
The proud Slovenian people of Zubrowka have been marginalized and left to wallow by the German majority for far too long. This is no news to any Slovenian who has had to live within Zubrowka, forced to accept a lack of political representation, and needing to make do with substandard education from public schools while the Germans lavishly furnish their private institutes. For centuries a line of Germanic monarchs ruled over us, and even with the advent of democracy, Germans continue to dominate the government, despite only constituting less than two thirds of the country's people. And who can ever forget the indescribable atrocities committed against the Slavic people by the Germans just a few decades ago when our country was sold to the Nazis and their cronies?
But no more will the Slovenian people idly wait and hope for a better future. The Slovenian Protection Party has risen to new heights against the German dominance; by the latest polling numbers we are poised to be one of the largest parties in Zubrowka with roughly nine percent of the population supporting us. Though polls may not be entirely reliable, I take heart in the belief that the Slovenian people support our initiative and wish to see a better future for themselves and their children.
I am not the only one to take note of the size of our polling numbers. The radical right, the monarchists and neo-fascists, have come out of the woodwork following the Alsänder Daily poll, decrying Slovenians and attempt to blame us for everything that has ever gone wrong in Zubrowka. These extremists long for the glory days of 1941, when German monarchs oversaw the deaths of thousands of Slovenians for having the audacity to exists. And this not only includes Germans, but also the Hungarians of the Magyar National Assembly too. But behind their hatred and disdain is a more telling emotion. Fear. They fear that the Slovenian people are developing an independent political consciousness. They fear that the Slovenian people will never again accept a status of second class citizens. The reactionaries fear that the Slovenian people will rise to equality with the Germans and Hungarians, and their racist worldview cannot accept such a truth.
We must not let up brothers and sisters. We cannot rest on our laurels and be content with whatever support we have now. We need every eligible Slovenian voter to come out on election day and push us to greater heights and make clear to the radicals that Slovenian participation in politics cannot be denied. The Slovenian Democratic Party claims similar goals, but do not be deceived, they would undermine Slovenian interests. They would have us turn our backs on all our fellow Slavic brethren, and instead tie ourselves to NATO, making us lapdogs of the American States. A greater mistake could not be made. The Americans are a corrupt imperialist power, having just overthrown their own President for his efforts to consolidate power, and after a decade of fighting and hundreds of thousands of soldiers sent to prop up their puppet government in Vietnam, they accepted defeat and withdrew. Is this a power we want to tie ourselves to? To rely upon? No I say! The future of Zubrowka is one of neutrality and trade with all willing powers of Europe.
Finally, it must be stated that the German people in general our not our enemies. Radicals in the fascists and monarchist parties are indeed enemies of the Slovenian people, but there are many more Germans that have no ill will towards us Slovenians. In our effort for ethnic equality and a more fair society, we must not succumb to an absolutist mindset of seeing all other ethnicities as hostiles. Cooperation with some Germans is vital to achieving political reforms needed for the Slovenian people. Once we have achieved equal status and protection, we can stand shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the country and move forward unto a new dawn of prosperity.
The 1975 AZVB Manifesto
~ An Excerpt ~
The need to expand ties with the Countries of Peace - Zubrowka should expand its ties with the Soviet Union and its alliance of peace keepers. They are the only ones who wish to bring prosperity to the people of Zubrowka.
Strengthening the Proletariat - The needs of the workers have for too long been neglected and it needs to get proper wages and proper working hours.
Raise the Taxes - For too long the rich corporations have been allowed to get off easy and not pay their fair share to society. Therefore we propose to raise the Corporate Tax so the people of Zubrowka will prosper.
Revise the Constitution - The Constitution from 1945 is old and doesn't guarentee the needs of the people of Zubrowka. Therefore the constitution needs to be reworked or a new one is need for Zubrowka, so the people can prosper in a state that is not hamstringed by byzantine and reactionary policies.
Bring the Means of Production to the Worker - For too long the corporations have owned the worker by owning the workplace. This cannot stand and thus we believe that the economy of the nation should be nationalized and given to the worker. Without this the proletariat cannot live properly and thus the people of Zubrowka cannot prosper.
Revolution - The state of Zubrowka is in a degenerated state and is controlled by the capitalist who hold an iron grib over the people of Zubrowka. They torture the people so that they can live in mansions and eat with gilded cutlery while looking at the slums that they built to the poor workers that day. Thusly, we call for a revolution in Zubrowka that can end this inequality and bring prosperity to the people.
----
An AZVB advert seen across the country
Interview with Mr. Leopold Haas of the ZDSU
AFC: Hello Mr. Haas, how are you this fine evening?
LH: I am well thank you, and yourself?
AFC: I am well, thank you for asking. Thank you again for agreeing to meet with the Daily. Now, we'll begin with probably the most obvious question. What is your argument for the continued place of fascism in Europe, namely Zubrowka?
LH: And thank you for meeting with me. *small chuckle and a smile from Haas at the question* Well, personally I would not use the term 'fascist' to describe the Zubrowkan Democratic Social Union: I consider it more of a platform of the people - a mouthpiece for their frustrations if you will. Whilst our patriotism might offend some, I consider it a matter of pride and honour to call myself a Zubrowkan. We are a nation with a rich history, and a strong people, and we should respect that. But to answer more directly - yes, I believe fascism deserves a place in the world, as all are entitled to their views and ideologies: freedom can be ugly, and people can use it to horrific ends, but to quash it would be to quash the basis for democracy, and civilization.
AFC: Interesting. Given your populist position, how do you explain the multitude of fascist or quasi-fascist parties that exist in the nation?
LH: Clearly there is frustration with the mainstream parties, and I cannot honestly blame people for holding such a view: our country is suffering from economic downturn, ethnic tension and a host of other issues that previous governments have failed to address. It seems most of the mainstream are content to hold the reins of governance, but not actually execute any real change with them. As a result of this, newer parties advocating a national pride, a rejuvenation and a return to the 'good days' - which some harken to the Henckels years - have seen an uptick in support; it just so happens that some of them have fascist sympathies and leanings.
AFC: Then should we expect a coalition of fascist parties this election? A proverbial Zubrowkan Pact of Iron?
LH: It could very well happen, but at this juncture it can only be speculation.
AFC: A fellow fascist party, the Kurultáj, have put forward in their platform a desire to instill anti-wandering laws into the nation. Do you support this motion, considering it's impact on the Roma transient population?
LH: I do. I sincerely believe we need all citizens to have a permanent address, for reasons of safety among others. Wandering individuals could pose a threat not only to Zubrowkan citizens but also to themselves: we could ask the potential dangers if a wandering individual falls ill to something contagious and then traverses the country constantly, it would be a nightmarish scenario: not only would they be hard to track and treat, but they could very well spread the infection far and wide.
AFC: And what would happen to all of these wanderers in Zubrowka?
LH: They would need to settle naturally - I am sure many of them do indeed have some finances to do so. Of course those with no actual Zubrowkan nationality should be returned to their countries of origin.
AFC: Many Roma have no country of origin, being nomadic individuals. There is no place to deport them to, so what will you do with them?
LH: I suppose the option to settle or leave the country will have to be presented to them.
AFC: So you are willing to spend Zubrowkan tax dollars on settling a people that may not even want to be settled?
LH: I by no means said our money would be spent on providing settlement for them - and as a majority will most likely not be interested, they will have to leave.
AFC: Settlement requires money, while some might be willing to settle, all might not be able to pay. The natural assumption of you supporting settlement is that you will foot the bill on those that can't pay. Is this true?
LH: No, I am afraid not. I will not spend Zubrowkan money on such a matter - there are better uses for it. If those who want to settle choose to do so, it must be at their own accord; my primary concern in the matter remains legislating an end to vagrancy and ensuring the safety of the Zubrowkan people - they are, and will forever remain, my chief concern. All that I do is in their best interests.
AFC: And who you define as the Zubrowkan people?
LH: The citizens of our nation of course. Unless the definition of what a Zubrowkan is differs in your mind, Mr Corbin?
AFC: Many political parties argue as to which are citizens, and which aren't. Some argue that the Slovenians aren't citizens, and some argue that the Hungarians or Socialists aren't citizens. to whit, are all those who live in Zubrowka citizens desirous of full protection under the law?
LH: Any patriotic Zubrowkan is a citizen deserving of full protection under the law. *a smile*
AFC: Define a patriot and furthermore, who is not a patriot.
LH: Well, I have a hobby in glossing the dictionary - Oxford tells me its 'a person who vigorously supports their country and is prepared to defend it against enemies or detractors.'; I am inclined to agree with that definition. Naturally those who do not love their country, and have wish to do it harm are not patriots.
AFC: Do you find a difference between the two, a love of country and a wish for harm?
LH: Well is the former not a patriot, and the latter a traitor? Are we arguing semantics now, Mr Corbin?
AFC: One mans semantics is another man's life. One man's patriotism is to you a reason to deny them the protections of law, as you have seen fit to differentiate between the patriotic and the non-patriotic. As such, you have been entirely unclear. Now, I will ask, and please respond clearly. Who do you find unpatriotic. Who do you find to be unfit for the protections under law.
LH: I do believe you are searching for a controversial statement, Mr. Corbin *a grin*
AFC: Yes, I am. You have failed to provide me with anything but vague statements that promise nothing but the depersonification of citizens you find 'unpatriotic'.
LH: Who do I find unfit for the protections under law? Traitors.
AFC: Who are the traitors
LH: Why, they are the known unknown, Mr. Corbin. The things we know, that we do not know. If I could point out the traitors in our nation, well then we would be on a better course would we not?
AFC: Ah, so you don't know who the enemy are, you simply know they exist.
LH: I have a strong distrust of the communists - especially the Soviet apologists - but I would not go so far as to accuse them of treason.
AFC: So you don't think Communists are traitors, and continue to not know who the enemy of Zubrowka are. If you are so unsure of the enemy in which you are dedicated to fight, why should anyone vote for you?
LH: My dedication is to fight against the ineptitude of previous governments, to restore national pride, and to rejuvenate the nation, Mr. Corbin. Some individuals may use witch hunts to justify their actions, but I will not. I do not seek to sow division in our country, I seek to mend the cracks. I believe there are enemies in our nation, but I will not go wildly about flailing at imagined foes - I will find the real ones, and see them brought to heel.
AFC: So you think there are enemies in the nation but cannot name them, and you think the Communists are imagined foes. And yet you campaign under a fascist ticket and promise national rejuvenation. I wish you luck in the election Mr. Haas, it's been a pleasure to speak with you.
Aggregated polls for the August 1975 election
compiled by The Alsänder Daily
sample size 997margin of error +/- 2%
14% KEP (Conservative Unionist Party)
10% GAP (Grand Old Party)
10% VAP (People's Action Party)
10% AZVB (All Zubrowka Forward Bloc)
10% SSP (Slovenian Protection Party)
7% SDP (Slovenian Democratic Party)
7% MNV (Magyar National Assembly)
6% ZZP (Zubrowka Centrist Party)
5% ZHB (Home Bloc)
5% ZKP (Zubrowkan Communist Party)
4% CDP (Christian Democratic Party)
4% BfZ (Movement for Zubrowka)
4% LP (Liberal Party)
2% ZDSU (Zubrowkan Democratic Social Union)
1% ZFK (Zubrowka Free Congress)
1% Undecided
Only parties polling at 4% or above in the aggregate poll will make it to the debate. This is poll is second of two before the debate.
Red Socialist/general left wing
Blue Conservative
Yellow Centrist/classical liberal
Grey Right-wing populist/fascist
Highlights from the August 1975 general election leaders' debate
moderated by Philipp Fuchs of the National Post
A woman in the live television audience stands up and runs toward the stage, shouting and screaming as security guards move in on her. Her voice is picked up by the microphones:
"My husband is out of a job! He has been looking for months! We cannot feed our children, it is horrible -- what have you men done? Nothing! And some of you complain about communists or Hungarians or Slavs! We cannot--"
She is quickly taken outside. Fuchs continues.
"Now we proceed to the first question. We ask that all participants keep their answers brief and concise, and if they are to respond to the remarks of another leader, they are to remain courteous throughout ..."
Below are selected answers to various questions posed by Fuchs and Keller to the party leaders.
GENERAL QUESTIONS:
"What can you do to help promote a healthier economy and strong economic growth?"
"Military government spending is at about 1.7% of GDP. Is this enough, too little, or too much? If it is too much, where do you propose that spending go? If it is too little, where do you propose the revenue for spending increases come from?"
"What is your plan to pare down the national deficit and restore fiscal solvency to the country in a time of economic recession?"
"How can the government assist in the increase in the quality of life of its citizens? Which will prove more effective: government spending on public works or decreased taxes and spending?"
SPECIFIC LEADER QUESTIONS:
GAP: "Mr. Erhling, one of the most important parts of your party platform is to restore the monarchy. How can you reconcile a position like this with the fact that the monarchy was abolished via a democratic referendum thirty years ago?"
ZHB: "Mr. Rohling, many in the media and across the country have named your party 'hateful' and have accused you of Nazism. What is your party's policy vis-a-vis the rights of minorities, including Slovenians and Italians?"
SDP: "Mr. Strniša, if you are a Slovenian rights party, why do you wish to have Zubrowka form closer ties with NATO, of which the Slovenians in Yugoslavia are not a part? Is this simply because it is the opposite policy of the Slovenian Protection Party?"
"It has been the longstanding policy of the Zubrowkan government to maintain neutrality in Europe. To those that argue on closer ties with NATO or the Warsaw Pact: why do you wish to deviate from this policy? Is a system of alliances, like that of World War I and World War II, really what this country needs at this time?"
Excerpts from Guido Rohling
- 1975 General Election Debate -
"What can you do to help promote a healthier economy and strong economic growth?"- 1975 General Election Debate -
"Certainly what is at the heart of this issue is the cultivation of a national base; we cannot be content to piddle and paddle, tinkering as if the livelihoods of Zubrowka are mechanical gears that simply need policy after policy to fix. No, our issue is that we have strayed from the basic principles - we must promote our local businesses and agriculture, giving them the foundation to emerge superior against foreign competition."
"Military government spending is at about 1.7% of GDP. Is this enough, too little, or too much? If it is too much, where do you propose that spending go? If it is too little, where do you propose the revenue for spending increases come from?"
"The budget afforded to our military is far too low! More than ever, I fear for the safety of our nation as we stand at the very frontier of the ongoing Cold War; the rhetoric of Yugoslavia, of the USSR show the very real threat posed to our nation of another costly, European war.
Funding our military is an investment; it not merely provides us security, but opportunity for our people for advancement, for education, for purpose. A young man may have a steady wage and an honorable career in the military - the returns will pay for themselves when job opportunities expand. We will need workers to build barracks, supply arms, construct defenses, and staff our forces."
"What is your plan to pare down the national deficit and restore fiscal solvency to the country in a time of economic recession?"
"As I have said, investment into profitable ventures must be pursued to mend up the woes of the nation - poverty, unemployment, and so on. Deficit is secondary to the plight of our people who are without an honest day's work. Once a man may contribute and has been given the opportunity to create a stable living, then we will begin to have a basis from which we can solve the deficit."
"How can the government assist in the increase in the quality of life of its citizens? Which will prove more effective: government spending on public works or decreased taxes and spending?"
"Again - what we put into society will be put out! Opportunities must be fostered by our government so that our people may prosper. Zubrowka Heimatblock stands for the common man, as a strong society will inevitably be a successful one. Education, public works, and the military are all areas in which we may generate employment and advancement which will give the people the means to advance the quality of their lives by their own design."
"Mr. Rohling, many in the media and across the country have named your party 'hateful' and have accused you of Nazism. What is your party's policy vis-a-vis the rights of minorities, including Slovenians and Italians?"
"This is the very same campaign of disinformation that is utilized by Soviet Union, a tactic of radicals that seeks to quiet opposition by use of distraction, supplanting a party for the people by any slanderous term possible.
I make this appeal directly to the people of Zubrowka-"
And with that Guido Rohling takes off his horn-rimmed glasses and stares paternally at the camera.
"- the Heimatblock stands for the nation and its people above all else. We do not mask our words in ideological prattle - we speak bluntly. Our shield is for all good Zubrowkans, so long as they likewise stand with their brothers and sisters for the nation.
What we will not stand for are those that masquerade as heroes while clutching a gun behind their backs - a hidden enemy who does the very same that is being attempted here this night; decrying nationalism as a sin, while allowing separatism - treason! - to go unquestioned."
Jurij Anton Gerbić of the Slovenian Protection Party gave short responses to each of the questions presented in his address.
The fundamental root of the ongoing economic recession is the many inequalities that pervade Zubrowkan society. Along both ethnic and class lines some groups benefit to the detriment of other groups, and the economy as a whole suffers for it. The lack of government oversight to reign in capitalists and German centric policies, namely education, is to blame here, so the solution is clearly increased government action to regulate the market and guide the country onto a more egalitarian path.
A large military is worse than useless to Zubrowka. Not only would it be a drain on the national budget, it would also only serve to alienate our neighbors. The key to securing Zubrowka sovereignty is not a military goliath that chews away at our economy, but diplomatic and economic ties with our neighbors, to secure peace and mutual prosperity. As such current military spending can be seen to be too high. Such funds would be better spent on social program, particularly for the exceedingly backwards public school program.
As indicated by my prior remark, a first step to balancing the budget is reducing military spending. Government revenues should also be raised through heightened corporate taxes, a new inheritance tax bracket at a higher percentage for higher net worth, and nationalization of certain industries, such as railroads.
The government needs to take an active role in guiding and improving its citizens, neglect is the road to further disparity and depression. In particular the government should, in addition to other measures I have mentioned, make serious efforts to protect the rights of minority groups, such as the Slovenians. It cannot be denied that historically Zubrowkan politics have been dominated by the German majority. To ensure the protection of the Slovenian minority, a separate autonomous zone should be created and a select amount of cabinet positions should be set aside for occupation by ethnic Slovenians.
Maximilien Hahn of the BfZ
- 1975 Debate -
"What can you do to help promote a healthier economy and strong economic growth?"
"The key to strong economic growth is a government which is not afraid to intervene on behalf of workers. When we allow workers to be exploited and forced into poor working conditions, we allow the bedrock of our economy to weakened. By encouraging their organization into cooperatives, we will enable workers to produce a more effective and more internally successful Zubrowkan economy - one which will not favor elites, but Zubrowkan families! I assure you all, if Bewegung could implement its policy agenda, those like that lovely woman would not be in the situation certain... others have put them in."
"Military government spending is at about 1.7% of GDP. Is this enough, too little, or too much? If it is too much, where do you propose that spending go? If it is too little, where do you propose the revenue for spending increases come from?"
"I believe that to be a fitting, if not generous, percentage of spending, but I also believe this question detracts from our true primary concern regarding security - how that money is being spent. Rather than supporting the growth of a local Zubrowkan military industry, they have spent it on expensive foreign technology. Now, instead of supporting Zubrowkan growth as an armed neutral state, some of our... friends on this stage support our subjugation under NATO and our money being potentially directed towards foreign conflicts.
*Looks at the camera*
"Zubrowka, we do not."
"What is your plan to pare down the national deficit and restore fiscal solvency to the country in a time of economic recession?"
"While, undoubtedly, we'd be well-served by a reduction of the deficit, it should not be our primary focus at this moment. For now, we should focus spending on alleviating the recession and establishing a foundation upon which both workers and the economy might flourish. Once the recession ends and the people are secure, the Bewegung would support policies aimed at controlling our sizable national debt."
"How can the government assist in the increase in the quality of life of its citizens? Which will prove more effective: government spending on public works or decreased taxes and spending?"
"While I have no doubts that certain factors might insist that decreasing government involvement will resolve this crisis, one thing is exceptionally clear: they are blinded by their own greed! They suggest we cater to business in a time when our people are starving, unemployed, and facing innumerable difficulties. When we create a climate in which Zubrowkan farmers and workers are not only supported in their private lives, but in good stewardship of our shared environment, we will have have achieved something immeasurable. And yet, here we stand, at what may be the beginning of such an achievement for not only our Bewegung, but for all of our beloved nation!"
Franz Ehrling, leader of the GAP
1975 General Election Debate
"What can you do to help promote a healthier economy and strong economic growth?"
The best way to promote a healthier economy in Zubrowka is to lower taxes for the middle class so that they can start self-sustaining small businesses. These businesses enhance the economic life of our communities and open new opportunities for everyone. By focusing on improving our agriculture and local businesses we can build up a strong base to place us in a strong position to conduct trade relations with our most important neighbor, Austria, and with the rest of Europe. Reasonable tariffs will protect our domestic production while we also build on our ties with the Austrians. By creating a strong pro-business and pro-agriculture environment the government can help build a sustainable and strong economic growth.
"Military government spending is at about 1.7% of GDP. Is this enough, too little, or too much? If it is too much, where do you propose that spending go? If it is too little, where do you propose the revenue for spending increases come from?"
The military should receive more funding, but we cannot endorse this at the moment because of several reasons. The first is that we are not in a state of dire threat from any of our neighbors. While we certainly must be wary of any threat from the Soviet Union or Yugoslavia, our relations with these countries are currently normal. This combined with our high deficit and national debt make any increases to the military budget fiscally irresponsible. We must rectify the deficit first and then work to improve our military.
"What is your plan to pare down the national deficit and restore fiscal solvency to the country in a time of economic recession?"
The key aspect of our plan to cut costs is to restructure the welfare system of our nation. The expense required by the government to maintain our current welfare state is exorbitant and, most disgracefully, does not yield to good outcomes. Many people have simply stopped looking for employment and have taken their wealth from the public coffers. Our proposal for restructuring this system is to place a requirement that all welfare recipients be searching for work unless they can prove to incapable of any work. Further, there will be a 20% cut to the benefits at all levels because as we can see, this level of state involvement is unsustainable. To make up for this cut we will be proposing to make religious institutions recognized by the government tax exempt so that a person's faith community can transition to being the primary provider of emergency care. The safety net for our society cannot be borne solely by the state but must also be held up by the Church. We will also seek to root out waste in the national bureaucracy and to find ways to cut costs at all levels. In conjunction with these cost saving measures we will seek to raise tariffs slightly so that our domestic industry and agriculture can expand while government revenue can be increased simultaneously.
"How can the government assist in the increase in the quality of life of its citizens? Which will prove more effective: government spending on public works or decreased taxes and spending?"
Government can assist the in the quality of life of its citizens by providing for the safety, security, and general prosperity of the nation. To do this the government must secure a competent military, a confident and trained police, and cultivate an environment where the economic ingenuity and hardiness of the Zubrowkan people can shine through. The government must protect the agriculture and industry of our nation with a sensible tariff and trade policy. Taxes are a necessary evil of course, but the taxes on the Zubrowkan middle class is simply too high. We must decrease the tax rate and decrease government spending in order to let loose the traditional economic strength and independence of Zubrowka. Whenever possible the government's job today can be done better by the Church, private charitable institutions, and most importantly a more or less free market to expand the scope and depth of our economy.
"Mr. Erhling, one of the most important parts of your party platform is to restore the monarchy. How can you reconcile a position like this with the fact that the monarchy was abolished via a democratic referendum thirty years ago?"
We in the Grand Old Party long for the return of the monarchy, but we welcome any who do not wish for it as well to vote for the party. While we back the restoration this is certainly not the sole issue that our party is campaigning on. If you love the agricultural richness of our nation, the unity of all Zubrowkan people, and a confident, neutral foreign policy, the Grand Old Party is the only choice. However, on the matter of the monarchy I accept the results of the 1945 referendum as representative of the will of the people in 1945. Of course that time was most extraordinary and it was quite unwise to hold it so soon. The Soviet army was invading our land and feelings were running at an all-time high. Most of us still remember the times of the war and how the evil Henckels took command of our nation in a fit of madness. Be that as it may, no where does it state that the referendum was perpetually binding. A restoration would require an amendment to the constitution so I would support a national referendum on the subject of a restoration of the monarchy so that we can hold a campaign with a clear mind and discuss the merits of either system. The conviction of the Grand Old Party is that we as a party would stand by the results of a new referendum, provided its fair campaign and process, for perpetuity.
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Not seeing any advantage in attending a "debate" with more candidates than the country has hospitals, Tormund Mayer does not turn up, neither does anyone from the party. He does however send his representatives to the staff of the VAP to arrange a 1 on 1 'Leaders Debate' closer to the election.
- @Luftwafer -
During a lull in the responses to the moderator questions, Jurij Anton Gerbić turned to Guido Rohling.
"Mr. Rohling, it seems to me that you entirely failed to give a straight answer on the question of your party's position concerning minority groups, in particular regarding the Slovenian people. To put it in a simple yes or no question, do you believe a Slovenian citizen of Zubrowka is worthy of the same rights and protections as a German citizen of Zubrowka?"
"Mr. Rohling, it seems to me that you entirely failed to give a straight answer on the question of your party's position concerning minority groups, in particular regarding the Slovenian people. To put it in a simple yes or no question, do you believe a Slovenian citizen of Zubrowka is worthy of the same rights and protections as a German citizen of Zubrowka?"
The VAP will meet Tormund Mayer's Challenge, and awaits a date to be set.
However the party leader still is to take part in the multi-party debate.
However the party leader still is to take part in the multi-party debate.
1975 General Election
AZVB
"What can you do to help promote a healthier economy and strong economic growth?"AZVB
The best way to promote a healthier economy is to nationalize the private sector. We can see that the large corporations cares little about the people of Zubrowka and cares more about their pockets. This should not be allowed to stand. The conservatives want this status quo to continue and the liberals wish to give the corporations free reign to punch the workers even more. This is not the way to go and the government should regulate and control the economy.
"Military government spending is at about 1.7% of GDP. Is this enough, too little, or too much? If it is too much, where do you propose that spending go? If it is too little, where do you propose the revenue for spending increases come from?"
I think for the moment, that the government spending on the military is just alright. However, if the AZVB plans of nationalization are brought into life and we join with the countries of peace, we can use even more of the GDP on defence to further keep peace in the world. It should not, however, hurt the people of Zubrowka, as their wellbeing is our main concern.
"What is your plan to pare down the national deficit and restore fiscal solvency to the country in a time of economic recession?"
Once that Zubrowka has embraced the AZVB plans, the economy will go fantastic. With the government in control, we can promote a healthy economy that will make us fiscally responsible and promote welfare for the Zubrowkan people.
"How can the government assist in the increase in the quality of life of its citizens? Which will prove more effective: government spending on public works or decreased taxes and spending?"
Decreasing taxes and public spending will never do well for anyone. The liberals may claim that the rich getting richer will eventually make the other classes richer. That is not how we think in the AZVB however. We know that that will never happen, and the rich will just keep getting richer and richer, and the poor will die in ditch because the government cannot use funds to provide for the needy because they have to pay for damned tax decreases. To provide for the people of Zubrowka, we need increased spending on public works, because that will get the economy going again.
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In national newspapers, the AZVB posts several posters, one of them is this:
Guido Rohling speaks loudly in retort to Gerbić,
"Perhaps then you are hard of hearing, as I recall stating that our shield is for all citizens of Zubrowka. That is, so long as they stand for the principles and betterment of Zubrowka, and not fomenting the very sort of ethno-separatist drivel a great deal of parties peddle.
If elements of our population decide to stand with the likes of Yugoslavia or such another insane notion, than we cannot stand with traitors."
"Perhaps then you are hard of hearing, as I recall stating that our shield is for all citizens of Zubrowka. That is, so long as they stand for the principles and betterment of Zubrowka, and not fomenting the very sort of ethno-separatist drivel a great deal of parties peddle.
If elements of our population decide to stand with the likes of Yugoslavia or such another insane notion, than we cannot stand with traitors."