The Election of 1855
By January 1855 the United Socialist People’s Republic was 5 years old. In the 5 years since Wilhelm Weitling’s ascension to the role as Chairman the Republic had experienced major social change, industrial growth and the annexation of Wallonia. The issues of 1855 were not the issues of 1850. Social policy had declined in importance whilst new problems such as the Wallonian Question and the future of democracy within the party had become much more prominent.
In 1855 the same four candidates who had stood for election in 1850 attempted to gain the role as Chairman, however now they were no longer bright young revolutionaries but seasoned statesmen.
The Marxists
Prospective Chairman: Karl Marx
Karl Marx remains the foremost mind with the Central Committee but is star has been slightly tarnished by his ineffectual time as General Secretary. The role was clearly unsuited to the high minded Marx, Karl preferred to concentrate on arguing out policy with other members of the Central Committee to taking care of the more menial tasks as General Secretary. Much of his work has been deferred to political aides. Marx still looks a strong candidate for the Chairmanship and has a wide base of popularity within the Party – even if he fails to secure election he is gaurunteed a new position within the Central Committee having convinced the other factions to agree to a reshuffle within the Central Committee (the members themselves will remain mostly unchanged but their positions will change).
Position within Party: Far Left
Economic Policy:
The Marxists stand by their budgetary policy of 1850.
‘’Taxes on the rich should be kept at 100% at all times. Taxes on the poorest should remain as low as possible whilst taxes on people with middle incomes should remain at least 10% higher than the taxes on the poorest.
Tariffs can be used but only when they are necessary to either correct budget imbalances or protect struggling native industry.
Educational spending should remain flexible and be aimed solely at achieving the 2% target of intellectuals in the population. Administrative spending should look to maximise efficiency at all times.’’
However with Military Spending currently standing at 60% it is believed that it should remain stationary at the current level.
The state should continue to support industry with subsidies and should also become the sole funder of industrial expansion (in both factories and railroads). The growing power of the Unions, who were largely left unchecked over the past 5 years, is also of concern and their power should be stemmed if not pushed back.
Reform Policy:
No less than
four social reforms should be introduced. Pensions should be established to help our elderly citizens (at present any elderly citizens no longer able to work and without a family to support them are effectively left to die – this is intolerable), the current meagre health service should be improved, our factories should introduce minimum safety standards (the current level of industrial accidents is unacceptable) whilst there should also be a minimum wage for workers that will guarantee all proletarians enough money to feed themselves and their families.
The German Socialists have proven that they are all talk and no action. Their policies for improving the lives of the proletariat rely upon the expansion of our industrial sector – for how long can we rely on unending economic growth? The idea that a growing economy will help everyone has some merit but is ultimately a bourgeois ideal – we must make government a tool to help the individual, not merely to help the economy.
Reform (within Party):
The Marxists support a plebiscite to Party Members to be held alongside the next Chairmanship election in 1860. Should the Marxists secure a mandate then in 1860 Party Members will be presented with a variety of reforms to the current voting system that could not only effect how the Chairman is chosen but also how the entire Central Committee is appointed.
The Wallonian Question:
Is a French speaking proletarian any different to a German speaking one? Were the Belgians not amongst the earliest supporters of socialism? Why should they be treated any differently to the Germans within our Republic?
Wallonia is now an integral part of the Republic and it should remain as such. In order to make it easier for government to function within Wallonia all government documents in that region should be printed in French, Dutch (10% of Wallonians are Flemish) and German (not only is the central government German speaking but 5% of Wallonians are as well). There should be no suppression of Walloon culture and no difference in the treatment of Germans and Walloons. There should also be a push for education amongst the Walloons to bring them up to the standards of the Rhenish people – let us not forget that in just 2 ¼ years since the annexation literacy rates have risen from 64.5% to 65.3%.
However control of this territory does present problems for the territorial integrity of the Republic (France is unlikely to tolerate its occupation indefinitely) so there should be a line of forts constructed from the Ardennes Forest in Arlon, through Namur and the Meuse to the border with Belgium. Whilst this will mean the abandonment of Tournai and Chareloi in the event of war with France these territories are simply indefensible.
Foreign Policy:
Foreign policy should be largely focussed upon Germany. The current work of Engels and Blanqui in undermining Prussian power in Northern Germany through fair means or foul should be continued and if any opportunity for expansion, without war with Prussia, arises it should be taken without hesitation. If there is another opportunity to go to war with the rump Belgian state without the intervention of a Great Power then the annexation of Flanders must be considered. Securing a connection with the coast could be a valuable advantage. However ambition in Flanders should remain secondary to Germany.
The German Socialists
Prospective Chairman: Wilhelm Weitling
Weitling was a moderately able Chairman but he secured great success in his position. This is largely down to his delegation of duties to his more able subordinates – in Blanqui he found a man more than able to transform society and deal with unwanted elements, in Feuerbach he found a patron for the all important Ruhr with the talent and will to feed the region’s seemingly never ending industrial boom, in Weydemeyer he found a man able to secure him a relatively bloodless victory in Belgium against what was a deceptively powerful enemy and in Engels he found a man who could keep the peace with the French and the Prussians. Despite rarely getting involved in getting things done Weitling’s political acumen allowed him to get others to do what he wanted, even if they were not entirely happy about it. However 5 years is a long time for one man to wield executive power in a state that prides itself on being a People’s Republic, 10 years is an even longer time ...
Position in the People’s Party: Centre (includes both heavy right wing and heavy left wing elements)
Economic Policy:
The Socialists call for minor amendments to budgetary policy. Tax on the poor should be pegged at 25% and tax on the middle strata should be flexible between 30% and 40% (it currently lays at 35%). Meanwhile the richest should pay 45% or more (preferably around the current level of 50%).
The 3% tariff should be removed. Educational and administrative funding should remain flexible.
Military spending should be raised from 60% to 62%.
Industrial policy should remain on its current course.
Reform Policy:
There should be
two social reform. A small public pension should be introduced alongside further funds for the health service.
Reform (within the party):
There is no need for reform of the current system of elections.
The Wallonians Question:
Wallonia was invaded to further the interests of this Republic and to liberate the region’s people. This has been accomplished. However our Republic is a Germanic institution at heart and we should not become involved in the governing of a people who are not our own – that is the penchant of Empires and we are no Empire. Furthermore the region’s lack of wealth and literacy is harmful for the Rhineland (now forced to hold up a weak link) whilst its continued occupation makes war with France more likely every day, this is only made worse by the region’s indefensible nature – is it not better to defend our powerful Saar fortresses than the Meuse?
The Socialists propose the creation of the Autonomous Socialist People’s Republic of Wallonia. The region will retain strong economic and political links to the VSVR but will manage its own affairs. This ends the problem of a French invasion via the territory and the resentment of the Wallonian people to the rule of a foreign people (let us not lie to ourselves; they view us as Germans as much as they view us as fellow proletarians). Independence should be granted in August 1857 to mark the 5th year of its liberation from Belgium.
Foreign Policy:
The fine efforts of Blanqui and Engels to undermine Prussia in Northern Germany should continue with all haste. The VSVR should ensure that is territory is focussed in Germany alone and this should be the focus of our revolutionary activities. However it is also important to spread the revolution across the Continent. If re-elected the German Socialists would whole heartedly support the invasion of Belgium and establishment of an independent Flanders on the Wallonian model.
We should not be greedy – all the world deserves socialism but it is not up to Germany to rule the world.
The Collectivist Anarchists
Prospective Chairman: Pierre-Joseph Proudhon
Proudhon has cut a frustrated figure in a Republic whose ideology is clearly quite different from his own. However his management of the Finances of the State have been exemplary and in Cologne the state maintains a huge stockpile of gold and silver. Whilst Proudhon himself has been eager to reduce the surpluses of his budget other factions have prevented him from lowering taxes and tariffs as he would have wished.
Position within People’s Party: Far Right
Economic Policy:
A much lower flat tax on all citizens. No tariffs. Whilst losses in the budget should be avoided the surplus should be kept as low as possible (the current reserves of the state are obscene).
Military spending should be reduced from 60% to 55% (1850 level) but the army should retain its current size.
The Unions should be, by on large, given control of industrial expansion. The State may subsidise failing industries, but only if their failure would result in a loss of jobs. Whilst the majority of the responsibility for any improvements to the rail system should remain with the Unions the state may contribute funds if the Unions do not.
The farmers should be given the chance to abolish their collective farms and divide the land with each farmer getting an equal share.
Reform Policy:
The current limit on press rights is a hallmark of Dictatorship. Whilst the state newspaper, Wahrheit (Truth), has thus far been true to its promise of truthful news it is unclear whether this will continue indefinitely. There should be
one political reform – there should be press freedom in the form of a censored press (with a view to one day end all state influence over the press).
Reform (within Party):
The Anarchists support a plebiscite of the Party membership to be held alongside the Chairmanship election of 1860. Both reforms to the election of Chairman and to the manner in which the Central Committee is appointed shall be discussed.
The Wallonian Question:
Whilst the Walloons deserve every right to be a part of the Republic we must question the practicalities of their status as an integral part of the VSVR. Does anyone here want Rhenish and Walloon blood to be needlessly spilt in war between the Republic and both the Imperialistic French and the Walloons themselves (who want no more than to run their own affairs). The Anarchists would support a plebiscite for the Wallonian people, this will not be influenced by Party Members
(eg you guys won’t be voting but I will decide what the Walloons want based on in game factors and my own whims), in August 1857. Should the Walloons choose to remain a part of the VSVR then we shall support them and grant them all the rights that any other citizen should have but should they request independence then we shall support the creation of an Autonomous Socialist People’s Republic of Wallonia. Economically and politically attached to the VSVR but able to handle its internal affairs. In the end this may be the best option for all parties – war with France will be averted (or at least diverted to the heavily fortified Saar), the Walloons will have what they wish (a local People’s government) and we shall have a secure border and access to Wallonian iron.
Foreign Policy:
Whilst the Anarchists do not support the sabre rattling of the left of the party towards Northern Germany 5 years in government have forced us to accept the realities of the situation. If Engels and Blanqui can secure an opportunity to expand into the Central German autocratic Duchies then this opportunity cannot be passed up. However the Anarchists will not allow the VSVR to be destroyed through a conflict with France, Prussia, Austria or Britain!
The Trade Unionists
Prospective Chairman: Johann Eccarius
Humiliated in January 1850 Eccarius considered standing down as Trade Union Councillor and would not even consider attempting to stand again. However over the past half decade he has proven an able confidante between the Unions and central government – allowing him to successfully keep relations between the two groups amiable. He has even managed to increase the economic power of the Unions and forced Weitling to betray his principles and grant subsidies to
all VSVR factories and not just the struggling ones. The Unionists are hopeful of a turnaround in Eccarius’ electoral fortunes in 1855.
Position within People’s Party: Right of Centre
Economic Policy:
The Budgetary position of Eccarius and the Unionists has not changed since 1850.
‘’All middle and rich strata are to pay at least 30% more tax than the poor strata at all times.
There should be a permanent 4% tariff on all imported goods – this can be raised at any time but not lowered.
Educational and administrative spending is to remain flexible.
Military spending should not change.’’
Neither has the industrial policy – All Power to the Unions! The government should only interfere in industry to support Union managed industry.
Reform Policy:
There is no need for social or political reforms.
Reform (within the party):
The United Trades Unions understand the need for reform in the electoral system and propose the following system:
Elections will take place every 5 years. The Central Committee shall take on a Parliamentary style. The number of positions held by each faction shall reflect the number of votes they received with the largest faction having the owner of appointing a Chairman. All factions are guaranteed at least one position in the Central Committee.
Elections shall draw 2/3s of their votes from the party membership and 1/3 from the members of the Trades Unions (the workers themselves deserve the right to choose their leaders).
All this shall be in place by 1860 if the Trade Unionists secure victory.
Wallonian Question:
Wallonia shall be let loose as an Autonomous Republic. We should focus on German affairs, not on the affairs of foreigners.
Foreign Policy:
Engels and Blanqui should continue their good work. We support expansion but only into German lands and only if war with Prussia and Austria can be avoided. For too long the Germans have been divided – let all the workers of this great land unite!
All readers may vote for either:
Marxists
Anarchists/ Collectivist Anarchists
German Socialists/ Socialists
Trade Unionists/ Unionists
I will not accept your vote if you vote for an individual you want to be chairman eg Proudhon and will only accept your vote if you name the faction of your choice.
Please place your vote in a separate post from your comment OR place it in bold alongside your comment.
I encouraged you to align yourself with a faction and campaign and argue for its success. However spamming will not be tolerate (I will warn you if I think you are spamming).
Good luck Comrades! We stand at a crossroads; this election will gravely influence all future policy, particularly in regards to the treatment of non-German workers.
Voting shall close at Midday UK time on Thursday. Get voting!