The Coalition Times - Issue III, January
Heat Death
COMMENTARY | Valyria | Written December 23
'The golden age of the legislature! These are monumental days that pass by as we live in their glorious hours: appreciate them. This a period in the Coalition of Democratic Nations, to be remembered forever!'
That is a possible summation of the efforts of Parliament.
Three or four Parliaments ago, that is.
Yes, the Coalition is never likely to see a Parliament the likes of the First or Second assembly again. Their ability to pass legislation can partially be given to the monumental need for it during their day, but also to the incredible ability of the nations who filled those two bodies. The Third Parliament wasn't too bad either, the legislation passed during their reign is incredibly important. Unfortunately, where the First and Second Parliament fill the role of the prodigal sons, the Fourth Parliament is divinely endowed with the role of the drunk uncle that rambles incoherently in the corner during Christmas.
We have passed that. Have we though? The Fifth Parliament of the Coalition of Democratic Nations. Hope was the main emotion that coursed through the veins of Coalitioners who closely follow the political atmosphere of the region the day the Fifth Parliament. To leave the drunken stupor of the Fourth Parliament and enter into a better era.
Disappointment? Is that a good word to describe the reaction to the Fifth Parliament? Sadly, acceptance is probably better suited for the situation. Where the Fourth gathering of representatives stagnated and died in the latter days of their rule, the Fifth group has failed to launch. One month into their term and one piece of legislation, and a repeal that has already been brought to the floor multiple times, has been debated, gone to vote, and failed. There is no silver lining to the grey clouds that shroud the sun that Parliament could be.
Perhaps the new Constitution, if it passes the Cabinet and regional votes, could disperse some of these clouds. Or maybe the Fifth will pull themselves together. They are not a weak group. They have a strong Speaker and several vocal members, whose ranks include new and old nations. They can do this. 'This' being the act of reestablishing the honor that was once associated with being a member of Parliament. Shame only lasts as long as you allow it to. Do not fall to shame, Fifth. Live in this last month of your term. Be the body you can be.
And, as always, remember: CoDN onwards!
A New Era
COMMENTARY | Marinesia |
As the first governmental action of 2015, the outgoing Prime Minister Brechalht, and incoming Prime Minister New Adelaide both affixed their signatures to the Second Constitution of the Coalition of Democratic Nations.
To underscore the importance of the ratification that may stand as Brechalht's most significant accomplishment, the Former Prime Minister said the following:
"I hope this new regional foundation will not only preserve the regional vision encapsulated in the first, but also be the base for sustained growth of our regional community."
Indeed, it appears that the Second Constitution has successfully done so. Its ratification marked a new election cycle for practically the entire government, with re-nominations for both the Appellate and Supreme Court Justices, the inauguration of the 6th Cabinet, and elections for the entirety of the new legislature.
Some notable changes the document has introduced include:
- [*[Judicial Nominations are the task of the Minister of Justice
- Creation of a citizenship system
- The dissolution of the Ministry of Economics
- A wide-reaching devolution of the Prime Ministers powers to the ministerial levels
- The creation of a bicameral legislature, with the Council of Delegates acting as the elected upper house and the Regional Assembly putting legislative power directly in the hands of the citizens.
Once Bitten, Twice Shy
COMMENTARY | BRECHALHT
Perhaps this acts as the unfortunate sequel to this publication's previous article "Interregional Affairs""
It started as a joyous celebration of interregional friendship "Considering the strong similarities between both our regions, we are proud of this affirmation of our friendship and hope for continued relations with the Commonwealth [of Crowns]", said Amerion, former Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Less than a month later, in what became known as the 'November Crisis', the standing Regional Executive Council of The Commonwealth of Crowns was overturned by the founder and several members of the region who were disgruntled with the direction of government in the region. Many members of the displaced REC fled to the CoDN, and took refuge there while attempting to reconstruct their old homeland. Tensions between the CoDN and CoC continued to mount, as the free speech and free movement provisions the CoDN offers its members allowed for vitriolic discussion of what the displaced REC and several members of the CoDN termed a 'coup'.
Upon the dissolution of the interim, founder-led government in the CoC, and the election of a new REC, BORDURIAA, its new leader, made the decision to cut embassy ties with the CoDN. The government of the CoDN, up to this point neutral and in contact with all parties involved in this developing crisis, attempted to prevent the embassy closure, but to no avail. Following the closure of the embassy, members of the CoC protested the decision of Bordurria, eventually prompting a new invitation from the CoC to reopen embassies with the CoDN.
The CoDN held a referendum on the issue. Though many government figures voted in favor of the embassy, New Konstantinople, in what will probably be known as his last major campaign, swayed popular opinion heavily in favor of declining.
Thus, the budding internationalism the region experienced was cut down at the knees. Once bitten, the CoDN was hesitant to venture so boldly into international affairs with such exuberance again.
Returning to its measured and calculated policies, the region has opened embassies with two other GCRs, The Rejected Realms and The North Pacific. Many future projects and cooperative activities have been planned, and there is certainly much hope remaining for an internationalist revival.
Year in review
OPINION | Amerion
In order to embrace the new, we must release the old. A trapeze artist cannot swing from one bar to another without letting go. An important part of the New Year is to review the past year - to release it - and to learn from it...
Elderly Coalitioners will remember Swiss Bankers and his actions through Respac. Swiss Bankers, a former Member of Parliament and once revered member of the Coalition left on his own accord, only to return to the Coalition through a puppet nation, Respac. Infuriating as the words of Respac may have been, we showed great unity in our response to trolls such as Respac and through our determination and the actions of what was at the very least a commendably effective Executive Cabinet, we successfully limited the fallout of his slander in foreign regions, testament to our unity as a region.
There is much to be said of how this community handled events and nations such as Respac and much more to be said of the nations who led this region.
Quevola, founder and first Prime Minster of the Coalition of Democratic Nations led what is arguable one of the most successful government in our short ten month existence. Despite the many problems one would commonly associate with first founding a region, Quevola oversaw the greatest growth this region and many others have ever seen, a staggering rise in population to a regional record of 457 nations. And in laying the foundations of a welcoming, friendly, loving and democratic region, he has to his credit, retained many of these original nations and recruited many more. Yet, as great as this achievement may be viewed by his counterparts, it is in no uncertain terms the limits of his record. Under his two terms as our Prime Minister, the Coalition adopted its first Constitution, created our forum, established an ever-present interregional standing, presided over the first and most successful Parliamentary seating and forged an active and in one word - awesome - role-play community. That being said, one would be ill-advised to forget the achievements of those who succeeded Quevola as Prime Minister. Sacara, Valyria, Runesland and Rutannia have all served this region with undeniably great wisdom and for their actions, both in office and out, the Coalition commends them. Yet, it has been the most recent Prime Minister, Brechalht who has the honour of being named the "most respected Coalitioner". Under his two term service, the Coalition has seen its renaissance; from a rebounded population to a new Constitution to a never ending supply of cookies... yum!
Nations come and go but if there is one thing that came from a year defined by trials and tribulations of the Coalition, it can be only in an appreciation of how we have forged a community of brothers and sisters.
CoDN Onward, Forevermore!
- Amerion
