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Nationalrat Midterm Elections
Social Democratic Party 7 (38.9%)
United Traditional Party 1 (5.6%)
Free Democratic Party 0 (0%)
Austrian National People's Party 5 (27.8%)
The Green Alternative/Green Party 2 (11.1%)
Alliance for the Future Party 0 (0%)
Communist Party 3 (16.7%)
Total Votes: 18
East German Midterm Elections; 11/02/2013
Topic Started: Nov 2 2013, 01:01 PM (247 Views)
Whal
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"Life is too short to be wasted on bad scotch"
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First Osterstag Midterm Elections Begin

Vienna, Austria

Hundreds of thousands of East Germans entered polling stations across the Federation today as the first midterm elections for Parliament have commenced. This election in particular promises to be an interesting period for the current cabinet, and the Krupp/Schlesinger government no doubt remains confident that the Social Democrats will resume their majority holding over the seats of the Nationalrat. SPO spokesperson, Josef Faymann, echoed such sentiments in a statement made to Die Presse just before the polls opened.

"I personally, as well as the whole of the Social Democratic Party, believe that the Federation has benefited greatly under our party's current platform. Over the past two years, the Federation has seen a rise in economic prosperity, international recognition, and massive headway in social welfare, LGBTQ equality, and industrialization, despite a pressing conflict in Slovenia. I am confident that the East German people will continue to travel the pathway towards greatness, and I believe they will do so with the Social Democratic Party."

Mr. Faymann's optimism is not misguided; the Federation has basked in an era of economic advancement and social liberty, however there are many within the Osterstag who are extremely critical of the SPO's plan for the future, and are apprehensive towards Schlesinger's C.E.D.O alliance with neighboring Marslava, as well as the SPO's support of the Chancellor's plans for intervention inside Hungary. Additionally, public support for the SPO (and the Schlesinger cabinet) has fluctuated throughout the course of the Slovenian conflict from 70% to 63% following "Black Sunday", and then changing again from 63% to 75% directly after the success of the operations on Triglav Peak earlier in the week. Current opinion continues to waver from citizen to citizen, and two particular views continue to surface.

1) "The SPO, and Schlesinger rather, have completely dropped the ball on this business in Slovenia. Not only had they allowed terrorists to strike at our infrastructure, they have infiltrated a hostile country without significant plans for a long-term occupation when the reason we were attacked in the first place was due to our own Abwehr snooping around where it shouldn't have. I do not have confidence that the Social Democrats can continue to effectively govern this nation." - Citizen 1 (Innsbruck, Tyrol)

2) "Although this war has been costly and brutal, I find it sickening that many of my countrymen have forgotten our reasons for entering in the first place. These Slovenian terrorists attacked an innocent populace out of malice. Am I critical of the Abwehr's espionage within Slovenia? Absolutely not, if anything the government was justified in monitoring the situation in Slovenia due to the threat it posed to our security. It is a shame Schlesinger's government couldn't prevent the terror plot, but are we any better for having not seen this coming ourselves? I give the SPO considerable credit for their handling of the event, and I have no qualms of casting my vote their way." - Citizen 2 (Vienna, Vienna)

Despite differences in opinion, the SPO holds a considerable lead over it's primary rival, the United Traditional Party (VTP), with a 2:1 polling advantage, and larger host of registered voters. However, the other of the "Big Four" (VTP, FDP, and the OV) are not discouraged and remain optimistic themselves. Even some of the smaller parties have tirelessly campaigned for votes and the Greens, in particular, appear to be poised to give the OV a run for its money on its spot among the "Big Four".

*Below is a list of all parties and their status on current events and issues.*

Political Parties Reference Page

1) Social Democratic Party of East Germany (Sozialdemokratische Partei Osterdeutschlands)
The SPO remains resolute in continuing it's current policies regarding gender/sexual equality, support of social welfare, and increased industrialization through government owned/aligned industry. They are ardent supporters of raising military spending whilst the Federation is engaged in conflict within Slovenia, and are pro-intervention with the Grand Duchy of Marslava in neighboring Hungary. Although wary of warfare in the Mediterranean, the Social Democrats are supporters of the Republic of Porcu and it's actions, especially the proposal of an ICON security council. In terms of taxes, the SPO will continue to push for tax reform placing heavier taxes on the rich and big business, whilst the lowering taxes for the middle class and poor.

2) United Traditional Party (Vereint Traditionelle Partei)
Unlike the SPO, the "Traditionals" are inclined to reduce government spending on social welfare and support of LGBTQ rights. The VTP is a proponent of industrialization, and vows to continue the SPO's policy, albeit some minor reductions in certain regions in favor of others. Having been initial supporters of the Slovenian conflict, the VTP are inclined to strengthen military presence in country, and are also inclined to raise military spending. The VTP also supports intervention in Hungary, but stresses the use of only East German personnel instead of a C.E.D.O effort with Marslava. Likewise, VTP leaders are apprehensive of relations with the Federation's current allies and plans to open relations with the Margraviate of Brandenburg instead. Tax reform under the VTP, will shift to higher taxes on the middle class and away from the upper classes, and government assistance being offered to big business.

3) Free Democratic Party of East Germany (Freie Demokratische Partei Osterdeutschlands)
The FDP has an ambiguous stance on "gay/lesbian" rights and has made no comment on changing existing or proposing new legislation on the matter. Instead of placing emphasis on social welfare, party leaders are proposing greater government focus on education reform and increased funding. Being supporters of government projects aimed at big business, the FDP supports industrialization, but also strives to expand government assistance to privately owned corporations and local businesses. The FDP voted for war in Slovenia, but is less interested in discourse surrounding Slovenian integration and instead focusses on maintaining a military presence only as a deterrent to future conflict. Likewise, the FDP is not interested in Hungarian intervention and instead proposes economic sanctions against nationalistic forces. Foreign Policy remains focused on economic partnership rather than alliance building, and the FDP is determined to remain from conflict which might impede economic growth. Tax reform is of a similar nature to the VTP, but emphasizes assistance to privately owned corporations and local business.

4) Austrian National People's Party (Osterreichnationalische Volkspartei)
The OV has aligned itself closely with the VTP on LGBTQ issues and social welfare, and instead proposes an increase on government spending towards preserving Austrian culture and national landmarks, parks, and points of interest. Also having initially voted for war in Slovenia, the OV now is wary of an occupation and will strive for a swift end to East German involvement. Not surprisingly, the discourse over Hungarian intervention is opposed by the OV, which has already voiced dissatisfaction with the tide of refuges already steaming into Austria. Resultantly, immigration reform is stressed as a necessity to protect Austrian cultural identity. In terms of foreign policy, the OV favors partnership with other German nations with little emphasis placed on nations to the contrary. Tax reform is encouraged, as so much that local Austrian businesses receive government assistance to compete with foreign companies abroad and internal.

5) The Greens/The Green Alternative (Die Grune Alternative)
The Green party, being a long standing supporter of minority rights, is an ardent supporter of "gay/lesbian" rights as well as a proponent for social welfare and increased education funding. As per their namesake, the Greens are inclined to decrease the nation's dependence on fossil fuels and instead propose government funding for more environmentally friendly "green" technology. The Greens are opposed to the East German/Porcuian partnership surrounding the construction of the Loki Oil Platforms inside Norway, and are determined to pull government funding away from the project. The Greens voted for war in Slovenia, but like the OV, are resolved to reduce military presence and pull out as soon as possible. Likewise, they propose a reduction in military spending and are opposed to Hungarian intervention. Socio-ecological tax reform is the party's main goal in terms of taxes.

6) Alliance for the Future of East Germany (Bundnis Zukunft Osterdeutschlands)
The BZO also has an ambiguous stance on "gay/lesbian rights" with major party members leaning towards both ends of the spectrum. Social welfare is acceptable to the BZO, as is immigration reform, but the party focusses heavily on a reduction of military spending and an end to the nation's compulsory military service. The BZO also voted for war in Slovenia, and is determined to end East German military involvement once the situation has been resolved. Hungary, by contrast, is a concern for party leaders who wish to implement humanitarian aide, however the BZO has commented that it will not vote for a military solution. The party is eager to open foreign relations with economically prosperous nations and is willing to supply monetary aide to countries in return for allowing East German corporations entrance into their respective countries. Tax reform is split between higher taxes for the rich/private big business and the middle class/government owned business.

7) Communist Party of East Germany (Kommunistiche Partei Osterdeutschlands)
The Communists also do not specify a united front on issues surrounding the LGBTQ community, however social welfare is a priority on the party's agenda. The party's main focus is on tax reform and public/private ownership; the latter being adjusted to complete state ownership with the former having taxes focused on the upper classes. The party also stresses reform in the education system, as well as placing more government funding towards the nation's agricultural programs and industry. Increased military spending is proposed, as is a prolonged occupation of Slovenia and an intervention within Hungary to set up friendly governments. Foreign policy is focused heavily on relations with other communist nations, and the party supports the CMESS expansion.

*Current Nationalrat Seating*


Social Democratic Party: 122 of 360
United Traditional Party: 88 of 360
Free Democratic Party: 60 of 360
Austrian National People's Party: 40 of 360
The Green Alternative Party: 24 of 360
Alliance for the Future Party: 17 of 360
Communist Party: 6 of 360
Independents: 3 of 360

OOC: Feel free to PM with any questions and have fun voting. I'll be closing the polls this Wednesday (11/06/2013)
Edited by Whal, Nov 2 2013, 01:04 PM.
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Whal
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"Life is too short to be wasted on bad scotch"
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OOC: I'm extending the election another two days (until Friday 11/08/2013) because quite frankly I am very busy and can't right a post for this currently. Thank you to those who voted and if you haven't voted yet please do!
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Rhadamanthus
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Legitimist

Various landowners and corporate interests in the Baltic State donated money, usually laundered through various channels, to the VTP and the OV.
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Whal
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"Life is too short to be wasted on bad scotch"
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OOC: I'll take that into account when I conduct the % for total seats, but it still will come down to the community vote :P

IC:

The leadership from the United Traditional Party and the Austrian National People's Party accepted the aide, but were quick to clarify its source as "generous donations from corporate investors".
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Whal
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"Life is too short to be wasted on bad scotch"
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SPO Retains Majority; Massive Upset for VTP & FDP

Vienna, Austria

As was largely predicted, the Social Democratic Party managed to capture the majority with an impressive 37.5% of the vote. With an increased presence within the Nationalrat, the SPO will still command the largest single voice within the Osterstag and many East Germans expect a retention of the party's current platform. However, the SPO's capture of the majority was the only "normal" aspect of the election and political analysts across the Federation were floored at the distribution of seating after the votes were counted.

In a completely unexpected turn of events, the United Traditional Party and the Free Democratic Party, two of the Federation's leading political parties and members of the "Big Four", were surpassed immensely for considerable representation within Parliament. The VTP, once the second largest party within Austria, secured a measly 5.6% of the vote and is left to continue with only 20 out of the total 360 seats in the lower chamber. The FDP, fairing considerably worse, managed to obtain only 10 seats! Citing the failure of party leaders to secure the attention of voters, many dedicated party members now find themselves without the positions they had once held. No doubt, the VTP and FDP have quite the struggle to overcome before next year's Federal Election, however the immense power vacuum they left behind has allowed several smaller parties their first chances at steering the Nationalrat.

Amazingly, the OV, who was believed to slip outside the "Big Four", has managed to solidify its position and then some, gaining an unprecedented 27.8% of the vote and 95 seats inside the Nationalrat. The SPO's challengers will now undoubtedly come form the OV, who now have the power to squash the Social Democrat's plan for Hungarian intervention. Worse still for the SPO and their allies, the Communists miraculously secured a tight spot inside Parliament and any alliance between themselves and the OV would most definitely challenge the SPO for control over the situation. However, the KPO and OV have disagreed before and many expect any alliance between the two to be ridiculous, but the possibility has left the Social Democrats on edge.

Lastly, the status quo was largely kept by the BZO and the Greens who stayed relatively in the same position with some shrinkage in the former and growth for the latter. It is yet to be determined, where the Greens or the BZO will vote regarding the Hungarian situation, but many voters expect the two parties to align themselves against the SPO on the matter, however the looming influence of the OV and KPO may drive them yet to another path. Only time will tell.

SPO Party leader and spokesperson, Josef Faymann, was more-or-less relieved when approached by Die Presse for a statement saying:

"The Social Democratic Party is proud to have secured so much support from the Austrian people and promises to not misplace that trust. We respect the views of our competitors, but ultimately the SPO will continue its current direction on Slovenia, Hungary, and domestic policy. We look forward to leading the Federation farther down its pathway to prosperity and thank the people for their commitment and patience through these tough times."


Meanwhile, the Nationalrat wasted no time in passing a resolution on Slovenia, and met promptly after the election results were counted. As was to be expected, the SPO's commanding sway over the Greens, FDP, and BZO coupled with the support of the VTP resulted in a passing of the bill for referendum inside Slovenia and Northern Croatia. With polls opening in those countries shortly after, a response from the people is eagerly anticipated and should be finalized by the end of the week.

*Election Results & Current Seating*

Posted Image
Social Democratic Party: 135 of 360 (38.9%)
United Traditional Party: 20 of 360 (5.6%)
Free Democratic Party: 10 of 360 (2.7%)
Austrian National People's Party: 95 of 360 (27.8%)
The Green Alternative Party: 35 of 360 (9.7%)
Alliance for the Future Party: 10 of 360 (2.7%)
Communist Party: 55 of 360 (15.2%)
Independents: 3 of 360
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

The Parliament and People of Porcu congratulate the peoples of the Federation of United East German States on their recent election and look forward to a continuation of our rewarding partnership.
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Rhadamanthus
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Legitimist

The Baltic State was pleased with the strong showing of the Austrian National People's Party. The other Baltic favorite, the United Traditional Party, had diminished, but it was understood that many traditional VTP voters had chosen to vote for the OV in this election, and it was hoped that the two parties would stand together and possibly build further alliances.
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NRE
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Map Tsar and Southern Gentleman

Official Statement
Federation of African Nations
The Federal Government, National Governments, and the people of the African Federation would like to congratulate the people of East Germany for the recent successful elections. Democracy is the foundation of civilized society and with each successful election we prove that the people's voice is the strongest forces of progress. The Federation of Africa looks forward to discussing with the incoming government the future relations between our two people.

-Foreign Secretariat
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