Radical Party (Telamon)
From Particracy Wiki
| Radical Party | |
|---|---|
| |
| Party Leader | Sylvia Hirst |
| Founded | 2550 |
| Headquarters | Ferene (formerly Sevescia and Migadon) |
| Nation | Telamon |
| Political Ideology | Radicalism
|
| Political Position | Centre |
| Primary International Affiliation | World Capitalist Alliance |
| Secondary International Affiliations | Liberal Alliance |
| Colours | Yellow |
| Website | www.radicalismlives.co.tl |
The Radical Party, also known as the Radical Centrist Party, was founded in 2550 by a collective of liberal intellectuals, businessmen and secularists that believed the political system of Telamon needed energising with a new party of the centre. The Radicals promote free-market economics, secularism, and a limited welfare state. They embrace libertarian market-values, with an acceptence of the permissive society and liberal social values.
[edit] Foundation
Kristian Donson, a successful businessman and philosopher from the island of Migadon, decided to enter politics after feeling there was not a powerful centrist party that appealed specifically to the middle-classes, businesses and liberal intelligentsia. Donson met with a group of liberal intellectuals, businessmen and women, and secularists in the Migadon city of Parah to discuss the formation of a new party. Amongst those assembled were libertarian economist Fieren Goldmark, human rights activist Umberto Caccini, and Migadon D.A Luanna Silverton.
After a poor showing in results from Migadon, and a growing firm supportbase in Sevescia, the Radical Party moved its headquarters to Sevescia.
[edit] Ideology
The Radical Party has evolved as a party that does not cling to one particularly consistent ideology, but instead is constantly waging an internal ideological war within the party betweem the different wings. Each leader of the party tends to highlight an ideology they wish to bring to the party, and several ideologies within the party have stood out or dominated the party for various lengths of time.
Conservative Liberalism: a fusion of social conservatism, such as an emphasis on moral issues, with a free-market liberal economy and some socially liberal ideas, such as secularism.
Social Liberalism: a left-wing ideology which believes in some state interference in the economy, to a certain degree, and social permissiveness, generally fused with a more anti-religious brand of secularism. Emphasises equality of opportunity and positive liberty. Social Liberalism within the Radical Party is broken into two strands:
-Caccinism: generally more in favour of state intervention in the economy, and egalitarian ethics.
-Stressemanism: free-market economy with slight regulations, an emphasis on social democracy.
Classical Liberalism: an ideology which emphasises the minimal state, with very little interference in social or economic affairs.
Left-Liberalism: A progressive centre-left ideology, which fuses left-wing activism, such as environmentalism, with a free-market and unhindered economy. Generally seen as a centre ground between Classical Liberalism and Social Liberalism.
National Liberalism: A right-wing ideology fusing nationalism, conservatism and liberalism. Although mostly socially conservative, takes an openly federalist stance on social issues, and a classical liberal view towards the economy. Generally interested in preserving security and national integrity.
New Radicalism: in an attempt to rebrand the Radical Party as a youthful and cosmopolitan party of the middle-classes, Sylvia Hirst described her political ideology as 'New Radicalism', a third-way between Classical Liberalism and Left-Liberalism. Emphasising traditional Radical values such as liberalism and secularism, she also believed that a more pragmatic, issue-based approach would present the Radical Party as intouch with today's concerns. It is therefore described as a more pragmatic, more populist approach to radicalism centred around a media-conscious leadership.
Kristian Donson founded the Radical Party on the idea of centrism and liberalism, which he believed was lacking on the political ballot list. Due to this centrism, the Radical Party can be very flexible in its political orientation, and depends on the alignment of its allies and the alignment of its leader. Under Kristian Donson, the Radicals were marked as moderately socially conservative and economically liberal, collaborating with centre-right parties in government. Towards the end of his leadership, the party shifted more to the left, due to its co-operation with first the DCD and the LSD, and later the TACP. Donson led the Radical Party as a mostly Conservative Liberal party, with a slight centre-right tendency.
Under Umberto Caccini the party has been seen as liberal on social issues, and more economically moderate. Caccini, as a Social Radical, emphasises the necessity of a state to make provision for the poor, and this message was echoed by the first Radical President, Natalaya Petrovskaya-Guillaume. Conversely, the Radicals have strongly supported the tax and spending cuts brought in by Finance Minister Fieren Goldmark, and his reforms to the state pension and benefits system. Caccini's time as leader has been characterised as Social Liberal.
Upon coming to leadership, Fieren Goldmark shifted the party's ideology more to the right, and emphasised the party's Classical Liberal tendencies, supporting limited intervention in social and economic affairs.
Due to Goldmark's failure, his successor Luanna Silverton emphasised a new ideology called 'Left-Liberalism', emphasising left-wing issues such as social progress, environmental reform and civil liberties, while maintaining a liberal economy with little government interference in life as possible.
Under Rubenstein, he has emphasised an ideology of 'National Liberalism', fusing elements of nationalism, conservatism and liberalism, highlighting priorities such as law and order, defence, free-market economy and defence of civil liberties.
Under Stresseman, he has stressed a return to Caccini-eqsue Social Liberalism. Although not as statist as Caccinism, Stresseman outlined in his party leadership victory speech his ideology for the party to be based on "economic competency, regionalism, social liberalism and secularism".
[edit] Party Structure
The party is broken into three distinct wings:
The Market-Liberals, which strongly embrace free-market capitalism and tend to be more socially conservative. They tend to be associated with the ideologies of conservative liberalism and classical liberalism. Most Market-Liberals identify as centrist, centre-right or right-wing.
The Social Radicals, who are strident advocates of a secular and permissive society, and have a tendency to envisage a wider role for government in the economy and social affairs. They tend to be associated with the ideologies of social liberalism and left-liberalism. Most Social Radicals identify as centrists, centre-left or left-wing.
A third wing, the Moderates, try to strike a central path between the two groups, offering a free market economic outlook with a socially liberal agenda. They tend to be associated with the ideologies of left-liberalism and classical liberalism. Most Moderates identify as centrists, centre-right or centre-left, but some may also consider themselves left or right wing.
These wings provide the party with a degree of independence and flexibility on issues, but can also result in bickering and in-fighting. Since the party is a loose grouping of like-minded interest groups, the wings allow the party to appeal to a wider electorate.
After the dire election result of 2627, The Radical Party's worst result in their history, the party split beyond the wings, creating a clear divide down the middle of the party:
New Radicals: Based around the leadership of Sylvia Hirst, the New Radicals loosely espouse Hirst's New Radical ideology, but are mostly united by their belief in Hirst's leadership and their loyalty to her. They are seen as those politicians who are loyal to the Party Leadership, above party membership.
Sylvia Hirst, Emilia Ferlinghetti, Patrick Ellson, Birgit Pfeiffer, Rodfram Stresseman and Georges Immanuel have been identified as New Radicals.
True Radicals: Led by Miyako Suu-Moon, the True Radicals challenge the leadership based around Sylvia Hirst and call for a leadership election. They do not espouse one ideology for the party, and are mainly composed of different views that seek legitimacy from a leadership contest. They are the politicians loyal to the party membership and the backbenches, above the Party Leadership.
Miyako Suu-Moon, John Giles, Jean Baptiste, Tristan Campbell-Shaw, Richard Kurzon, Callan Ardrant and Florence Luiz have been identified as True Radicals.
[edit] Manifesto Pledges
Traditional Manifesto pledges:
- A flat income tax, aimed at minimising state taxation.
- A massive public works scheme, in order to draw people off the dole, and into employment, payed for by loans.
- Commitment to privatisation and private enterprise.
- Recognise gay marriage and abortion rights, and a liberal social agenda.
- The preservation of the right to privacy and private property.
- A fair, democratic and representative rule of the law.
Rubenstein Manifesto pledges:
- Greater support for military expansion and more punitative law and order measures.
- Devolving social affairs to the state level.
- Free-market economic policy and the gradual replacement of welfare with workfare.
- Defence of private property and business interests.
- Low taxation.
[edit] Views
Views of each wing on key issues:
Abortion
Market-Liberals: Divided
Social Radicals: Pro-Choice
Moderates: Pro-Choice
Euthanasia:
Market-Liberals: Pro-choice
Social Radicals: Pro-choice
Moderates: Pro-choice
The Death Penalty:
Market-Liberals: Against
Social Radicals: Against
Moderates: Against
Nationalised services, industry, and media:
Market-Liberals: Against
Social Radicals: For
Moderates: Divided
Nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons use:
Market-Liberals: Against
Social Radicals: Against
Moderates: Against
Gay Marriage:
Market-Liberals: Divided
Social Radicals: For
Moderates: For
Secular society:
Market-Liberals: Divided
Social Radicals: For
Moderates: Divided
Free Trade:
Market-Liberals: For
Social Radicals: Divided
Moderates: For
Income Tax:
Market-Liberals: Against
Social Radicals: For
Moderates: Against
[edit] Party Leader and Deputy Party Leader
Sylvia Hirst
- Party Leader (2622 - present)
- Justice Minister (2618 - 2623)
- Education and Culture Minister (2604 - 2618)
- Leader of the Moderate wing of the party.
- Leader of the New Radical faction.
- A oil heiress and socialite, Hirst became known as a glamour model and celebrity before turning her attention towards education reform and campaigning for the cosmopolitan Radical Party.
- At the age of 25, Hirst is the youngest Shadow Cabinet member in Parliament.
- Hirst emphasises the importance of integrating schools with private initiatives, and actively supports PFI.
- Hirst personally champions her own arts award, the "Sylvia Hirst Independent Art Medal".
- In 2607, Hirst was successful in ensuring a national policy on Charter Schools, her personal choice for public education, but failed in her attempts to privatise the education system and abolish state tuition for university fees.
- Due to her successful tenure as Education and Culture Minister, Stresseman promised Hirst the job as Shadow Justice Minister after her ministership ended.
- After years of hard battle, Hirst was successful in scrapping full state tuition fees for university and implementing a means-tested loans system. This was considered a great achievement in Hirst's career.
- In 2618, Hirst finally left the Ministry of Education, and received her promotion as Justice Minister. This secured Hirst's place in the seniority of the party
- Hirst collaborated with Patrick Ellson and Jean Baptiste on the 'Justice and Safety Act' of 2620. Hirst was adamant on ensuring the inviobility of letters; she is known as a privacy activist.
- Hist put herself forward for Party Leadership for the second time in 2621, and received the endorsement of former President Amália Caccini.
- Hirst polled second in the first round with 25.2% of the vote. She won a very narrow victory in the second round with 35.2%, but secured a landslide victory in the third round with 67.3% of the vote. She named Emilia Ferlinghetti as her Deputy, citing that she carried significant cabinet experience, as well as qualifying as 'young and fresh' to help Hirst in her task of modernising the Radical Party.
- At the age of 45 when becoming Party Leader, this makes Hirst the youngest leader of the Radical Party since Kristian Donson. She also became Leader of the Moderate wing of the Party, as Rodfram Stresseman reliquished the title.
- Hirst stepped down as Justice Minister in 2623 to focus on her commitments as Party Leader.
- Sylvia Hirst faced an early election in 2624, and although unsure whether the party was ready, she was able to win 18 seats and return the Radicals to fourth place, from second last. Although not a desirable position, she claimed, "it allows us to prove we are not finished yet!"
- Hirst negotiated an alliance with the Independent Labour Party, but held out on supporting their propostion of a rotating Presidency, instead advising caution.
- Hirst also committed the Radicals to devolution more than any previous party leader.
- In the 2627 election, Hirst led the Radicals into the most crippling election result in the party history, polling only 4.51% of the vote in the legislative election and losing the Presidential election for the first time. The Radicals were reduced to something of a rump party, and many called that their days as a major party were over. Hirst herself refused to stand down, claiming that "the chopping and changing of leaders after any set back sends an inconsistent message to the electorate - I will stand down when I need to stand down".
- Hirst's decision to stay on as leader allowed rising tensions within the party, which had been present since the resignation of Jan Rubenstein as leader, to finally erupt. The party was split in two, between the New Radicals, Hirst's supporters, and the True Radicals, those that opposed her. Underneath their the question of Hirst's leadership, the two factions represent a dispute about the direction of the Radical Party and the role the leader has to play in that direction.
Emilia Ferlinghetti
- Deputy Party Leader (2622 - present)
- Defence Minister (2618 - present)
- Food and Agriculture Minister (2602 - 2604; 2609 - 2618)
- Leader of the Market-Liberal wing of the party.
- Member of the New Radical faction.
- Ferlinghetti, as Shadow Food and Agriculture Minister, has promised to combat rising food prices by engaging in greater food trade agreements, utilising free trade agreements to cut costs.
- Ferlinghetti also leads the pressure group within the Radical Party to put limitations on abortion.
- In recognition of her work as the Food and Agriculture Minister, Stresseman promised her the job as Shadow Defence Minister once her ministership comes to a close.
- In 2618, Ferlinghetti received her promotion, and was made Defence Minister, the first time a female member of the Radical Party has held this post. She promised to maintain the status quo of the military, despite the Radical Party leadership's tendency towards pacificism. This commitment to the status quo was reiterated by Party Leader Stresseman.
- In 2619, Ferlinghetti founded the Bright Star Foundation, a conservative thinktank and communities project aimed at finding free-market solutions to low-income housing and instilling values in local communities.
- Ferlinghetti is often placed as the most conservative member of the Radical Front Bench.
- After Maria Snowdon's retirement, Ferlighetti received leadership of the Market Liberal faction.
- Ferlinghetti put herself forward for Party Leaderhip in 2621, and received the endorsement of Maria Snowdon.
- She secured first place in the first round, with 27.5% of the vote, but dropped to third place in the second round with 29.8%. She was eliminated from the contest, yet was named as Sylvia Hirst's Deputy on Hirst securing victory.
- As Defence Minister, Ferlinghetti accompanied President Armitage in meeting with Migadon defence forces in the early days of the disagreements with Likatonia. She rejected calls to increase the budget, believing the current budget was satisfactory to repel an invasion.
- In a Telamon Daily poll, Ferlinghetti was placed as the 2nd most popular Defence Minister with the Armed Forces, only beaten by Jan Rubenstein in his first term as Defence Minister (2562 - 2569).
- After the 2627 election, Ferlinghetti immediately joked by shouting to the press, "Vote Radical next time, guys!". She has publicly expresssed her support for the continued leadership of Sylvia Hirst and her New Radical ideology.
[edit] Front Bench
Patrick Ellson
- Environment and Tourism Minister (2582 - 2588)
- Internal Affairs Minister (2618 - present)
- Shadow Trade and Industry Minister (2602 - 2614)
- Leader of the Social Radical wing of the party.
- Member of the New Radical faction.
- Formerly a member of the Market-Liberal wing of the party, but defected in 2588 to the Social Radical wing.
- Ellson attempted to move the Radical Party more towards the 'Environmentalist Centre', with several environmental protection reforms, which were struck down in Parliament.
- He attempted the same reforms in 2587, which gained more favour from party leadership under Silverton, eventually passing through Parliament.
- His early championing of environmental action struck a chord with the Silverton leadership, and Ellson's reputation, which had previously been seen as something of a lesser character within the party, received a new boost in standing amongst party leadership.
- Ellson also sponsored a bill supporting regulations on animal treatment, due to his position as an outspoken critic of animal testing.
- In 2614, Ellson became Shadow Internal Affairs Minister in Stresseman's cabinet, in recognition for his seniority in the cabinet.
- In 2618, after a landslide Radical fightback election, Ellson returned to a cabinet post as Internal Affairs Minister.
- As Internal Affairs Minister, Ellson has struck a middle ground, suppporting the value of the military and opposing plans to alter the status quo, but has also championed civil rights and liberties in regards to police interrogation and the court system.
- In 2620, Ellson worked alongside Jean Baptiste and Sylvia Hirst on the 'Justice and Safety Act'. He was mainly responsible for privatising the security forces and banning capital punishment, which was brought in by previous Radical Internal Affairs Minister Henry Appleton.
- Ellson put himself forward as candidate for Party Leadership in 2621, and received the endorsements of Rodfram Stresseman and Georges Immanuel.
- Ellson polled in fourth place in the first round with 22.1% of the vote, eliminating him from the contest after the first round. Many believe his endorsement from Stresseman played against him, and his lack of public support may have been his downfall.
- He became Leader of the Social Radical wing of the Party when Georges Immanuel was voted out of the position by a 'Loyalist Committee'.
- After the disastrous 2627 election, Ellson was one of the most vocal supporters of Party Leader Sylvia Hirst and a prominent member of the New Radicals.
John Giles
- Infrastructure and Transport Minister (2602- 2604)
- Shadow Finance Minister (2620 - present)
- Shadow Trade and Industry Minister (2614 - 2620)
- Member of the Market-Liberal wing of the party
- Member of the True Radical faction.
- Previously Managing Director of 'Foodstuffs Hypermarkets', Giles was known for his tough anti-union stance, and his strike breaking abilities. He was named Socialist Daily's "Most Right-wing Manager of the Year" two years in a row, in 2580 and 2581.
- As Shadow Infrastructure and Transport Minister, Giles promises to crack down on Transport Unions, which he believes prevents the services from delivering maximum efficiency.
- In 2602, upon becoming Infrastructure and Transport Minister, Giles attempted to pass through a stern act banning secondary strike and requiring all unions to hold a ballot to approve strike action. This aimed at limiting the power of the transport unions, and providing a better service for the people.
- As Infrastructure and Transport Minister, Giles attempted to crack down on the unions, but faced defeat from the left and rebel Radical MPs who supported the unions.
- Due to his lack of success in breaking the unions, Stresseman moved Giles to the ministry of Trade and Industry, to act on behalf of Telamon's business interests and keep them sweet the Radical Party.
- After Maria Snowdon's retirement from politics, Stresseman appointed Giles as the new Shadow Finance Minister. He described his economic views as "strictly Goldmarkian", promising a classical liberal economic agenda for the Radical Party.
- As Shadow Finance Minister, Giles was able to abolish the policy on reciprocal tariffs on imports and exports, which he declared led to a 'Luddite mentality'.
- Giles co-authored a 'Welfare Act' with Justice Minister Miyako Suu-Moon, which planned to abolish child benefit and greatly castrate the amount of money received by minimum income.
- In 2625, in order to combat widespread nationalisation, Giles championed Goldmark-style economic theory and published an act calling on a programme of privatisation. He claimed that nationalisation pledges "in the short-term may heal the widening wealth gap between rich and poor", were ultimately a detriment to the long-term economy and the cause of "long-term stagnation and devaluation to the market".
- Giles also criticised the top-down banking model of banking, clinging to a Central Bank. He instead encouraged private banks to self-regulate and open "economic dialogues" with each other to ensure market sustainability.
- In 2627, John Giles joined with his ally Miyako Suu-Moon in criticising party leader Sylvia Hirst, and called for a leadership election.
Jean Baptiste
- Infrastructure and Transport Minister (2618 - present)
- Acting Party Leader (2621 - 2622)
- Member of the Social Radical wing of the party.
- Member of the True Radical faction.
- A former architect and town planner, Baptiste was drafted into the cabinet as Shadow Infrastructure and Transport Minister.
- Committed to preserving the competetive nature of the transport industry, while ensuring a good service is provided.
- In 2615, Baptiste became one in a long line of Radicals who attempted to grant greater power to local government, most importantly in regards to the reform of regional courts.
- In 2618, Baptise became Infrastructure and Transport Minister, promising to enact the reforms he proposed and championing state rights.
- Baptiste worked alongside Patrick Ellson and Sylvia Hirst on the 'Justice and Safety Act' of 2620. Baptiste authored the section on judicial devolution, while Ellson was more passionate about security force privatisation and ending capital punishment, and Hirst was more adamant on ensuring privacy.
- A well-respected member of the Front Bench, noted for his practical and realistic ideas, led Baptiste to receive the position of Acting Party Leader. He was known to be a close friend of both Patrick Ellson and Sylvia Hirst, and refused to endorse either.
- Baptiste laid out his energy plans in 2624, which included a New Radical approach to energy policy, generally a fusion of market interest with limited government regulation. It emphasised public and private power stations, private ownership of the National Grid, and encouragement of nuclear energy through subsidies and tax relief.
- A former ally of Sylvia Hirst, in 2627, Baptiste unexpectantly joined the True Radicals in criticising Hirst's leadership and calling for an election.
Birgit Pfeiffer
- Shadow Health and Social Services Minister (2614 - present)
- Acting Deputy Party Leader (2621 - 2622)
- Member of the Moderate wing of the party.
- Member of the New Radical faction.
- Daughter of Eva Pfeiffer, former Shadow Science and Technology Minister.
- Committed to a free public health system, but with a greater role for integration with the private sector and a flexible health system.
- Pfeiffer made her name as a liberaliser of marriage, twice attempting to push through legislation that would recognise the states right to recognise polygamy and also set a regional precedent over adultery. Both times these did not receive substantial support.
- Pfeiffer was chosen as Baptiste's Acting Deputy Party Leader for her rising prominence in the party, and impartiality concerning any of the Leadership candidates. She controversially declared, while serving as Acting Deputy, she would not like to see Miyako Suu-Moon win.
- Her marriage reforms were finally adopted in 2622, when her legislation made a nationwide recognition of divorce and foreign marriage.
- She promoted the use of Regional Health Directives, empowering the states to maintain health standards and target regional health concerns. Her bill to create RHD's failed to gain support in Parliament.
- Pfeiffer openly criticised the Communist Party's attempt to limit abortion to the the first and second trimester in 2625, claiming it was an "insult to a woman's right to self-determination over her own body".
- In 2627, due to her intense dislike of Miyako Suu-Moon, Pfeiffer declared her loyalty to Sylvia Hirst.
Tristan Campbell-Shaw
- Shadow Finance Minister (2576 - 2585)
- Health and Social Services Minister (2589 - 2592)
- Shadow Education and Culture Minister (2614 - present)
- Member of the Moderate wing of the party.
- Member of the True Radical faction.
- Trained as a doctor, Campbell-Shaw entered politics as an independent campaigning for health reform before joining the Radical Party.
- Young and inexperienced, many find Campbell-Shaw an unusual choice of Shadow Finance Minister. Many cite that his economic orthodoxy and social liberal beliefs were intended to pacify the left-wing of the party in the run up to the 'Socialist Purge'.
- In a surprise move, Goldmark appointed Campbell-Shaw to the ministry of Health, which he felt was more suited to his background. This convinced many that Goldmark had little intention of ever putting Campbell-Shaw forward as Finance Minister.
- Stresseman moved Cambell-Shaw to the ministry of Education to replace Sylvia Hirst.
- In 2623 Campbell-Shaw attempted to devolve the issue of pre-school education to the regions, but it failed to gain support in Parliament.
- Generally seen as a spineless politician, Campbell-Shaw was seen amongst Miyako Suu-Moon and her True Radicals in 2627, indictating his opposition to Hirst's leadership.
Richard Kurzon
- Shadow Science and Technology Minister (2614 - present)
- Member of the Market-Liberal wing of the party.
- Member of the True Radical faction.
- Interested in genetics and cloning, Kurzon aims to lift the restrictions currently in place, and use science to better understand humanity.
- Kurzon was successful in passing legislation to deregulate research into cloning practice.
- Kurzon published an article in the Telamon Daily criticising Hirst's direction for the Radical Party.
Callan Ardrant
- Shadow Environment and Tourism Minister (2602 - 2614)
- Shadow Food and Agriculture Minister (2614 - present)
- Member of the Social Radical wing of the party.
- Member of the True Radical faction.
- An industrial scientist, Ardrant represents the interests of business when dealing with Environmental reform.
- Famously stated, "The environment will not bring in the money...while tourists will - if they want to exploit the Earth, they're free to, as long as they pay."
- Stresseman moved Ardrant to the Agriculture ministry, because of his controversy in regards to the Environment.
- Ardrant supported Miyako Suu-Moon's call for a leadership election in 2627.
Florence Luiz
- Shadow Environment and Tourism Minister (2614 - present)
- Member of the Moderate wing of the party.
- Mmeber of the True Radical faction.
- Formely an author and lecturer on global warming, Luiz is passionate about preserving the environment and is a member of the "Environmental Centre", allied with Patrick Ellson.
- In 2627, Luiz threatened to resign from the Radical Party and join the DCD if Sylvia Hirst did not step down.
Miyako Suu-Moon
- Justice Minister (2623 - present)
- Shadow Trade and Industry Minister (2620 - 2622)
- Member of the Market Liberal wing of the party.
- Leader of the True Radical faction.
- An author and race philosopher, Suu-Moon is an outspoken critic of anti-immigration pundits.
- At different times she has labelled herself an 'anarchist', an ' extreme libertarian' and 'The Politician for the Anti-Politician Era'.
- Suu-Moon was infamous for leading a feminist trade union, and then breaking up her own strikes in return for a placement as a Treasurer in the government.
- Suu-Moon was also criticised by the press for her controversial comments surrounder her advocacy an end to child benefits, claiming they are the 'biggest source of government waste and biggest income for wasters...this government fails to see how fat, stupid and lazy they are making low-income earners by feeding them for free'.
- Known as something of an independent Radical, she has openly criticised party leadership and voted with the opposition, leading to her expelling from the party for 2 years under Jan Rubenstein. She has been known to say, "Donson won me to the Radicals, and Silverton lost me forever...it is due to the lack of clear alternative that I remain with a party which I so often disagree with".
- Rodfram Stresseman appointed her as Trade and Industry Minister in 2620 as a surprise choice, highlighting her media exposure and outspoken honesty as merits and not hindrances. Suu-Moon reportedly said, upon hearing the news of her appointment, "Maybe this party ain't so bad after all!"
- Suu-Moon was credited as destroying the leadership and credibility of Rodfram Stresseman when she openly attacked party leadership and the Radical Party at a crossparty Trade and Health Summit, attracting widespread media attention, and strong support and detraction from the press and the party.
- Suu-Moon put herself forward for Party Leadership in 2621, despite never holding a cabinet post. She received the endorsements of several newspapers, including the broadsheets the 'Libertarian News' and the 'Telamon Independent', as well as tabloids 'The Journal', 'The Chronicle', 'The Herald' and 'The Morning Mirror'.
- She polled unsurprisingly in third place in the first round with 25.1%, although managed to beat more-experienced Stressemanite Patrick Ellson. She then secured second place in the second round with 35% of the vote, only 0.2% behind Hirst, and eliminating first-round victor Emilia Ferlinghetti. Although many newspapers suspected Suu-Moon may win a surprise victory, she was defeated by a landslide in the third round, only polling 32.7%. She vowed to continue in the cabinet and seat Party Leadership again. She was reportedly unoffended when not offered the position of Deputy, usually offered to second place in a leadership contest.
- She was offered the position of Shadow Justice Minister after Hirst's ascendence to Party Leader, and became Justice Minister in 2623 after Hirst stepped down to focus on her duties as Party Leader.
- In 2624, Suu-Moon authored a 'Welfare Bill' alongside Shadow Finance Minister John Giles, planning to implement her controversial ideas on welfare reform. These included abolishing child benefit and greatly reducing the amount of money received on minimum income.
- After the 2627, Miyako Suu-Moon led the criticism of Sylvia Hirst's decision to stay on as Party Leader, and gathered round her a group of allies opposed to an all-powerful leadership. Suu-moon called for a change of direction, for the party and its leadership.
Rodfram Stresseman
- Party Leader (2614 - 2621)
- Acting Deputy Party Leader (2586 - 2587)
- Trade and Industry Minister (2572 - 2580)
- Shadow Internal Affairs Minister (2580 - 2587)
- Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister (2587 - 2614)
- Member of the Moderate wing of the party (former Leader but stepped down after his resignation as Party Leader)
- Mmeber of the New Radical faction.
- Stresseman championed the privatisation of National Parks and Historical sites, and attempted to privatise the Space Exploration industry.
- During Goldmark's cabinet reshuffle of 2580, Stresseman was appointed Shadow Internal Affairs Minister, due to his commitment to Goldmark's privatisation reforms, a remarkable promotion.
- After Goldmark's resignation, Stresseman was appointed Acting Deputy Leader for his loyalty to Goldmark and Snowdon, and his moderate and centrist opinions.
- Despite his closeness to Goldmark, Stresseman's loyalty and ablility to negotiate won the respect of Silverton, and she promoted him to Foreign Affairs spokesman in 2587.
- After Luanna Silverton's resignation, Stresseman became leader of the Moderate wing of the party.
- Although not a prominent force, he was well-known in the backrooms of government, and was often turned to as an advisor by both the left and right of the party.
- Stresseman ran for the Party Leadership in 2614. Losing the first round to Appleton, Stresseman made a surprising victory in the second round. Seen as a calm and peaceful leader, ready to listen and learn, and move away from the Radical Party's perception as a flamboyant and showy party.
- Stresseman, upon taking leadership, attempted to cast a new face for the Radical Party, no longer bound to the 'Old Guard' of Donson, Goldmark, Silverton and Caccini. He organised a popular cabinet reshuffle of the Front Bench, and supported the candidacy of Dominic Armitage, a fresh face in the party hierarchy, for President.
- Stresseman's reputation preceded him, and he successfully restored the Radical Party to second place in terms of seats in Parliament in the 2618 election, and delivered the eleventh consecutive Presidential victory and fourth Radical President since 2582. He also endorsed Armitage's proposal to form an RP, TMP, RAPE and DCD coalition.
- Although initially a soothing influence on the party, Stresseman's leadership was characterised as hands-off, without distinguishing the Radical Party from the opposition. His moderation and lack of initiative did not appeal to the electorate, and his appointment of Miyako Suu-Moon led to internal criticisim within the party as to his judgement.
- Stresseman was also perceived as too passive when Suu-Moon criticised leadership and the Radical Party openly, which while endearing her eccentricity to the press, made Stresseman appear spineless and unable to control his MPs.
- After dire pollings in the 2621 election, Stresseman instantly resigned, claiming her would return to the cabinet. He returned as Shadow Trade and Industry Minister. He also stepped down as Leader of the Moderate wing of the Party.
- In 2627, Stresseman declared his continued support for his successor as leader, realising that his own resignation only delayed the Radical Party's gradual collapse.
Georges Immanuel
- Deputy Party Leader (2614 - 2621)
- Science and Technology Minister (2588 - 2602)
- Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister (2614 - present)
- Acting Deputy Party Leader (2614)
- Member of the Moderate Wing of the Party.
- Mmeber of the New Radical faction.
- Former Leader of the Social Radical wing of the party, but when stripped of his position, defected to the Moderate wing of the party in 2623.
- An outspoken pacifist and human rights campaigner, Immanuel called for the suspension of Telamon's biological weapons programme, which he called a 'misuse of science'.
- A prominent member of the left-wing of the Radical Party, he survived the so-called 'Socialist Purge', when Fieren Goldmark was accused of purging the Front Bench of left-wingers. Many believe Immanuel maintained his position as a token left-wing front bench member, and also due to his relatively calm and peaceful demeanour which did not pose a threat.
- In 2588, Immanuel became Science and Technology Minister, the first time he had taken office.
- After Nora Paxman's resignation, Immanuel was apponted as the new leader of the Social Radical wing of the party.
- As a senior party figure, Immanuel became Acting Deputy Party Leader after he ruled himself out of the running for leadership.
- Due to his credentials as an independent, surving in both right-wing and left-wing Radical cabinets, and his noted calmness, Stresseman appointed Immanuel to act has his Deputy to represent a less flamboyant Radical Party.
- Immanuel was criticised from the left-wing of the party for failing to bring a more left-wing agenda to the Radical Party. His allowance of a rising militancy in the Radical Party's defence policy, and his consistent voting against the ban on chemical weapons led many of his former left-wing allies to deride him as the 'Lucifer of the Left'.
- Immanuel's greatest accomplishment as Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister was his success in persuading Telaomon to ratify the 'Democratic Assurance' Treaty, in many was reassuring some of his left-wing credentials.
- Immanuel resigned in 2621 alongside Stresseman after the 2621 election.
- In 2623, a self-proclaimed 'Loyalist Committee' comprised of members of the Social Radical wing of the party called for a vote of no confidence in Immanuel's leadership of the Social Radicals, and stripped him of his position as leader. They went on to elect Patrick Ellson as his successor. The Committee claimed that Immnauel had failed to represent their interests while in the position of Deputy. Immanuel declared his intentions to defect to the Moderate wing of the party.
- Immnauel led a press conference in 2627, calling on Radical party members to support Sylvia Hirst's continued leadership, and called on Hirst to expel her detractors from the party.
[edit] Former Ministers and Shadow Ministers
Robert Ebert:
-Shadow Trade and Industry Minister (2550-2555; 2558-2559)
-Trade and Industry Minister (2555 - 2558)
-Member of the Market-Liberal wing of the party; a close friend of Kristian Donson.
-Former CEO of a major national bank.
-Criticised by the left of the party as a ruthless Malthusian, while heralded by the right wing as an ardent supporter and leader of the Radical Party’s classical liberal tendency.
-Resigned from the Shadow Cabinet in June 2559, to be replaced by Moderate Rodfram Stresseman.
-Now works as a party campaigner and spokesman.
-He retired in 2583.
-He died in 2616, aged 95 (2621 - 2616)
Anton Smith
- Shadow Environment and Tourism Minister (2550-2561; 2561- 2565)
- Environment and Tourism Minister (2561-2562)
- Attempted to introduce privatisation reforms to the environmental sector, but was unsuccessful.
- Returned to the backbenches in 2565.
- Died in 2593, aged 68 (2525 - 2593)
Eva Pfeiffer
- Shadow Science and Technology Minister (2550- 2561)
- Member of the Moderate wing of the party.
- Resigned after Umberto Caccini received the party leadership.
- She died in 2582, aged 77 (2505 - 2582)
- Her daughter, Birgit, followed in her footsteps and also became a Radical Cabinet member and member of the Moderates.
Derek Swanson:
-Food and Agriculture Minister (2555 - 2569)
-Member of the Moderate Wing of the party
-Believes in a supply-side agrarian outlook
-Published a thesis entitled “Liberalism and Agrarianism: Partners of the Future?” in 2554 to minor success.
-Along with Fieren Goldmark, he is the longest-serving Radical Minister, and has won some considerable praise for his quiet, efficient management style.
- As a senior party figure, Swanson was appointed acting Deputy Party Leader from 2560-2561.
- Alongside Fieren Goldmark, he is one of the longest-serving government ministers, serving in his role for over 14 years.
- He resigned from politics in April 2575, citing old age as his reason.
- He died in 2591, aged 87 (2504 - 2591)
Martin Wainwright
- Education and Culture Minister (2561-2562)
- Member of the Social Radical wing of the party.
- Sacked from the Shadow Cabinet by Fieren Goldmark in October 2580 for representing the 'socialist tendencies' of the left of the party.
- He was a close friend and ally of Winston Travers, both belonging to the left-wing of the party.
- He left the Radical Party in 2581, but rejoined in 2587. Despite his closeness to Deputy Party Leader Winston Travers, he never returned to the Front Bench.
Dr. Eric Armand
- Shadow Forein Affairs Minister (2560 - 2587)
- Member of the Moderate wing of the party.
- After failing in the 2560 presidential election, Dr. Armand served as the longest-serving member of the Radical Party Shadow Cabinet without ever taking office. He resigned, due to ailing health, in 2587.
- He died in 2588, aged 90 (2498 - 2588)
Winston Travers
- Deputy Party Leader (2587 - 2602)
- Infrastructure and Transport Minister (2558 - 2561)
- Shadow Finance Minister (2587 - 2602)
- Member of the Social Radical wing of the party
- Closely allied with the trade union movement, but a willing negotiator for greater integration with the private sector.
- Former trade union leader (2543 - 2550)
- Lost in third place to Umberto Caccini and Luanna Silverton in the party leadership election.
- Despite only holding an office for three years, Travers became a hero of the left-wing of the party, actively gaining the support of trade unions and challenging party leadership even when Goldmark was at his most popular. Many believe that his bolshy manner and working-class background made him the key candidate as the antithesis to Goldmark and his slick, middcle-class style.
- Sacked from the Shadow Cabinet by Fieren Goldmark in October 2580, during Goldmark's alleged 'Socialist Purge' - ridding members of the cabinet associated with the far left of the Radical Party.
- In 2586, after Goldmark's resignation, again ran for Party Leadership as a left-wing candidate.
- Although he did not win the contest, Travers won considerable support with 36.2% of the vote, shaming the right-wing candidate Jan Rubenstein, a close ally of Goldmark, into third place. Travers was announced as Silverton's Deputy Party Leader.
- After the resignation of Luanna Silverton, Travers refused to stand as Party Leader, understanding the shift in direction of the Party to the Right. He resigned from the Radical Party after being sacked from the cabinet as Shadow Finance Minister.
- Died very soon after his resignation of a sudden heart attack in 2602, aged 86 (2516 - 2602).
Nora Paxman
- Internal Affairs Minister (2558 - 2561)
- Trade and Industry Minister (2582 - 2588)
- Acting Party Leader (2560-2561)
- Leader of the Social Radical wing of the party; closely allied with Umberto Caccini's policies.
- Trained as a barrister, but went on to pursue a career in academics.
- Specialised in social politics, especially gay and lesbian rights.
- Came out as a lesbian shortly before accepting the post of Internal Affairs Minister.
- At Kristian Donson's request, Paxman was appointed acting Party Leader, due to her status as a major Social Radical (in order to avoid rumours the party was drifting to the right), and detached enough from the party contest.
- Along with Luanna Silverton, Paxman was tipped to be appointed as Umberto Caccini's deputy, but contrary to expectation, Fieren Goldmark was given the role to pacify the rebellious right-wing of the party that distrusted Caccini's left-wing appeal.
-Paxman replaced Caccini as Leader of the Social Radical wing of the party, partly to pay her back due to the fact he did not appoint her his deputy.
- During Goldmark's cabinet reshuffle of 2580, Paxman was appointed Shadow Trade and Industry Minister, and became Trade and Industry Minister under Goldmark's government in 2582.
- Since Umberto Caccini's resignation, Paxman is seen as the most prominent member of the left-wing of the Radical Party, and a significant counterbalance to the 'Gang of Three' - Goldmark, Snowdon and Rubenstein. Paxman survived the 'Socialist Purge' of the party due to her massive support for the left-wing, and her fearlessness in challenging party leadership over policy.
- In 2602, Paxman resigned from the cabinet, stating her disagreement with the party's lurch to the Right.
- In 2615, Paxman, at the age of 78, attempted to secure the nomination as the Radical Party's presidential candidate, and despite winning Sevescia and Migadon in the primaries, lost the nomination to Dominic Armitage. Paxman conceded defeat gracefully and endorsed her rival, commented, "he's charismatic, thoughtful and witty...one of our best candidates in years".
- Died in 2623, shortly after declaring her intention to run for President as an independent in the 2625 election. She died aged 86 (2537 - 2623). As it so happens, the 2625 election never took place, instead being an early election in 2624.
Clara Smith
- Shadow Infrastructure and Transport Minister (2580 - 2602)
- Member of the Social Radical wing of the party
- Previously something of an unknown, Smith's replacement of respected former Minister Winston Travers as Shadow I&T Minister was seen as a crushing blow to the left-wing of the party.
- Sacked from Rubenstein's Shadow Cabinet in 2602 for "failing to outperform the opposition".
Anne-Patrie Gillson
- Shadow Food and Agriculture Minister (2575 - 2602)
- Member of the Moderate wing of the party.
- Sacked from the Shadow Cabinet for "failing to outperform the opposition".
Lionel Gladstone
- Shadow Education and Culture Minister (2587 - 2602)
- Member of the Social Radical wing of the party.
- A close friend of Silverton, Gladstone received a position in the cabinet from relative obscurity.
- Sacked from Rubenstein's Shadow Cabinet for "failing to outperform the opposition", although many feel his closeness to Silverton was to blame.
Henry Appleton
- Deputy Party Leader (2602 - 2614)
- Shadow Education and Culture Minister (2580 - 2587)
- Defence Minister (2592 - 2602)
- Internal Affairs Minister (2602 - 2618)
- Member of the Market-Liberal wing of the party.
- Appleton replaced Martin Wainwright, a prominent member of the party's left-wing, as Shadow E&C Minister in 2580, during Goldmark's 'Socialist Purge'. Appleton was an outspoken backbencher, sometimes called the 'Backbench Hero', who called for further radical reforms of the benefits system, and harsher sentencing of criminals.
- Appleton was appointed Shadow Defence Minister in 2587, due to his notability within the party, and to make up for the Radical's perceived weakness on defence issues.
- He achieved his first ministerial post, as Defence Minister, in 2592.
- Publicly rebuked Luanna Silverton's leadership in 2594, and said he would endorse any candidate to stand against her in the next leadership election or stand against her himself.
- Upon coming to leadership, Rubenstein rewarded his key ally Appleton with the position of Deputy Party Leader.
- Became Internal Affairs Minister in 2602, vowing to continue the work of Jan Rubenstein in the role, including stricter sentencing and widespread security reform.
- As Internal Affairs Minister, Appleton controversially reintroduced the death penalty for treason and terrorism, part of his much-propagated anti-terrorism measures.
- Appleton attempted to introduce the controversial 'Two-Fold Plan' to combat Muslim-Christian tensions, by militarising the police force and secularising state institutions, but it met rebukes from the Left and Right.
- After Rubenstein's resignation, Appleton resigned as Deputy Leader, in order to run for Party Leader.
- Appleton ran for the Party Leadership in 2614, and was successful in winning the first round with a near majority of 47.2%. He failed to secure success, and was defeated by Moderate candidate Stresseman. He resigned from the Front Bench after hearing of his failure, but continued to serve as Internal Affairs Minister until replaced.
- His term as Internal Affairs Minister ended in 2618, when Appleton resigned from the Radical Party.
- He died in 2619, aged 89 (2530 - 2619).
Quentin Chawkes
- Shadow Defence Minister (2602 - 2614)
- Member of the Market-Liberal wing of the party
- A former Army General and expert in Crime Control, Chawkes respresents a new style approach to law and order and defence within the Radicals.
- In 2614, Chawkes was sacked from the cabinet as a 'politicised placement', as he represented Rubenstein's rightist Radical Party.
Pretoria Khan
- Shadow Justice Minister (2602 - 2614)
- Member of the Market-Liberal wing of the party
- Known as one of the toughest judges in Ferene, Khan represents an unrelenting face in adversity to crime. He came to be known for his support of capital punishment and various theses on its benefits.
- As Shadow Justice Minister he failed to make an impact on the Radical Party's key policies, although he collaborated closely with Internal Affairs Minister Henry Appleton in re-introducing the death penalty.
- In 2614, Khan was sacked from the cabinet as a 'politicised placement', as he represented Rubenstein's rightist Radical Party.
- Khan attempted to seek the Radical Party candidacy for President in 2624, and came second in the race, winning the Ferene and Migadon primaries, but ultimately lost to Dr. Yasiji Kamatama.
Maria Snowdon
- Deputy Party Leader (2576 - 2587)
- Acting Party Leader (2586 - 2587; 2614)
- Health and Social Services Minister (2572 - 2580)
- Justice Minister (2588 - 2602)
- Finance Minister (2602 - 2618)
- Leader of the Market-Liberal wing of the party.
- Nicknamed 'The Architect of Reform'
- A passionate campaigner for anti-waste, Snowdon oversaw the privatisation of the NHS in 2574, one of the most controversial pieces of legislation in the history of Telamon.
- She also brought about the privatisation of higher education, and installed a new curriculum based on testing and examination instead of the old model based on creativity.
- These major reforms have raised Snowdon's standing in the party, and it is believed that she is a prominent figure in the right-wing of the party, closely allied with Jan Rubenstein and Fieren Goldmark.
- After Fieren Goldmark's appointment as the new party leader in October 2576, Snowdon was swiftly appointed his deputy, due to her successful handling of the controversial privatisation of the NHS and her commitment to anti-waste. While a relative outsider prior to her posting as Health and Social Services Minister, Snowdon's prestige amongst the right-wing of the party has been greatly elevated. Her appointment as Deputy signifies a shift to the right for the Radical Party.
- Compared to Goldmark's dynamism and energy, Snowdon is perceived as a 'safe pair of hands'. While lacking in personal charisma, she is seen as a politician filled with conviction, moral integrity and a hard-working ethic. She has openly promoted her austere life as a teetotaler and distaste for luxuries, as well as her moral (but not religious) beliefs.
- In 2585, know for her passion for anti-waste and the reform of state institutions, Snowdon vigourously sponsored a controversial privatisation of the public education system by adopting a vouchers system, but failed to win support in Parliament.
- After Goldmark's resignation in 2586, Snowdon was appointed Acting Party Leader.
- She returned to the cabinet as Shadow Justice Minister under Luanna Silverton, signifying the respect she had won from all wings of the party as a competent and popular member of the government.
- Snowdon became Justice Minister in 2588, believing that justice should be 'available to all, with the hardness of a spear aimed at the chest of prince or pauper".
- A senior figure within the Party, and a long-serving cabinet member, Snowdon is one of the most experienced Radical politicians, and while no longer Deputy Party Leader, her advice is sought after by Party Leadership. She was noted as a mediating force within the cabinet during the stormy time of Silverton's leadership, and has now allied herself with Rubenstein and Appleton.
- Became Finance Minister in 2602, her highest ranking cabinet position. She vowed to return to a system of Goldmarkian economics, primarily at cutting unnecessary state funding, but also vowed to accept some statist intervention if necessary.
- As the most senior cabinet member, Snowdon was once again named Acting Party Leader once she ruled herself out of the competition following Rubenstein's resignation.
- Snowdon maintained her position in the Finance office under Stresseman. He referred to her as "our Mother in the Party", but she did claim she would be retiring soon.
- In 2614, Snowdon became Leader of the Market-Liberal wing of the party after Rubenstein's resignation.
- In 2618, Snowdon ended her term as Finance Minister, and declared that she would be retiring from politics soon.
- Snowdon resigned from politics in 2620. She declared her service for the Radical Party had been a pleasure, and had instillied a sense of purpose in her life. She claimed that she would now go on to work with Emilia Ferlighetti as CEO of the Bright Star Foundation.
[edit] Former Leaders
Kristian Donson:
-Founder and Leader of the Party (2550 - 2560)
-Also leader of the Market-Liberal wing of the party, the largest wing, centre-right.
-Former businessman and philosopher from Migadon.
-Promoted an ideology of 'responsible liberty', stressing economic freedom and a moderately conservative social policy.
-Despite founding the Radical Party, Donson faced rebellion from the Social Radical wing of the party, led by Umberto Caccini, due to his right-wing tendencies on social policy. Donson maintained his support due to a loyal Market-Liberal wing, and support from the Moderates led by Luanna Silverton.
-Donson held onto the leadership for ten years, and while successfully launching the party, made few electoral successes. His right-wing beliefs, coupled with his dubious social life, held back the party from making landslide gains.
-Retired from politics after the landslide Radical defeat of 2560, losing 21 crucial seats and pushing the Radicals into the second last position. He refused to name a successor, although he did comment that, "Fieren Goldmark has proved himself more a Leader for this party than I have!"
-Enjoys whisky, opera, horse-riding and women. Is known to have had numerous affairs, and to have divorced 4 wives.
-After retirement, Donson campaigned for the Radicals, backing Thomas Kettering's presidential bid.
-Donson has announced his intention to stand the Radical presidential candidate in the October 2584 election, going on to win four terms as President.
-Died aged 91 (2523 - 2614).
Umberto Caccini:
-Party Leader (2561 - 2576)
-Foreign Minister (2555 - 2558)
-Former human rights activist and academic.
-Leader of the Social Radical wing of the party, second largest wing, centre-left.
-Caccini was constantly in a battle against party founder Kristian Donson over social policy, and became a dividing figure amongst the left and right of the party. Ultimately, Donson retained his hold onto the party due to Luanna Silverton's leadership of the Moderate wing, as the Moderates worked closely with the Market-Liberals and kept Donson in power.
-Held alot of sway amongst the liberal intelligentsia of the party.
-Came out as bisexual in 2552, which received rebukes from the right wing of the party.
-Won the party leadership election of 2561, after Kristian Donson's retirement, promising to continue Donson's successes and no major change of direction of the party, except the further embracing of Radicalism.
- After an uncertain start as party leader, due to the presumption that Fieren Goldmark would win the contest, Caccini was able to rebrand the Radicals without radically changing their ideology. He emphasised their economic competency and ideological flexibility. His policies later became known as Caccini-esque Social Liberalism, as a more statist and left-wing approach than Donson.
- In the November 2565 electiom, his first election as Party Leader, the Radicals shot up from the second smallest party to the second largest, guaranteeing Caccini's continuing role as Leader.
- After the electoral victory, Caccini announced Fieren Goldmark, his main competitor and rival within the party, as his new Deputy Leader. Many believed that Nora Paxman, who acted as interrim Leader, would be assured the place, but Caccini felt that the right-wing needed to be pacified with one of their own.
- While supporting Thomas Kettering's presidency bid, Caccini made it obvious that the President and the majority of the Party were headed in different directions. Caccini attempted to maintain his liberal and minorly-statist credentials, while Kettering envisaged wide-spread privatisation.
- In the snap election of Novemember 2568, the Radicals lost 13 seats, but Caccini vowed to remain leader - he blamed Kettering's weak presidency for the Radicals' defeat, and not his party leadership.
- Despite worries that his electability and competence may have been dipping, Umberto Caccini was able to turn around his previous defeat in the election of October 2572 and win 21.56% of the electorate, along with a Presidential election, the largest Radical victory in their history.
- In October 2573, Caccini scored a 54% approval rating from members of the Radical Party, in contrast to his Deputy who received 79%. His scored higher with non-Radicals at 68%, but Goldmark still maintained a 1% lead with an approval rating for 69%.
- In November 2574, Caccini announced that he would resign his position as Party Leader after the next legislative election. He claimed, "it is...apparent that my own personal political views are no longer in line with the majority of party members...I feel it time to pass over the mantle of party leadership after the next election".
- In October 2576, after the loss of 25 seats, Caccini announced his resignation as party leader, and handed the title over to Fieren Goldmark, his Deputy. His only remarks were, "I now fear for the liberty of Telamon and its people."
- His daughter went on to become President of Telamon, with her father's support. He returned to politics campaigning on her behalf and acting as her closest advisor.
- Caccini died in 2615, aged 92 (2523 - 2615)
Fieren Goldmark:
-Party Leader (2576 - 2586)
-Deputy Party Leader (2565 - 2576)
-Prime Minister (2582 - 2588)
-Finance Minister (2555 - 2569; 2572 - 2580)
-Nicknamed 'The Saviour of Private Enterprise' and 'The Socialist Slayer', due to his unrelenting devotion to privatisation, and his great distrust of socialism and the statist left-wing.
-After Kristian Donson's retirement, Goldmark ascended to leader of the Market-Liberal wing of the Party.
-Respected libertarian economist, and old friend of Donson.
-Considered 'the brains' behind the Radicals' economic policies.
-Despite his emphasis on free-market economics, is a social liberal, and sits between the Market-Liberal and Moderate camp.
- He has won the respect of Parliament, and has received praise from allies and opposition alike, for his innovative fiscal policy and uncompromising commitment to accuracy.
- He was appointed Deputy Party Leader by Umberto Caccini in 2565 in a surprise attempt to unite the right and left of the party. This coincided with President Natalya Petrovskaya-Guillaume's "Fair Deal", aimed at de-polarising politics.
- Goldmark served the longest term as Finance Minister in Telamonese history, serving in the role for over 14 years. His term as Finance Minister was marked by high growth and impressive economic strength, as well as an increase in personal purchasing power, but also an increase in wealth disparity and unemployment.
- Goldmark once again returned to the Finance ministry at the insistence of President Natalya Petrovskaya-Guillaume. She remarked, "Fieren Goldmark is the only man in whom I have absolute faith in managing our economy successfully."
- In October 2576, Umberto Caccini handed the party leadership to Fieren Goldmark without calling a Leadership election. Caccini said this was to avoid a lengthy period of indecision marked by an interrim leader. Goldmark promised to promote economic liberty and a shift back to the radical centre.
- In October 2580, his first election since becoming leader of the Radical Party, Goldmark won 20 seats, leading the Radical Party to be the largest party in Parliament for the first time. At the same time, coinciding with Natalya Petrovskaya-Guillaume's stepping down from the presidency, he resigned from the Finace Ministry once again, having served as Finance Minister for 22 years - the longest in Telamon history.
- Two years later, in 2582, due to the ineffectual presidency of the TNP President Roy Cropper, and the mass Radical cabinet walkout that left the country without several key ministries for two years, an emergency election was called. As Goldmark's second electoral challege, he maintained the Radical dominance of Parliament, winning a further 8 seats, and a presidential election.
- Goldmark was appointed Prime Minister by President Donson in 2582, making him the first Radical Prime Minister. Many believe this is the position he has sought most.
- In June 2586, Goldmark took a significant blow to his reputation with the largest defeat in Radical history in a legislative election, losing 35 seats. He immediately resigned from his position as Party Leader, but vowed to stay on as Prime Minister until he is asked to step down. He has asked his Deputy to stay on as Interrim Leader, until a leadership election is called.
- In 2588, after handing over the premiership to Luanna Silverton, Goldmark resigned from politics.
- Died age 91 (2528 - 2619)
Luanna Silverton:
- Prime Minister (2588 - 2601)
- Party Leader (2587 - 2601)
- District Attorney of Migadon (2545 - 2550)
- Justice Minister (2561 - 2562; 2572 - 2580)
-Leader of the Moderate Wing of the party, smallest wing, centrist (although accused of centre-left sympathy by the right-wing of the party)
-Silverton believes in appeasing all wings of the party, but supported the leadership of Kristian Donson when the Social Radicals under Umberto Caccini refused to.
-The most prominent black member of the Radical Party.
-She ran for the Party Leadership in 2560, but came second to Umberto Caccini.
-She also declared an interest in the role of Deputy Leader of the Party, but this role was apppointed to Fieren Goldmark.
-As of October 2580, she still holds hope of leading the Radical Party.
-A staunch Catholic, Silverton is adamantly pro-life, which goes against the grain of the majority of the party.
-Silverton, during her first brief term as Justice Minister, influentially brought about the first laws recognising gay marriage.
-In 2586, Silverton once again ran for Party Leadership, and was successful, winning 51.3% of the vote. She appointed her closest rival, the left-winger Winston Travers who was expelled from the party's fore under Goldmark, as her Deputy Party Leader, signalling a shift to the left.
-Silverton became the first female leader of the Radical Party.
-Quickly into her term as Party Leader, Silverton led the Radicals into an early election. While making no outstanding gains, the Radicals won back one seat, and won the Regional Governments of Migadon and Antepec. Silverton proudly announced, "This is only the beginning."
-In 2588, she was appointed Prime Minister by President Donson, working in a cabinet alongside members of the Socialist Party, the DCD and the TMP.
-In September 2591, Luanna Silverton, won her first main electoral challenge, securing the largest Radical victory in history winning 29.7% of the vote, even besting the efforts of Fieren Goldmark in his heyday. Silverton remarked, "I promised I would deliver, and I shall continue to do so."
-Accused of flip-flopping over economic issues, overriding statements made by her Deputy, damaging both her own and his reputation. She was also accused of undermining Internal Affairs Minister Jan Rubenstein with a lacklustre support for his controversial law banning paramilitaries, which led her leadership to be rebuked by Defence Minister Henry Appleton.
- The press printed several articles accusing Silverton of indecision, pettiness and causing infighting within the cabinet. She was believed to isolated members of the party on both the left and the right, which contradicts her record of appeasing all wings of the party.
- In the 2595 election, the Radicals lost 14 seats, yet despite a souring press and divided cabinet, Silverton vowed to stay on as Party Leader and Prime Minister.
- With continuing isolation in the cabinet, vociferous media attacks and outperformance by the Right-wing Ministers she employed, Silverton lost the 2599 election. Despite vowing to stay on, she eventually resigned in 2601 after calls of a coup within her party.
- Silverton died in 2610, aged 95 (2515 - 2610)
Jan Rubenstein
- Party Leader (2602 - 2614)
- Defence Minister (2562-2569; 2572 - 2580)
- Internal Affairs Minister (2592 - 2602)
- Leader of the Market-Liberal wing of the party.
- A strong ally of Kristian Donson's "responsible liberty" ideology and Thomas Kettering's conservative social policy.
- A member of the 'Gang of Three' (Goldmark, Rubenstein, Snowdon), major figures on the right-wing of the Radical Party associated with first Kristian Donson and now Fieren Goldmark.
- As Defence Minister, Rubenstein personally oversaw the investigation to discover the identity of "Telamonian Eco-Warriors" and bring them to justice. Despite a lack of support within the party, Rubenstein won popular approval from the public when he brought to trial 18 of the 20 eco-terrorists in 2577, including their leader Max Umbridge.
- In 2586 ran for Party Leadership, representing the conservative wing of the party, but failed, coming third with 12.5% of the vote. Many show this as a turning point that the long-time belief that Goldmark's way was the best for the Radicals' is over.
- Under Silverton, despite his unpopularity amongst the left-wing members of the party, was appointed Shadow Internal Affairs Minister in 2587 due to his tough approach, which many believe makes up for the perceived weakness of the Radicals' pacifist stance.
- After Goldmark's resignation, Rubenstein became leader of the Market-Liberal wing of the party.
- He was made Internal Affairs Minister in 2592.
- Despite a lack of support from Prime Minister Luanna Silverton, and considerable risk to his reputation, Jan Rubenstein was successful in passing legislation banning paramilitaries with the support of the DCD and RRP.
- With great support from within the party, unopposed Rubenstein was welcomed as the the 5th leader of the Radical Party, promising a shift to the Right.
- Upon becoming Party Leader, Rubenstein quickly began a process of change within the party. Rubenstein sacked Shadow Ministers that he believed had failed to 'outperform the opposition' - although many say that these were political removals aimed at removing left-wing cabinet members.
- Rubenstein also quickly reaffirmed his stance on law and order and national security, where he had made his name, promising to support military expansion and crime control measures.
- While the Radical Party traditionally suppported unitarism, Rubenstein vowed to leave social affairs to the states and devolve decisions to lower levels of government. He vowed, "Finance and Security are Federal concerns - all others belong to the people."
- In the 2607 election, Rubenstein won 4 seats - hardly a great victory, but enough to renew the party's faith in his move to the right.
- Despite violent criticism from the opposition in the run-up to the election, claiming that the government had failed and had to resign, Rubenstein's rebranding of the party as a centre-right one was successful, returning them to the position as principal party and a historic Presidential election victory. Rubenstein's emphasis for the party (defence, security, prosperity) played to disenchanted voters from across Telamon, especially those in Ferene and Antepec frightened of spreading violence. Rubenstein declared, "This is proof the people believe in this government!"
- Rubenstein lost the 2614 election, many believing that his mandate for greater security was no longer necessary. While a competent leader in a crisis, his reputation for whipping up a media frenzy played against him in the end. He resigned after the election results were released, without naming a preferred successor.
[edit] Presidential Candidates
Dr. Eric Armand, Ph.D
Election: July 2560
Age: 62, died aged 90 (2498 - 2588)
Birthplace: Telapolis, Migadon
Party Wing: Moderate
Fiscal: Liberal
Social: Liberal
Endorsements: Umberto Caccini, Luanna Silverton, Nora Paxman
Profession: Civil Servant, Army Captain, Lecturer
Religious Beliefs: Unitarian
Born into an affluent family -his father a Unitarian preacher and mother a private school Dean- was a bright child and an eager learner. He went on to study Economics at the University of Migadon, and then received his doctorate in Philosophy. He worked for many years in the Foreign Service, before joining the Armed Forces to seek a more 'practical vocation'. When leaving the Army, Armand returned to the University of Migadon to teach Philosophy.
He was an active member of the Radical Party since its birth, considered a member of the 'Migadon Clique', a group of wealthy liberal intellectuals that were mostly responsible for the funding of the party in its earliest days. While fostering close relations with party leader Kristian Donson, Armand is an active proponent of social liberalisation, and has sits in the Moderate camp of the party.
Armand has supported the financial reforms of Radical Finance Minister Fieren Goldmark, and supports a limited welfare state, which he calls 'an investment in the public good'. He supports free-market economics, but understands the need for limited state intervention. He espouses a policy of 'ordoliberalism', and seeks the creation of a 'social market'.
After his defeat in the 2560 presidential election, Armand joined the Radical Shadow Cabinet, replacing Umberto Caccini as Foreign Affairs spokesman, and served as the longest-serving Foreign Affairs spokesman without ever taking office.
He died in 2588, aged 90 (2498 - 2588).
DEFEATED: 14,306,798 votes - 12.69% - 5th place
Dr. Yasiji Kamatama, Ph.D
Election: September 2627
Age: 53
Birthplace: Silescia, Antepec
Party Wing: Social Radical
Fiscal: Moderate
Social: Moderate
Endorsements: Dominic Armitage, Sylvia Hirst, Patrick Ellson, Miyako Suu-Moon
Profession: Businessman, Television Personality, Philanthropist
Religious Beliefs: Atheist
Born into a wealthy family of political asylum seekers, the Kamatama family were offered refuge by then-President Natalya Petrovskaya-Guillaume, and from then on were involved in a close circle of Radical Party elites. Yasiji was born in the Kamatama Estate just outside of Silescia in Antepec, and was raised in luxury. His parents were both Radical politicians, and were important members of the far-left of Social Radical wing of the party. As a child, Yasiki was home-schooled, and was constantly surrounded by political figures. His father was close friends with Winston Travers and Nora Paxman, and this greatly impacted on the young Yasiji, who took a keen interest in politics from a young age. At the age of 12, he made his first speech in front of the Young Radical Conference, and at the age of 17 was elected President of the Young Radicals. He studied Economics and Business Law at the University of Antepec, where he received his Ph.D in Economics.
His family suffered hard times when his parents were implicated in a corruption scandal which involved seven major Social Radicals, and his mother fled the country rather than face trial. Yasiji's father was proven innocent, but his mother never returned to Telamon. Yasiji's father faced further scandal when he was again brought to trial, this time for allegedly using his personal wealth to fund guerrilla activity in his native country, which led to his expelling from the Radical Party. The young Yasiji publicly denounced the activities of his parents, but allegedly was behind his father's escape from Telamon before facing his final trial. His father went on to become President of their native country through a coup d'etat.
Yasiji made his name as a successful businessman and television personality, acting as Economics Editor for Telamon News, before acting as an interviewer on 'Politics Live'. He was known for his direct and often cold interviewing technique, and his long, silent stares. As a multi-millionaire, Yasiji was a keen philanthropist, and left-wing spokesperson. While he moderated his views as his career progressed, he was still a keen supporter of the left wing of the Social Radicals. It is estimated his has donated up to £3 million of his own personal wealth to the Radical Party.
He announced his intention to seek the Radical Presidential nomination in 2624, shortly after Dominc Armitage announced he would not be seeking a fourth term. Yasiji faced a challenge from Pretoria Khan, former Shadow Justice Minister, but Yasiji won the primaries in Antepec, Lirona and Sevescia.
He outlined his platform as "realistic, compassionate and wide-ranging", declaring himself a "moderate on alot of issues, with a dash of true radicalism for good measure". He described his as a reformed Centrist, but with left-wing leanings, and "not too extreme either economically or socially". He aimed to provide a true Radical candidate, in the mould of his idols Natalya Petrovskaya-Guillaume and Kristian Donson.
He has declared he will be spending up to £2 million of his own personal wealth to help fund his election campaign.
Despite an elaborate and showy campaign, and endorsements from the DCD, TMP and ILP, Kamatama failed to seize the Presidential role. He reportedly claimed he would run again.
DEFEATED: 63,770,011 votes - 49.82% - 2nd place
[edit] Presidents
Natalya Petrovskaya-Guillaume
Election: November 2561, October 2572, October 2576
Age: 41 (60 when she left office), died age 95 (2520 - 2615)
Birthplace: Ferescia, Ferene
Party Wing: Social Radical
Fiscal: Moderate
Social: Liberal
Endorsements: Umberto Caccini, Nora Paxman, Winston Travers, Democratic Capitalist Party, Telamon Anarcho-Capitalist Party
Profession: Professional tennis player, Philanthropist
Religious Beliefs: Agnostic
Natalya Petrovskaya was born into a family of working-class immigrants, the youngest daughter of the Petrovski family. Growing up with 5 siblings, Natalya found solace in tennis, and was recognised at a young age as something of a tennis protege.
Natalya never achieved a university education, instead honing her skills as a professional tennis player, first of national standing, and then at an international level. At the age of 25, Natalya was recognised as the Women's World Tennis Champion, and was endorsed for a number of products, becoming a household name. While tennis was her passion, Natalya was a keen philanthropist, and was deeply concerned with the working-classes and immigrant minorities that she had once been a part of. She famously mentioned her political activism in her acceptence speech for the World Tennis Trophy, cauing controversy when accused of politicising the sport.
She joined the Radical Party at its formation, belonging to the Left-Liberal wing of the Party, closely aligned with Umberto Caccini. In her presidential candidacy speech, she mentioned her key concerns as: economic progress, social justice, environmental reform and civil rights bolstering. She criticses the Conservative opposition for its unfeeling position towards immigrants and the working-classes, but scorns the socialist left-wing for its concentration of power in the state. Natalya believes that citizens, particularly the under-represented, should be 'stakeholders in democracy'.
Upon receiving the Presidency (first Radical Party's candidate to do so) she pledged her commitment to a fair system of government, which she calls the 'Fair Deal'. Her top priorities are the fusion of market and public interests, environmental reconciliation and immigration reform.
Natalya won the biggest presidential landslide since Mitt Romney in the July 2554 Presidential election seven years before. She is the first woman President to serve in 70 years, since Karen Debs won the Presidential election in December 2491.
She decided not to stand for re-election, and received a standing ovation from Parliament for her Closing Speech to the House. She endorsed Radical Party candidate, Thomas Kettering, in the 2565 election.
After Thomas Kettering's refusal to stand for re-election, the RRP ascended to the Presidency. At the insistence of Party Leader Umberto Caccini, Natalya agreed to put herself forward as a United Liberal candidate in order to end the Conservative coalition.
She was once again successful, coinciding with a massive Radical victory in the legislative elections, and on winning the presidency for the second time emphasised her new term would promote social justice, economic strength and moderation. She claims that she will embody all three wings of the Radical Party in her Presidency, to create a truly Radical Telamon.
Natalya Petrovskaya-Guillaume stood for re-election in 2576, with the support of the DCD and TMP, and secured her largest electoral victory yet. In her inauguration speech, she decried the polarisation of politics and the rise of the extreme right, with the electoral success of far-right Telamon National Party.
Natalya declared early into her presidency that she would not be seeking re-election for a fourth term in office, due to her belief that change is necessary, and also the uncontrollable drift of the electorate to the right. Her final term has been characterised by the liberal factions taking the defencive, attempting to retain the policies they have put in place.
After her retirement from politics, Natalya campaigned for various sporting charities, and was inducted into the International Society of Female World Leaders, along with various women from the academic, political, scientific and business fields. She has recently campaigned for the Radical Party, and led party fundraisers, but largely remains outside of politics.
She died in 2615, aged 95 (2520 - 2615). Before she died, she declared she did not wish for a State Funeral. She had become very reclusive in her final years, and shyed away from media attention.. She had however endorsed Sylvia Hirst for party leadership in 2614.
VICTORIOUS: 60,010,332 votes - 58.17% - 1st place, endorsed by the Democratic Capitalist Party and the Telamon Anarcho-Capitalist Party
VICTORIOUS: 63,207,772 votes - 54.49% - 1st place, endorsed by the Democratic Capitalist Party and the Telamon Anarcho-Capitalist Party
VICTORIOUS: 69,868,126 votes - 58.46% - 1st place, endorsed by the Democratic Capitalist Party and the Telamon Minarchist Party
Thomas Kettering
Election: November 2565
Age: 49 (52 when he left office), died age 84 (2516 - 2600)
Birthplace: Parrah, Migadon
Party Wing: Market-Liberal
Fiscal: Libertarian
Social: Moderate
Endorsements: Fieren Goldmark, Kristian Donson, Maria Snowdon, Jan Rubenstein, Natalya Petrovskaya-Guillaume
Profession: Barrister, CEO of Kettering Gold Mining
Religious Beliefs: Catholic
Thomas Kettering was born into a middle-class family, the son of a Director of Goldmining Company and a High School Teacher, with two siblings. His family were active in their local Church community, and Kettering excelled at school, receiving education at two of the most prestigious private schools in Telamon. He went on to study Law at the Academie Normale Superieur, an exclusive Catholic private university, where he received First Class Honours.
Kettering trained as a Barrister, and served in the Lirona State Justice System for ten years. He proved himself as something of a judicial conservative, emphasising the necessity for a tougher stance on crime and longer punishments. He ran for the post of District Attorney, but was unsuccessful in his bid.
With the death of his father, Kettering inherited Kettering Gold Mining, and the position of CEO. Under Kettering, the company grew by a considerable margin, and expanded internationally. Many believed that Kettering's diret management style, and belief in devolution of power was critical to the company's success.
Kettering mixed in the same social circles as Kristian Donson, and was an early supporter of the Radical Party, Kettering Gold Mining fast becoming a major donator to party funds. After incumbent Petrovskaya-Guillaume announced she would not be running for President again, the right-wing of the party quickly championed Kettering for the position.
Kettering is a fiscal libertarian, and believes in limiting the role of the state in economic affairs. He describes himself as a 'minarchist', and has been cited as saying 'the private sector has 40% effiency on the state in 90% of affairs'. He is also a social moderate, and believes in sensible restrictions in notable excesses. He says, "While we should all be free to live our own lives, I find it a terrifying prospect that the state should have no say in the moral practice of the nation...morality is perhaps the only role the State has a right to interfere in".
Kettering won the Presidential election, and in his Inauguration speech emphasised fiscal neutrality, co-operation and an emphasis on prosperity as his key concerns.
After following the success of his predecessor Natalya Petrovskaya-Guillaume attempted to capitalise on her gain and push through several privatisation measures, while maintaining Petrovskaya-Guillaume's policy of co-operation between left and right. Kettering was unsuccess