Post by Alfonia on Dec 5, 2005 14:31:52 GMT -5
The Alfonian parliament consists of the emperor, 100 members appointed by the emperor and 100 persons appointed by the people. The emperor has the right to overrule any decision made by the parliament, and - as the employer of the parliament members - has the right to fire any parliament member he wishes without even giving a reason for it.
Not surprisingly, most of the ministers kept their positions. Traditionally, ministers belong to the royal family, and it is not uncommon for one family member to hold several positions. This election followed the tradition with one notable exception - Mrs. Maria Baumer - a commoner - was appointed minister of work against discrimination. Conservative Parliament members Johann Mustermann and Klaus Schöön complained about the fact that she is homosexual - and were quickly fired by the emperor. this is seen as the last move in a campaign against discrimination and racism that has been going on for the last six months.
Mrs Baumer commented that it "was about time that the country got its first homosexual minister" - she is also the first woman that's not a princess or queen to hold the title of minister.
The policy the govt will uphold during the following months has been discussed. Some points have been agreed upon already.
1) The abolishment of the death penalty for all crimes except crimes against the royal family. In reality; this is the only crime that the death penalty has been given for in recent times, so it really doesn't change much.
2) Decreased military spending. Alfonia has one of the highest military budgets in the region, and the need for such a large army has been debated. Military spending will decrease by 5% in the coming period.
3) Tax cuts. As military spending goes down, so does taxes; however some money will be directed to the imperial basic healthcare program.
4) Increased tax on drugs. Tobacco, Alcohol and Marijuana prices will go up, as the govt. increases taxes on these substances. Tobacco tax will increase by 15%, Alcohol tax will increase by 20% and the tax on marijuana - and related substances - will go up by 10%. The incomes from these taxes will go to the victims of substance-related violence, it will also be given to companies that lose money as their smoking employees fall ill from their drug use.
5) Tighter gun laws - from now on the noble classes are the only ones permitted to own firearms. Permits can be bought by commoners but are very expensive - and are reserved for the very wealthy.
The public has yet to show their reaction to the changes in the media.
Kung-Pung, Alfonia
05-12-05
Not surprisingly, most of the ministers kept their positions. Traditionally, ministers belong to the royal family, and it is not uncommon for one family member to hold several positions. This election followed the tradition with one notable exception - Mrs. Maria Baumer - a commoner - was appointed minister of work against discrimination. Conservative Parliament members Johann Mustermann and Klaus Schöön complained about the fact that she is homosexual - and were quickly fired by the emperor. this is seen as the last move in a campaign against discrimination and racism that has been going on for the last six months.
Mrs Baumer commented that it "was about time that the country got its first homosexual minister" - she is also the first woman that's not a princess or queen to hold the title of minister.
The policy the govt will uphold during the following months has been discussed. Some points have been agreed upon already.
1) The abolishment of the death penalty for all crimes except crimes against the royal family. In reality; this is the only crime that the death penalty has been given for in recent times, so it really doesn't change much.
2) Decreased military spending. Alfonia has one of the highest military budgets in the region, and the need for such a large army has been debated. Military spending will decrease by 5% in the coming period.
3) Tax cuts. As military spending goes down, so does taxes; however some money will be directed to the imperial basic healthcare program.
4) Increased tax on drugs. Tobacco, Alcohol and Marijuana prices will go up, as the govt. increases taxes on these substances. Tobacco tax will increase by 15%, Alcohol tax will increase by 20% and the tax on marijuana - and related substances - will go up by 10%. The incomes from these taxes will go to the victims of substance-related violence, it will also be given to companies that lose money as their smoking employees fall ill from their drug use.
5) Tighter gun laws - from now on the noble classes are the only ones permitted to own firearms. Permits can be bought by commoners but are very expensive - and are reserved for the very wealthy.
The public has yet to show their reaction to the changes in the media.
Kung-Pung, Alfonia
05-12-05