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BALANCE PARTY
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The Balance Party is a centrist socially-progressive party. It believes very strongly in equality, and is committed to pursue policies to eradicate unfair discrimination (particularly things such as racism and sexism).  In other policy areas, it deliberately chooses viewpoints that are moderate and "reasonable", attempting to avoid the extremes. The party claims that strong government guidance is necessary to keep Lendosa "centred", and that the government is the best guarantor of equality.

The Balance Party is currently the largest party in the Senate, holding twenty-six seats. The current Consul is from the Balance Party, as are eight of the twenty-five Administrators. This gives the party considerable influence and prestige. The Balance Party is led by Anya Atmasova, who serves as the current Consul of Lendosa. Its deputy leader is Miranda da Sava, now serving as Administrator of Diplomacy. Other prominent party members include Viran Achent (Administrator of Security), Lara Dirao (Administrator of Defence), and Julia Sentira. The party Secretary is currently Marco Delanio, a former High Guildmaster.


Colour and Emblem

The official colour of the party is yellow, a traditional colour in Lendosan politics for moderates and centrists. Its official emblem is a set of balanced scales, representing the equality it seeks.

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The party's name in Lendian is "lo Partido Balanciano". This can be abbrieviated to "los Balancianos".


Quote

"Extremes almost always lead to conflict. Pursuit of radical philosophies, regardless of the intentions behind that philosophy, will usually end in failure. The only logical course of action is to follow a path of moderation and tolerance, finding a balance between different ideals and goals. It is the state's responsibility to guide the nation towards this path."


Key Policies

Equality
The Balance Party sees equality of opportunity and of treatment as being cruicial to a fair and just society. This would mean that the government should strive to produce a "level playing field" for all members of society, insuring that everyone is equally able to succeed, and that nobody is disadvantaged.

  • Maintain uncompromising hostility to all forms of racism, sexism, and other forms of baseless discrimination. People who practice or promote these things are the worst of criminals, and should be treated as such.
  • Work to promote diversity throughout Lendosa, protecting minorities from being overwhelmed by the majority. This includes cultural, religious, ethnic, and political differences, among others.
  • Give assistance to those who are economically disadvantaged through no fault of their own, as some people are clearly better positioned in life to do well than others (do not, however, assist those who had equal opportunity to succeed but who failed due to their own actions).
  • Assist those with disabilities, helping them to reach a position where they may compete with others on an equal footing.
  • Reduce the inequalities of the tax system, bringing it closer to an even rate for all citizens.
Liberty
According to the Balance Party, liberty should be defined as "the freedom to make one's own choices about one's life, the freedom to express one's views in a peaceful manner, and the freedom to advance one's own interests in a fair and honest way".
  • Maintain the diversity of opinions within the Lendosan government, ensuring that all viewpoints which do not actually attack this diversity are allowed to be heard.
  • Maintain the right of Lendosan citizens to express their opinions (whether political, ethical, spiritual, or cultural), provided they do not harm the freedom of others by doing so.
  • Promote acceptance by society of freedom of choice regarding things such as religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, and marriage.
  • Abolish censorship, except for materials which encourage illegal acts or which break laws not relating to freedom of speech.
Economy
The Balance Party describes itself as economically centrist. It supports an economic system which is basically capitalist, but believes in government regulation (and sometimes government monopolization) of certain industries that are considered important to the country.
  • Encourage business through favourable tax rates (ensuring, however, that this does not harm equality).
  • Maintain a strong regulatory framework around business so as to ensure fairness and honesty.
  • Make regulations as simple and uncomplicated as possible, so as not to unfairly burden large companies with high compliance costs.
  • Promote economic growth in less developed regions of the country.
  • Require Lendosan companies working in foreign countries to adhere to Lendosan rules about wages and working conditions, thereby preventing unfair exploitation of cheaper labour in the developing world.
Diplomacy
The Balance Party believes that Lendosa should maintain diplomatic relations with as many states as possible, and should always be open to the views of other nations. It also says that Lendosa should promote what it believes to be right, regardless our own national interests.
  • Establish diplomatic links with all states that are willing to accept them.
  • Retain the policy of de facto recognition of foreign states, treating recognition as an acknowledgement of actual control rather than as an affirmation of a government's legitimacy.
  • Use Lendosa's diplomatic relations to promote liberty and equality around Vexillium (while taking care not to impose Lendosan values on a country against the wishes of its people).
Environmentalism
According to the Balance Party, it is necessary to find an equilibrium between protection of the natural environment and the use of natural resources. It says that it is possible to have both, if we are careful in how we go about it.
  • Encourage or require companies to adopt the most environmentally friendly policy possible without damaging their business, and adopt measures to reward companies for doing so.
  • Encourage environmentalism in the business world through tax incentives.
  • Invest in renewable energy sources for the state power grid, and encourage private enterprise to do the same.
  • Promote plantation logging rather than the logging of natural forests.

Issues Facing the Party

The Balance Party is, at present, relatively stable. Its policies of centrism and tolerance mean that it is fairly well equiped for dealing with internal differences, and there are no major factions within the party. The most significant dispute would be over emphasis, rather than doctrine, with certain members of the party believing that not enough focus is placed on egalitarianism and the fight against intolerance, which, while a founding principle for the party, soon became to be seen as just part of the whole (along with economic centrism, environmental equilibrium, and other "balanced" policies). Julia Sentira is the most vocal avocate of an emphasis on social balance.


Subparties

The Balance Party does not have any subparties.


Current Senators

Alberto Condoro - Gained position through proportional representation. Formerly a lecturer at Riva University, teaching economic theory. Became politically active after taking part in strike action by the Educators' Guild, and joined the Balance Party when it was established.

Alfonso Micardanto - An elected representative of Caeria regioon. A former freighter captain who entered politics shortly after being elected leader of the Mariner's Guild. Originally a member of the Socialist Party, but joined Balance after its was established in 296 AP.

Anya Atmasova - Leader of the Balance Party. An elected representative of Rezimano region and current Consul of Lendosa. A member of Lendosa's Ulanovan immigrant community, but born in Lendosa. Formerly a lawyer, holding a degree in law from the University of Rejmungo. Joined Balance at its foundation in 296, and became deputy leader in 298. Assumed leadership after former leader's elevation to Praetorship.

Carlo Audanto - Gained position through proportional representation. Formerly a lieutenant in the Imperial Army before being discharged for his political associations. Joined Prospero da Sava's Democracy Party, and remained with D'Galizath's faction when it broke up.

Constantino Delriono - An elected representative of Austenia reggion. Formerly a Veldan priest, serving the Shrine of Mia in the city of Amrena. Joined the Democracy Party on its foundation due to complaints about the government's policies on religion.

Da Khen'su - An elected representative of H'gor region, in the Avatariate of Kha. Formerly a lawyer, but joined the Democracy Party out of opposition to Imperial policies, and followed Balance when the Democracy Party collapsed.

Hernando do Santrovo - An elected representative of Videc regionn. Formerly mayor of Jenma, the capital of Videc. Originally a member of the Socialist Party, but transferred to Balance after it was established.

Ianthe Corena - Gained position through proportional representation. Formerly a tutor at the University of Valarium, teaching Eulosian (her native language). Joined the Balance Party in 300 due to concern about education policy.

Julia Sentira - An elected representative of Rivania region. Formerly mayor of Riva, the capital of the region. After first joining the Liberal Party, she founded the Equality Party in 288 AP when the Liberals collapsed. Led her party into a merger with Prospero da Sava's Democracy Party, and elected to join Balance after Prospero da Sava's assassination and the collapse of his party. Was an astronomer before entering politics.

Justinio Coro - Gained position through proportional representation. A former diplomat within the Imperial government. Entered politics in 293, joining the Imperial Party, where he was one of the key members of the 'reformist' faction. Transferred to the Democracy Party in 295, and followed Balance when the Democracy Party collapsed in 296.

Lara Dirao - An elected representative of Denderor, and current Administrator of Defence. Half-Lendian and half-Riochan, but currently living in Rioch. Originally a member of the Riochan Party, established in 291, but joined Balance after the Riochan Party ceased to field candidates and became the Association for the Preservation of Riochan Autonomy.

Leonardo Macaro - Gained position through proportional representation. Originally a doctor working at Asala Hospital, but became involved in politics when he stood for nomination to the Arctosa Health Board. Joined the Socialist Party, but moved to the Democracy Party when it was founded.

Luis Coelo - Gained position through proportional representation. Current Administrator of Administration. Originally an accountant for the Imperial Education Bureau, but became involved in management and administration, eventually becoming Assistant Secretary of the bureau. Initially joined the Imperial Party, and was one of its 'reformist' members, but later moved to the Democracy Party.

Maria Durante - Gained position through proportional representation. Formerly a member of the Utopian Party, but departed due to disagreements about that party's attitude to crime and joined Balance.

Mario Vestabi - Gained position through proportional representation. Former judge in Gloria Libertatis, having originally trained as a lawyer. Entered politics due to concerns about policies on crime, initially joining the Imperial Party but later moving across to the Balance Party when it was founded.

Miranda da Sava - Deputy leader of the Balance Party. An elected representative of Neonia region, and current Administrator of Diplomacy. Daughter of Propero da Sava, founder of the Democracy Party. Studied politics and university, and joined the Democracy Party when her father established it. Supported D'Galizath's attempts to form the core of the Democracy Party into the new Balance Party after her father was assassinated.

Nadia Relure - Gained position through proportional representation. Former leader of the Feminist Party (now deregistered as the non-party Feminist Political Association), but left after the Feminist Party was taken over by a more radical faction. After a period outside politics, joined the Democracy Party, and then left politics again for a short time after the Democracy Party collapsed. Joined Balance, the largest faction of the Democracy Party, after a year.

Pedro Santos - Gained position through proportional representation. Current Administrator of Culture. Formerly the Curator of Valarium Museum, after having been Dean of Classics at the University of Sargona.

Ralaen Ducamar - An elected representative of Riomana region. Formerly a park ranger in Riomana, and joined the Sepuro Movement (an environmentalist organization) in 277. Stood as a candidate for the Sepuro Movement's political wing, the Ecological Party, when it was formed, but when the Ecological Party merged with the Utopian Party to form the current Ecotopian Party, joined the Democracy Party, mostly due to disagreements with the Utopian platform.

Ricardo Simon - An elected representative of Lolth region and the current Administrator of the Media. Formerly a political journalist for the Lendian Times, and joined the Liberal Party in 286. Transferred to the Democracy Party on its foundation.

Tava Ibibani - An elected representative of Horokia region and current Administrator of Ethics. Formerly  a member of the autonomous government, having originally been a lawyer in Granata. Joined the Democracy Party on its foundation.

Tadioni Vici - Gained position through proportional representation. Studied economics at the University of Gloria Libertatis, but became involved in student protests while there, and chose to enter politics, joining the Democracy Party. Chose to follow the Balance Party when the Democracy Party collapsed.

Tiana Ovesca - Gained position through proportional representation. Current Administrator of Science. Born in Gronk, but moved to Lendia with her family as a child. Gained a degree in chemistry at the University of Tiris, and worked for seven years as a researcher for ISOR Corporation. Stood for election as an independent and won, but then joined the Democracy Party at the next election. Followed Balance after the Democracy Party collapsed.

Viran Achent - An elected representative of Avran region and current Administrator of Security. Son of a Riochan businessman, and studied economics, but chose to enter the civil service. Later returned to university to study international politics, and became a government policy analyst. Joined the Imperial Party, but later moved to the Democracy Party when it was founded.

Xao Minji - Gained position through proportional representation. A member of Lendosa's Chakrazipangi immigrant community, and prominent advocate for minority rights during the Empire. Joined the Liberal Party in 279, but left national politics in 286 to become mayor of his hometown, Sirana. Joined the Balance Party when it was established.

Zeno Atamaro - Gained position through proportional representation. Originally a bus driver in Gloria Libertatis, but stood for the city Committee due to concerns about crime in his neighbourhood. Slowly rose to become deputy Mayor of the city. Joined the Democracy Party when it was established, and entered national politics.


History of the Party

The Balance Party was founded in 296 by Aranezo Galazo, a Riochan nobleman turned intelligence officer turned politician. Galazo, a member of one of Rioch's noble families, joined the Panopticate (the Imperial intelligence agency and secret police force) in 268 AP, and quickly rose within its ranks.  Galazo became part of the reformist faction within the Panopticate, which supported the gradual democratization of the country and the dismantling of Imperial power. Shortly after Galazo had been appointed to the position of Sububiquitor (deputy director of the Panopticate), anti-Imperial protests broke out in the main centres, and Prospero da Sava's Democracy Party gained control of the Imperial Council. The Ubiquitor at the time, Adaro Lacademo, was in favour of action against the "traitors", and directed the Panopticate to crush the reform movement, but a group of senior Panopticate officers, led by Galazo and his ally Lucius Drathe, staged an internal coup, and managed to remove Lacademo from the position of Ubiquitor. When Drathe assumed the post, the Panopticate changed allegiances, and supported the reformists. It subsequently played a large part in preventing a military coup in favour of continued Imperial rule.

Galazo, in agreement with Drathe, began to consult with Prospero da Sava (leader of the Democracy Party and the new First Councillor) and Garamono Ducato (leader of the Communist Party and initiator of the public protests). He was responsible for most of the planning regarding the transition of power, and was instrumental (along with Lucius Drathe) in convincing the Emperor to accept the Imperial Council's proposals.

After Prospero da Sava was assassinated, however, Galazo saw that the Democracy Party would crumble without strong leadership. Leaving the Panopticate, Galazo attempted to rally the core of the old Democracy Party, forming it into a new group. This group would become the Balance Party, and Galazo became its leader. While never as popular as da Sava had been, Galazo was highly respected, both for his intelligence and for his work during the transition. The Balance Party became the largest group within the Council of Confederate Citizens (the body that had replaced the old Imperial Council), although Galazo did not become Spokesperson.

Initially, Galazo believed that the reforms would be enough to save the country, and thought that the Free Confederacy of Lendian Republics, what the old Empire had been turned into, would be a viable state. After observing the FCLR in action, however, he soon determined that it would not work, and began to advocate the dissolution of the country into its component parts. The dissolutionist faction soon gained the upper hand in the Council, and a public referendum was held in which the people gave their approval for it. The FCLR was dissolved. The Balance Party continued on in the new state of Lendosa.

Galazo, however, was appointed to the new position of Praetor before the Lendosan Senate came into being, and so did not ever lead his new party there. This duty was taken up by his deputy, Anya Atmasova, who lead the party to victory and became the first Consul. Since that point, the Balance Party has remained the largest group in the Senate.


List of Past Leaders

  • Aranezo Galazo (296 - 297)
  • Anya Atmasova (297 - )