Libertarian Reform Party
This article refers to the Official Opposition in Niploma
| |
| Established | 1985 |
| Address | 3, 6th Street, Failegn |
| Political ideology | Libertarianism, Liberalism, liberal-Conservatism and Capitalism. |
| Real-Life Counterparts | US Democratic Party, UK Liberal Democrats and (although barely) Liberal Party of Australia |
| Colours | Gold or Blue (to a lesser extent) |
| Party leader | David McKibben |
| Party president | Siobhan Clenghan |
| Motto | Freedom for Niploma |
Introduction
Formed in 1985 from ex Grand Conservative Party Deputies the LRP (or Reform Party) wanted to be a strong Libertarian party that could evolve Niploma into a safe, welcoming and thriving country. Several Deputies and Senators joined the new party and within five years they had become a major party. Now and for almosat fifteen years they have been in strong opposition. In the forthcoming 15th Niplomian General Election they are believed to win the most seats in both the Senate and the Democratic House.
Policies
Given the information from several party manifestos and speeches the Niplomian press and citizens have derrived the general overview of the Libertarian Reform Party. First and foremost it is libertarian. It supports excessive freedoms, both socially and economically. Upon creation the party motto was, 'The freer the market, the freer the people.'. Members of the LRP support huge tax cuts and promote a true capitalist economy although it should be noted they oppose a completly free economy (aka 'laissez-faire) as it would be, 'unfair upon local Niplomian businesses.' As libertarians they fully support social rights too and fully oppose the death penalty and excessive survaillence of citizens. In addition they support gay rights and take the 'pro-choice' arguement in abortion.
In referance to spending the LRP supports cuts in Law & Order spending along with cuts in Defence. It also supports cuts in social welfare. It would plan to give all this money back as 'credit for their service'. Along with the ruling People's Coalition they support no particular religion and believe in everyone's own right over religion. LRP is against devolution and is 'loyalist' in southern-Niplomian politics.
Finally, LRP holds several 'reforming' points. These aspects of the party's beliefs would radically overhaul Niploma. These include removing the PM as head of state and only as head of government/legislature. Instead the LRP supports the election of a 'President'. However, they are split over what power the President would hold. Other points include a proportionally elected senate - possibly as this would boost LRP numbers - and the removal of Niploma from the United Nations.
Branches
There are several branches within the party ranging from economical left Red Fox populists to the traditional conservatives typically named Traditionals. It is, however, the Libertarians & Reformers who form over 70% of the party base.
The Libertarians & Reformers have ran the party since the start. They are typically laissez faire capitalists with socially liberal views. However, as of recent years the party has moved to more socially centrist line with the Green Party of Niploma, Niplomian Labour Party and, to a lesser extent, the Liberal-Gaelic Alliance dictating liberal politics in Niploma. Although liberal in views the Libertarians & Reformers are almost all wary of southern seperatists. For a party that favours decentralized Government it is odd that most party members are against a devolved Government in southern Niploma. Yet, many are slowly drifting towards the line of moderacy rathern than unionism and favouring the Southern Niploma Assembly with few, if any, powers.
The second largest grouping are the Traditionals. This grouping is mostly from drifters from the ex-Grand Conservative Party. Although the LRP is economically right wing the Traditionals are both socially right and economically right wing. They favour the abolishment of social welfare apart for the very poor and the advancement of big business across Niploma. They favour solving the 'southern problem' by encouraging the rich and large business to move there and ergo Niplomise the area. Socially they are pretty much centre-right favouring allowing gays to be recougnised under the law as partners but not in a marriage. They are not fully against abortion but rather favour moving the abortion limit to twelve weeks. Although the Libertarians & Reforms may differ from the Traditionals the two consistently agree and allow a moderate party line favouring all political groupings.
The smallest, but still important, grouping are the Red Fox Populists. The Red Fox's are a rural grouping and are cited as populist due to favouring of farmers. Although occasionally ridiculed for their leftist tendancies they have become evermore useful for ensuring the LRP win over left-wing rural areas. Politically the grouping favours traditional values in Niploma coupled with economic and socially left-wing views. Their most important support group are farmers to whom they ensure great help will be given in the names of commerce funding and greater tax-cuts for farmers. Supporters claim the LRP could lose up to 5% of their support without the Red Fox Populists. In addition they would drastically isolate themselves as capitalists in a social-democratic country. The LRP consistently places these members in rural constituencies and on rurual councils to ensure the LRP has a good image amongst the rural workers and farmers.
