Social-Democratic Party of Niploma
This article refers to a party in Niploma
| |
| Established | 2006 |
| Address | 21st Yale Way, Failegn |
| Political ideology | Social-Democracy |
| Colours | Red or Orange |
| Party leader | Odhrán Torin |
| Party president | Kanya Lawson |
| Motto | Niploma's Choice |
The Social-Democratic Party of Niploma (Social-Democratic Party, Social-Democrats or SDP) is the principal left-wing party in Niploma. Understanding that the SDP is the official continuation of the Socialist Internationalist Party (SIP) the SDP has never been out of government. Although SIP was a socialist party the SDP is seen as a social-democratic or 'centrist' party due to the recent economic policies of Adrain Robert and Odhran Torin - whom have been the recent Prime Ministers and Party Leaders.
In the last election the SDP stood under SIP in Coalition with many parties. The People's Coalition won 44.53% of the vote and SDP Deputies sat 198 out of the 306 seats won - with other members of the coalition taking the others. With the upcoming General Election, however, the SDP are expected to lose to long term rivals the Libertarian Reform Party.
Contents
History
Early Days
Prominent trade unions and pressure groups such as The Worker's Board of Representation and the Confederation for Socialism advanced the labour movement in Niploma throughout the 19th century. However, under royalist rule, no labour party gained political representation. With such difficulties the labour movement turned violent and began strikes and riots in several cities - such as Rhorn and Failegn. This mass movement became the stimulus behind the civil war.
The Civil War caused the labour movement to support the Socialist Resistance (SR) (authortarians and exterior communists supported the Niplomian Communist Army whilst upper-class men supported the Royalists). Trade unionists and political activists played a serious role in ensuring the SR was admired by the public. The SR won the civil war in 1936 and created the Social Democratic Republic of Niploma.The SR went on to rule until 1958 as a Provisional Government. In 1958 a democratic election was held and the SR stood under 'Socialist Internationalist Party'. SIP won 670 of 750 seats in one of few 'hyper-majorities' in the Democratic House - Niploma's lower chamber.
Socialist Internationalist Party
SIP continued to govern alone for 57 years returning Alsandair Healey, Fitzgerald, Hughes, Moore, Robert and Torin as Prime Ministers. The general theme of bills was that of liberal values alongside democratic socialism economics. For example church and state were seperated, burin legalised (along with most drugs) and all business except those employing under 50 employees were nationalised. Such themes were changed by Adrain Robert whom swiftly shifted the party and country to a capitalistic angle. Many large businesses were sold to international investors. Although GDP rose by over $7,000 SIP had created turmoil in Niploma. Robert caused SIP to lose votes to the Communists and numerous other parties. Robert was soon replaced by Odhran Torin who joined the party with several small parties and the third party (the Ecological Foundation) to create the People's Coalition.
People's Coalition
The People's Coalition was created by Odhran Torin after ex-PM Robert called for a new election to break the no-overall-control. The Coalition absorbed the largest Green parties to work alongside Socialist Labour (who are now the Niplomian Labour Party), Gaelic Party and Liberal Party (who recently joined to create the Liberal-Gaelic Alliance).
The Coalition pushed enviromental spending higher and continued PM Roberts push towards capitalism although continued it in a more relaxed manner. Tax's were heavily dropped (to about 66% from 80%) and smaller, not larger, businesses were privatised. The economy began to thrive under Torin who pushed GDP even further. He is criticised from both party members and outsiders due to his more authortarian stance in regards to defence and law & order - the two departments who recieved the biggest percentage increase in funds.
The Coalition caused trouble as Torin became more and more known for simply dismissing the other parties ideas. This caused the split which created the following parties out of the Coaliton:
- Social-Democratic Party - official continuation of SIP
- Green Party of Niploma
- Liberal-Gaelic Alliance
Social-Democrats
In 2006 the short lived People's Coalition collapsed and SIP moved all funds and papers to the newly created Social-Democratic Party. Torin immediately called a new election although almost certain the SDP would lose. The SDP had developed a strong programme in terms of its politics and leadership. The now defunct SIP stood for socialism and a lack of progress whilst the SDP appeared to realise that capitalism and free-market would be needed to ensure Niploma thrived. A strong economy would also allow for economic prowess which, added to Delegate status, could ensure Niploma as a superpower.
Ideology & Politics
The Social-Democrats are a typical centre-left party. Economically it is in favour of a heavily controlled free-market. General economics also include a level tax rate of 50-70% with spending favouring Education, Law & Order and Social Welfare.
Due to the continual move to the centre political platform in its previous incarnation SIP throughout the 1980s and 1990s the Social Democrats have a lost support base. Most of their support comes from the educated middle-class who can sympathise with their views, moderate authotarians who do not want to side with right-wingers and the typical 'working-class'. Due to its more central policies it is believed the Social-Democrats have now lost all confidence in the public and will remain a 100-150 seat third-party. This distresses many previous supporters of SIP/SD who believed its excellent running of Niploma for several decades should be noticed.
Socially the Social-Democrats are moderately 'right-wing' (authortarian) although the party argues it is 'centrist in social matters'. Regardless, they hold several liberal beliefs. The Social-Democrats are pro-abortion and gay marriage. However, their other beliefs are more noticed. Their social spending favours Law & Order more than their political rivals (Libertarian Reform Party). They have also supported less respect for what opponents aregue as civil rights such as ID Cards, overlooking a huge amount surveillance and internet police.
Demise before Beginning
Previous SIP was a long-running governing party but the creation of SDP could simply create a third-party. The inclusion of authortarian leanings, too long in Governance and disconnection with the electorate has spelt disaster for the SDP ship prior to launch. Indeed, current polls project SDP could have a mere 150 seats in the new 700 seat Democratic House. Some SDP supporters call this unfair. Indeed, PM Torin has led a crusade towards economic glory in Niploma and suceeded. Under Torin GDP is projected to exceed to $35,000 - under Robert it peaked $21,000. Under Torin SIP allowed enviromental spending to suceed and all together SIP has produced legends such as Alsandair Healey. Regardless, there is no more than a slight hope SDP could win the election.
Current Party Manifesto
The SDP's recent Manifesto is in respect to the upcoming election. It is titled Niploma's Choice: A Social-Democratic Reformed Government. The general theme was of a 'new start' and relieving socialism and embracing social-democracy. Below are some of the more general promises:
- Hard on Crime
Torin and his Cabinet promise to help create a safer Niploma. They (fairly) argue that under rivals Libertarian Reform Party crime will rise.
- Solve the Southern Seperatist Movement via Democracy
As quoted, 'Although against a Republic the new SDP promises to enrole more powers to the Southern Niploma Assembly if democracy is ensured in southern-Niploma. We will never give into terrorists, together lets give them a clear message, It's Democracy not violence.
- Keep Progressive Tax-Refunds
As quoted, Under the new SDP we will continue responsible tax-refunds ensuring you are payed back what you are due from the state. If the Department don't spend it, you'll recieve it.
- We Know Governance
The SDP has continually controlled government for almost fifty years. It can boast a supreme track record.
- Social Democracy - Not Socialism
As quoted, 'If you elect me towards being PM I will continue reforms to ensure we work together towards capitalism. At the end of this long road I hope we will have a strong and prosperous country where it is both the rich and poor who excel. Social-Democracy is the new SDP theme'.
The SDP was picked up on its usagae of 'new' before SDP in several cases. It is believed it is another attempt of the parties to distance itself from its socialist past.
