Svarog
This article deals with Svarog as it relates to NationStates. For more general information, see the Wikipedia article on this subject.
| Svarog | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
| Whatever. |
The Fiefdom and Duchy of Svarog was the first of Taraskovyan holdings on Mars and, even if today it is out shadowed by the massive Fiefdoms of Dajdbog and Stribog, continues to play a central role in Grand Ducal politics on Mars. Today, it is one of the 28 Fiefdoms comprising the Grand Duchy of Tarasovka, and sends two Senators and one Deputy to the Grand Ducal Parliament.
Short History
Towards 1130 A.S. the Grand Duchy had an extensive space capacity and had set up a number of important orbital stations over Earth. In order to expand, the Grand Ducal authorities decided to set up an outpost on Mars that would be both discreet, yet important enough to play a role in regional politics and provide a rally point for future Grand Ducal colonization efforts. After careful consideration, the Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar was approached with an offer to purchase a small bit of the territory of its Martian colony. The deal was reached quickly and very soon the Fiefdom and Duchy of Svarog, named after the Slavic god of fire, was created under the authority of Duke Miloslav Karadzic, a trusted ally of the Taraskovyan Grand Duke.
During its early history, Svarog was the only Grand Ducal Fiefdom to have had an unelected Governor. During the Federal era, the Karadzic family remained in power after passing a deal with the Ruling Council. As of today the Duke remains the Governor of the Fiefdom, even if the Legislative Assembly of the Fiefdom now has extensive powers.
Politics
The Executive
The Fiefdom and Duchy of Svarog is a monarchy where the High Duke is the hereditary leader and represents the executive authority on the Fiefdom level. The High Duke appoints a local cabinet of ministers, known as the Fiefdom Council, with each appointment having to be confirmed by the Grand Council.
With the introduction of the Federal Constitution of the Grand Duchy of Tarasovka, the High Duke of Svarog can be voted out of office by an amendment of the Fiefdom Constitution.
The Legislative
The Legislative authority in the Fiefdom is represented by the Grand Council, a body of 38 members elected for four years on a system of proportional representation from among the citizens domiciled in the Fiefdom and Duchy of Svarog. The Grand Council has the power to confirm or reject and appointments of Fiefdom Councilors, pass laws that do not require approval through referenda, et cetera.
Defence
The Fiefdom of Svarog, ever since its creation, has always had a small standing armed force ready to serve as a first line of defence against a potential enemy until the arrival of the Taraskovyan National Defence Forces. The Svarog Separate Detachment is under the authority of the Duke of Svarog, even if the Grand Duke of Tarasovka or the Taraskovyan Minister of Defence can at any time requisition the unit. As of now, the Detachment counts an approximate ten thousand regular servicemen, usually recruited from TNDF veterans.
Economy
Most of the Fiefdom’s economy relies on its trade with the rest of the Grand Duchy as well as with its enormous Menelmacari neighbour. The intensity of exchanges between Svarog and Menelmacari Carnil has even incited the Fiefdom authorities, with permission from the Central Government, to grant the Menelmacari Credit the status of legal tender within the Fiefdom, paving the way to an even further increase in exchanges.
