Danivon Luze (2223-2296) was the co-founder and first leader of the Kirlawan Popular Front (from 2245 to 2278). He was Curator Pacis from 2266 to 2270.
Early Life
Danivon Luze was born in Zobegon, Uwakah province to a working class family. His parents had been involved in the fringes of politics, mainly in communist parties, but had not moved above the 'grass roots' level. In his teens, he started to become involved in union-led and political activity, primarily illegal strikes aimed at undermining the CandyKids government.
Political Career
In 2241, Luze met Zasper Ertigon for the first time, on the picket lines of a particularly acrimonious dispute at a printing company in Zobegon. Under the influence of the older man, Luze started to move away from direct action and towards democratic politics.
Together, they worked on building a movement based on socialist ideals which could gain popular support. The Kirlawan Popular Front was originally a co-ordinating umbrella organisation for left-wing groups across Kirlawa, but over time it became clear that it needed to enter the national stage as a proper political party
In 2245 the KPF was registered as an official party, and Danivon Luze was listed as leader. Initially, given the almost total dominance of the libertarian CandyKids, the KPF could only pick up a handful of votes.
In 2250, following a major campaign funded by trade union supporters, the KPF won 24 seats in the 474-seat legislature, and Luze was elected by a landslide in his constituency.
In the ensuing years, Luze worked with the leaders of the Liberal Progressive Party and Kirlawa Democratic Labour party and others to form the Left Coalition. Through electoral collaboration and co-operation, the LC became a major force in Kirlawan politics.
In 2266, Luze won the election for Curator Pacis. However, this marked the high point of his political success, and after that the KPF faltered. One major scandal was the promotion of his wife Arla to the party leadership concil, alienating many party members.
Luze stood down as party leader in 2278 following a recovery in the polls but increasing disagreements with the party. He was succeeded by Zasper Ertigon
Death and Legacy
Danivon Luze died in 2297, and the Popular Front had by then become moribund, despite a resurgence in the 2280s. However, he left three sons Zasper, Gerard and Aris.
Aris Luze, inspired by his father and the party he build reformed the Popular Front in 2298, and led the party until 2320.
Aris's son Gerard first came to prominence as leader of the Popular Militia rebels in Uwakah during the Kirlawan Civil War, and is tipped as a possible successor to the current Party Leader, Colonel 'X'