The Libertarian Party is a right-wing political party in the Gweriniaeth Ddemocrataidd Aloria. The party formed in 4284, after the former Alorian Libertarian Party (historically known as the Aloria National Party and the Alorian Independence Party) split. Half of the ALP membership joined a movement called the Alorian Conservative Front. The other half formed the Libertarian Party, led by Maredudd Rhydderch, who also led the ALP from 4278.
The Libertarian Party's platform involves Artaniascepticism, support for free market capitalism, free enterprise, fiscal conservatism, a strong national defence and deregulation. Like its predecessor, the ALP, their core aim is to stand against the Artanian Union.
The party is the second-largest party with representation in the Senate, with 49 seats. They are currently in opposition to the Demokratische Allianz.
History[]
Maredudd Rhydderch (4284 - 4287)[]
Maredudd Rhydderch founded the Libertarian Party on 13 March 4284, after leading the ALP from 4278. Despite pressure from many of his party's Senators to call a leadership election when the Libertarian Party formed, Rhydderch said there was no need, calling for more unity in the party. A lot of Libertarian Senators considered Rhydderch to be out of touch with the electorate and the rest of the party. In the hope it would reassure his critics, Rhydderch appointed former president Gerald Wehnert as deputy leader. At the Libertarian Party's first conference, where the party was launched, Rhydderch advocated for more emphasis on free enterprise and aspirational policies. He wanted the party to be firmly right-wing and uncompromising.
The first challenge facing the Libertarians was whether to support a cabinet proposal by the AFP to bring down the Revolutionary Students' Front/Labor government. Having been extremely critical of both parties, it was expected the Libertarians would support it, despite not having a place in it. The cabinet proposal still included the Labor Party, as well as the Partei für neue Wege and National Hosian Party. After weeks of debate, the Libertarian Party decided to vote against the proposal. Rhydderch described it as a "weak proposal" due to it still including the Labor Party.
In 4284, the Libertarians' omnibus bill, which aimed to reverse some of the communist policies implemented by the RSF, failed to pass the Senate by 9 votes. The bill would have passed with the support of the Labor Party, but they chose to abstain. After the bill failed, Rhydderch said the Labor Party were "just as communist as the RSF". However, critics of the bill said it would be impossible for Labor to support due to it including plans to reduce foreign aid and scrap corporation tax. Rhydderch insisted any party that did not vote in favour were "communist sympathisers".
In the same year, the RSF proposed a bill designed to make Aloria more open. It included a removal of all immigration restrictions and tariffs and increased foreign aid. The bill passed with the support of the National Hosian Party, as the Labor Party abstained. Rhydderch heavily criticised the National Hosian Party in the Senate, questioning why a party that calls itself Hosian and conservative would support the bill.
Rhydderch was famous for appearing in public smoking and drinking.
After a party called the PRF formed in late 4284, an anti fascist campaign started, championed by the RSF. Rhydderch was critical of the campaign, calling it "laughable". The Libertarian Party defended the PRF and said the RSF were more fascist than them. In response to the campaign, the Libertarians launched their own campaign, which aimed to confront the far left for suppressing the views of others.
In April 4285, Rhydderch faced a vote of no confidence in his leadership. 23 out of the 38 Libertarian Party Senators voted in favour of the motion, triggering a leadership election. Notably, Gerald Wehnert did not vote in favour and refused to stand for the leadership, despite the majority of the 23 disenchanted Senators hoping he would. He said Rhydderch had his "full support". Rhydderch comfortably won the subsequent leadership election with 52% of the vote, compared to 30% for Glenice Pritchard and 18% for Rodolf Beck.
Rhydderch launched his 4287 election campaign on a promise to restore free-market capitalism to Aloria. Communism grew during the late 4270s and early 4280s, but Rhydderch hoped the 4287 election would bring an end to the communist government. During the campaign, the Libertarians also focused on immigration, as net immigration had skyrocketed during the early 4280s, due to the RSF-led government ending immigration restrictions. The election results were a disaster for both Rhydderch and the Libertarian Party. As a result, Rhydderch suffered a vote of no confidence in his leadership, with 29 out of the 31 Libertarian Senators voting in favour. Subsequently, Wehnert beat Rhydderch in a leadership election in December 4287.
Gerald Wehnert (4287 - 4298)[]
Gerald Wehnert was elected leader of the Libertarian Party on 1 December 4287. He promised to widen the appeal of the party after two consecutive poor elections for the Libertarians. When he was elected leader, he said the Libertarian Party's agenda would revolve around liberalising the economy, cutting taxes and cutting immigration.
In June 4288, the "Unity Cabinet" passed the Senate, which included the Libertarian Party. The Libertarians controlled the finance ministry, trade and industry minister and the internal affairs ministry. Gerald Wehnert was appointed internal affairs minister, Rhydderch trade and industry minister, while deputy leader Glenice Pritchard was appointed finance minister.
In May 4289, the Libertarians proposed an income tax proposal, which creates a flat income tax rate. It also took millions out of income tax completely, as the tax bracket was set at 5,500 ALO. Anyone earning over that would pay a 35% tax rate. This, in total, was a reduction of 10bn ALO in taxes. The bill passed quickly and easily, with both the PFR and RSF (the two largest parties in the Senate) voting in favour of the tax proposal.
In November 4289, the Libertarians proposed the Alorian Dream Recognition Bill. The bill included ten articles, which the Libertarians called the ten principles of the Alorian dream. The party proposed the bill after protests against the political establishment swept the nation, and Wehnert wanted to position himself as on the side of the protesters. The bill was delayed due to the May 4290 election and the January 4291 election. The bill passed in November 4291.
In May 4290, the Senate voted in favour of an early election, although the Libertarians didn't. The election result was great for Gerald Wehnert, as he won the presidency with then endorsements of the PFR and Partei für neue Wege. Wehnert beat Gloria O'nnel who had already served four terms as president. After winning the election, President Wehnert said the election brings hope in his speech.
Another election was held just 8 months later, after the Alorian Nationalist Party collapsed. Gerald Wehnert ran for the presidency again. He won the election, beating Gloria O'nnel for the second time in one year. His share of the vote increased to 53%. Wehnert was endorsed by the Partei fü neue Wege and PFR. The Libertarians also did well in the Senate elections, winning 53 seats, an increase of 20 seats, making them the third-largest party in the Senate. Shortly after winning the 4291 election, Wehnert announced he plans to run for the presidency for the last time in 4295, hoping to retire by 4300. He said he will resign immediately after the 4295 election if he loses.
The Alorian Dream Recognition Bill passed in November 4291, and it was seen as a defining moment of Wehnert's administration. The bill was proposed in November 4289 by Maredudd Rhydderch, under Wehnert's leadership, and it was described by Rhydderch as the "ten principles of the Alorian Dream". The bill passed with 311 votes for and 46 votes against. 188 abstained, including 172 RSF Senators.
Wehnert's government lost their majority after the Partei für neue Wege and the Conservative Party collapsed. As no new cabinet proposal could be passed by the Senate, an early election was called in June 4294. Gerald Wehnert was re-elected president for a third consecutive term, and the fifth term of his political career, however the Libertarians lost 7 seats in the legislative elections, leaving them with 46 seats. After being elected, Wehnert once again confirmed his intentions of retiring before 4300.
In September 4294, Wehnert promised to intervene in Beluzia, after the Beluzian president took control of the military and killed thousands of innocent people. Wehnert says it is "Aloria's duty to preserve peace on the continent". President Wehnert has even talked about the possibility of military intervention. During a Senate debate on the issue, President Wehnert and the DSU clashed a number of times. Wehnert was criticised for saying the best way for Aloria to preserve peace is "through a show of military strength".
In 4295, the Senate voted in favour of providing military aid to Beluzian opposition groups. The bill was supported by all parties, other than the DSU. In response to the bill, anti-government protests started, partly due to the right-wing economic agenda of the government and partly because of the willingness of the Wehnert administration to intervene in Beluzia. Despite the motives for the protests, the RSF supported them even though they also supported military intervention in Beluzia.
Gerald Wehnert stood by his word and resigned as leader of the Libertarian Party in 4298, and said he wouldn't run for president. After the 4298 election, Wehnert stood down and said it had been a "great honour" to serve the people of Aloria. In the subsequent leadership campaign, Wehnert refused to say who he supported, instead saying he would support and advise the eventual winner.
Henrik Melsbach (4298 - 4309)[]
Henrik Melsbach won the 4298 Libertarian Party leadership campaign, beating Glenice Pritchard, the deputy leader of the party under Gerald Wehnert. After winning the election, Melsbach decided to keep Pritchard as his deputy. Melsbach won 68% of the vote, while Pritchard won 32%. Melsbach's campaign was based on a continuation of Libertarian policies under Gerald Wehnert, as well as support for intervention in Beluzia.
Melsbach won the 4298 presidential election in one of the closest elections in history. He beat the DSU candidate, thanks to the endorsement of the PFR. The DSU was endorsed by the RSF. In the Senate elections, the Libertarians made small gains, winning 55 seats and 10% of the vote. The Libertarians remained the second smallest party in the Senate, and the party was criticised for their election campaign. It had been expected that the Libertarians would make large gains, possibly winning up to 80 seats.
President Melsbach's adminstration suffered early problems as a far-left newspaper called the Red Flag claimed the right rigged the election. The newspaper claimed there was a video showing the ruling parties buying votes and putting votes from bags into ballet boxes. The video has never been released, and most think it doesn't exist. The Red Flag was criticised for spreading unfounded conspiracy theories, however a lot on the left protested against the government after the article.
In May 4299, a large group of far-left protesters tried to storm the president's residence, with the intention of lynching the president. The attempt failed, but afterwords details emerged showing that the so-called coup was planned over a year in advance. This led to criticism of the security services. In response to the attack, Melsbach announced his support for the death penalty. Deputy leader Glenice Pritchard was sacked by Melsbach and replaced with a socially conservative, death penalty supporting Senator called Maldwyn Vaughn. Pritchard, who had spoken out against the death penalty throughout her career, said she "respected" President Melsbach's decision. After the attempted lynching, the socially conservative branch of the party gained support due to their support for the death penalty. The Libertarians proposed the Death Penalty Bill 4299 and it passed by 313 to 214.
Due to the president's public support for the death penalty, protests gathered momentum around the country. The protests were supported by the RSF and DSU. In 4300, the RSF reformed as the Union of Progressive Forces. The Libertarians viewed this as a huge step forward as it meant the most left-wing party in the country, the RSF, would no longer be in operation. The UPF was less extreme than the RSF.
Due to the collapse of the Nationalists, an early election was called in July 4301. The Libertarians suffered losses in the Senate, dropping to just 36 seats. Later that year, the UPF also dissolved, leaving 82 seats vacant. An early election is likely to be called very soon.
In January 4304, the Senate passed the Libertarian Party Omnibus Bill. The bill, which was championed by Melsbach, included a mixture of policies and passed due to the support of the PFR. The bill was criticised by human rights activists, as it legalised torture under grave emergencies where the information is vital. It was also attacked by the left for reducing the minimum wage and placing restrictions on the right to strike. Melsbach called the bill a "victory for a strong and free economy".
In March 4304, an early electon was called due to a large amount of seats being vacated in the Senate. Melsbach won reelection for a fourth term, beating his Democratic Socialist Union opponent, Curia Epidiana. It was a good election result for the Libertarians, winning 75 seats, and it gave the Right a majority yet again. Chaos followed due to the collapse of the DSU in 4305, leading to another early election. Melsbach won again with a staggering 85% of the vote, beating Woodrow Piksby of the Alorian Democrats. The Libertarians were also successful in the Senate elections, winning 95 seats.
In 4305, the president made a speech warning the Beluzia government over the persecution of political opponents and innocent people. Despite tensions between the extremist Beluzian government and Aloria dropping in the late 4290s and early 4300s, the Beluzian government passed legislation scrapping treaties such as the Anti Slavery Treaty, as well as stating their intention to legalise slavery. President Melsbach said he was prepared to intervene in Beluzia "immediately" if their dictator-like methods continued. However, Aloria is still yet to intervene in Beluzia. Tensions between Aloria and Beluzia continued to rise, mostly due to the threats of military intervention by Melsbach. In 4307, reports that the president told his foreign affairs minister "war is inevitable" were leaked to the press. The Beluzian government continued with their radical agenda, saying they did not welcome Alorian aggression. In 4308, the Libertarians tabled a bill to once again provide funding to Beluzian opposition groups. The same day, the president made a speech at a military base championing the bill, as well as calling for the rest of Artania to help ending the crisis. In the speech, the president also talked about the possibility of a ground invasion of Beluzia. Possible economic sanctions against Beluzia were also mentioned in the speech.
In an interview on 18 October 4308, President Melsbach opened up about Aloria's foreign policy, notably talking for the first time about the Hulstrian situation. Melsbach came out in support of the moderate faction of the Hulstrian Partei, the only party allowed in Hulstria. He criticised the ruling faction, the Hulstrian Partei (Royalistische Fraktion), for being racist and totalitarian. Melsbach also criticised Istalia for supporting the communists, who had created the People's State of Hulstria. Melsbach made it clear he did not recognise the People's State of Hulstria as an independent country.
In 4309, Melsbach criticised Malivia for recognising the People's State of Hulstria as the sole legitimate government of Hulstria, saying Aloria "will never support communism". Melsbach said he wanted to create a coalition of Artanian democratic forces to preserve peace primarily in Artania but also around Terra in places such as Hulstria. Not long after this, Viscount Fukuyama, the foreign affairs minister of the unrecognised United Imperial Crownlands of Hulstria and Gao-Soto and part of the Septembrist Movement who were also fighting against the Hulstrian government, flew to Aloria to meet President Melsbach. After the meeting, Melsbach announced Aloria was switching its allegiance to the Septembrist Movement, declaring Aloria recognised the United Imperial Crownlands of Hulstria and Gao-Soto as the sole legitimate government of Hulstria. He continued to denounce both the People's State of Hulstria and the Hulstrian regime.
The Libertarians suffered huge losses at the November 4309 elections, winning only 36 seats. Henrik Melsbach won the presidency yet again (although he was unopposed), however he received huge criticism from moment the results started to be announced for the Libertarians' huge losses in the elections to the Senate. Within hours of the results, Melsbach resigned from his role as leader of the Libertarian Party with immediate effect and said he would never run for the presidency again. Melsbach vowed to serve his four-year term as president.
Margareta Schuchard (4309 - 4327)[]
Margareta Schuchard was elected leader of the Libertarian Party on 17 November 4309, after Melsbach resigned due to the party's abysmal election results in the Sentate. Melsbach remained as president, vowing to serve his four-year term to 4313. Schuchard said she supported the president to stay in office until 4313, and said she would not try to force an early election. Melsbach said he was happy that Schuchard would lead the party while he would lead the country. Schuchard became the first female leader of the Libertarians. She appointed Morwen Merricks as deputy leader, who became the first female deputy leader of the Libertarians.
In November 4309, the Melsbach administration tabled a bill to the Senate authorising military support to the international coalition forces against Hulstria. The bill committed 30,000 troops of the Alorian Republican Army, 10,000 troops of the Alorian Republican Navy and 10,000 troops of the Alorian Republican Air Force to the international coalition forces. The bill got the support of the PFR and the AVL, allowing the bill to get a majority. The bill was also supported by Margareta Schuchard and the rest of the Libertarian Party. Within seconds of the vote, Alorian military jets departed to conduct airstrikes against the Hulstrian regime. 30,000 ground combat troops were sent to the Handenberg-Merinthia border.
The Libertarians proposed a budget in April 4310, where they abandoned their target of reducing government spending to 20% of GDP. Due to Aloria's military intervention in Hulstria, the target was raised to 22% of GDP. Despite the cuts, the Libertarians proposed a freeze on science and technology spending, as they planned to use part of this budget for military research and development, as well as a rise in defence spending to 23.5bn ALO. The budget failed to pass the Senate, which was met with anger from President Melsbach, saying "I can't do anything anymore. I'm permanently stifled by the Senate". It is true that Melsbach lost a lot of authority after the Libertarians' disastrous 4309 election.
On 6 November 4310, Aloria committed an extra 30,000 troops to Hulstria to fight alongside Septembrist forces trying to liberate Kien and Phönix. When they were deployed, the president also proposed deploying Alorian naval forces to help Hutorian forces fighting in West Hulstria "imminently".
Due to the collapse of the ANC, an early election was held in December 4311. Schuchard replaced Melsbach as the Libertarians' presidential candidate. The election result was the best in the Libertarian Party's history, winning 198 seats and yet again winning the presidency. In her victory speech, Mrs Schuchard said Aloria could "start the world over again". In the aftermath of the election, the Libertarians entered into a coalition with the PFR.
In 4314, Luthori pushed the idea of the Artanian Union pursuing further expansion and further integration. The Alorian Foreign Office was contacted by Luthorian officials enquiring about the possibility of Aloria rejoining the AU. In response, President Schuchard vowed to "destroy the AU". Her comments were condemned by many in Aloria and also many around Artania. Schuchard refused to back down, calling the AU an "elitist" political union that only wants further integration to give more power to corrupt, out of touch politicians.
Schuchard won a second term as president at the 4315 election, while the Libertarians dropped to the second largest party behind their coalition partner, the PFR. The Libertarians won 146 seats, losing a total of 52 seats. They also lost control of Caermoel. Schuchard won 66% of the vote, with the endorsement of the PFR.
Cefin Lloyd (4470 - 4478)[]
Cefin Lloyd was elected as leader of the Libertarian Party in 4470 uncontested after the party's reformation. Lloyd promised to open up debate about offering a potentially more centrist policy platform in the party in order to win votes from those disenchanted with the Demokratische Allianz (DA).
In 4471, Lloyd aimed to make the Libertarians a party that championed liberalism, both socially and economically. He faced opposition from some in the party that were more socially conservative, however Lloyd said the Libertarian party "is a broad church" and that those who believe in more socially conservative values will not be silenced. Economically, he wanted to make the Libertarians champions free markets but also said there needs to be a safety net to protect the most poor in society. Cefin Lloyd's popularity within the party was tested during 4471, as many saw him as uncharismatic, unable to properly challenge the DA and unwilling to continue the anti-establishment message the Libertarians are famous for.
After passing the Democracy Bill 4472 which shortened the length of the political term from 6 years to 5 years, the Libertarians prepared for the election. It was a success for the party and for Lloyd, who won the presidency. The Libertarians won 85 seats and 67% of the popular vote.
After winning the April 4473 election, the president proposed a Libertarian which was swiftly passed. The focus of the Libertarians' first year in government was what they saw as strengthening democracy. The Democracy Bill of 4473 allowed more legislation to be tabled in the Senedd, as well as making changes to how candidates finance political campaigns. The voting system was also changed to a proportional algorithm.
As well as this, other Libertarian was passed by the Senedd, including the Constitutional Amendment Concerning Cabinet Proposals Bill 4473, the State Religion Bill 4473 and the Tree Plantation Bill 4473.
In addition to this, President Lloyd announced plans to withdraw from many international treaties in 4473, and that many trade deals were being "reviewed" to determine whether withdrawal from them would be beneficial. The aim of this was to initiate a debate about renegotiating many international treaties.
In 4474, the communist Kafuri regime crushed counter-revolutionary forces, killing 3,500 civilians. This came just after an election in Kafuristan where international observers were not allowed to monitor the election. This was condemned by the Alorian president, leading to the Kafuri Foreign Minister condemning Aloria "for shameful support of terrorism". In response to the election and the attacks on counter-revolutionary forces, Aloria imposed a total trade embargo on Kafuristan.
In 4475, Lloyd said Fortland, a "country" aiming to be seen as a legitimate, sovereign nation, is "not even a piece of land, never mind a country". He want on to say "this whole debate surrounding Fortland is ridiculous. Dismantle it for all I care!". He was criticised by many in the international community, however many also agreed with his hardline stance.
While tensions with Kafuristan were still running high, President Lloyd had turned his attention to Solentia. Solentia was seen to have attacked civil liberties and human rights. After Kizenia imposed a trade embargo on Solentia, Aloria followed them and proposed a total trade embargo on Solentia.
Aloria was called a "rogue state" by Kafuristan in the aftermath of a trade embargo being placed on them. At the same time, the president was facing another crisis, as a controversial recording emerged of the president saying "we could bomb Fortland and no one would even care". The president thought the mic had been turned off, and apologised immediately stating "it was just a joke".
In 4477, President Lloyd endorsed Ibrahim El Salefi of Istalia to be the President of the General Assembly. Mr Salefi won the election, and Lloyd said he was "cautiously optimistic" of the future under a general assembly led by Salefi. However, he also said he also encouraged the president of the general assembly to do more about Kafuristan. His intervention in the general assembly elections was seen as politically motivated, as it came so close before the 4478 election.
At the April 4478 election, Cefin Lloyd was seen as the favourite to win the presidency again. However, in a shock election result, Lloyd lost out to Morgann Griffith of the Demokratische Allianz. The Libertarian Party lost 36 seats, leaving them with only 49. In the election, they held Caermoel but lost every other region of Aloria. Cefin Lloyd resigned immediately as the leader of the Libertarian Party, and congratulated Mrs Griffith.
A year after the election, Cefin Lloyd set up the Institute for Global Awareness.
Owain Reece (4478 - 4495)[]
Owain Reece was elected leader of the Libertarians in 4478, a few months after the catastrophic election results. Reece said he favoured a mixed economy, with a "firm but generous" welfare state. Describing himself as a "pragmatic Libertarian", it looked as though Reece would take the party towards the centre ground.
Trev Griffith (4646 - Present)[]
Trev Griffith was elected leader of the Libertarian Party in 4646, amid a period of growth for the Libertarian Party, where capitalism gained support due to years of socialist government and a failing economy. As Aloria became known as the "sick man of Artania" around the continent, the Libertarians thought the 4647 election on the principles of the free-market and freedoms of the individual. Griffith was elected president with a big majority on the platform of economic liberalisation and fiscal conservatism.
When the Libertarians took office, the Alorian economy was in its worst state of the 47th Century. The Libertarians knew it would be a long process to restore Aloria's economy. Their first priority was to make Aloria a more business-friendly nation, which championed private enterprise.
Soon after taking office, the Libertarians tabled two bills in the Senedd. One of which was the Freedom Bill 4646, a bill designed to expand the freedoms of the individual. This included lifting the ban on smoking in public, allowing those under 18 to have part-time jobs (with additional regulations to those of adult workers), making membership of trade unions voluntary, lifting the ban on private schools and gambling, as well as shifting the sale of recreational drugs into the hands of heavily regulated private foundations (instead of by the government). The second bill was the Education Bill 4647 - this made home schooling legal, allowed private higher education institutions to be opened, scrapped the requirement for schools to give students a political education, shifted the decision of pupil selection from schools to local governments and allowed private schools to divert from the national curriculum.
Another piece of landmark legislation enacted early was the Great Alorian Bill of 4647. This bill made significant changes to the constitution; notably, this bill merged the roles of the head of government and head of state, allowed only the head of state to make cabinet proposals and shortened the length of the legislative and executive term to 4 years.
During the first few months of the Griffith government, GDP contracted, unemployment rose and inflation continued to outstrip wage growth. The president then announced the "National Infrastructure Project", aimed at improving transport links in Aloria, alongside building more hospitals and schools as well as investing in green energy. The government then presented a budget proposal, increasing the Infrastructure & Transport budget, as well as temporarily increasing spending in other departments (including defence, healthcare, education and trade & industry).
The government then decided to press ahead with their planned tax cuts. This led to millions of low-income Alorians being taken out of income tax completely. The plans were criticised by some for cutting taxes the most for the richest. The result of the tax cuts were to increase the budget deficit, despite the Alorians pledging to cut the deficit. The government said the deficit would "fall in the long-term".
In November 4649, the government announced the closure of the remaining nationalised coal mines, ran by the Alorian Coal Board (ACB), as they were no longer profitable. Due to stringent Alorian laws concerning workers' rights and the environment meaning foreign imports were cheaper, plus the decline in demand for fossil fuels and the push for green energy, Alorian coal mines simply could no longer compete. At the time of the announcement, around 75% of Aloria's coal mines were still under the control of the ACB. Many left-wing thinkers argued for the government to impose protectionist tariffs in order to protect Aloria's coal industry, but the government said this would only increase prices for consumers and delay the inevitable decline of the coal industry.
Within the days of the announcement, the National Union of Coal Miners announced they were going to strike due to the decision. Negotiations between the government and the National Union of Coal Miners broke down within a week of the strike action being announced, with both sides unwilling to compromise. Before the scheduled strike action took place, news broke that a Kazulian company, named Alternex Verdalros, were in talks with the Alorian government over the potential purchase of the ACB. This led the National Union of Coal Miners to temporarily halt the strike until the issue had been resolved. The sale of the ACB was quickly negotiated and strike action was called off as it was agreed that current employees of the ACB would be guaranteed to keep their job with the new company. The Alorian branch of the Kazulian company was named Alternex Verdalros ACB.
By mid-4650, the Aloria economy had started to improve, with GDP rising and unemployment steadily falling (Main Article: Alorian Economic Tracker) Furthermore, wages began to outpace inflation for the first time in a decade. Despite this, inequality had risen, poverty was rising and economic growth varied greatly in different areas of Aloria, with the capital Craigtref and surrounding areas benefitting the most.
In order to reduce the deficit, in late 4650 the government announced they would be cutting 20,000 police officers, with further cuts to other public sector workers to come. Critics of the plans suggested it would lead to a rise in unemployment at a time when unemployment was still high, albeit falling, and it would damage the economy as well as the integrity of Aloria's public services.
In January 4652, it was announced by the Aldegarian government that they planned to close the Aldegar canal for foreign military vessels. Furthermore, they announced a tax on all goods passing through the canal from certain countries, including Aloria. They said this was to pay for the refurbishment of the canal. In response to this, the Alorian government took a more hardline stance in comparison with other nations. Whilst Dorvik stated they would simply not use the canal, Aloria decided to impose retaliatory taxes on Aldegar. In response to this, Aldegar cut their oil supply to Aloria (and encouraged Kafuristan to do the same). Alarmed by the development, an emergency cabinet meeting was called, with the outcome being that Aloria should be firm and not change their position. The president said this was an opportunity to show Aloria will not be "bullied" by "democracy-destroying" socialist regimes. Moreover, he said the situation was a good thing for domestic oil production.
Policies[]
Economic Policy[]
The Libertarian Party believes that free markets and individual achievement are the primary factors behind economic prosperity. They believe in supply side economics - this theory holds that reduced income tax rates increase GDP growth and therefore generate the same or more revenue for the government from the smaller tax on the extra growth. This belief is reflected by the party's advocacy of tax cuts..
Social Policy[]
There is a divide in the party between those who believe in a more liberal social policy and those who believe in socially conservative policies. The official party position on most social policies, such as abortion and same-sex marriage, is unclear and often depends on who is leader at the time.
However, the party is united on immigration, as they believe mass immigration has a detrimental effect on working-class Alorians. They are strongly opposed to what Gerald Wehnert described as "state-sponsored multiculturalism" when talking about the RSF government in the 4280s.
Foreign Policy[]
The Libertarian Party advocates strongly for Aloria to remain outside of the Artanian Union. Its predecessor, the ALP, was formed for the sole reason of getting Aloria to withdraw from the AU, something which they did successfully. The Libertarian Party's stance is to negotiate bilateral trade deals with nations around Terra, but to remain outside of large trade deals, as they think it reduces Aloria's representation when there are numerous voices at the table.
Defence[]
The party is united in the belief that Aloria needs to retain a strong military. They were strongly against the 4284 Military Reform Bill, which would have scrapped Aloria's nuclear weaponry programme. The party thinks showing military strength is the best way to maintain peace. They also want to place restrictions on arms exports.
As well as this, the Libertarian Party aims to build bilateral defence relations with key allies, especially in Artania, and believes it is in Aloria's national interest to cooperate with defence organisations and close allies. However, they do not support any defence treaties which aim to control and restrict the Alorian military. This is one of the party's main arguments against the Artanian Union.
Health Policy[]
The consensus in the party is to support a private healthcare system through subsidies for the poorest in society. The party want to see cuts to the healthcare budget due to privatisation. Furthermore, they argue a nationalised, universal healthcare system will never provide a good-quality service.
Those in the party who are closer to the centre would like to see more government involvement within the healthcare service, however they are a minority within the party. This minority has grown in recent years, and it would not be unexpected for a Libertarian leader to advocate for a nationalised health service in the near future.
Education Policy[]
The Libertarian Party believes in a private education system, while providing subsidies to the poorest and most disadvantaged students. Like with their healthcare policy, there is a group of centrists within the party who would like to see the education system nationalised. The party does not believe in enforcing a national curriculum. Most of the party support selective education, although some think it should be left up to local governments.
In higher education, the Libertarian Party supports a means tested loan system, where students pay the money back after the earn a certain amount. They strongly oppose fully subsiding tuition fees, as they don't believe taxpayers who didn't go to university should have to pay for those that do.
Jobs and Welfare[]
The party supports a welfare system, although criticise the left for wanting to create an extremely generous welfare system. The party supports unemployment benefits and child benefits, as well as supporting a voluntary public pension.
The Libertarian Party's predecessor, the ALP, was the party that introduced the minimum wage. Now, the party still supports a basic minimum wage, although resist calls from the left for it to be risen above inflation as they fear it could cost jobs and stop businesses from investing in Aloria due to higher labour costs.
Justice and Crime Policy[]
The Libertarian Party believes both punishment and rehabilitation is important, and support more education opportunities for prisoners. The party believes the police should not have too much power, as they think it will make people view the police as untrustworthy. Many Libertarian Party Senators support widening the death penalty, although it is not official party policy.
Leadership[]
Leaders[]
| Years in Office | Name | Grouping | Date of Birth | Date of Death | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4646 - Present | Trev Griffith | Free-market Libertarian | 23 July 4605 | ||
| 4478 - 4481 | Owain Reece | Liberal Centrist | 6 June 4435 | 12 July 4503 | |
| 4470 - 4478 | Cefin Lloyd | Free-market Libertarian | 17 October 4410 | 28 February 4506 | |
| 4309 - 4319 | Margareta Schuchard | Free-market Libertarian | 30 November 4251 | 1 December 4339 | |
| 4298 - 4309 | Henrik Melsbach | Free-market Libertarian | 1 May 4238 | 31 September 4322 | |
| 4287 - 4298 | Gerald Wehnert | Free-market Libertarian | 18 October 4227 | 15 April 4312 | |
| 4284 - 4287 | Maredudd Rhydderch | Free-market Libertarian | 15 July 4234 | 18 July 4308 | |
Deputy Leaders[]
| Years in Office | Name | Grouping | Date of Birth | Date of Death | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4470 - 4478 | Owain Reece | Liberal Centrist | 6 June 4435 | ||
| 4309 - 4319 | Morwen Merricks | Free-market Libertarian | 11 February 4266 | 10 August 4346 | |
| 4299 - 4309 | Maldwyn Vaughn | Traditional Conservative | 30 March 4261 | 21 February 4316 | |
| 4287 - 4299 | Glenice Pritchard | Liberal Centrist | 5 January 4248 | 23 March 4330 | |
| 4284 - 4287 | Gerald Wehnert | Free-market Libertarian | 18 October 4227 | 15 April 4312 | |
Notable Figures[]
Gerald Wehnert[]
Gerald Wehnert is a former president, as well as being leader of the ALP from 4268 - 4277. Despite leaving his post as leader of the ALP before the launch of the Libertarian Party, he was still involved in politics. When the Libertarian Party formed in 4284, Maredudd Rhydderch named Wehnert as deputy leader.
Wehnert was born in Sildar Urbem, Aloria's capital city, on 18 October 4227. He was born into a working-class family and he was educated at a state school. After leaving school, he attended university in Sildar Urbem, where he studied law. After graduating from university in 4248, he moved away from his home city to Ultran Stadt, Ultran. While living there, he worked as a lawyer and met his wife, who he married in 4255. In 4263, he moved back to Sildar Urbem and joined the Alorian Libertarian Party (ALP). In 4267, he was elected leader of the party, and a year later he was elected to the Senate, while winning 9% of the vote in the presidential election. In 4272, he was elected president.
During his time as president, he oversaw the worst election result in the ALP's history in 4277, which led to his resignation from his post as ALP leader. He was seen as a divisive president, loved by many and hated by many. While he was president, Aloria withdrew from the Artanian Union. Despite being hated by the left, he introduced a minimum wage and expanded the welfare state while he was president. However, there was a lot privatisation, including privatisation of the education system.
His presidency was also important because of the economic impacts. Leaving the AU caused inflation to rise rapidly, leading to wages falling. However, Wehnert is given credit for stabilising the economy quickly. By the time he left the office, the economy was stronger, wages were rising and inflation was falling.
During Maredudd Rhydderch's leadership, Wehnert was often accused of undermining and challenging him, although he said he was "fully supporting" Rhydderch after being appointed deputy leader. After the Libertarians' disastrous 4287 election results, there was a vote of no confidence in Rhydderch's leadership. Subsequently, Wehnert stood against Rhydderch in the leadership election and won. Wehnert retired in 4298.
During his time in office, Wehnert was an incredibly divisive politician, more so than perhaps any Libertarian leader in history. His second tenure from 4290 - 4298 followed a very unstable communist rule. Wehnert, along with others such as Seth John (PFR politician), has often been credited with ending communism in Aloria. Over 150 years after his death, Gerald Wehnert is still seen as the definitive Libertarian Party politician. Electorally, he was not the most successful Libertarian leader, however he is the leader that has made the biggest impact in Alorian history. The impact of Wehnert's presidency is still being felt today, 150 years after his death.
Party Factions[]
There are three main internal factions or ideologies within the Libertarian Party: Free-market Libertarianism, Traditional Conservatism and Liberal Centrism.
Free-market Libertarians[]
This is the main grouping in the Libertarian Party, and their goal is to reduce the role of government. Notable people in this group include Maredudd Rhydderch and Gerald Wehnert. They became prominent after the rise of big government and communism in Aloria during the late 4270s and early 4280s. This group places emphasis on the economy, unlike traditional conservatives who focus mostly on social issues.
Traditional Conservatives[]
This group is the second largest faction in the Libertarian Party, and is a socially conservative right-wing grouping. It is associated with Alorian nationalism, and the importance of the family unit. They oppose same-sex marriage, abortion and high levels of immigration. Some members support the widening of capital punishment. Prominent members of this group include David Friedrich, Katharina Schmidt and Rodolf Beck.
Liberal Centrists[]
Liberal centrists believe in centrist economic policies and liberal social policies, although they describe themselves as centre-right. Unlike traditional conservatives, they are critical of socially conservative policies such as restrictions on abortions. They believe in the welfare state, and generally support policies that maintain harmony between different groups in Aloria (class, race or religion, gender). Like both traditional conservatives and free-market libertarians, they are opposed to the Artanian Union.
Election Results[]
| Date | Votes | Seats | Change | Position | Presidential Candidate | Votes | Position | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4647 | 11,614,874 | 100% | 250 / 250 |
 250
|
1st | Trev Griffith | 12,025,816 | 100% | 1st |
| 4478 | 18,316,504 | 39.23% | 49 / 125 |
 36
|
2nd | Cefin Lloyd | 18,888,553 | 40.21% | 2nd |
| 4473 | 27,102,751 | 67.25% | 85 / 125 |
85
|
1st | Cefin Lloyd | 27,425,086 | 67.40% | 1st |
| 4315 | 15,168,783 | 27.08% | 146 / 545 |
52
|
2nd | Margareta Schuchard | 37,811,693 | 66.38% | 1st |
| 4311 | 21,625,388 | 36.35% | 198 / 545 |
162
|
1st | Margareta Schuchard | 59,300,086 | 99.84% | 1st |
| 4309 | 2,370,099 | 6.85% | 36 / 545 |
59
|
4th | Henrik Melsbach | 29,611,679 | 99.78% | 1st |
| 4205 | 9,498,487 | 16.96% | 95 / 545 |
20
|
3rd | Henrik Melsbach | 49,500,828 | 84.80% | 1st |
| 4304 | 8,239,455 | 13.78% | 75 / 545 |
34
|
3rd | Henrik Melsbach | 31,813,095 | 55.70% | 1st |
| Dec 4301 | 3,937,668 | 7.85% | 41 / 545 |
5
|
5th | Henrik Melsbach | 33,562,719 | 60.31% | 1st |
| Jul 4301 | 3,687,780 | 7.12% | 36 / 545 |
19
|
6th | Henrik Melsbach | 33,487,598 | 57.35% | 1st |
| 4298 | 5,358,899 | 9.92% | 55 / 545 |
9
|
5th | Henrik Melsbach | 28,283,567 | 49.98% | 1st |
| 4294 | 4,699,087 | 8.53% | 46 / 545 |
7
|
5th | Gerald Wehnert | 28,336,356 | 56.91% | 1st |
| 4291 | 4,992,450 | 9.55% | 53 / 545 |
20
|
3rd | Gerald Wehnert | 30,710,320 | 52.73% | 1st |
| 4290 | 3,454,993 | 6.20% | 33 / 545 |
2
|
6th | Gerald Wehnert | 27,469,248 | 51.05% | 1st |
| 4287 | 3,414,969 | 5.90% | 31 / 545 |
7
|
6th | Maredudd Rhydderch | 5,526,245 | 9.21% | 4th |
| Recent results of the ALP prior to the launch of the Libertarian Party | |||||||||
| 4283 | 4,802,991 | 7.32% | 38 / 545 |
16
|
7th | Maredudd Rhydderch | 6,831,706 | 10.39% | 5th |
| 4281 | 6,439,223 | 10.02% | 54 / 545 |
35
|
4th | Maredudd Rhydderch | 7,431,441 | 11.43% | 4th |
| 4277 | 2,395,372 | 3.88% | 19 / 545 |
23
|
7th | Gerald Wehnert | 24,763,616 | 46.23% | 2nd |
| 4273 | 4,555,999 | 7.65% | 42 / 545 |
46
|
6th | Gerald Wehnert | 37,861,273 | 67.60% | 1st |
| 4272 | 9,990,784 | 16.11% | 88 / 545 |
38
|
4th | Gerald Wehnert | 33,600,314 | 60.75% | 1st |
| 4268 | 6,020,522 | 9.28% | 50 / 545 |
50
|
5th | Gerald Wehnert | 5,837,038 | 9.00% | 5th |