Revolutionary period of Empherias

The Revolutionary period was the era of Empherias history between 2395 and 2448. The period came to an end because of Empherias' unification with the High Kingdoms of Alaxia, beginning the Alaxian period of Empherias.

History by premiership

2395 Revolution

See also: 2395 Revolution of Empherias

Felix D'laminet's Tenure

See also: Provisional Government of Empherias, 52nd Government of Empherias, and 53rd Government of Empherias.

Following the formation of the Provisional Government, there were a lot of objectives on the agenda of the ruling party to bring Empherias back into a functioning state and one that could modernise. The biggest threat to the power of the newfound democracy with the faction of Frankists which had congregated around restoring the monarchy to power. It had been supported by rich and upper class people, lords and nobles and those who had to work for these nobles. They wished to return Rijkse James VII to power, although many are doubtful on how much he would want to return and fight his daughter, if at all. To combat their influence, D'laminet introduced the End of Serfdom Act 2397 which freed all working serfs (although not many) and made the practice illegal. Furthermore, he would send royal guards to large estates often to check that no serf-like practices were being used. The court would also give extended punishments to nobles who would continue to use serfdom such as seizure of lands, wealth and possible imprisonment.

Wishing to gain as much support from the working class, Felix D'laminet would expand the ability to vote to a universal franchise of any person of any background over 18 years of age with Empher citizenship. Seeking the vote of immigrants, he would also make Empher citizenship much easier to get requiring holding a permanent habitation visa for at least two years; spending at least forty-six weeks of the year in Empherias for the past two years; holding at least eighty percent of assets in Empherias; and having a job in Empherias, or be on the Register of Work if they are unemployed. Wanting to set a democratic precedent, the government introduced the Fixed Term Parliament Act 2397 which set elections to take every 2000 days (around 5 and a half years) with the PM able to hold an election early, but not later, than that date. Furthermore, parliament would have the ability to pass a motion to hold an early election without the approval of government with a majority of votes in favour. He also required parliament be formed via proportional representation.

In May 2397, Alice Rettels and Harry Redworks would travel to the Hveden Federation hoping to stop the idea of intervention on the side of the monarchists. They would also ask for aid in legitimising their government through recognition. Similar diplomatic trips were made to Ahitereira, Koresa and Karkuss. Amelia Rattsenburg was tasked with showing off the new government's pro-people policies with the use of frequently updated news articles in both privately owned papers, and a new public paper, the "Eye in Esthullen" managed by the Ministry of Information, headed by Rattsenburg. There would also be an appeal to help gain the support of the nobility to persuade them to change side from the Frankists.

Noble Insurgency

Henry Alark, the newly appointed Minister of Defence, would be tasked with turning the military into a formidable force able to fend off against a noble insurgency if it happened. General William Weslington was made Chief of the Armed Forces and would begin rigorous army officer training with appointments based on a meritocracy rather than birth-right. The National Army of Empherias would be reformatted from the previous monarchist rule and would be indoctrinated into new democratic values and taught at their military schools the negatives of monarchist rule. Elite troops would be inducted into the Royal Guards which would hold permanent standings in major cities and train lower ranked troops and officers. Various militia would be made up of volunteers and would begin training of two years - although there was fear in government that they didn't have that time.

The Battle of Priscei Cathedral broke out as noblemen rose up in the city of Priscei on 7 September 2397 and capture the city without resistance. Using local farms and food stores, they held in the town for two weeks as they were surrounded by the Empherias Army. Henry Alark personally. The noblemen, Lord Peter Rindelburg, had around 5000 militia although they were poorly trained and armed following restrictions on gun usage. The army surrounding the city was made up of 600 royal guards, and 15,000 national army troops. They laid a blockade which lowered the supplies of the nobles until 14 September. The following day, Alark ordered a siege and barraged the city from all sides. Due to superior training and morale, the Populist suffered just 800 casualties while the poor morale of the noblemen troops (because they fought out of obligation not genuine agreement) led to 4300 casualties, wiping out nearly the whole army from injuries, death or prisoners of war. Henry Alark had won the battle within just a week. Lord Peter was captured, had his titles stripped and was put on trial as a regular man in the Court of Wynnoa where he was found guilty of treason and sentenced to death.

The embarrassing defeat of the insurgency saw monarchist support dwindle. Many local lords still in power were forced to support the government or be moved from their posts by force from the people. The former Rijkse's disappearance and apparent happiness to live in a country estate in Hvede also led to the idea that the change to government was supported by the God as the new Rijkdottir supported the change. Many placed trust in the new government, especially the working class, who were able to vote for the first time. Some monarchist supporting nobles were stripped of their titles and lands to scare other lords from supporting monarchism. Rijkdottir Abigail released a statement on 1 December 2397 which essentially announced her decision to remove all her proper power and give it to the Prime Minister via royal prerogative, making her fundamentally a figurehead.

D'laminet's First Term

One of the things that D'laminet wanted to normalise was the delivery of a biannual budget by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Robert Webber every February and August with review to scrutiny by parliament. This made it clear that government spending could be criticised and be held accountable to opposition MPs outside of an election. A majority of MPs, if against the budget, could hold a vote to delay the budget to ask for amendments, but the executive would ultimately have final say when the budget becomes official in mid March or mid September. Robert Webber would work with First Lord of the Treasury Henry Watford often and this shifted their bond closer together outside of cabinet meetings with D'laminet, developing the Double W Relationship.

Laws launched in 2398 included the Protection of Ancient Artefacts Act 2398 which legally protected ancient artefacts and monuments under government ownership to be delegated to public museums or private museums holding a licence. These protections would often be delegated to private monument protection agencies or local councils and authorities. In 2398, there were small changes to the terms and conditions for enlisting soldiers and there was a small reform to the prison system which made political punishments much less severe. The year also saw the official coronation of Rijkdottir Abigail on Empherias National Day (21 December) where she made an incredibly powerful speech to the House of Parliament swearing to never by a tyrant.

There were less no laws in 2399 and more looking for stability. Investment was handed out to businesses in order to increase aggregate demand and grow the economy.

Henry Alark would found the Navy of Empherias officially holding a massive ceremony on the Ewynn River. Following countless months of negotiations, Alice Rettels announced that a deal with the government of Ahitereira-Koresa had been signed on 1 July 2400, the Treaty of Nieuwbourg was ratified by both parties by 8 July 2400. This treaty would see a huge uptick in support for Ahitereira-Koresa as allies within the nation and would also see international trade being done with the world for the first time - however it would take time to create. Nieuwbourg became a 'political' exclave of Empherias on the mouth of the river to the ocean. Empherias workers imported would work alongside local workers to fill local unemployment to build a new port although this would be done with cheap materials in a quick time by November 2403. The port would have tariffs set directly by the Empherias government but the land the port is on would be rented, with $1,200,000 paid annually to Ahitereira-Koresa. Furthermore, 50% of all profits earned by the port would be given to Ahitereira-Koresa. Empherias and Koresan workers would also build three railways connecting the port to Vreimer for processing trade. Two would be cargo while one would be a passenger route and all would be owned by the Empherias government under several different small government-owned firms. Several other terms were signed but the governments were happy with the deal and led to an explosion in population for Vreimer.

Homosexuality for men and women was made officially legal in the Sexuality Act 2402, although it was a non-punishable crime prior to this.

Welfare State

See also: Welfare State in Empherias

Following pending legislation, the Empherias Healthcare Service (eHCS) was established as a government body. Early government reports suggested paying for the service via an increase in traditional income taxes, but after consideration this idea was dropped in favour of a new national insurance system. The healthcare service would purchase all private healthcare and integrate their systems into a large united service. Initially, dentists, opticians and ear doctors were not covered under the healthcare service although it did introduce government loans for these services at reduced interest and increased return time. Private healthcare services that are not integrated into the system would have increased taxes to pay to subsidise the free healthcare. Although critics said this forced people to use the national health service, the government ensured that the government service would be run efficiently by health professionals and experts and ensure wait times on essential medication would be no longer than a year. Eventually, it was announced in 2403 that some money generated from regular taxes would go towards the service. All non-essential surgeries would be paid for privately through the eHCS service. Official state pensions were also set up under the Empherias Government Pension Commission (eGPC).

The Welfare State would also include state pensions, sickness benefit, unemployment benefit and funeral benefits. Furthermore, child benefits would be introduced for families for the first three children if their parents didn't earn enough income. There were also personal benefits available for those who worked but didn't get enough income to afford local housing or essentials like food and water. These benefits would be exempt from any taxes. All benefits would be attainable by everyone who had Empheri citizenship, or had a primacy visa.

D'laminet's Second Term

See also: 2402 General Election

Having won the 2402 general election, the Prime Minister now had a personal mandate to rule the country. During the election campaign, he set a promise of education reform, an investment into infrastructure, and a change to housing legislation. He promised an investment into expanding roads for the use of automobiles, while also devoting money to big cities to build more public transport systems. It is worth noting that in order to govern, the Populists had to make a coalition with the Socialist party and had to concede some demands. For example, the Socialists wished to make new housing more available to the working class.

Infrastructure policy

The government would invest large amounts of money into start-ups of private construction companies via contracts and subsidies. Further investment would go into the creation of asphalt or tarmac roads in the centre of major cities to upgrade the roads for up and coming automobiles. They would also upgrade many country-wide highways to allow for heavier trucks to traverse over the roads. Railways were still important and would receive city specific funding rather than governmental funding. Wynnoa, in particular, would spend a lot on railway improvements, opening up 7 more stations within the city's boundaries during the parliament of 2402-2407. Trams were experimented on in some cities such as Rhequons, but never reached high popularity elsewhere and were mostly shut down by 2410.

Housing policy

They would give away large amounts of buildable land on the outskirts of cities and this led to the creation of many new suburbs. It was of the government's interest for these to be poorer in quality than previous and be made from primarily wood. Meanwhile, new builds in the city would be made out of brick and concrete to avoid the spreading of fires in the much denser cities. To lead this, the government created a High-Regulation Building Zone which had strict regulations to building, and a Low-Regulation Building Zone which would have little to no building regulations. HRBZs were given to major city interiors and historical city councils, while LRBZs were given to much smaller towns who wished to expand, and empty plots of land throughout the country. It was important that the new housing was much cheaper and this led to the creation of much smaller suburban houses, and some research and development to larger skyscrapers. The Socialists pushed through legislation that would create a government scheme to make housing purchases cheaper for the working class through mortgage loans for new buyers, and discouraging two house purchases.

Other policies

Education reform didn't happen during the second term and was justified to parliament that they Populists didn't have time to create a cohesive curriculum and reform alongside the Socialist compromises that they had to make. In the mean time, they set a minimum schooling age of 5-14 where children must be in full time education in the Provision of Education Act 2404, outlawed all child labour in the Children in the Workforce Act 2405, and made education about maths, Empheri, and some sciences mandatory in the Education Mandatory Curriculum Act 2405.

The Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence Henry Alark announced an expansion to the Empherias army. This included an expansion to the number of reserves, which reached the goal of 70,000 in November 2406. There was also an urge to setup new barracks around larger cities, especially those near foreign countries. This pledge was somewhat successful, with 3 barracks being setup in cities on the Koresan border, 5 on the Palakkinen border and 11 across all other borders. A boy scouts programme was introduced for younger children to learn military discipline and military schools were setup for older students.

Alongside army reforms, the Ministry of Defence founded the Empherias navy in 2403. They pledged to have a working battleship by the end of 2413 which was a lofty and ambitious goal. All construction would happen in Nieuwbourg, as there was a concern of the battleship accidentally causing damage to the city, or being too big for the cities' ports.

1. Empherias Naval Project Today, the Prime Minister Felix D'laminet and Minister of Defence Henry Alark have announced an expansion to the Empherias army, and the foundation of the Empherias navy. Production of the first Empherias battleship will begin in 2412 following Nieuwbourg's ports nearly finished construction. Workers from the AI nation to the west and Empherias will work on the ship. We hope to acquire plans and blueprints for a new ironclad dreadnought type ship from our neighbours and allies, but if not, our own engineers will begin research based on prototypes and other ship designs from around the world.
2. [13:51] Increase to Military Spending Today, it was announced that there would be an increase of defence and military spending to accommodate the creation of a navy and the expansion of the army. The army is hoped to expand to 70,000 reserve troops by 2406 with new barracks set up around larger cities. Scouts programs are created for younger children to learn the ways of the military. The Prime Minister happily announced no new tax, but introduced a wealth tax. This would tax people who earn more than $200,000 / year double the amount as they would regular citizens.
3. Populist Party completely seperate from government positions, the Populist party is a private organisation. The leader is also Prime Minister as it states in law, Felix D'laminet. The four most profile and well known members of the populist party are Domestic Adviser Edward Broedesmore, Chief Adviser Harry Redworks, Chancellor Robert Webber and Lord of the Treasury Henry Watford. Felix D'laminet, at the end of his current term, will have been Prime Minister for 10 years, and in politics for nearly 20 years. A successor is being thought of years in advance. Henry Watford is the main contender for the next populist leader, and possibly next Prime Minister. He currently holds one of the highest positions in government as lord of the treasury, currently controls much of the finance of the country and holds a lot of power. He is also MP for one of the most populist constituencies in Esthullen and is very well liked by the general public. Another possible successor is current Chancellor, Robert Webber. He is second in command at the time and already does a lot of duties of the Prime Minister while D'laminet is away. Robert Webber however sits on a tossup seat between Populists and Conservatives in the east of the country, and isn't popular amongst other cabinet members except for D'laminet. Webber is more moderate than the rest of the populists and appeals to a wider range. The highest bids on the next Prime Minister however is leader of the Socialist party, Elizabeth Rose. She is currently the deputy prime minister and holds up a massive coalition. The socialists won the third highest amount of seats and votes, and could easily steal populist popularity if infighting rises.
4. Population Growth To increase our population growth, tax breaks are given to mothers who have three or more children. More children will be popularised in media through government (totally not propaganda). I would include more detail like i usually would but im super tired
   1. Encouraging Immigration The government begins schemes to encourage emigration of people all over the world to live and work in Empherias. Path to citizenship will be easier, work will be easier to find, homes will be built all over. Nehvedenbourg is a new town created specifically for Hveden emigrants. Much of these homes will be built by the emigrations themselves as we ask for culture to come from all over. We expect the most amount of emigrants to come from the AI nation to the west due to easy access. Our nation is built up as a safe space for all migrants through the media. Racism is taught in schools to be against good moral code on the same level as being rude. In order not to completely eradicate our culture, ancient Empherias sports like sword-fighting is brought back into light, and Empherias dress is used more and more. On the national holiday December 21st, a new culture day will be created where we can celebrate all things Empherian. (edited)
      1. Annexation of Tbekien The lands of the Tbekien will be annexed. The populists announced today that new documentation has been passed into law asserting that the land we control to the north, Tbekien will be recognised as soverign Empherias land equal to the rest of the land. They will divided into 25 new constituencies increasing Parliament to a size of 325 MPs. They will have a local governor in the government with the title of Representative of the Lands and People of Tbekien (Minister of Tbekien) and would from now be represented by Tbekien native Wigfred Eghloreson from the populist party. We ask for countries worldwide to recognise this as we have controlled the land for many centuries now.
      2. [00:27] the stripes above us is Tbekien

the Populists have announced the creation of the "Ahitereira, Hveden, Empherias and Karkuss Treaty Organisation", shortened to AHEK Alliance Only the Empherias are members, bound to law. We invite @justafruit @Antoniokf5 @Kingdom of Karkuss [Teldurian I] to join immediately. We shall need to agree to what this alliance will mean for each of our countries, the headquarters location, whether the alliance will be economical, political, war, etc. The alliance means nothing at the moment until this is agreed by all four countries.

Offer of Military Technology Sharing Separate from the AHEK Alliance, Minister of Defence Henry Alark proposes a deal with @justafruit . In case of war, our entire army will be on standby to help aid the Hvedens and will be under command of the Hvedens (only during war) as volunteers. In return, Hveden will share with us up to date army and navy technologies to keep our army up to scratch. Included, we will both have military access to eachother, and access to eachother's ports.

1. Changes to Education The government wants to take a new approach to education. A new Minister of Education will be appointed from the Socialist party, Liza Veys. Primary education will be until 10 years old. Secondary education would introduce language learning with mandatory Hveden or Ahitereiran or Koresan introduced at age 11, and then an optional third language introduced at age 14. Children could leave school at age 16 and become a legal adult and be able to earn an adult's minimum wage. All children will take an exam at the end of Primary at age 10, and end of Secondary at age 16 to get qualifications. Later education starts at age 17 and will include universities. The first official government university will be Esthullen National College turned into Esthullen University. A child's minimum wage would be set at half of the adult's minimum wage. No child protection laws have been passed yet so all ages can work atm.