Castinian Labour Party
Castinian Labour Party Parti travailliste castinien | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Leader | Dominic Desaintes |
| Founder | Dominic Desaintes and Claudette Bernard |
| Founded | 5 December 2015 |
| Merger of |
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| Preceded by | Castinian Progressive-Labour Party |
| Ideology | |
| Political position | Centre-left |
| Colors | |
| Nekaussei | 3 / 5
|
The Castinian Labour Party (French: Parti travailliste castinien), formerly known as the Castinian Progressive-Labour Party (French: Parti progressiste-travailliste castinien), is a political party in the Newgraviate of Saint-Castin. It is led by Dominic Desaintes and as been in power since 2015.
History
Foundation
Founded as the Progressive Labour Party of Saint-Castin, the Castinian Labour Party traces its roots to the merger of two distinct political entities: the Progressive Party, led by Dominic Desaintes, and the Independent Left Group, under the leadership of Claudette Bernard. This strategic merger, officially ratified on 5 December 2015, marked the establishment of the party. Emphasizing the congruence of their political stances within a shared spectrum, both leaders underscored the potential for bolstered social policies with a unified left. Notably, Desaintes' Progressive Party can be linked back to the dissolved St. Charlian PP-U.
March 2016 Inaugural Congress
The party convened its inaugural congress on 5 March 2016. During this significant event, an unanimous decision was reached to rebrand the party simply as the Castinian Labour Party. Dominic Desaintes emerged as the undisputed party leader, without any opposition. The congress served as a pivotal moment in establishing the guiding principles, directions, and policies that would define the trajectory of the party for the years ahead.
2016 Election
Prior to the 2016 election, the Legislative Council enacted a law to reform its functioning and electoral system, adopting a proportional electoral system, replacing the previous Westminster-inspired model. The Labour and Liberal parties were reportedly in discussions to form a coalition aiming for a decisive victory in the upcoming 19 December elections, aligning with Prime Minister Dominic Desaintes' goal of securing a majority mandate reflective of the collective will of the Castinian populace.
On 27 October 2016, the Castinian Labour Party and the Liberal Party formalized their alliance under the "Mamu" coalition, led by Prime Minister Desaintes, for the upcoming general legislative elections on 19 December. With the campaign slogan "Governing Saint-Castin together," the Mamu list won a decisive victory, securing 4 out of 5 seats in the Legislative Council and enabling Desaintes to continue as Minister President for a two-year term. This coalition marked the start of a financially ambitious government.
First Official Mandate
In the first month after being elected, the Labour Party, part of the Mamu coalition, faced governance challenges, leading the Regent to intervene. In 2017, a nomination system was established in the Legislative Council, as an attempt to solve the internal crisis. The Regent's control was aimed at ensuring stability and ending partisan policies and resulted in communication challenges due to reappointments and a reduction in council positions to 5.
In August 2017, influenced by the micronational ecological management declaration signed by Prime Minister Desaintes on 25 June, the Labour government inaugurated Hydro Saint-Castin, aligning with the commitment to energy independence. Hydro Saint-Castin aimed at achieving complete autonomy for the Castinian electrical grid, through projects such as an hydroelectric dam, solar panel installations, and investments in electrifying transportation. These initiatives were aimed at reducing reliance on external grids and promoting renewable energy.
Under the leadership of the Labour Party, Saint-Castin stood out in the micronational arena by adopting First Nations languages, including Montagnais, Attikamekw, and Cri, as regional languages. Montagnais achieved the status of the second national language after French. In August 2017, the government proposed a significant reform introducing a new syllabic system called "Castinian", influenced by Cri and other First Nations. This system features Latin and Cyrillic-like characters, allowing cursive writing and designed for ease of use and learning in the Castinian variant of Montagnais.
2018 Electoral Referendum
For the 2018 Electoral Referendum on 29 October, the Castinian Labour Party, positioned at the centre-left, secured overwhelming support with almost 73% of the votes, overshadowing the opposition. The Liberal Party received 18% of the votes, and the local Creditist Party obtained 8%. Consequently, three councillors from the Castinian Labour Party and one from the Catholic Workers' Party (a party with a Christian social orientation) included in the Castinian Labour Party's presented list, were appointed to the Legislative Council out of the 5 available positions by Neugrave Louis-Philippe 1st.
Second Mandate
During this second term under the leadership of party leader Dominic Desaintes, the party intensified its efforts in diplomacy, exchanges, and administrative reforms. This term was characterized by a focus on continuity while introducing significant changes, such as contributing to the drafting of a new constitution and adopting a defence and diplomatic policy centred on peaceful conflict resolution, ensuring the sustainability of the Castinian state. The party advocated for complete secularism in Castinian politics in contrast to its coalition partner, the Catholic Workers' Party, led by Jacob Donaldson. These policies were deeply rooted in social liberalism and social democracy.
First Emergency Law
On 22 October 2019, Desaintes and Donaldson introduced a bill on emergency measures, including the creation of the drachma for economic stability during a global crisis. Accepted on 4 January 2020, it authorizes the Minister of Defence to declare emergency measures, extendable after a vote by the Legislative Council and consent from the Regent-Neugrave, under the military advisory council, in line with the peaceful stance of the Castinian Labour Party.
Role in the adoption of the 2020 Constitution
Call for Constitutional Referendum
On 1 March 2020, Marshal Jacob Donaldson, Minister of Defense and National Security and Legislative Council member of the Catholic Workers' Party, officially called for a constitutional referendum to transform the system of government into a constitutional monarchy. According to Donaldson, this form of government would ensure increased stability, with the head of state being representative of the nation and accountable to the people rather than a political party. He also emphasized the need to strengthen the emergency powers of the military in times of crisis. A commission was established to formulate the required constitutional changes.
Referendum and adoption of the New Constitution
Five months after the commencement of the Legislative Council commission's work on constitutional reforms, a new constitution was proposed. This transformation turned the Castinian State into a parliamentary monarchy, granting the Newgrave greater discretionary powers. The referendum held on 18 August garnered over 80% of the votes, leading to the unanimous adoption of the new constitution by the Legislative Council on 1 October. The Newgrave Louis-Philippe 1st then reaffirmed the Legislative Council after the adoption of the new Constitution. One significant administrative change resulting from the new Constitution was the new name of the State as the "Newgraviate of Saint-Castin." Under the new Constitution, the Newgrave now assumes a direct ruling role over Saint-Castin, marking a substantial departure from the previous regency role. The new Constitution also aimed to provide a fresh start while effectively framing the role of the Legislative Council and establishing the Defence Forces to replace the army. This profound change ensured stability and continuous evolution for the Newgraviate in the following years and strengthened the political and institutional stability of Saint-Castin.
Marie-Philippe's accession
Following the death of Louis-Philippe 1st, the new Newgravine, Marie-Philippe, reaffirmed the Legislative Council upon assuming office in January 2021. This transition occurred with due respect to the institutions, ensuring the continuity of the political leadership of the Castinian Labour Party.
Post-covid administration
Since the conclusion of the COVID-19 emergency period, the Castinian Labour Party has remained dedicated to openness and the promotion of multiculturalism. Beginning in early 2024, the party has actively engaged in dialogue with centrist and left-wing parties to shape various national policies. These discussions explored the potential implementation of the party's structural policies in a micronational context, focusing on defence, cultural development, and economic free trade. The party has since continued to advocate for less protectionist measures and supports the free movement of goods and citizens, endorsing open borders and reduced border tariffs among different nations while maintaining a protective stance toward local agricultural producers.
In the realm of monetary integration, the Labour Party has collaborated with Bérémagne in the establishment of a common currency, the Laurentian Piastre, between the two micronations. Regarding defence, the party, in collaboration with the Catholic Workers Party, has spearheaded measures for the professionalization of the Castinian Newgravial Defense Forces and the implementation of humanitarian and strategic defence policies for the protection of the Castinian territory.
The party has remained active in addressing environmental policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions produced by Castinian citizens. Additionally, party members have been engaged in discussions and drafting plans to promote public transportation.
Following extensive discussions in early April 2024 within the Laurentian Micronational Cooperative Union, the Labour Party launched a new political party in anticipation of the formation of a partisan deliberative parliament within the Union. This initiative involved the merger of the Laurentian Greens, an environmentalist association, with the Sancratosian Union and left-wing elements from Bérémagne.
Projected Electoral Referendum for 2024
A referendum is scheduled for the summer of 2024, where Castinian citizens will have the opportunity to express their views. Negotiations are currently underway in the Legislative Council regarding potential changes in regional distribution in connection with this referendum.
Principles and policies
The Castinian Labour Party is a social democratic political organization characterized by a prominent social-liberal inclination. Identifying as centre-left, the party draws inspiration from the principles of French centrist radicalism while also aligning itself with the broader trajectory of Blairism. This ideology reflects a pragmatic fusion of market liberation, social principles, and a robust state apparatus dedicated to serving the populace.
The party, firmly rooted in the political landscape since 2015, champions a comprehensive secularism of the state, emphasizing the complete separation of religious affairs from the functions of the Castinian government. This commitment to secular governance underscores the party's dedication to creating a political environment that is inclusive, neutral, and free from religious influences.
In line with social democratic values, the Castinian Labour Party advocates for policies that address social inequalities and promote a balance between market-oriented strategies and strong state intervention. The party's approach mirrors elements of Blairism, a political philosophy associated with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, emphasizing the modernization of social democracy and embracing pragmatic policies that accommodate economic liberalization while safeguarding social welfare.
The party's prolonged tenure in power since 2015 underscores its resonance with the Castinian electorate and its ability to navigate the evolving political landscape. As a social democratic force with a distinctive social-liberal leaning, the Castinian Labour Party continues to play a pivotal role in shaping Castinian politics, fostering a blend of progressive economic policies and a commitment to social justice within the framework of a secular state.
Electoral history
The Castinian Labour Party, a prominent player in the political landscape of Saint-Castin, has left its mark on recent history through various electoral and referendum events.
| Election | Leader | Votes | % | Seats | +/– | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016[a] | Dominic Desaintes | N/A | 72% | 3 / 5
|
— | Majority government Coalition with Liberal Party |
| 2018[b] | Dominic Desaintes | N/A | 73% ▲ | 3 / 5
|
0 
|
Majority government Coalition with Catholic Workers Party |
Party leadership
| Portrait | Name | Term start | Term end | Term length | Date of birth and age | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dominic Desaintes | 5 February 2017 | Incumbent | 7 years, 84 days | 6 September 1987 36 years old |
External links
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