Economic Reforms

[iamthey]

Today Decree #1 was put into effect, and the first day of the transition period began. During said period a number of existing rights are suspended specifically rights to property and contract. The state has been given full power to conduct the transition from the sputtering free market system to a centrally organized one.

The newly created Committee of Public Works has been established and its chair chosen from among the Royal Council. This organization will direct the transition and oversee the implementation of a reform plan constructed by the Citadel's premier economic minds. While the move is itself controversial; there have been no protests citing cooperation from the guilds and syndicates. While many are worried the consensus is that anything is better than the status quo.

Decree #1

Ordinance on Economic Reform

1. In the course of the affairs of state at some point it becomes clear that no longer can something as important as the economy be left to the random chance that is the free market. While at first the quick gains through speculation, the wealth of private monopoly, and the spoils of profitability are a blessing. However this prosperity is only a transient one granted to a select few not by genius of their own but by arbitrary elements of the system itself. To this end it becomes clear that the ambitions of a few must be sacrificed for the prosperity of all, and that what was once a private affair must now become a collective one.

Indeed Aotearoa has a history of socialism, and a bloody and horrible one at that. However to say that one occurrence proves the rule is both ignorant and blind to the reality that is political and social science. Rather than continue on this present path of wasteful ruin we shall rather embark on yet another experiment of central planning, this time however with concern for the people rather than power, and moreover this time with the model of pragmatic mercantilism rather than idealistic utopia.

2. With respect for the relative needs of such a program the following is to be done in order to better position the Citadel for this shift.

*All debt, lines of credit, and existing contracts signed previous to the passage of this act are to be declared null; thus voiding the obligation of any party to repay, or fulfill aspects of them.

*For the duration of the transitional period (eg one to three days) private property and rights to it are hereby suspended. The state declares sovereignty

*Currency issued by former governments is nullified, and no longer the legal tender of this nation.

*All factories, banks, companies, and commercial related property be it land, or assets are to be nationalized under the overall purview of the Ministry of the Interior.

*The Natural Resources of the Citadel are nationalized.

* A new Currency is to be issued by the Royal Bank of Aotearoa known as the Aotearoa Credit. Released at a rate of (.65:1) (AC:GDP)

Edited September 4, 2009 by iamthey

[Zarfef]

The SGAS commends this action, the ellimination of private property is an essential component of the socialist state. It is a wise decision which will bring a better future to the prolitariates.

[J Andres]

Although the Maritime Republic of J Andres has had presidents who would call themselves "Communist," the scope of this decree is tremendous. We are eager to see future developments and the progress of this decree, although it is something that J Andres does not support.

[JEDCJT]

"We wish the Citadel well on their endeavors."

[iamthey]

The committee began the day's proceedings with the issuing of "CPW Writ #1" which nationalized a list of corporations, most of whom are failing in the wake of the rebellion, and their assets. These individuals, most of whom belong to the aristocracy have made no comment on the matter. While they are all high ranking officials within the state, its uncertain as to whether or not they will be compensated individually for their losses. These cooperations represented the core of primary and secondary economic activity within the Citadel, and thus were deemed "core industries".

While production was already minimal at the time, as the economy has seemed to have ground to a stand still in recent months; there was a slight drop off in recent reports. Dispite this, after the transition period is concluded things are expected to rebound.

Edited September 4, 2009 by iamthey

[iamthey]

After extensive review of seized assets and a heated discussion the decision has been made to divide up the responsibilities of these assets and hand them off to each of the relevant offices within the Ministry of the Interior (to serve as individual directing bodies). As many of the corporations had redundant functions similar ones are being consolidated and streamlined into singular monopolies encompassing responsibilities of their particular economic sector. This will cut cost and free up manpower allowing for an expanded range of economic potential. Each will further be chaired/directed by a member(s) of the aristocracy appointed by the Committee (and ultimately approved by the prince). Overall The Committee of Public Works will retain oversight privileges, however it will not micromanage each area on its own.

In addition the committee through "CPW Writ #2" has established a block on redundant imports; this will go into effect once suitable domestic production levels are returned. This is not itself a surprise as the chairman of the committee, a premier economic mind, is also one of the major advocates of Neo-Mercantilist economic models. In addition to this block it also establishes a national agenda advocating the development of large foreign currency reserves, responsible planned growth, and responsible monetary policy.

Edited September 4, 2009 by iamthey

[iamthey]

This afternoon the committee issued "CPW Writ #3" this places current land based property owners under review. A sub-committee will be conducting a review of said holdings to determine if their holdings represent core national resources. The Committee will attempt to integrate the land holder into future exploitation of said resources and those who do lose their territory will be compensated duly and relocated to the cities.

[iamthey]

This evening under "CPW Writ #4" contracts which have been suspended are now under review. Those which are deemed reasonable useful will be carried over into the next economy under the new economic system. Those that are not will remain non-recognized.

[iamthey]

After an assortment of additional writs were issued the committee seemed satisfied with the eventual result and issued "CPW Writ #23"; declaring the end of the transition and the restoration of property rights and rights to contract.