The Everlasting CCCP !

[Jamski]

Are there any Torys left in England now?

/me has nightmare vision of Tony Blair grinning from the TV for ever.

-Jam

[Drogue]

Yes, sadly their are. In fact, they're only about 2 or 3% down in the polls You think Blair is bad, just look at Iain Duncan Smith What we need is someone younger, someone down to Earth, someone from one of the regions, someone who is less blue and red, and more... yellow and someone with a slightly looked-down-upon hair colour.... Now where could we find someone like that?

Spoiler:

BTW, for all the people who have no idea about British Politics, I am talking about Charles Kennedy, the Leader of the Liberal Democrat Party, the 3rd party in British Politics, who may one day oust The Torys from leading the opposition... Well, we can dream (or move to Scotland)

[Jamski]

Well, untill you get a representative government in Britain, the Lib Dems won't get their fair share of the seats in the commons. AS it stands a vote for the Lib Dems is a wasted vote in many constituencies. But then again, here in Germany we always have to have a coalition government because of the representative system, which means that the Bundestag is just a talking shop. The obvious solution is anarchy - who needs a government anyway?

-Jam

[Maniac]

But then again, here in Germany we always have to have a coalition government because of the representative system, which means that the Bundestag is just a talking shop.

The parliament's a talking shop because the country has a multiparty coalition? Why? And then what is a parliament in a one-party government?

[Kirov]

From Poland's experience, the only problem with multiparty coalition turns up when it consists of more than three parties. We had never a one-party government in any democratic period (very short, I admit). 2 parties ruling a country seem to be the best option, at least at the first glance. But hell, YMMV.

[Jamski]

The problem at the moment in Germany is that the government can only talk. The current Social Democratic/Green coalition has a very small marjority (two or three seats?) but a minority in the upper house. The Social Democratics don't always agree with the Green party, but they need their support, and they definitely don't agree with the Christian Democratic Union, but they control both the upper house, and the majority of the regional goverments too. This means they can make hell in the Bundestag, because if they don't like a law, they can block it at the national and regional level. So - all the government can do is talk and try to find some "middle way" which everyone will agree to, which is the same as doing nothing.

This is the political system that produced Hitler - as the "compromise Chancellor" that all the factions could agree to.

-Jam

[Drogue]

I see that problem. However, I think if we had proportional representation, the Liberal Democrats become the "King-Makers", since whichever party they side with, will become the government, thus they could draw out many consessions from the 2 main parties.

I favour proportional representation for the extra democracy, and the ability for minor parties to have a candidate in power, however, what happens to regional constituencies? For instance, do MPs still represent a particular area, and elected by that area, or are they all nationwide? What happens to independant candidates?

[Maniac]

We don't have this problem here in Belgium as in Germany, as the federal executive and federal legislative (senate and chamber) powers are elected at the same time, making it quasi impossible for a government not to have a majority in parliament. Consequence of course is most of the power lies with the executive government, and the legislative power often just approves the proposals of the ministers.

[Drogue]

We don't elect our upper house, so we won't have the problem

[Jamski]

Yippee ! Go hereditary peers ! Surely the best form of government ever !

We get around the problem of local representation by having a federal system here. Each Land has its own government, Minister-President, etc. Some of the East German Lands have a coalition government which includes the old Soviet style communist party, with the Social Democrats. We call this a Red-Red Coalition As you can imagine, not a lot is agreed on in these regional governments, unless one party can get an absolute majority.

Hmm, its more fair than the crazy British system, but if it works? That's the big question.

-Jam

[Maniac]

Originally posted by War of Art As you can imagine, not a lot is agreed on in these regional governments, unless one party can get an absolute majority.

I don't see the problem. Have those guys never heard of the concept "compromis"? Belgin politicians are experts in that, with our complicated system.

[Drogue]

Originally posted by War of Art
Yippee ! Go hereditary peers ! Surely the best form of government ever !

Actually, we have very few heriditory peers left. 75 I believe (although a few with special positions). Most, the vast majority, are appointed for life, for outstanding contributions to Britain, chosen by the cabinet and the Queen. Much like the American Supreme Court apointments.

[Main_Brain]

Where is Kaiser Wilhelm when you need him :P

[Jamski]

In my freezer, waiting for the right moment

-Jam

[Main_Brain]

I knew the Voices were right!
Beware him who hides Willi they told me. Also they told me to
Dance Naked in the Woods but hey!