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The '''politics of Gylias''' take place in the framework of a {{wpl|semi-direct democracy}}, organised as a {{wpl|federal republic}}. The [[Constitution of Gylias|Constitution]] is based on the principle of self-government, while the [[Law of Gylias#Legal foundations|six codes of law]] establish a {{wpl|civil law}} system. At the federal level, legislative power is exercised by the [[Gylian Parliament]]; executive power by the [[Cabinet of Gylias|Cabinet]], chaired by the [[Prime Minister of Gylias|Prime Minister]]; and the [[Judiciary of Gylias|judiciary]] is independent, headed by the [[Judiciary of Gylias#Court of Cassation of Gylias|Court of Cassation]] and the [[Judiciary of Gylias#Constitutional Court of Gylias|Constitutional Court]].
The '''politics of Gylias''' take place in the framework of a {{wpl|semi-direct democracy}}, organised as a {{wpl|federal republic}}. The [[Constitution of Gylias|Constitution]] is based on the principle of self-government, while the [[Law of Gylias#Legal foundations|six codes of law]] establish a {{wpl|civil law}} system. At the federal level, legislative power is exercised by the [[Gylian Parliament]]; executive power by the [[Cabinet of Gylias|Cabinet]], chaired by the [[Prime Minister of Gylias|Prime Minister]]; and the [[Judiciary of Gylias|judiciary]] is independent, headed by the [[Judiciary of Gylias#Court of Cassation of Gylias|Court of Cassation]] and the [[Judiciary of Gylias#Constitutional Court of Gylias|Constitutional Court]].


[[Gylias]] has followed an atypical path of democratic development in [[Tyran]]. It is a successor to the [[Free Territories (Gylias)|Free Territories]], and has accordingly been strongly influenced by [[Anarchism in Gylias|anarchism]]. There is a strong tradition of {{wpl|direct democracy}}, manifested in the use of [[Communal assemblies (Gylias)|communal assemblies]] and the system of popular initiative. The allocation of responsibilities between the different levels of government is based on the principle of {{wpl|subsidiarity}}. There is broad support among political parties for the [[Gylian consensus]], which together with the direct democratic elements ensures a mostly cooperative political scene. A [[List of political parties in Gylias|high number of parties]] is represented, leading to large {{wpl|coalition government}}s, is a characteristic of Gylian politics.
[[Gylias]] has followed an atypical path of democratic development in [[Tyran]]. It is a successor to the [[Free Territories (Gylias)|Free Territories]], and has accordingly been strongly influenced by [[Anarchism in Gylias|anarchism]]. There is a strong tradition of {{wpl|direct democracy}}, manifested in the use of [[Communal assemblies (Gylias)|communal assemblies]] and the system of popular initiative. The allocation of responsibilities between the different levels of government is based on the principle of {{wpl|subsidiarity}}.  
 
There is broad support among political parties for the [[Gylian consensus]], which together with the direct democratic elements ensures a mostly cooperative political scene. A [[List of political parties in Gylias|high number of parties]] is represented, leading to large {{wpl|coalition government}}s as a characteristic of Gylian politics.


Gylians have a high level of satisfaction with the political system, as measured by surveys. Gylias is regularly considered one of the least corrupt countries in the world by international organisations.
Gylians have a high level of satisfaction with the political system, as measured by surveys. Gylias is regularly considered one of the least corrupt countries in the world by international organisations.
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{{main|Constitution of Gylias}}
{{main|Constitution of Gylias}}


The Constitution was created through a popular drafting process, along with the [[Law of Gylias#Legal foundations|six codes]], and was [[Gylian constitutional referendum, 1961|approved by referendum]] in 1961. It is one of the shortest constitutions in Tyran — only 40 articles in length — and preserved many of the institutions and foundations of the [[Free Territories (Gylias)|Free Territories]], giving Gylian politics unique traits within the region.
The Constitution was created through a popular drafting process, along with the [[Law of Gylias#Legal foundations|six codes]], and was [[List of Gylian referendums#1961|approved by referendum]] in 1961. It is one of the shortest constitutions in Tyran — only 40 articles in length — and preserved many of the institutions and foundations of the [[Free Territories (Gylias)|Free Territories]], giving Gylian politics unique traits within the region.


Power is vested in the people of Gylias, with the state being established on a temporary basis. The division of powers favours local governance, with higher levels established for coordination and management purposes. The strong delimitations of administrative bodies' responsibilities and capacities means that in practice many officeholders are {{wpl|figurehead}}s, who must rely on persuasion to gain support for their agenda.
Power is vested in the people of Gylias, with the state being established on a temporary basis. The division of powers favours local governance, with larger bodies established for coordination and management purposes. The strong delimitations of administrative bodies' responsibilities and capacities means that in practice many officeholders are {{wpl|figurehead}}s, who must rely on persuasion to gain support for their agenda.


The foundational principles of the Constitution include self-governance, {{wpl|equality}} of all Gylians, comprehensive [[Human rights in Gylias|human rights]], {{wpl|common ownership}} of natural resources and the {{wpl|means of production}}, {{wpl|workers' self-management}}, and non-recognition of {{wpl|private property}}.
The foundational principles of the Constitution include self-governance, {{wpl|equality}} of all Gylians, comprehensive [[Human rights in Gylias|human rights]], {{wpl|common ownership}} of natural resources and the {{wpl|means of production}}, {{wpl|workers' self-management}}, and non-recognition of {{wpl|private property}}.
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Gylias' form of government is based on {{wpl|direct democracy}} functioning in parallel with complementary {{wpl|representative democracy}}. The main instrument of governance is [[Communal assemblies (Gylias)|communal assemblies]], weekly meetings at a community level, selected partly by {{wpl|sortition}}, where deliberations take place and decisions are made.
Gylias' form of government is based on {{wpl|direct democracy}} functioning in parallel with complementary {{wpl|representative democracy}}. The main instrument of governance is [[Communal assemblies (Gylias)|communal assemblies]], weekly meetings at a community level, selected partly by {{wpl|sortition}}, where deliberations take place and decisions are made.


Through the system of popular initiative, Gylians can submit any proposal to a {{wpl|referendum}}, including constitutional amendments. Referendums can be organised at a local, regional, or federal level. Referendums can also be called to repeal existing laws passed by a [[Local government in Gylias#Municipalities|municipal]], [[Local government in Gylias#Administrative regions|regional]] or [[Gylian Parliament|federal]] legislature, or to {{wpl|recall}} elected officials.
Through the system of popular initiative, Gylians can submit any proposal to a {{wpl|referendum}}, including constitutional amendments. Referendums can be organised at a local, regional, or federal level. Referendums can also be called to repeal existing laws passed by a [[Municipalities of Gylias#Government|municipal]], [[Regions of Gylias#Government|regional]] or [[Gylian Parliament|federal]] legislature, or to {{wpl|recall}} elected officials.


Communal assemblies and referendums are subject to Gylias' {{wpl|compulsory voting}} laws. As a result, they benefit from a high level of {{wpl|voter turnout}} in general, allowing for a robust system of {{wpl|participatory democracy}}.
Communal assemblies and referendums are subject to Gylias' {{wpl|compulsory voting}} laws. As a result, they benefit from a high level of {{wpl|voter turnout}} in general, allowing for a robust system of {{wpl|participatory democracy}}.
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Cooperative democracy is the term for additional forms of democracy at the local level, which augment both direct and representative democracy. Two main approaches to cooperative democracy are distinguished:
Cooperative democracy is the term for additional forms of democracy at the local level, which augment both direct and representative democracy. Two main approaches to cooperative democracy are distinguished:


* '''Commissioning approach''': the public participate in planning and decisionmaking with elected officeholders and the [[Gylian administrative agencies|administrative agencies]]. The public thus has a commissioning role in developing local solutions and proposing new legislation. The commissioning approach includes local and regional advisory councils, formed of Gylians with the necessary competences, which advise governments on policy.
* '''Commissioning approach''': the public participate in planning and decisionmaking with elected officeholders and the [[Gylian administrative agencies|administrative agencies]]. The public thus has a commissioning role in developing local solutions and proposing new legislation. The commissioning approach includes [[Municipalities of Gylias#Responsibilities|municipal]] and [[Regions of Gylias#Responsibilities|regional]] advisory councils, formed of Gylians with the necessary competences, which advise governments on policy.
* '''Co-producing approach''': the public are encouraged to take over the running of {{wpl|community centre}}s and spaces, and engage in {{wpl|Mutual aid (organization theory)|mutual aid}} and {{wpl|support group}}s. The co-producing approach places more of an emphasis on {{wpl|volunteering}} with support from governments, including incentives such as {{wpl|sectoral currency|sectoral}} and {{wpl|time-based currency|time-based}} currencies.
* '''Co-producing approach''': the public are encouraged to take over the running of {{wpl|community centre}}s and spaces, and engage in {{wpl|Mutual aid (organization theory)|mutual aid}} and {{wpl|support group}}s. The co-producing approach places more of an emphasis on {{wpl|volunteering}} with support from governments, including incentives such as {{wpl|sectoral currency|sectoral}} and {{wpl|time-based currency|time-based}} currencies.


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{{main|Local government in Gylias}}
{{main|Local government in Gylias}}


Local government is based on municipalities. There are 3175 [[Local government in Gylias#Municipalities|municipalities]] at present, which are in turn federated into 20 [[Local government in Gylias#Regions|regions]].
Local government is based on [[Municipalities of Gylias|municipalities]], which are in turn federated into [[Regions of Gylias|regions]].


Legally, municipalities can assume any competence they wish, as long as it does not disrupt the constitutional foundation of Gylias. Regions are mostly responsible for local matters that require greater coordination and planning than municipalities can provide, and have an executive function, carrying out the implementation of policies made at the municipal or federal level.
Legally, municipalities can assume any competence they wish, as long as it does not disrupt the constitutional foundation of Gylias. Regions are mostly responsible for local matters that require greater coordination and planning than municipalities can provide, and have an executive function, carrying out the implementation of policies made at the municipal or federal level.


Responsibilities assumed by municipal and regional governments include: culture, health, education, social services, policing, roads and transport, urban planning, housing, sanitation, emergency services, energy, public works, environmental protection, and {{wpl|civil registration}}. They are also responsible for {{wpl|local currency|local and regional currencies}} and the collection of local and regional taxes.
Responsibilities assumed by municipal and regional governments include: culture, health, education, social services, policing, roads and transport, urban planning, housing, sanitation, emergency services, energy, public works, environmental protection, and {{wpl|civil registration}}. They are also responsible for [[Gylian þaler#Complementary currencies|local and regional currencies]] and the [[Economy of Gylias#Public policy|collection of local and regional taxes]].
 
Generally, smaller municipalities govern themselves through direct democracy: residents can attend communal and extraordinary assemblies where they can vote on laws and other decisions. Municipalities where population makes it less feasible elect {{wpl|municipal council}}s to complement the work of communal assemblies. Cities can federate their municipal councils into a {{wpl|city council}}.
 
The majority of municipalities use a {{wpl|directorial system}} where the council collectively forms the government, and a professional manager is appointed to chair its meetings. Large cities have {{wpl|mayor}}s who are elected separately and must work together with city councils and communal assemblies. Municipal government members, heading specific departments, are known as ediles, derived from the Latin ''{{wpl|aedile}}''.
 
Administrative regions elect regional councils, as well as governors separately. Regional government members, heading specific departments, are known as {{wpl|prefect}}s. The size of regional councils depends on population — the largest, [[Nerveiík-Iárus-Daláyk Region|Nerveiík-Iárus-Daláyk]], elects 200 members; the smallest, [[Makarces Region|Makarces]], elects 60 members.


===Federal government===
===Federal government===
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===Local===
===Local===
The political landscape at the municipal and regional level is different. Large electoral blocs are disadvantaged by comparison, whereas smaller parties — particularly the {{G-UM}}, {{G-PPFN}}, {{G-FLP}}, and {{G-IRAM}} — and {{wpl|independent politician}}s predominate.
The political landscape at the municipal and regional level is different. Large electoral blocs are disadvantaged by comparison, whereas smaller parties — particularly the {{G-UM/meta/shortname}}, {{G-PPFN/meta/shortname}}, {{G-FLP/meta/shortname}}, and {{G-IRAM/meta/shortname}} — and {{wpl|independent politician}}s predominate.
 
Multiple {{wpl|residents' association}}s and {{wpl|localism (politics)|localist parties}} exist at the municipal level, many of whom are essential to the formation of municipal governments.


Due to the [[Law on Electoral Representation of 1960]] restricting parties to one candidate per ''circonscription'', municipal and regional elections feature a number of {{wpl|independent politician|independent}} candidates who use descriptions such as "Independent Urban Movement", "Independent Free Land", "Independent Nightlife", "Independent Democratic Forum" and so forth. These candidates, if elected, will caucus with the parties they have indicated they favour. The Constitutional Court has ruled that the practice is permissible only for non-inscrit parties at the local and regional level.
Multiple {{wpl|residents' association}}s and [[List of political parties in Gylias#Local parties|localist parties]] exist at the municipal level, many of whom are essential to the formation of municipal governments.


Each region has a {{wpl|regionalism (politics)|regionalist}} party. These parties are customarily assigned a shade of purple as their colour. In addition to independent regionalists, regional parties can also enter into {{wpl|electoral alliance}}s with electoral blocs, presenting up to 5 common candidates in a ''circonscription''.
Due to the [[Law on Electoral Representation of 1960]] restricting parties to one candidate per ''circonscription'', municipal and regional elections feature a number of {{wpl|independent politician|independent}} candidates who use descriptions such as "Independent Urban Movement", "Independent Democratic Forum" and so forth. These candidates, if elected, will caucus with the parties they have indicated they favour. The Constitutional Court has ruled that the practice is permissible only for non-inscrit parties at the local and regional level.


[[Nerveiík-Iárus-Daláyk Region|Nerveiík-Iárus-Daláyk]] is the sole region to have two regional parties: the [[List of political parties in Gylias#Regional parties|NL]] runs candidates only on the Nerveiík Peninsula, and the [[List of political parties in Gylias#Regional parties|CI]] only on Iárus and Daláyk islands.
Each region has a [[List of political parties in Gylias#Regional parties|regionalist party]]. These parties are customarily assigned a shade of purple as their colour. In addition to independent regionalists, regional parties can also enter into {{wpl|electoral alliance}}s with electoral blocs, presenting up to 5 common candidates in a ''circonscription''.


===Politicians===
===Politicians===
Gylias has a history of strong political involvement by ordinary people through popular movements. The dispersal of power, part-time legislatures, and focus on self-governance have produced a notable phenomenon: election candidates and elected officeholders who are eccentric yet capable, or simply come from outside politics, such as scientists, academics, qualified professionals, artists, [[Prostitution in Gylias|sex workers]], sportspersons, and others.
Gylias has a history of strong political involvement by ordinary people through popular movements. The dispersal of power, part-time legislatures, and focus on self-governance have produced a notable phenomenon: election candidates and elected officeholders who are eccentric yet capable, or simply come from outside politics, such as scientists, academics, qualified professionals, artists, [[Prostitution in Gylias|sex workers]], sportspersons, and others.


Notable examples of the phenomenon include poet [[Phaedra Metaxa]], {{wpl|magic (illusion)|illusionist}} [[Sanai Ḑány]], writers [[Virginia Gerstenfeld]] and [[Anaïs Nin]], musician [[Hilda Wechsler]], [[Pornography in Gylias|pornographic]] actresses [[Moana Pozzi]] and [[Ilona Stahler]], historian [[Herta Schwamen]], {{wpl|chemist}} [[Margaret Roberts]], and scientist [[Dora Eðyn]].
Notable examples of the phenomenon include poet [[Phaedra Metaxa]], writers [[Virginia Gerstenfeld]] and [[Anaïs Nin]], musician [[Hilda Wechsler]], concert pianist [[Neira Tasei]], {{wpl|soprano}} [[Sofia Demes]], ballerina and philosopher [[Margot Fontaine]], [[Pornography in Gylias|pornographic]] actresses [[Moana Pozzi]] and [[Ilona Stahler]], historian [[Herta Schwamen]], {{wpl|chemist}} [[Margaret Roberts]], and scientist Dora Eðyn.


==Elections==
==Elections==
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Officeholders are not allowed to interfere with the functioning of the public service, a crime known as [[Law of Gylias#Administrative law|"ministerial reign"]].
Officeholders are not allowed to interfere with the functioning of the public service, a crime known as [[Law of Gylias#Administrative law|"ministerial reign"]].


==Foreign policy==
==Foreign relations==
{{main|Foreign policy of Gylias}}
{{main|Foreign relations of Gylias}}
Gylian foreign policy is based on principles of non-alignment, neutrality, and multilateralism. The country is a member of the [[Common Sphere]] and [[Organization of Tyrannic Nations]].
Gylian foreign policy is based on principles of non-alignment, neutrality, and multilateralism. The country is a member of the [[Common Sphere]] and [[Organization of Tyrannic Nations]].


Gylias is active in international peace efforts and negotiations.
Gylias is active in international peace efforts and negotiations.


==Political issues==
==Political culture==
{{Main|Gylian consensus}}
{{main|Political culture of Gylias}}
 
The confluence of direct democracy and atypical influences on political development have shaped {{wpl|voting bloc}}s and issues in Gylian politics. Social issues are generally absent among {{wpl|cleavage (politics)|political divisions}}, as a result of the marginalisation and exclusion of {{wpl|social conservatism}} from mainstream politics. The main debates between opposing parties tend to revolve around [[Economy of Gylias|economic]] and {{wpl|quality of life}} issues.
 
Notable divisions in Gylian politics include:
* '''Statism versus anarchism''': The transition to a stateless society is commonly accepted as the ultimate goal of the Gylian polity, but divisions occur over how to achieve this goal. In general, the left-wing of Gylian politics and part of the right-wing favour anarchism, while liberals and conservatives are more accepting of the state as a means to coordinate governance and direct the economy.
* '''The role of the market''': A key division in [[Anarchism in Gylias|Gylian anarchism]] is whether economic organisation should be based on [[Economy of Gylias#Planning|planning]], [[Economy of Gylias#Markets and distribution|emancipated markets]], or a combination of the two.
* '''Engines of economic development''': The [[Demopolis|demopolitan]] movement views cities as the driving force of economic development, therefore economic policy should favour urbanisation. The opposing view is espoused by {{wpl|Georgism|Georgist}}, ecological, and {{wpl|agrarianism|agrarianist}} movements which view rural areas as the backbone of the economy.
* '''Economic scale''': Environmentalists, demopolitans, and certain anarchists favour Gylias' [[Economy of Gylias#Industry|light industry-based]] economic model, believing that small-scale economics and {{wpl|appropriate technology}} are more {{wpl|sustainability|sustainable}}. In contrast, liberals, conservatives, and some leftists are more comfortable with development of {{wpl|heavy industry}}, particularly those who favour a [[Kirisaki]]an-[[Akashi]]an {{wpl|developmental state}} approach.
* '''Discouraging {{wpl|negative externalities}}''': The debate around how to deal with harmful behaviours and goods is based on whether {{wpl|reinforcement}} through {{wpl|nudge theory|shaping choices}} and {{wpl|sin tax|levying taxes}} is more effective than directly banning behaviours and goods through legislation and enforcement.
* '''Consumption''': Consumption is one of the key drivers of the Gylian economy, within a strongly [[Economy of Gylias#Ecology|environmentalist]] framework. The increasing advocacy of {{wpl|degrowth}} and a {{wpl|circular economy}} among environmentalists and leftists led to the appearance of the {{G-PCF}} in the 1990s to present a pro-{{wpl|consumerism}} viewpoint.
 
==History==
Gylian politics emerged during the [[Free Territories (Gylias)|Free Territories]], against a backdrop of radical experimentation with self-governance and economic reorganisation. [[Anarchism in Gylias|Anarchists]] had a substantial influence on the Free Territories' politics, and alternatives included [[Rossettianism]] — popular in the former [[Cacertian Empire]] province of [[Alscia]] —, [[Conservatism in Gylias|"constructive conservatives"]], a [[Kirisaki]]an-style {{wpl|developmental state}}, [[Maria Elena Durante]]'s [[Movement for Emancipation and Democracy (Gylias)|left-wing populism]], and more utopian schemes such as [[Phaedra Metaxa]]'s ''mousaikratia'' or a revival of the [[Liúşai League]].
 
The transition from the Free Territories to Gylias, starting in 1958, preserved the diversity and decentralisation of the former, and was able to an extent to synthesise the multiple ideologies and models in existence. The [[Constitution of Gylias]], drafted through a people-driven process, aimed to establish "the minimum standards necessary to ensure the development of a free and flourishing society", according to [[Justina Mendonça Ferreira]]. The first directly elected federal legislature, the [[Gylian Parliament|Popular Assembly]], was elected in [[Gylian federal election, 1958|1958]], using {{wpl|open list}} {{wpl|party-list proportional representation|proportional representation}} for the only time. At the municipal level, politics continued to be based around small parties and independent candidates.
 
The [[Law on Electoral Representation of 1960]], together with the creation of the bicameral [[Gylian Parliament]], encouraged a profusion of parties. Several large existing parties, including the {{G-DCP/meta/shortname}}, {{G-SP/meta/shortname}}, and {{G-SDP/meta/shortname}}, underwent a process of de-factionalisation: factions representing different ideological tendencies amicably split to form their own parties. {{wpl|Electoral bloc}}s emerged, reuniting parties based on ideology.
 
Influenced by the Free Territories' legacy, Gylian politics was pushed heavily to the left. The {{G-PA/meta/shortname}}, whose membership included anarcho-communist, anarcho-syndicalist, and council communist parties, came to represent Gylias' centre-left. The far-left was initially occupied by the {{wpl|authoritarian socialist}} {{G-RR/meta/shortname}}. The modern party system emerged with the first Gylian Parliament election in [[Gylian federal election, 1962|1962]], which resulted in the [[Darnan Cyras government]]'s broad left-liberal-regionalist coalition. The [[Gylian consensus]] emerged in domestic policy out of the [[Golden Revolution]], enjoying broad support among the public.
 
During the 1960s, the {{wpl|popular front}} of the PA and {{G-LU/meta/shortname}} was dominant on the centre-left, the {{G-CG/meta/shortname}} formed the constructive opposition from the centre, and various {{G-NI}} parties and independents could align with the larger blocs, leaving a vacuum on the right. The {{G-CC/meta/shortname}} was stridently {{wpl|reactionary}} and marginal from politics, occupying largely the same space as the far-right {{G-FROS/meta/shortname}}. The two blocs were initially vehicles for former [[Xevden]]ite reactionaries and {{wpl|social conservatism|social conservatives}}; the FROS gradually transitioned towards a Gylian-specific brand of {{wpl|far-right politics}}, based on [[Religion in Gylias#Religion and politics|religious sectarianism]] and a veneer of left and anarchist rhetoric over a core of radical, authoritarian {{wpl|ultranationalism}}.
 
[[Conservatism in Gylias|Gylian conservatism]] did not properly emerge at the federal level until after the [[Gylian federal election, 1969|1969]] federal election. Having seized control of the CC, [[Lea Kersed]] applied for its dissolution and that of its largest party to [[Elections Gylias]], which was granted. With the bloc shut down, she created the {{G-CNP/meta/shortname}}, modeled after the [[Ossoria]]n Crown Nationalist Party. She was able to bring together the scattered successors of the "constructive conservatives" — independent parliamentarians, small non-inscrit parties, conservatives who joined the CG out of disgust with the CC — and stimulate the creation of a few new parties, forming the {{G-NB/meta/shortname}}. The NB became the main outlet of centre-right politics in Gylias. Under Lea's guidance, it repudiated the term "conservative", instead preferring the nomenclature of "national" and "reformist", and cultivated an image as moderate, progressive, liberal, and open to experiments, but resolutely anti-reactionary.
 
The growth of other political forces, initially concentrated at the local level and driven by the [[Demopolis|demopolitan]] {{G-UM/meta/shortname}}, {{wpl|Georgism|Georgist}} {{G-FLP/meta/shortname}}, and {{wpl|left-wing populism|populist}} {{G-MED/meta/shortname}}, was greatly accelerated by the {{G-LSDP/meta/shortname}}. A satirical party established in the wake of the [[Gylian protests of 1968]], the LSDP captured the public imagination, becoming the largest non-inscrit party in [[Gylian federal election, 1969|1969]], and helped open space to the left of the PA for non-authoritarian groups.
 
The 1970s saw the appearance of the {{G-GP/meta/shortname}}, the first organised {{wpl|green party}} in Tyran, and the first manifestation of the phenomenon of "molehill parties" or "teacup parties". The latter, named dismissively after the idioms "mountain out of a molehill" or "storm in a teacup", represent {{wpl|right-wing populism|right-wing populist}} parties that gained some minor success by opposing aspects of the Gylian consensus — such as high taxation rates, economic regulations, or official policies that favoured {{wpl|public transport}} and limiting meat consumption — before taking strong turns towards the right, causing their dissolution for anti-constitutional activities.
 
The establishment of regional governments after 1969 resulted in the emergence of regionalist parties, duplicating the localist and small parties' dominance of the municipal level.
 
The [[Gylian federal election, 1976|1976]] federal election, held amid a leadership vacuum on the left, marked a breakthrough for the NB and, unexpectedly, the RR. The latter, presenting a toned-down image under [[Aén Ďanez]], capitalised on the exhaustion of the [[Golden Revolution]]'s energy to finish joint first with the PA. The [[Aén Ďanez government]], a tense coalition between the RR and PA, led to the [[wretched decade]] — a period in which Gylias was beset with crises, both domestic and foreign. The FROS, led by [[Anðe Leuák]], recorded alarming gains in regional and federal elections, avoiding inflammatory rhetoric and capitalising on discontent with the wretched decade.
 
The Janez government fell after the Ossorian war crisis of May 1986, replaced by the [[Filomena Pinheiro government]]. Pinheiro formed a {{wpl|national unity government}}, composed of all parties but the RR and FROS. Engulfed by scandals and prosecutions, and deteriorating in the persistent glare of the media and public life, the RR and FROS collapsed, gradually losing their legislative seats and returning to the margins of politics. The efforts to overcome the "wretched decade" aggravated internal tensions within the NB, where the moderates faced a growing {{wpl|neoliberalism|neoliberal}} and {{wpl|right-libertarianism|right-libertarian}} current, partly fueled by contact with the anarcho-capitalist movement in comtemporary [[Meᵹelan|Megelan]]. Lea Kersed's death in 1988 brought the crisis to a head, and a showdown between the two factions at the 1989 parties' conference fractured the NB: the rightist faction broke off to form the {{G-UFP/meta/shortname}}, exiting the government in the process.
 
A renewal of politics in the 1990s took place simultaneously with a renewal of national confidence and optimism. The [[Gylian federal election, 1990|1990]] federal election was a watershed: for the first time, the non-inscrits collectively gained a plurality of the votes, displacing the PA. Most of these gains came from the {{wpl|techno-progressivism|techno-progressive}} {{G-NAF/meta/shortname}}, whose success was based on leader [[Mielikki Salonen]]'s charisma and innovative campigning approach. The NB suffered setbacks due to the 1988-1989 fracture, while the UFP remained isolated on the margins. The [[Mathilde Vieira government]] was constituted, a flexible coalition of the LU, NAF, and {{G-LND/meta/shortname}}, which negotiated case-by-case support from different factions. The government oversaw a revitalisation and strengthening of the Gylian consensus, taking advantage of the growth of {{wpl|Information and communications technology|ICT}} and the [[Internet in Gylias|Internet]] to increase popular participation in economic planning and political decision-making.
 
A constitutional reform supported by the NAF took place in the 1990s, which abolished elections for the Senate and transformed it into an upper house chosen through {{wpl|sortition}} and presidential appointment. The change took effect in 2000.


In the 2000s, the NB recovered from its setbacks under new leadership, the {{G-Pirates/meta/shortname}} emerged and accepted a merger with the LSDP, and the NAF's popularity crested and declined to a more moderate level. The LU's previous influence in the coalition declined against a resurgent PA. The [[Gylian federal election, 2012|2012]] federal election ended two decades of liberal-led governments, replaced with the left-leaning [[Toni Vallas government]].
Gylias is known for its lively political culture, influenced by its anarchist heritage, direct democracy, and electoral system.


{{Gylias Navbox}}
{{Gylias Navbox}}


[[Category:Politics of Gylias]]
[[Category:Politics of Gylias]]

Latest revision as of 09:37, 25 December 2021


The politics of Gylias take place in the framework of a semi-direct democracy, organised as a federal republic. The Constitution is based on the principle of self-government, while the six codes of law establish a civil law system. At the federal level, legislative power is exercised by the Gylian Parliament; executive power by the Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister; and the judiciary is independent, headed by the Court of Cassation and the Constitutional Court.

Gylias has followed an atypical path of democratic development in Tyran. It is a successor to the Free Territories, and has accordingly been strongly influenced by anarchism. There is a strong tradition of direct democracy, manifested in the use of communal assemblies and the system of popular initiative. The allocation of responsibilities between the different levels of government is based on the principle of subsidiarity.

There is broad support among political parties for the Gylian consensus, which together with the direct democratic elements ensures a mostly cooperative political scene. A high number of parties is represented, leading to large coalition governments as a characteristic of Gylian politics.

Gylians have a high level of satisfaction with the political system, as measured by surveys. Gylias is regularly considered one of the least corrupt countries in the world by international organisations.

Constitution

The Constitution was created through a popular drafting process, along with the six codes, and was approved by referendum in 1961. It is one of the shortest constitutions in Tyran — only 40 articles in length — and preserved many of the institutions and foundations of the Free Territories, giving Gylian politics unique traits within the region.

Power is vested in the people of Gylias, with the state being established on a temporary basis. The division of powers favours local governance, with larger bodies established for coordination and management purposes. The strong delimitations of administrative bodies' responsibilities and capacities means that in practice many officeholders are figureheads, who must rely on persuasion to gain support for their agenda.

The foundational principles of the Constitution include self-governance, equality of all Gylians, comprehensive human rights, common ownership of natural resources and the means of production, workers' self-management, and non-recognition of private property.

Direct democracy

Gylias' form of government is based on direct democracy functioning in parallel with complementary representative democracy. The main instrument of governance is communal assemblies, weekly meetings at a community level, selected partly by sortition, where deliberations take place and decisions are made.

Through the system of popular initiative, Gylians can submit any proposal to a referendum, including constitutional amendments. Referendums can be organised at a local, regional, or federal level. Referendums can also be called to repeal existing laws passed by a municipal, regional or federal legislature, or to recall elected officials.

Communal assemblies and referendums are subject to Gylias' compulsory voting laws. As a result, they benefit from a high level of voter turnout in general, allowing for a robust system of participatory democracy.

Cooperative democracy

Cooperative democracy is the term for additional forms of democracy at the local level, which augment both direct and representative democracy. Two main approaches to cooperative democracy are distinguished:

  • Commissioning approach: the public participate in planning and decisionmaking with elected officeholders and the administrative agencies. The public thus has a commissioning role in developing local solutions and proposing new legislation. The commissioning approach includes municipal and regional advisory councils, formed of Gylians with the necessary competences, which advise governments on policy.
  • Co-producing approach: the public are encouraged to take over the running of community centres and spaces, and engage in mutual aid and support groups. The co-producing approach places more of an emphasis on volunteering with support from governments, including incentives such as sectoral and time-based currencies.

Government

Governance in Gylias is non-hierarchical and based on subsidiarity. Any legislative or executive institutions above communal assemblies only exercise the responsibilities and capacities that are delegated to them. The majority of powers are concurrent powers, shared by all levels of governance.

All Gylian legislatures are popular legislatures, whose members serve part-time and have another occupation besides being a legislator. This measure was adopted to prevent accumulation of power by the legislatures at the expense of communal assemblies. The result has been the primacy of direct democracy in Gylian politics, with representative democracy being used for coordination and handling issues more complicated than running daily affairs.

Local government

Local government is based on municipalities, which are in turn federated into regions.

Legally, municipalities can assume any competence they wish, as long as it does not disrupt the constitutional foundation of Gylias. Regions are mostly responsible for local matters that require greater coordination and planning than municipalities can provide, and have an executive function, carrying out the implementation of policies made at the municipal or federal level.

Responsibilities assumed by municipal and regional governments include: culture, health, education, social services, policing, roads and transport, urban planning, housing, sanitation, emergency services, energy, public works, environmental protection, and civil registration. They are also responsible for local and regional currencies and the collection of local and regional taxes.

Federal government

The federal level is characterised by a separation of powers and more limited responsibilities, which are mainly advisory, coordinating, and management roles.

The legislative branch is headed by the Gylian Parliament. It is composed of the Chamber of Deputies, whose 500 members are elected from local circonscriptions, and the Senate, whose 300 members are chosen by sortition and presidential appointment. The Parliament is a popular legislature which plays a mainly deliberative and delegative role in Gylian politics. Deputies are subject to imperative mandates and recall from their constituents.

The executive branch is represented by the Cabinet of Gylias, headed by the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is designated by the President to form a cabinet, which must have the confidence of the Parliament. Cabinets function collegially, with ministers having equal prominence and autonomy in carrying out their duties. The Prime Minister assembles the cabinet, establishes its direction, and consults with the people and local governments over decisions to be made and matters of national importance. The cabinet as a whole is subject to both individual ministerial responsibility and cabinet collective responsibility. It prepares preliminary resolutions and decisions for Parliament to consider.

The judicial branch is headed by two supreme courts: the Court of Cassation, which deals with all civil and penal cases, and the Constitutional Court, which deals with constitutional compliance and administrative cases. Both have 9 members, appointed for a single 9-year term by the President, on the advice of professional bodies.

The President occupies a distinct role outside of the three branches. They are defined constitutionally as "the main counselor and arbiter of the people" — in practice a head of state, but without acknowledgement of the state. The President has a mainly ceremonial figurehead role, and carries out representative and practical functions with the advice of the cabinet.

Political parties

Gylias has a rich party landscape. The profusion of parties makes majority government impossible, and coalition government the norm. Parties may confederate into electoral blocs based on ideology. The established electoral blocs have 5 member parties each, as Chamber of Deputies circonscriptions elect 5 members each.

Federal

At the federal level, there are currently 5 electoral blocs represented, as well as unaffiliated parties and independent members, commonly known as Non-inscrits.

Local

The political landscape at the municipal and regional level is different. Large electoral blocs are disadvantaged by comparison, whereas smaller parties — particularly the UM, PPFN, FLP, and IRAM — and independent politicians predominate.

Multiple residents' associations and localist parties exist at the municipal level, many of whom are essential to the formation of municipal governments.

Due to the Law on Electoral Representation of 1960 restricting parties to one candidate per circonscription, municipal and regional elections feature a number of independent candidates who use descriptions such as "Independent Urban Movement", "Independent Democratic Forum" and so forth. These candidates, if elected, will caucus with the parties they have indicated they favour. The Constitutional Court has ruled that the practice is permissible only for non-inscrit parties at the local and regional level.

Each region has a regionalist party. These parties are customarily assigned a shade of purple as their colour. In addition to independent regionalists, regional parties can also enter into electoral alliances with electoral blocs, presenting up to 5 common candidates in a circonscription.

Politicians

Gylias has a history of strong political involvement by ordinary people through popular movements. The dispersal of power, part-time legislatures, and focus on self-governance have produced a notable phenomenon: election candidates and elected officeholders who are eccentric yet capable, or simply come from outside politics, such as scientists, academics, qualified professionals, artists, sex workers, sportspersons, and others.

Notable examples of the phenomenon include poet Phaedra Metaxa, writers Virginia Gerstenfeld and Anaïs Nin, musician Hilda Wechsler, concert pianist Neira Tasei, soprano Sofia Demes, ballerina and philosopher Margot Fontaine, pornographic actresses Moana Pozzi and Ilona Stahler, historian Herta Schwamen, chemist Margaret Roberts, and scientist Dora Eðyn.

Elections

All Gylian elections use ranked voting: single transferable vote for legislatures, and instant-runoff voting for mayors, governors, and Presidents. All Gylians can vote if they are at least 15 years old and have a valid address; citizenship is not necessary. Voting is compulsory; turnout for elections and referendums is consistently high.

The Law on Electoral Representation of 1960 is the basis of Gylian election law. Each administrative level has its own independent electoral commission, and they are collectively federated into Elections Gylias.

Gylian parties are not allowed to submit more than one candidate for each circonscription. By-elections do not exist. In the event of a vacancy, the ballots of the election are re-examined, with the former candidate eliminated, and votes re-transferred. Vacancies thus automatically change the composition of a legislature.

Party political broadcasts

Political advertising on television or radio is illegal in Gylias. Instead, parties are allocated broadcast slots free of charge on broadcast channels, with a maximum length of 5 minutes. These slots are known as party political broadcasts (French: émissions des partis politiques), abbreviated "PPB" or "émpas".

The allocation of PPBs is determined by the National Broadcasting Office according to a formula, to not disadvantage small parties. PPBs with discriminatory, hateful, or anti-constitutional content are banned.

Civil service

Gylias has a permanent and politically neutral civil service, embodied in the administrative agencies, which independently carry out policies and decisions. Local government departments and federal ministries are comparatively smaller, and more focused on deliberation, negotiation, planning, and policy formulation.

Officeholders are not allowed to interfere with the functioning of the public service, a crime known as "ministerial reign".

Foreign relations

Gylian foreign policy is based on principles of non-alignment, neutrality, and multilateralism. The country is a member of the Common Sphere and Organization of Tyrannic Nations.

Gylias is active in international peace efforts and negotiations.

Political culture

Gylias is known for its lively political culture, influenced by its anarchist heritage, direct democracy, and electoral system.