Presidency of Lucien Orton (Arabi)

Presidency of Lucien Orton
January 10, 2023 – present
President	Lucien Orton
Party	Republican
Election	2022
Seat	Presidential Mansion
← Robert Stephens •

Lucien Orton assumed office as the 31st President of Arabi on January 10, 2023. Orton is a member of the Republican Party. His presidency has been a subject of both domestic and international scrutiny, marked by a mix of accomplishments and controversies that have shaped Arabi's political landscape.

2022 election

The 2022 presidential election was a highly significant and historic event, witnessing the fierce competition between the Republican nominee, Lucien Orton, and the Democratic incumbent President, Robert Stephens. The election outcome sparked widespread discussions and debates about the Electoral College system, as Orton secured the presidency with 133 electoral votes, despite losing the popular vote to Robert Stephens.

Campaign and Electoral Results

The campaign leading up to the election was marked by intense debates on various policy issues, including the economy, healthcare, climate change, and social welfare. Stephens ran on his record as an incumbent, emphasizing his and the previous administration's achievements and proposing further reforms to address the nation's challenges. Orton, as the Republican nominee, advocated for a change in leadership, pledging to implement conservative economic policies, strengthen national security, and reduce government intervention in the economy.

When the votes were counted, Orton secured 133 of the 230 electoral votes, giving him the victory in the Electoral College. However, Stephens garnered a larger number of popular votes, with 18,390,492 votes compared to Orton's 15,538,800. This marked the first time in Arabi's history that a winning candidate had lost the popular vote while winning the presidency through the Electoral College.

Impact and Electoral College Reform Discussion

The election outcome immediately sparked discussions and debates about the fairness and efficacy of the Electoral College system. Many citizens, political commentators, and lawmakers questioned the Electoral College's ability to accurately reflect the will of the people, as it allowed a candidate to secure the presidency without obtaining the majority of the popular vote. The disparity between the popular vote and the electoral vote result prompted renewed calls for electoral reform. Advocates argued that the system's flaws and the potential for candidates to win without the majority of the popular vote undermined the democratic principles of representation and fairness.

Domestic Policies and Economic Impact

During his tenure, Orton's policies have received significant criticism for their perceived negative impact on the economy and social welfare. Advocating for a limited government approach, Orton aimed to reduce government spending, which included ending several welfare programs designed to help the less fortunate. This move drew criticism from various advocacy groups and Democrats, who argued that these programs played a crucial role in supporting vulnerable citizens.

Orton's economic policies, including tax cuts and deregulation, were intended to stimulate economic growth and attract investment. However, many economists and experts have raised concerns that these measures favored corporations and the wealthy at the expense of the working class, exacerbating income inequality. Orton has vowed to reverse Lona Freeman's policy that allowed the federal government to seize control over the private sector to publicize it.

Trade Deal Termination

One of the notable decisions during Orton's presidency was the termination of a significant trade deal involving the United States, Canada, and Japan. This move affected imports from these countries, resulting in trade disruptions and economic uncertainty.

The trade deal in question was a multilateral agreement that facilitated the exchange of goods and services between Arabi, the United States, Canada, and Japan. The agreement aimed to promote economic cooperation, enhance market access, and foster mutually beneficial trade relationships among the participating nations. For Arabi, this trade deal represented a crucial opportunity to boost exports, attract foreign investments, and strengthen its position in the global market.

Reasons for Termination

President Orton cited several reasons for the termination of the trade deal, reflecting his administration's approach to international trade and economic policy. Orton's administration emphasized the importance of asserting Arabi's national sovereignty and independence in matters of trade and economic policy. They argued that the trade deal constrained Arabi's ability to make decisions in its best interest. Orton's economic policy approach leaned towards protectionism, with a focus on safeguarding domestic industries and jobs. His administration believed that the trade deal had negatively impacted certain sectors of Arabi's economy, leading to job losses and unfair competition. Orton and his team asserted that the trade deal had resulted in significant trade imbalances, with Arabi being at a disadvantage. They aimed to renegotiate more favorable terms for Arabi to address these imbalances.

Impact of the Termination

The termination of the trade deal had immediate and noticeable effects on Arabi's economy and trade relations with the United States, Canada, and Japan. The sudden termination disrupted established supply chains, leading to uncertainties for businesses that relied on imports from the affected countries. In response to the termination, the United States, Canada, and Japan imposed tariffs on certain Arabi exports, further exacerbating trade tensions. The termination of the trade deal raised concerns among foreign investors about Arabi's commitment to international trade and economic cooperation, potentially impacting foreign direct investment in the country. The uncertainty and trade disruptions resulting from the termination had a negative impact on Arabi's economy, causing a slowdown in certain sectors and affecting overall growth.

International Response

The decision to terminate the trade deal received widespread attention and criticism from the international community. Leaders of the affected countries expressed disappointment and concern over the move, urging Arabi to reconsider its decision. The termination was viewed as a step away from globalization and economic cooperation, leading to questions about Arabi's commitment to free trade and multilateralism.

Controversial Federal Judge Nominations

Orton's nomination of federal judges has been criticized for being highly partisan, raising concerns about the impartiality and independence of the judiciary. Critics argue that these nominations prioritize loyalty to the President's ideology over qualifications and a commitment to the rule of law.

Partisan Nominations and Impartiality Concerns

Orton's nominations for federal judges were heavily criticized for being overtly partisan. Critics argued that the nominees displayed strong ideological leanings and appeared to prioritize loyalty to the President's political agenda over a commitment to upholding the rule of law and impartiality. The perception of partisanship among the nominees raised concerns about the impartiality of the judiciary, as it is crucial for federal judges to be independent and unbiased in their decisions, irrespective of their personal beliefs or political affiliations.

Impact on Judicial Balance

The nominations under Orton's administration had the potential to shift the ideological balance of the judiciary significantly. As federal judges serve lifetime appointments, the President's choices could have long-lasting consequences on the interpretation of laws and the protection of individual rights. Critics argued that the nominees' extreme partisanship might undermine the judiciary's ability to act as a check on the executive and legislative branches, potentially eroding the system of checks and balances that is vital to a functioning democracy.

Senate Confirmation Battles

The Senate confirmation process for Orton's federal judge nominees was contentious and highly politicized. Opposition senators and advocacy groups closely scrutinized the nominees' records and public statements, seeking to identify any potential biases or conflicts of interest. The confirmation hearings became highly charged, with senators from the opposing party questioning the suitability and qualifications of the nominees. This polarization further deepened the divide between the parties and affected the functioning of the judiciary.

Public Outcry and Activism

The controversial federal judge nominations under Orton's administration sparked public outcry and activism. Citizens and advocacy groups expressed concerns about the erosion of judicial independence and the potential for judicial decisions to be influenced by political ideologies rather than legal principles. Protests and campaigns were organized to raise awareness about the importance of an impartial judiciary and to call for more balanced and qualified nominations that prioritize judicial integrity over political loyalty.

Long-term Implications

The contentious federal judge nominations had long-term implications for the judiciary's credibility and public trust in the legal system. The perception of partisanship and lack of impartiality among some federal judges raised questions about the judiciary's ability to uphold justice fairly and without bias. As these judges began to hear cases and render decisions, their actions were closely scrutinized by legal experts, advocacy groups, and the media. Their rulings and legal interpretations often became subjects of public debate and further fueled concerns about the erosion of the judiciary's independence.

Cabinet Member Resignations

During Orton's presidency, two of his cabinet members resigned under contentious circumstances. Secretary of State Peter Burke publicly stated that he left his position due to Orton's rude behavior and his request to get involved in unethical situations. The specific details of the unethical situation were not provided. Attorney General Paul Emery resigned after Orton asked him to close federal cases against companies that had donated to Orton's campaign. Emery's refusal to comply with this request resulted in his departure from the administration.

Senate Investigation Rejection

Both Peter Burke and Paul Emery petitioned the Senate to open an investigation into President Orton's alleged unethical behavior and questionable cabinet decisions. However, Senate Majority Leader Spencer Pickering refused to initiate an investigation, citing a lack of evidence. This decision faced criticism from the media and the public, fueling further controversy surrounding Orton's presidency.

Approval ratings

In the months following his inauguration, President Orton's approval rating experienced fluctuations, influenced by various factors such as policy decisions, economic conditions, and responses to national and international events.

2023
Month	Approve	Disapprove	Average	Average change
					January	50%	40%	45%	0%
February	46%	48%	47%	2%
March	48%	45%	46.5%	0.5%
April	47%	49%	48%	1.5%
May	46%	51%	48.5%	0.5%
June	48%	49%	48.5%	0%
July	50%	48%	49%	0.5%