Jack Peresque
Jack Peresque | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Président of Inyursta | |
| In office 12 January, 2010 – 11 January, 2018 | |
| Preceded by |
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| Succeeded by | Jean-Baptiste Calderone |
| Senator | |
| In office 12 January, 2000 – 11 January, 2008 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 27th, 1965 San Roji, Inyursta |
| Nationality | Inyurstan |
| Political party | Independent |
| Spouse | Maria Feulí Peresque |
| Children |
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| Alma mater | Université National dul Jacques Duvalier |
| Profession | Businessman |
Jack Franco Peresque-Reyes is a businessman and the former Président of Inyursta, serving two terms from 2010-2018.
Early Life
Jack Peresque was born in San Roji, a small rustic town on the north-eastern coast of Marindino. Peresque started at a university, however he did not finish. Instead he entered directly into the investment business, where he was able to help a friend start a fishing charter company. Later, Jack returned to college where he finished his degree in economics. Afterwards, he opened his own bank which specialized in financing upstart companies and local businesses.
Election
Placing his bid in late 2008, Peresque entered into a tough candidate field in early 2009. Multiple parties put forth charismatic candidates, all vying for the perceived "easy win" against the unpopular rump-administration currently in office. One by one, the field of hopefuls fell down, with most candidates coming to endorse Peresque, and by May of 2009 only Peresque and Michelangela Martinja (representing an odd-ball alliance of uber-nationalist "Partíe Par Inyursta Durisimé" (PPID) and the normally left-leaning Alternative Coalition(AC)) and the sitting présidente. In 2010, Peresque led a landslide victory over the incumbent, Tallio D'Éstang. D'Estang, who was présidente by virtue of appointment as Subprésidente following the impeachment AND subsequent removal of his former superior Jean-Paul Yero in 2008. Many critics question D'Éstang's decision to run, believing him the hopeless relic of a lame duck and only splitting the anti-Peresque vote between himself and Marchinja.
Popularity
As a senator, Peresque was known for his calm demeanor but no-nonsense rhetoric. His young tenure and status as an independent gave him the credentials of an outsider to many Inyurstans, which was a strong position considering his predecessor Jean-Paul Yero had become relatively unpopular for flip-floppy policies they viewed as "politics as usual". He was also respected for the establishment of his own investment and banking career which helped him pitch his plans for economic growth.
Unity Government
Due partially in part to his popularity, and part to his policies which appealed to both sides of the political spectrum, Peresque earned the endorsements of many leaders across the aisle and was able to form a unity government with over 75% of the legislature in support of his administration. There was still some level of division within his government - mainly over the development of a trans-provencial highway - but almost none that directly affected his ability to govern.
This marked the first time since the administration of Ramón Sarillo (the first president) that any standing president had an absolute majority of support in the legislature.
Economics
The economic polices of Jack Peresque are often nicknamed "Peresquénomics" by both supporters and critics. Generally, Peresque's economic policy is known for two key tenets:
- Incintives for Investment & Development
- Monetarist Policy Reduce Inflation
- Protection and Support of Rural Industry
Under the Peresque administration income tax was cut to just 3.5% across the board for all incomes above $20k per year, and reduced capital gains tax to 10%. Minimum wage was also effectively abolished on the national level, with only certain cities and the province of San Meresque Petí keeping some kind of minimum wage. The goal of these reforms was to spur investment and development, both foreign and domestic, which in turn expanded the work force and the flow of money.
Peresque, his advisors and his supporters adhere to the notion that cost of living - affected directly by the cost of production and procurement as well as inflation - was the biggest financial obstacle affecting middle and lower-class families. To combat this Peresque's administration implemented monetarist policies to restrict the amount of money in circulation and reduce inflation.
To bring jobs to rural areas and increase participation in the overall economy, Jack Peresque pushed for tax break incentives to companies that either opened positions in the interior or more importantly utilized goods and services from rural producers.
Foreign Policy
In terms of foreign policy, Jack Peresque's administration is considered to have been "center of the road" between isolationism and strong interventionism. During his administration Inyursta joined the Santiago Anti-Communist Treaty Organization (SACTO); however, Peresque openly opposed direct intervention in the Dorian Civil War and neglected to join Inyursta into several other conflicts.
The latter years of the Lolloh-Ruolnik Conflict also took place under Peresque's administration, for which public opinion polls indicate Inyurstans believe he did an effective job of managing.
Criticisms
Despite his overall popularity and ability to unite the Inyurstan government, Jack Peresque has received many criticisms - mainly directed at his foreign policy. Internally, Peresque is often blamed for the series of events which brought hostile foreign government assets close to the shores of Inyursta, and as such has been labelled as "Peresque the Pansy". However, from foreign sources he has drawn the exact opposite criticisms, such as being too interventionist or too pro-SACTO. The Lollohian government on multiple occasions has called Peresque a "war monger" in regards to policies which oppose them. Furthermore, a more leveled claim is that Peresque let Antonio DeLoroza "walk all over him", and effectively run the military as a fourth unchecked branch of government.
He has also faced criticism from foreign governments claiming he is at the head of a corrupt regime, and somehow response for the non-existant crimes committed by Inyursta. The international leftist news network, The Daily Worker, claimed he is actually an agent of the Cuscatlani intelligence service, DINA. They have not offered any proof or evidence of this claim.