Monarchy of Poliania

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King of All Polianians
Владика од Всепољенеци
Vladika od Vsepoljeneci
Coat of Arms of the Vladimirovs.png
Incumbent
2017-07-04-MMPF-WP-IMG 7576.jpg
Vizimir II
since 16 May, 1946
Details
StyleHis Majesty
Heir presumptiveGrand Princess Aleksandra
First monarchVladislav I (as King)
Formation30 November, 1855
ResidenceRoyal Palace of Tretogor
Websitewww.royals.po

The monarchy of Poliania (Volinian: монархия од Пољения tr. monarhija od Poljenija), constitutionally referred to as The Crown (Volynian: Короначим tr. Koronačim), is the constituional monarchy of Poliania. The monarchy comprises the reigning monarch, his/her immediate family, and the household organization which supports the monarch in the exercise of their duties. The current reigning monarch is Vizimir II, who also serves as the nation's head of state.

The Polianian monarchy traces its origins back to the princely states comprising Great Vesemir, specifically the eponymous Grand Principality of Vesemir. Over the course of several centuries, the various principalities consolidated into the Kingdom of Poliania, with former Grand Prince Vladislav I crowned as its first king. From there, Vladislav would expand Poliania eastwards into the former lands of the Empire of Arciluco. As the state consolidated its newly acquired territory, the monarchy would also consolidate, evolving into one of the most important institutions in the realm alongside the Polianian Apostolic Episemialist Church. From 1601, the royal house Vasilovski would rule following the death of the last Skenderlij king, George III. The Vasilovskis would rule until 1801 when the last Vasilov monarch, [[Boris II of Poliania|Boris II], was overthrown. The monarchy would be restored in 1806 when Ivan Stefanov Pramatarov, a general in the Revolutionary Army seized control and crowned himself as Ivan V and founded the Stefanov dynasty. This dynasty would be short-lived, and following the marriage of Ivan's only child, the future Teodora I, to Leopoldo, Prince of Etruria, Poliania would be ruled by members of the Etrurian-based House of Caltarini. Two weeks before the conclusion of the War of the Triple Alliance, Alexander IV would be made emperor, starting the Imperial period. Following the Great War, a constitutional referendum seeking to abolish the monarchy was defeated 52.7% in favor of retaining to 47.3% in favor of abolishing.

The monarch and their immediate family undertake various official, ceremonious, diplomatic, and representational duties. As of the 1936 constitution, the monarch is the seen as the living embodiment and personification of the Polianian State. The constitution codifies the royal styles and titulary, hereditary succession of the crown through male-preference primogeniture, compensation, and a regency contingency plan in the case of the monarch's incapacitation or minority. Because the monarchy is constitutional, the monarch has a limited role in the national government, performing functions such as bestowing honors, and appointing the minister-president. The constraints of convention and precedent significantly reduces the power able to be wielded by the monarch, making the monarch a figurehead. The Government of Poliania is referred to as His (Her) Majesty's Government.

As of 2020, the budget for the Polianian monarchy was €10.4 million (₽14.56 million).

History

Main article: List of Polianian monarchs

Grand Prince of Vesemir

Early Kingdom

Absolutism

  • Under George II, Poliania would launch unsuccessful colonial efforts in the Eastern Asterias
  • Political dormancy following defeat at the Battle of Lakamore, consolidation of political power by the Crown
  • Power of nobility (Boyars) is largely curbed under the reigns of Ivan III and Ivan IV
  • This was done by requiring nobles who were in the upper house of the Veche to stay in the capital of Tretogor
  • Last Skenderlij King, George III, died in 1601; Grand Prince Krasimir Vasilov succeeded George III
  • Royal policies eventually led to large disconnect between the peasantry and the crown, culminating in three major peasant revolts in 1606, 1619, and 1623
  • Poliania's defeat in the Ten Years' War saw the abdication of Alexander III
  • Republican revolt, inspired by the Etrurian First Republic, occurred in 1801, overthrowing the last Vasilov King Boris II

Restoration

  • Polianian Republic exists in a near state of civil war for entirety of its existence
  • In 1806, Royalist General Ivan Stefanov Pramatarov seizes control of Tretagor, effectively ending the Republic; On 12 October, 1806, he is declared King of Poliania and takes the regnal name Ivan V
  • Ivan's only child, the future Teodora I, marries Etrurian Prince Leopoldo, the fourth son of King Adriano Augusto I
  • Succession would pass to the House of Caltarini with the ascension of Alexander IV following the Teodora's death from tuberculosis in 1846
  • Alexander IV would align the nation with Werania and married Weranic princess/prominent noblewoman X in 1850

Imperial period

Coronation portrait of Alexander IV as Emperor of Poliania.
  • Alexander IV declared war against Narozalica alongside Werania's declaration against Sunrosia
  • Alexander IV would be proclaimed emperor in the Narozalic city of Patovatra two weeks before the conclusion of the War of the Triple Alliance
  • Failed Republican revolt, inspired in part by the First Narozalic Civil War saw Alexander adopt the 1867 constitution
  • Great Collapse saw some decrease in popularity of the monarchy under the lavish spending of Leopold I
  • Leopold appoints Functionalist Kliment Bojadžiev as Minister-President in 1920; Leopold's functionalist leanings were known at the time but not outwardly so; Leopold would continue to get more involved in the day-to-day running of Poliania
  • Great War divides royal family. Leopold effectively rules as an absolute monarch alongside Bojadžiev, and Chief of General Staff Sava Savov
  • Leopold abdicates in 1934; Konstantin VII dismisses Bojadžiev and other Functionalists from government. Managed to negotiate an armistice and later peace with Grand Alliance

Modern

  • Republican referendum occurs shortly after conclusion of Great War; Monarchy is kept after achieving 52.7% of the vote; Popularity of Konstantin due to his actions in the war are believed to be sole reason
  • Konstantin signs into law the 1936 constitution; constitution places modern limits on the role of the monarchy
  • Konstantin assassinated by the republican sympathizer in 1946; is succeeded by his 12-year-old son, Vizimir II
  • Popularity of monarchy reaches all time heights

The Crown

Role

The monarch is not considered the nominal chief executive, with executive power being explicitly given to the Minister-President and their cabinet according to the 1936 constitution. The monarch is also not the commander-in-chief of the Polianian Armed Forces; this role also being given to the Minister-President. Thus, the monarch is considered largely to be a ceremonial and representative figurehead.

The monarch has no executive powers vested in him, but has several ceremonial functions that they carry out. These roles are:

  1. Appointment of the Minister-President as designated by the Veche.
  2. Apointment of Supreme Court justices as designated by the cabinet.

These duties are stipulated by Article 3 of the constitution. Despite the monarch formally appointing the Minister-President, the monarch doesn't have the ability to deny the appointment, as the constitution explicitly states "as designated by the Veche." Other duties for the monarch are stipulated in article 4 of the constitution. These duties are specifically carried out in accordance with the instruction of the Cabinet:

  1. Promulgation of laws, amendments, cabinet orders, and treaties.
  2. Opening of inaugural session of both chambers of the Veche.
  3. Dissolution of Assembly of Envoys and Assembly of the Land.
  4. Calling for the general election of both chambers of the Veche.
  5. Attestation of the appointment and dismissal of state ministers and other government officials.
  6. Awarding of honors.
  7. Awarding noble titles.
  8. Receiving ambassadors and foreign ministers.
  9. Performance of ceremonial functions.

Ceremonies regularly performed by the monarch are the Imperial Attestation, the official inauguration ceremony of the Minister-President or a justice on the High Court, and the Speech from the throne ceremony, which opens ordinary sessions of the Veche.

Although the monarch is not considered to be the command-in-chief, the monarch is still considered to be the foremost representative of the Polianian defense establishment and holds the highest rank available in each of the service branches. The current monarch, Vizimir II, ranks as a four star admiral in the Polianian Navy and a general in the Polianian Army and Polianian Air Force.

In addition to constitutionally mandated roles, the monarch and members of the Imperial Family undertake a variety of official, unofficial and other representative duties within Poliania and abroad. The monarch and their family play an important role in state visits to Poliania, and conduct state visits to other nations on behalf of Poliania. Members of the Imperial Family may represent the monarch in lesser functions both domestically and abroad.

Inviolability and lèse majesté

The Emperor/Empress and immediate members of the Imperial Family has absolute immunity, and are protected from prosecution for acts carried out in the monarch's name. This functions similar to sovereign immunity seen in other constitutional monarchies, such as Caldia and Werania. Because of sovereign immunity, the reigning monarch cannot be charged and tried in any court in Poliania, both in criminal and civil cases. Although absolute immunity only applies to the reigning monarch and their immediate family, legislation passed in 1988, other members of the Imperial Family can only be tried by the High Court of Poliania.

Lèse majesté exists within Poliania. The monarch is viewed to be the embodiment and personification of Poliania, and criticizing the monarch was seen as criticizing the state. The maximum punishment for cases is four months in jail and a fine of up to ₽7,000 (€5,000). Current lèse majesté laws extend to the heiress presumptive, empress consort, other immediate family members of the reigning monarch, the Minister-President, and visiting foreign dignitaries. Prosecution under lèse majasté requires the approval of the Minister-President and Cabinet. Between 2006 and 2019, a total of 13 cases were prosecuted, the latest being in April, 2017 when a woman insulted Emperor Vizimir II, calling him a "rapist, murderer and thief," and was sentenced to 14 days in jail and to pay a ₽500 (€420).

Styles, titles, and the Font of Honor

The Order of Saint Miletsa is the highest order within Poliania.

According to the 1936 constitution, the official title of the monarch is Emperor of All Polianians.

Prior to 1936, the monarch had several other titles relating to House Caltarini that could be used. These include:

Supreme Sovereign of Etruria, King of Tyrrenhus, Novalia, Carinthia, Protector of Povelia, Carvagna, Torrazza, and Ossuccio

According to Decree 237, which regulates titles, treatments, and honor of the Imperial family and regents, the monarch and their partner, the Emperor/Empress consort, would be formally addressed as "His and Her Majesty" (Their Majesty). A King consort, the husband of an empress regnant, would also be given the address "His Majesty." Widows and widowers of the monarch are allowed to retain their styles until they remarry, should they choose to do so. The heir holds the title "Grand Prince of Vesemir" from birth and other titles associated with the heir apparent. These other titles include Prince of Redania and Duke of Losniza. Other children of the monarch and the children of the heir apparent are given the title prince/princess and are addressed as His/Her Royal Highness. Children of a Prince/Princess are given the princely title Vojvoda/Vojvodiča and are addressed as "His/Her Excellency." Great grandchildren of the reigning monarch are not conferred any special titles.

The monarch's position as the Font of Honor is specified in Article 5. Nobility and other titles are created by the "grace of the Sovereign," and are inheritable. The letters patent may not be sold. Titles are passable to the Crown once a vacancy in the title is observed. Succession for these titles follow three models: Succession by Assignment (heir is designated), Succession by Distribution (titles are distributed among children, with eldest getting the highest), or by cognatic primogeniture. The Minister-President and cabinet may suggest civil servants and other people of distinction who have made a great contribution to the social, economic, political, or scientific standing of the nation.

In addition to peerages, the monarch can grant military and civil orders awards of distinction on the advice of government. These medals include the Imperial Cross of Saint Miletsa of Novigrad, the nation's most prestigious award, the Pour le Mérite, the nation's highest military award for gallantry, the Order of Military Merit, Order of Naval Merit, and the Imperial and Military Order of Saint Vladimir, among others.

Succession and regency

Grand Princess Aleksandra is the current heir presumptive of Poliania.

The Crown of Poliania is inherited through male-preference primogeniture succession, and is regulated through Decree 538. The decree states specifically:

The Crown of Poliania shall be inherited by the successors of His Majesty, Konstantin VII Premislov z Kaltarinsky. Succession to the throne shall follow the regular order of primogeniture, the first line having preference over subsequent lines; and within the same line, the closer over the remote, male over female, and of the same sex, eldest over the youngest.

Male-preference primogeniture has been used since the Acts of Succession in 1806, following the restoration of the monarchy by Ivan V in 1806. Following the birth of Grand Princess Aleksandra in 1965, it was briefly proposed that the succession would be amended to absolute primogeniture, but was postponed shortly after. The birth of Aleksandra's eldest child, Adelajda, in 1996, talks about amending succession were once again brought up but so far have no action has been taken. Because succession is codified in the constitution, any amendment to it would have to pass a public referendum in addition to securing 75% of the vote in both chambers of the Veche.

If the current line becomes extinct, the constitution reserves the right for the Veche to elect a new monarch based on the "needs of Poliania." The 1936 constitution disinherits members of the Imperial family that marry against the expressed prohibition of the Veche and reigning monarch. In addition, abdications and renunciations must be handled through organic acts passed by the Veche. Unlike the standard succession, these acts would be considered standard pieces of legislation that would acknowledge the abdication or renunciation.

Constitutionally, succession to the Crown of Poliania is:

Monarchy in society

Importance and position

Konstantin VII was instrumental in shaping public opinion of the monarchy.

The importance of the King (and formerly Emperor) within Polianian culture and society has changed over time as the constitutional position of the monarchy within the national government changed.

Starting with the coronation of Vladislav I in 1103 through the passing of the 1869 constitution, Poliania was an absolute monarchy where the Veche served as purely advisory in nature and all power was held by the Vladika and royal court. Absolutist policies peaked under the reigns of Ivan III and Ivan IV in the 17th century. The monarch's powers would remain unchecked until the forced abdication of Boris II in 1801 at the hands of republican revolutionaries.

The restoration of the monarchy under General Ivan Stefanov Pramatarov saw the first checks to the monarch's power implemented with the August constitution. Under the new system, the Veche gained new powers and official oversight on the king. The transition to a semi-constitutional monarchy lasted only for the remainder of Ivan V's reign and his successor, Teodora I's, reign; a total period that lasted for only 40 years. The ascension of Alexander IV in 1846 saw a drastic shift in the monarchy, as Alexander reversed many of the changes implemented by the August constitution. These reversals allowed Alexander to implement reforms that paved the way for the nation's industrialization, such as approving the construction of rail networks throughout the country in 1850. This period of absolute rule was short-lived, and following the 1867 revolution and subsequent drafting of the 1869 constitution, the country officially transitioned to a fully constituional monarchy.

Despite the new constitution, the monarch still played a major role in the day-to-day politics of the nation. The reign of King Radovid III in particular was marked by a series of power struggles between the Crown and the Veche. The Great Collapse further exasperated these power struggles, and, by 1920, Leopold I had effectively wrestled executive control from the Veche. That same year, Leopold dismissed the incumbent executive under then Minister-President Ventsislav Vrančev and appointed the Functionalist Kliment Bojadžiev. Leopold, alongside Bojadžiev, ruled as an absolute monarch until his abdication in 1934 shortly before the nation's defeat in the Great War.

Poliania's defeat in the Great War nearly saw the complete abolition of the monarchy, with the population voting in favor of retaining the monarchy by a margin of 52.7% for and 47.3% against. in a referendum held shortly after the war's conclusion in 1935. Afterwards, a new constitution was drafted under the supervision of the victories Allied powers. Under the new constitution, all political power and any potential for political power was stripped from the monarchy, and the institution transitioned to being entirely ceremonial with the monarch viewed solely as a figurehead. The reign of Vizimir II is viewed as being key to the monarchy's continued existence, as his 70+ year reign has modernized the monarchy and fostered the concept of "popular monarchy."

Popularity of the monarchy

The popularity of the monarchy has waxed and waned over time, correlating with economic peaks and lows, circumstance, and political influence.

A poll gauging the popularity of the monarchy was first undertaken in 1828, limited only to the national capital of Tretogor. The poll, which was done over a week long period, was published on December 17, 1828 and listed national support for the monarchy to be at 68%. This popularity would remain stagnant through the reign of Teodora I, who did nothing to further increase nor decrease popularity. Her death from tuberculosis in 1846 would see a slight rise in popularity, jumping to 70%.

Alexander IV is considered to be the first popular monarch in modern Polianian history. Despite reversing all of the constitutional gains made by the Veche with the August constitution in the early years of his reign, his domestic and foreign policies made him popular with both the Polianian military and business magnates. During his reign, Alexander IV over the industrialization of the country, the construction of rail networks, and other measures. Although unpopular at the time, Alexander IV's alignment with Werania and subsequent declaration of war on Narozalica would have lasting effect on public opinion of the monarchy, as Poliania's victory over Narozalica in the War of the Triple Alliance. His popularity would continue to increase as he agreed to the 1869 constitution.

Popular support for the monarchy would begin to decrease under Leopold I. Leopold I would wrestle executive control from the Minister-President and his cabinet, and see Poliania transition back to an absolute monarchy. In 1920, Leopold I dismissed Ventsislav Vrančev as Minister-President and appointed Kliment Bojadžiev as his replacement. With Leopold I's consent, Bojadžiev would dissolve the Veche and establish the functionalist Patriotic Movement as the nation's ruling party. At Bojadžiev's urging, Leopold aligned Poliania with Gaullica, and later involve the nation in the Great War.

Support for the monarchy was at an all time low when Leopold I abdicated in 1933 and was succeeded by his youngest son, Konstantin VII. Konstantin VII would gain some popularity by dismissing Bojadžiev the following day. In the following weeks, Konstantin would work in secret to gain Poliania's exit. Konstantin's popularity sharply rose when he made a personal address over radio announcing an armistice with Allied forces. During the subsequent constitutional referendum over whether or not Poliania would remain a monarchy, Konstantin was able to muster public support with a publicity tour through the countryside, where the monarchy still held large amounts of support. Konstantin VII's assassination in 1946 by a republican sympathizer cemented his legacy as one of the best monarch's in Poliania's history for his role in both ending the Poliania's involvement in the Great War and transitioning the country to a fully democratic system.

Royal household

The royal household supports and facilitates the monarch and members of the royal family in fulfilling their ceremonial obligations and responsibilities. The organization is funded through annual budgets drafted by the Minister-President in consultation with the monarch, and brought before both houses of the Veche for approval. Household staff serve at the monarch's pleasure and do not require approval from the Veche for their hiring or dismissal. Unlike the government's executive, members of the household do not have to resign during election cycles. The royal household is managed by the titular Head of the Royal Household, who oversees the the day-to-day running of the organization through various bureaus. The Head of the Household is assisted by General Secretariat, which is made up of several departments which include the Secretariat of the King (Vizimir II since 1946), Secretariat of the H.M the Queen, planning and coordination services, Secretariat of the Grand Princess of Vesemir communication secretariats, and security services.

Although the monarch is not considered to be the commander-in-chief of the Polianian Armed Forces, the military is represented in the royal household through the Head of the Military Chamber. The position's role is to coordinate military ceremonies, and prepares the royal family for any sort of military activities (i.e visiting soldiers stationed overseas). The military chamber is under the administration of a commander who must be at least an active colonel general within the armed forces. The Head of the Military Chamber is under the direct command of the monarch. The commander maintains an office composing of a legal advisor, auditor, and section heads for protocol, staffing, operations, and logistics. Despite the presence of the Military Chamber, the monarch does not have any aides-de-camp due to the fact the monarch is not the commander-in-chief.

As of 2020, the royal household employs approximately 150 people. These employees are afforded all the privileges of other government employees.

The organization maintains an official website on behalf of the royal family. The website lists biographical information on the monarch and immediate members of the royal family, charts their appearances at charities and other events, speeches given at these events, and lists their future expected appearances.

Religious affiliation

There is no constitutional stipulation dictating the religion of the sitting monarch. Historically, the Polianian royal family have been members of the All-Polianian Apostolic Church, although there have been notable exceptions. From the reign of Teodora I through Konstantin VII (1829-1946), the reigning monarchs were Solarian Catholic. Prior to his 18th birthday, Vizimir II converted from Catholicism to Episemialism, becoming the first monarch since its restoration under Ivan V to be a member of the Polianian church. Only a single attempt has been made to regulate the religion of the royal family, when a bill was proposed in 1977 that would disinherit members of the royal family who married non-Episemialists. Despite this, the religion of the royal family is regulated by the Veche, as potential heirs must get parliamentary approval before marriage in order to retain rights of succession.

Residences

The Royal Palace of Tretogor is the official residence of the monarch.

The royal palaces are government property, managed by the State Heritage Board and are at the disposal of the monarch since the ratification of the 1935 constitution. The royal palaces, together with other properties historically owned, built, or given patronage by the royal family, are known as "royal sites." All royal sites are open to the public when the monarch or member of the royal family is not in residence. The royal household directly coordinates with the State Heritage Board and other relevant interest groups or government ministries in planning and staging events or state visits, where royal sites often serve as the backdrop.

The Royal Palace of Tretogor (Vladikevsky palac) is the official residence of monarch and is located in the city's kremlin. The offices of the king and the royal household are located in the palace, and the residency is used for representative and state occasions by the king. Other residencies include the Šoinci Palace located in Zhitarovo, which acts as the residence for the Grand Princess of Vesemir, and the Petruša Palace located on the island of Nava, which historically served as a summer residence for the royal family.

Finances

As of 2020, the monarch and royal family have set allowances that are made apart of overall government budget. It is currently set at 𝒦14.56 million or €10.4 million. The allowances are also extended to the spouses of the immediate royal family, their children (if over the age of 18), and any abdicated monarch. The allowances are split into two components: A and B, which are classified as income (A) and personnel and materials (B). The A-component is linked to the annual changes in the salary of the Minister-President and B-component is linked to civil service pay and the changes in the cost of living.

Three sets of costs make up the total annual budget for the monarch and royal family. These costs are:

  1. Allowances paid to the royal family. They comprise the income and personnel and materials components mentioned above.
  2. Expenses incurred in performance of official duties. They include costs which had previously been disclosed under the budgets of other government ministries, but in an effort to increase royal transparency, have been included under the royal budget. They also include costs related to royal flights and other means of travel.
  3. Other expenses related to the management and maintenance of the royal household.

Costs relating to the security of members of the royal family, state visits, and the maintenance and upkeep of royal sites are still borne by their respective government ministry and are not included in the annual royal budget.

The 2020 Royal budget is broken down into the following categories of expenditure:

  • Allowances paid to the king, the Grand Princess of Vesemir and Grand Prince Jadran, and the Duchesses of Kalinka and Zhitarovo.
  • Expenses incurred in the performance of official duties.
  • Other expenses relating to the management of the royal house.
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