Political: Pirtuni

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Pirtuni is a constitution-based republic with a history of peaceful transfer of power. The elected President appoints the Prime Minister, with approval from Parliament. Both the President and Prime Minister serve five-year terms. The President exercises constitutional authority over foreign policy, international agreements, and the military. The Prime Minister administers the daily operations of the federal government through cabinet ministers. The legislative branch consists of a 450-member unicameral parliament called the Supreme Council. Legislators are elected by party-list proportional representation. Members of the Supreme Council serve four-year terms with no term limits. Pirtuni’s triad of governmental checks and balances is completed with a judicial system, consisting of the Constitutional Court and the courts of general jurisdiction.

Pirtuni’s regional relationships are shaped by its historic ties to the West and border tensions with Donovia. It benefits from close trade and political affiliations with Western countries; however, these leanings cause regional countries to view Pirtuni with suspicion. Donovia’s nuclear ambitions and support for separatist activities within Pirtuni cause ongoing tensions between the two countries. Regional and international relationships are often used by Pirtuni as leverage against Donovia.

Centers of Political Power

Pirtuni adheres to a constitution-based democratic republican form of government with checks and balances exercised by the three branches of government—executive, legislative, and judicial—modeled on the US Constitution. Pirtuni’s current constitution was signed 19 years ago and has been the legal basis upon which subsequent laws have been constructed and legal interpretations based. The separation of powers limits corruption, graft, and other forms of government abuse.

The strength of the Pirtunian constitution has been tested several times in its short history. From April to June nine years ago, for example, the President of Pirtuni attempted to dissolve Parliament over a legislative proposal to have the President chosen by the Parliament and not by general election. A ruling from the Constitutional Court averted both wholesale changes to the Constitution and dissolution of the Parliament. This also created a precedent for exercising checks on the powers of the three branches of government.

In recent years, the media has exposed and the other branches of government have responded to bribery of government decisionmakers by defense industry officials. The influence of both the media and activists is maturing as an additional check on government officials and corruption within Pirtuni.

Military Authority

The President exercises constitutional authority over the military as Commander-in-Chief and chairs the National Command Authority (NCA). The President appoints the Minister of National Security, who exercises responsibility for the NCA’s Strategic Integration Department (SID). The SID serves as the agency responsible for integrating all the instruments of national power under one cohesive national security strategy. The SID coordinates the plans and actions of Pirtuni’s ministries, particularly those associated with the instruments of national power.

Pirtuni

The Pirtunian civilian government exercises command and control of the armed forces via the Supreme High Command (SHC). The SHC includes the Ministry of Defense (MOD) and a General Staff drawn from all the service components. In peacetime, the MOD and General Staff operate closely but separately. The MOD assumes the responsibility for policy, acquisitions, and financing the armed forces. The General Staff promulgates policy and supervises the service components, while its functional directorates assume responsibility for key aspects of defense planning. In wartime, the MOD and General Staff merge to form the SHC, which functions as a unified headquarters.

Family Authority

Family is extremely important to Pirtuni’s citizens and many old traditions are still very much a part of family life today. Extended family is particularly important to Pirtunians. While families have gotten smaller in recent years, it is still common for parents and grandparents to take active parenting roles with children. Multi-generational homes are still common, particularly in rural areas. Pirtunian society, like that of Western countries, has seen a shift from a patriarch-centric family organization to a more cooperative environment where women work and household responsibilities are more generally shared.

Religious/Clerical Authority

Pirtuni is a majority Christian country with a significant Muslim population (17%). For Christians, religious observance has followed the trend of Western countries in becoming less central in everyday life, but is still a large part of family life. Religion is culturally an important part of Pirtunian family life, particularly on major holidays when many families attend church services. The Pirtunian population considers religious sanctioning of marriage important, putting religious leaders in a position of authority when it comes to marriage and families. Religious authority tends to be strongest in rural areas in contrast to urban areas. Religious affiliation is considered a political asset.

The Muslim minority population adheres to traditional Islamic tenets, where possible. Most live in consolidated areas along the border with Donovia where they are segregated from and able to live apart from Christian neighbors. This allows most of them to incorporate religious observance into daily life.

Attitudes Toward the US

The United States has long and established diplomatic relations with Pirtuni. The US-Pirtuni Charter on Strategic Partnership highlights the importance of this bilateral relationship and outlines enhanced cooperation in the areas of defense, security, economics and trade, energy security, democracy, and cultural exchange. It also emphasizes the continued commitment of the United States to support enhanced engagement between the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and Pirtuni. To fulfill one of the key tenets of the charter, the two countries have established the Strategic Partnership Commission. Significant US investment in Pirtuni has been rewarded with positive feelings among the Pirtunian population toward the US.

Attitude Toward US Trade

Pirtuni has developed good trade relations with the US, in part because of US interest in the area. The United States has granted Pirtuni market economy status and normal trade relations status. The two countries have a bilateral investment treaty. The US-Pirtuni Council on Trade and Investment was established under the countries' agreement on trade and investment cooperation and works to increase commercial and investment opportunities by identifying and removing impediments to bilateral trade and Pirtuni has developed good trade relations with the US, in part because of US interest in the area. The United States has granted Pirtuni market economy status and normal trade relations status. The two countries have a bilateral investment treaty. The US-Pirtuni Council on Trade and Investment was established under the countries' agreement on trade and investment cooperation and works to increase commercial and investment opportunities by identifying and removing impediments to bilateral trade and investment flows. A recent survey of Pirtuni’s businesses indicated a generally positive attitude toward Pirtuni-US trade relations.

Type of Government

Official Flag of Pirtuni

Pirtuni’s government is a constitutional democratic republic with a recent history of peaceful transfer of power. It consists of three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. Pirtuni has developed a robust political environment with a number of political parties that have freedom of expression and are able to openly oppose the ruling party without overt retribution.

Pirtuni consists of 25 provinces, which are further subdivided into "Raions." Each of Pirtuni’s provinces has its own legislative and executive authority, most of which is subordinate to central government authorities. Each province is administered under laws institutionalized in the Constitution and subsequent laws passed by Pirtuni’s Supreme Council. The Provincial Governor is appointed by the Prime Minister of Pirtuni, while the Provincial Council is elected directly by the people. Local governments are also subject to rules and laws established by the Provincial Council, with the Governor exercising veto power over Council legislation.

Branches of Government

Legislative Authority

The legislative branch consists of a 450-member unicameral parliament called the Supreme Council. Legislators are elected by party-list proportional representation. Members of the Supreme Council serve four-year terms with no term limits. The next parliamentary elections will take place in three years. The Supreme Council has constitutional authority to initiate and pass legislation, ratify international agreements, and approve budgets. It also has approval authority over cabinet minister nominations. The Constitutional Court has judicial review authority over Supreme Council decisions for issues of constitutional compliance.

Executive Authority

Executive authority consists of a President who is elected by the people and a Prime Minister who is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Supreme Council. The President’s primary responsibilities are limited to foreign policy, international agreements, and Commander-in-Chief of the military. According to the Pirtunian constitution, the President is the guarantor of the state's sovereignty, territorial indivisibility, the observance of the Constitution of Pirtuni, and human and citizens' rights and freedoms. The constitutional separation of powers allows the President to veto any law passed by the Supreme Council; however, vetoes can be overridden by a two-thirds majority vote of the Parliament. The President has limited powers to disband the legislature. Ministers of Defense and Foreign Affairs are nominated by the President. The President is also allowed to appoint six of the eighteen Constitutional Court judges. Presidential decisions are checked by Constitutional Court review. The President serves a five-year term, and is limited to two terms. The current President, Jasper Atticus, was elected three years ago. The next presidential election occurs in two years.

The Prime Minister, after nomination by the President and a simple majority vote by the Supreme Council, heads the executive branch of the government. The Prime Minister nominates the Cabinet of Ministers, who are then voted on by the legislature. The Prime Minister, through leadership of the Cabinet, manages the day-to-day affairs of the government of Pirtuni. The current Prime Minister, Alexander Miasmus, was selected by President Atticus upon the latter’s accession to office, and confirmed by the Supreme Council shortly thereafter.

Judicial Authority

Pirtuni’s judicial system consists of the Constitutional Court and the courts of general jurisdiction. The Constitutional Court is a special court with exclusive jurisdiction over interpretation of the Constitution and laws of Pirtuni and exercises final arbiter authority on constitutional issues. It reviews legislative actions of the Supreme Council and decisions made by the President, Prime Minister, and Cabinet of Ministers for compliance with the Constitution.

Courts of general jurisdiction are organized by territory and specialty and include: local courts, appellate courts, high specialized courts for civil and criminal cases, and supreme courts. Local courts are either courts of general jurisdiction, inclusive of military courts, or specialized courts (i.e. commercial and administrative courts). Local commercial courts have jurisdiction over commercial and corporate issues, while local administrative courts hear disputes concerning legal relations in provincial government and municipality cases, excluding military disputes.

Government Effectiveness and Legitimacy

Provinces of Pirtuni

Pirtuni is generally recognized as a legitimate government both internationally and regionally. Strong trading relations and an acceptable record on human rights issues has given it recognition by Western governments. Regionally, its majority Christian government has been criticized by neighboring Muslim governments for alleged inequity in treatment of its Muslim minority. This tension has caused complaints to be registered with the United Nations regarding human rights abuses. The issue of minority inequity is also used by some neighboring governments to divert attention from domestic problems.

Domestic Political Issues

Elections

Pirtuni’s elections have been generally free of large-scale complaints; however, regional disputes have occurred. This is particularly true of areas where minorities feel unfairly represented in government. In recent years there have been calls for recounting ballots and charges of voter fraud. These issues have been handled peacefully through judicial intervention and rulings.

Rule of Law

Pirtunian legislation provides for national treatment of foreign investors, in line with its World Trade Organization commitments. Due in part to conflicts in the body of laws that govern investment and commercial activity in Pirtuni and persistent issues with corruption, foreign investors have found it difficult to pursue cases in Pirtuni’s courts and often seek arbitration outside of the country. However, judicial reform is underway. The President of Pirtuni signed the “Safeguarding Fair Trial Rights” law two years ago in February. Starting that same year on March 28, the constitutional powers of the Supreme Court were enhanced, and new rules now apply to the selection and disciplining of judges. This was the first step in an expected major overhaul of the judicial system in Pirtuni—a stated priority of the current President. Successful judicial reform and strengthening of rule of law, both of which are key demands from Pirtunian activists, are essential reforms in dealing with corruption.

Corruption

Political checks and balances have limited corruption, although it still remains a challenge for Pirtuni. Its aggressive defense industry has been involved in high-level bribery scandals and questionable contracting practices. The largest impediment to fighting corruption is a backlog of cases being prosecuted by the government. Pirtuni’s first anti-corruption trials under new laws are currently in progress. High-level investigations are also ongoing, as witnessed by the public arrest of the head of the State Emergency Services and his first deputy on suspicion of involvement in corrupt procurement schemes in March two years ago. Two years ago in October, the Parliament passed a package of anti-corruption bills, including the creation of a National Anti-Corruption Bureau focused on corruption prosecution; the creation of the National Anti-Corruption Committee, entrusted with corruption prevention; approval of a national anti- corruption strategy; laws to prevent money laundering; and requirements for disclosure of asset ownership by public officials, to include their family members. Since anti-corruption laws are not retroactive, the first results of the new laws are only now being seen. Pirtuni's President appointed the new director of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau two years ago in April, stating that the director’s mission is to build a new institution that would demonstrate Pirtuni's determination to battle corruption.

Pirtuni participates in international anti-corruption initiatives. Eleven years ago, it ratified the Council of Europe’s Civil Law Convention on Corruption and became a member of the Council of Europe's Group of States Against Corruption (GRECO). GRECO has concluded its joint first, second, and third rounds of evaluation of Pirtuni, publishing reports nine and five years ago. The fourth evaluation was launched four years ago.

Local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) involved in corruption investigations have marked a significant improvement in government protection of their rights, as compared to past governments where such NGOs were often victims of threats and criminal prosecutions.

The government has recently opened to public access the registries of licenses for production of natural resources and of real property owners, and increased transparency of government procurement processes. However, the areas of dispute settlement and competition protection are still seen as areas of corruption.

International Relationships

Pirtuni’s close relationships with Western countries cause regional countries to view it with suspicion. Donovia’s nuclear ambitions, in particular, cause tension with the Pirtunian government. Donovian support for ethnic Donovian separatist militants inside Pirtuni has also created tension in regional bilateral relationships. Pirtuni is able to leverage schisms between regional countries to its advantage, shifting alliances with the goal of protecting its power position within the region. It also uses the threat of US intervention as a negotiation tool.

Regional Actors

Pirtuni’s primary regional concern is Donovia. Donovia’s chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) capabilities, surface-to-surface missiles capable of carrying CBRN warheads into Pirtuni, and first-strike strategic policy cause ongoing tension and fears. Additionally, Donovia takes advantage of ethnic Donovian separatist activities on its border, providing direct and indirect support for insurgent activities. Tensions tend to ebb and flow according to current domestic and regional issues.

Pirtuni has both trade and political relationships with other regional countries. In many cases, Pirtuni will use relationships and agreements with other regional countries as leverage against Donovia.

International Organizations

Pirtuni is a member of most major international organizations. About 35–45 NGOs and international organizations (IOs) operate within Pirtuni at any given time. The major IOs operating within Pirtuni’s borders are the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and International Red Cross. Pirtuni is a member of the United Nations and benefits from a number of programs offered by it. NGO programs are generally non-political in nature and focus on culture, literacy, and medical programs, especially in rural locations.

International Economic Associations

Pirtuni benefits from membership in and association with a number of economic entities. The Economic Co-prosperity Sphere has brought preferential access to European markets and a measure of stabilization to the national economy. The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank have provided investment capital and international aid, particularly as Pirtuni has attempted economic reforms with varying degrees of success.

Military Alliances

The Charter on a Distinctive Partnership, signed nineteen years ago, remains the basic foundation underpinning NATO-Pirtuni relations. The NATO-Pirtuni Commission (NPC) directs cooperative activities and provides a forum for consultation between the Allies and Pirtuni on security issues of common concern. The Declaration to Complement the Charter, signed seven years ago, gave the NPC a central role in deepening political dialogue and cooperation to underpin Pirtuni’s reform efforts. The principal tool to support this process is the Annual National Programme (ANP), which reflects Pirtuni’s national reform objectives and annual implementation plans.

Influential Political Groups

Official Political Parties

Pirtuni has a robust and multi-party political environment in which no one party often has a chance of gaining power alone, so parties must work with each other to form coalition governments. Parties must have 4% of the vote to have a representative in Parliament. Because of the large number of political parties, political blocs tend to be less ideologically pure and contain different political groups with diverging ideological perspectives.

General movements in Pirtuni include three major political trends. The ruling political bloc, known as the Pirtunian People bloc, has a generally pro-Western government and trade orientation. The parties within this political grouping see US and Western influence and spending positively. One of these parties, the Alliance of Pirtunian Citizens, boasts both President Atticus and Prime Minister Miasmus among its members. The Strong Pirtuni bloc contains political parties that resist the West and are fearful of the cultural dilution that comes from too much Western influence. The third bloc, known as Progressive Pirtuni, is anti-liberal and proposes a socialist ideology. This political orientation looks to the East and includes socialist-leaning and anti-West political parties.

Insurgent and guerilla groups within Pirtuni have political associations. The political party nominally associated with the True Pan-Donovian Movement (TPDM) is known as the Pan-Donovian Movement (PDM). The Pirtuni Forever group does not have direct political representation, but members are believed to align with parties within the Pirtunian People Bloc. The Pirtunian People’s Liberation Army (PPLA), due to its radical socialist beliefs, enjoys support from some members of the Progressive Pirtuni bloc. Most members of the parties within the Progressive bloc publically disavow PPLA violence; however, more- radical members both sympathize and support the PPLA.

Other Domestic Influential Groups

Pirtuni’s constitutional guarantee of free speech has supported a developing and maturing media that has focused a spotlight on corruption and demanded transparency of public officials. Utilizing social media and other readily-available methods, activists are able to advocate for and raise awareness of issues important to Pirtunian citizens. These groups have enjoyed greater protection from government harassment in recent years.

Summary

Pirtuni is a regional anomaly in that it has an established republican form of democracy with a maturing and robust political environment. The media and civil society activists are free from overt government harassment. Corruption is an ongoing concern, but is mitigated by relatively strong political institutions and a conscientious media. Its close relationship with the US and other Western countries causes tension and apprehension among some of its neighbors. Donovia is Pirtuni’s regional adversary, particularly as the former supports Donovian separatist organizations with the latter’s borders.