Political: Framland

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Framland Parliament (Landsting) Building

Flag of Framland

Political Overview

Framland’s capital is Freja. Framland has an area of 99500 square kilometers (km2), bordering Torrike to the south and west, Bothnia to the north, and the Gulf of Bothnia to the east.

Politics: Framland is a multi‐party democracy with open elections. Its politics is relatively conservative with a social democratic bent. While there are a number of political parties in the state, the political landscape has been dominated for decades by the Framland Liberal Party (FLIP) and Framland Democratic Party (FDP). They have been historically opposing and competing entities, which both occupy the traditional center ground. In 2011 came a political realignment when Framland’s Labor Party (FLP), typically the state's third political party, becoming the dominant party.

Government: Framland is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democratic system of governance. Parliament or Landsting, comprises of 165 members who are elected by popular vote with representatives apportioned according to the populations from five political districts (called counties). While the head of state is the King of Framland, this is a largely ceremonial position with real political power being vested in the Prime Minister who is the head of the government as appointed by the King.

Foreign Relations: Diplomatic relations with all United Nations (UN) countries.

Legal System: Mixed system of civil, common and customary law.

International Agreements: Framland is not given to political alliances and has no definitive treaty obligations. Fully supported by its citizens, Framland is a member of the United Nations.

Historical Summary

Framland was originally a semi‐independent duchy within the Skolkan Empire. It declared its independence in 1905 in conjunction with Norway. Since that time, Torrike and Bothnia have routinely attempted to influence Framish politics, but its independence has never been physically threatened. Even after heavy pressure, Framland was able to remain neutral during both World War I (WWI) and World War II (WWII). During the Cold War, Framland leaned westward but maintained both political and economic relations with Donovia. Following WWI, the Royals followed the path of other European nations in creating a legislative body (the Parliament, or in Framish: Landsting) and setting up a representative government. Since the fall of the Warsaw pact, its political stance has become decidedly pro‐Western and pro‐North Atlantic Treaty organization (NATO), but has declined to apply for NATO membership. However, to counter the threat of reintegration into the Greater Skolkan and assist in maintaining their independence, Framland routinely plays a possible NATO membership to keep Torrike in check.

Framland has always been a nation that is moderately prosperous, democratic, and possessing a strong sense of national identity. The Framish people clearly consider themselves Europeans, but are hesitant to become a member of the European Union (EU), seeing it as compromising their national identity. Framland maintains good relations with the rest of the European nations.

Strategic Aim

Framland's goal is to maintain her independence. Key elements in achieving this goal are its commitment to neutrality, regional stability, and support to the UN.

Political System

The political system of Framland is grounded on the objectives of the parliamentary form of representative democracy. Also, Framland has a multi‐party system. The Framish people embrace the existence of multiple political parties which they see as a contribution to a better functioning state due to the competition and oppositions that arise among the various parties.

Central Structure

Framland is a Constitutional Monarchy with a parliamentary democratic system of governance. State power is formally distributed between three institutions: the Government (the executive branch), the Landsting (the legislative branch), and the courts (the judicial branch). There is also a geographical distribution of political power into state, county and municipal levels.

Framland Government Structure

Branches of Government

Executive

Head of State. The head of state in Framland is His Royal Highness the King of Framland, Erasmus II. The Kingdom is hereditary and can be inherited by both sexes. In keeping with the State's parliamentary system of government, the King exercises a mainly ceremonial role. As part of this role, the King undertakes the opening of the Landsting every autumn, formally appoints new Governments, and presides over the Council of State at the Royal Palace. The King does not take part in Government debates, but as the leader of the Council of State, Government decisions are formally taken by the King. He is also the Supreme Commander of the Framish Armed Forces..

Head of State. The head of state in Framland is His Royal Highness the King of Framland, Erasmus II. The Kingdom is hereditary and can be inherited by both sexes. In keeping with the State's parliamentary system of government, the King exercises a mainly ceremonial role. As part of this role, the King undertakes the opening of the Landsting every autumn, formally appoints new Governments, and presides over the Council of State at the Royal Palace. The King does not take part in Government debates, but as the leader of the Council of State, Government decisions are formally taken by the King. He is also the Supreme Commander of the Framish Armed Forces.

However, one significant power he possesses is the right to veto legislation. The right to veto is suspensive (authority to postpone Government decisions). If vetoed by the King, the Government has to reconvene in order to either abide by the King’s veto, or to re‐draft and present for his approval. In the event of another veto, the case will be dismissed until after the following general election. If the Government once again adopts the case, the King can no longer stop implementation.

County Governors are appointed by the monarch to ensure that government policies are implemented in the counties.

Executive Power. The Council of State is Framland's executive power and its members are normally referred to as the Government. The Council of State normally convenes every week, and is presided over by the King. The Constitution states that the members of the Government are to be selected by the King.

The Prime Minister who is appointed by the King leads the Government. The current Prime Minister is Rudolf Lindblad, (Framland Labour Party) who was appointed on 9 March 2011. The office of the Prime Minister is the central office of the Council of State and the Government. The office has two principal functions: to serve as secretariat to the Council of State (the King, the Prime Minister and the Government ministers) and to assist the Prime Minister in leading and coordinating the work of the Government.

Most decisions made by the executive power are taken by a minister in his or her capacity as head of a ministry. Any decisions which a minister does not have the authority to make will then be made by the Government. When the Government passes resolutions in the plenary, it acts as the Council of State under the King's leadership.

The Framish government consists of following ministries:

Framish Government Ministries

Rudolf Lindblad, Prime Minster (FLP)
Minister	Ministry	Minister	Ministry
Liisa Robert (FLP)	Foreign Affairs (MFA)	Kaspar Rosen (FLP)	Interior (MoI)
Niels Ruud (FLP)	Finance (MoF)	Rudi Gaare (FLP)	Education and Skills (MoE&S)
Peer Holst (FLIP)	Enterprise, Trade and Employment (MoET&E)	Siri Telle (FLP)	Justice, Equality and Law Reform (JE&LR)
Dr. Nathan Thron (FLP)	Defense (MoD)	Sture Pallessen (FGP)	Agriculture and Food (MoA&F)
Rolf Kelp (FLIP)	Industry (MoInd)	Karl Wiik (FLP)	Health and Children (MoH&C)
Gretha Koll (FGP)	The Environment (MoE)	Rigmor Silverstad (FLIP)	Transport (MoT)
Simon Raa (FGP)	Welfare (MoW)
Ludvig Parr (FLIP)	Arts, Sport and Tourism (MoAS&T)	Gard Larsson (FLP)	Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (MoCMNR)

FLP = Framland’s Labor Party      FLIP = Framland Liberal Party     FGP = Framland Green Party

Legislative

Framland’s unicameral parliament comes into power through the system of proportional representation that exists in multi seat constituencies. It remains in power for a four‐year period. There are 165 seats or members of the Landsting and general elections are held every four years. The Landsting cannot be dissolved and there is no opportunity to call for new elections outside the general election year. There are no by‐elections.

Judicial

The Judiciary of Framland functions independently without the interference from the executive and legislative branches. The Supreme Court handles all the civil and customary laws. Sometimes, even the legislature takes suggestions from the Supreme Court and works under its International Court of Justice (ICJ) administration. The top Supreme Court Judges manage all the impeachment cases that were earlier under the administration of the High Court. Along with the Supreme Court, there are city courts, appeal courts and conciliation councils that handle civil cases. In criminal cases, defendants are afforded free legal counsel. Indigent persons are granted free legal counsel in certain civil cases as well.

Each municipality has a conciliation council, elected by the municipal council, to mediate in lesser civil cases to settle them, if possible, before they go to court; under some conditions the conciliation councils also render judgments. The courts of first instance are town courts and rural courts, which try both civil and criminal cases. Their decisions may be brought before a court of appeals, which also serves as a court of first instance in more serious criminal cases. There are five such courts. Appeals may be taken to the Supreme Court in Freja, which consists of a chief justice and 17 judges. Special courts include a Social Insurance Court and a Labor Disputes Court who mediates industrial relations disputes.

The Courts. The Framish court system has a three‐tier structure:

• The Supreme Court (1)
• The Courts of Appeal (5)
• The District Courts (currently about 50)

If the conciliation boards – which can pass judgement in simple disputes – and the Interlocutory Appeals Committee of the Supreme Court are included, it could be argued that there were five tiers, but this is not customary. Supranational courts of law, primarily the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), also have practical significance for Framish citizens.

In addition to the Supreme Court, the five courts of appeal represent the regular appellate courts in Framland. Rulings from the district courts – as well as from the land consolidation courts – can be brought before the courts of appeal. In exceptional cases, the court of appeal hears cases in the first instance. Not all rulings may be reviewed by the Court of Appeal, as there are restrictions on access, based on the value of the subject matter in civil cases, and the severity of the crime in criminal cases. The probability of success of an appeal is also assessed before the case is presented to the Court.

Civil Administration

The Civil Service of Framland is the collective term for the permanent staff of the Departments of State and certain State Agencies who advise and work for the Government of Framland. It officially consists of two components, the Civil Service of the Government and the Civil Service of the State. Whilst these two components are typically seen as one organization, their fundamental operations are significantly different. A third area, Public Service, is often included when discussing civil service in Framland, however, functions and services provided through public service are actually different.

Civil Service of the Government. The Civil Service of the Government is the body of civil servants which advise and carry out the work of the Government. Each of the 15 Ministers of Government has a civil service department headed by a Secretary General. The head of the Civil Service of Framland is the Secretary General to the Government, who is also referred to as the Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Prime Minister.

The largest reform of the civil service occurred in 1982 when the abolition of the Department of Posts and Telegraphs led to the halving of civil service numbers.

The affected personnel, mainly postal and telecommunications workers were transferred to private companies.

Civil Service of the State. The Civil Service of the State is a relatively small component of the overall civil service. Its members are expected to be absolutely independent of the government, in addition to normal political independence.

Public Service. The public service of Framland consists of agencies which provide services on behalf of the government. Their functions range from regulating sectors of the economy, to defending and policing the nation and running the health service. The term public service in Framland is often taken to include the civil service, but the two are largely distinct and independent. The confusion arises from the fact that certain State Agencies, such as the Office of Public Works and Revenue have civil service status, while others, such as the Road Safety Authority and Health Service Executive do not and form part of the public service.

List of public service bodies:

• Education in Framland
• Primary education
• Secondary education
• Framland’s National Police service
• Health Service Executive
• Institutes of Technology
• Framish Defense Forces
• Local government in the Kingdom of Framland
• Local authorities
• Regional bodies
• Vocational Education Committees

Domestic Policies

The Domestic Policy of Framland aims to provide a safe, secure and prosperous environment behind own borders for its citizens. The main domestic priorities are as follows:

• Create an economic environment that provides employment for all citizens
• Provide health services that ensure timely and high quality health care all over Framland
• Provide a safe and secure environment for all citizens of Framland
• Provide sustainable conditions for Framish industry

The “United Skolkan” Movement. There is a small opposition in Framland who has a more significant pro‐Skolkan agenda than the major political parties in the country. Even though the opposition represents a minority view, the topic tends to spark a political debate at regular intervals. It is possible that this over time could cause enough internal debate to become a source of political conflict especially if the economy of the country stagnates or indeed worsens. A failure to achieve a closer alignment with the rest of Europe could, over time, have such an effect, especially in combination with more resource constraints.

Energy Production. Hydroelectricity is vital to the Framish energy production. While a political majority is for continuing to develop this source of energy, there are a few environmentalist groups, with close ties to the Greens, who could affect the political agenda and thus the issue potentially becoming a source of political conflict.

EU Membership. The FDP’s outspoken pro‐European attitude led to a change of government in the 2011 general election. The vast majority of the population oppose EU membership, but the debate is continuously ongoing.

Framish Neutrality. Public support for Partnership for Peace (PfP) has increased in recent years, and Framland continues to contemplate its membership. Within the Government there are also strong voices in support of joining NATO, but there is currently no indication that Framland will abandon its neutral posture.

Law Enforcement

The National Police in Framland is subordinate to the Ministry of Justice and Equality. A Government appointed National Commissioner of the Framish Police (NCFP) is responsible for the day‐to‐day running of the force. For policing purposes, Framland is divided into five Police Districts each led by a Regional Assistant Commissioner. Each region is made up of a number of Municipal Sub‐ Districts with a Chief Superintendent in charge. The Police organization is completely independent from the military forces. However, in certain emergency situations, such as rescue operations and natural catastrophes, the police may be assisted by military personnel. In such cases, the military personnel fall under the command of the police and must follow the laws and regulations which govern police actions.

Framland National Police Structure

Functions and Missions. The mission of the National Police is to ensure a predictable, efficient and flexible service for the benefit of the public. The Framish Police Directorate was established in 1995 to develop and co‐ordinate the central, regional and local organizations of the police department. The Framland National Police Force has responsibility for carrying out all policing duties in the country. In addition, it provides State security services and carries out all criminal and traffic law enforcement.

Structure and Organization. The Police Districts are under the command of a Regional Assistant Commissioner who has full responsibility for all policing in his district. Each police district has its own headquarters. The districts are divided into municipal sub‐districts under the command of a Police Chief Superintendent. Special agencies, such as special weapons and tactics (SWAT) teams, are organized directly under the National Commissioner.

Staff Data. There are approximately 14,000 members of Framland National Police Force. About 12,000 are uniformed, the rest are plain clothed detectives. Only detectives are authorized to carry firearms.

Education and Training. The Framish Police University College is the central educational institution for the police service in Framland. Basic training for police officers is a three‐year curriculum aimed at providing a broad practical and theoretical foundation. The College has a comprehensive education program. The key areas are: policing tasks, crime investigation and prevention, and prosecution and administrative responsibilities, in addition to leadership. The first and third years of the study program are taken at the College, while the second is a year of on‐the‐ground training, in which the students are divided into groups at training units in police districts around the country. Of all applicants admitted to the Framish Police University College in 2005, 37% were women. In an effort to continuously improve public safety, extensive research is conducted at the Framish Police University College which comprises of both short‐ and long‐term projects. Research typically is concentrated on police duties, the effects of policing, the role of the police, and other aspects of police operations.

Emergency Services

The aim of civil protection is to prepare, organize and implement measures aimed at preventing and, to the greatest extent possible, limiting the physical injury or damage to the health of the public and damage to the environment and property.

The tasks of the Framish Civil Protection System are:

• Planning and implementing measures to protect the well‐being and safety of the public and prevent them from harm, the protection of property and the environment from disasters, caused by natural or manmade hazards, pandemics, military action or other types of disasters.
• To direct relief after a disaster.

Structure of Civil Protection.

The Civil Protection and Security Council oversees national protection. The council draws up government policy on civil protection and security for periods of three years at a time. The following ministers have seats on the Council: The Prime Minister, who is also the chairman of the council, the Minister of Interior, the Minister for the Environment, the Minister of Welfare the Minister for Foreign Affairs, and the Minister of Industry. In addition, the Prime Minister may coopt up to two ministers to sit on the council at any time in connection with specific matters.

Regional Structure of the Framish Civil Protection System

The following also have seats on the Civil Protection and Security Council:

• The Permanent Secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister
• The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Interior
• The National Police Commissioner
• The Director of the Framish Coast Guard
• The Director of the Framish Civil Aviation Administration
• The Director of the Post and Telecommunications Administration
• The Director of the National Roads Administration
• The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for the Environment
• The Director of the Framish Meteorological Office
• The Director of the Framland Fire Authority
• The Director of the Environmental Agency
• The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Welfare
• The Director‐General of Public Health
• The Epidemiological Officer
• The Director of the National Radiological Protection Authority
• The Permanent Secretary of State at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs
• The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Industry
• The Director of the National Energy Authority
• The Director the Framish Power Transmission Company
• A representative of FRAM‐SAR
• A representative of the Framish Red Cross

Overall Civil Protection is the primary responsibility of the Ministry of Interior. Authority of Civil Protection has been delegated by the MOI to the Commissioner of the Framish Police (NCFP) to oversee the daily operations of Civil Protection. The NCPF is also responsible for monitoring and supporting research and studies related to risk factors and natural catastrophes, and co‐ordination and support measures aimed at reducing risks of bodily harm. The NCFP runs a Civil Protection Emergency Planning Board which is responsible for daily administration of Civil Protection matters. It maintains a national co‐ordination/command center which can be activated at any time.

The day‐to‐day functions of the Department of Civil Protection and the Civil Protection Emergency Planning Board of the NCFP include risk analysis, mitigation and co‐ordination (i.e. planning, training and equipment) and recovery. The role of the NCFP during emergency operations is to procure and deliver all outside assistance (national or international) for a stricken area, which is deemed necessary by the local Police Chief Superintendent.

Regional Assistant Commissioners are in charge of all Civil Protection operations within their respective jurisdictions. Each Civil Protection District has a Civil Protection Committee which is responsible for organization at the local level. The task of the Committees is to organize and carry out rescue and protection activities, preventive measures as well as of an acute nature, caused by war, natural catastrophes or other similar incidents. Within each police jurisdiction there is one or more Civil Protection Committees.

In case of major disasters the Civil Defense may be called for assistance.

Emergency Response

Framland categorizes two types of emergency plans:

1. Contingency plans for various types of hazards, regardless of location or likelihood.
2. Operational plans for highly likely events at specific sites. (For example; flooding, fires, pandemic influenza or plane crashes).

During emergency situations the Government sets up the following services:

• Temporary mortuaries
• Centers for casualties
• Centers for survivors
• Centers for evacuees
• Centers for relatives and friends
• Centers for the provision of food

Volunteer organizations such as the Framish Association for Search & Rescue and the Framish Red Cross provide integral support to the Government in any crisis. These volunteer organizations provide trained manpower as well as other resources such as vehicles, rescue equipment, relief materials and expert knowledge in the hour of need.

The Directorate of Health is in charge of psychological support to victims of disasters and others and delivers that aid with the support of the Framish Red Cross.

Search and Rescue (SAR). Search and Rescue operations are conducted in cooperation with military forces under police command. National SAR coordination is the responsibility of the MOD Situation Centre. Reporting to the Situation Centre are two regional rescue centers under the leadership of the local Police Chief Superintendents. These two centers divide the country into a northern and southern area of responsibility and provide SAR services for their respective region. The SAR capabilities utilized are mainly military, but civil resources and the Civil Defense support them. The two regional rescue centers in Framland are:

• Luleå Rescue Center (North)
• Sundsvall Rescue Center (South)

Government Effectiveness and Legitimacy

State Security

Framland Foreign Intelligence Service (FFIS)

Framland’s Foreign Intelligence Service (FFIS) is a combined military and civilian intelligence service. Organizationally, it is under the Ministry of Defense and has the status of a state agency on separate budget support. The Service reports to the Prime Minister through the Minister of Defense.

Framland Police Security Service (PSS)

The Police Security Service (PSS) is a state agency, subordinated to the Ministry of Justice. The main focus of the PSS is the internal security and counterintelligence. Besides, it provides services to the armed forces of the country in the areas of military counterintelligence, information security and advises on security of military installations, procedures, force protection and material.

Civil Defense

The Civil Defense was set up in 1950, to be part of the national defense structure as a necessary civil response to potential hazards which might arise in a war situation. The organization was designed to undertake non‐combat activities and measures to afford defense against, or mitigate the effects on, personnel and property by an attack on the state or of hazards otherwise arising during a time of war or emergency such as from radioactive fallout, biological or chemical warfare.

The Framland Government addressed the Civil Defense area in the context of current roles and activities. The Government committed itself to provide the necessary infrastructure and training to enable the Civil Defense organization to continue to develop its capacity. Focus was put on response to emergencies as a high quality second line emergency service. At the same time, the Civil Defense organization must facilitate community support activities while preserving the voluntary nature and ethos of the organization.

The Government also committed itself to providing the necessary framework for the future development of Civil Defense by modernizing the legislation governing Civil Defense with additional measure to assist with the recruitment of new members to the organization. Civil Defense is an all‐volunteer organization currently comprising of approximately 6,000 members.

Framland Civil Defense Board. The Framland Civil Defense Board is responsible for Civil Defense at the national level. Prior to this, the Civil Defense function at the national level was the responsibility of the Minister for Defense and was normally delegated as a specific function of the Minster of State and administered by the Department of Defense.

The County authorities are responsible for delivering Civil Defense at the local level through the Civil Defense Officer, a full‐time employee of the county administration. This process is facilitated by each municipality through the provision of the necessary infrastructure such as office premises, meeting/training centers and facilities for storing vehicles and equipment. While the Board covers 70% of approved non‐capital expenditures incurred, the municipality funds the remaining 30%.

Regional and Military Alliances

Framland remains committed to neutrality and is therefore not a member of any regional or military alliances. It is a dialogue member of the Skolkan Cooperation Organization (SCO).

Elections

Framland elects its legislature on a national level. The Landsting has 165 members elected for a four year term (during which it may not be dissolved) by the proportional representation in multi‐seat constituencies.

The Framish electoral system is based on the principle of direct election and proportional representation, and voting is by secret ballot. The ballot is a vote for a list of representatives from a political party and the names on the party list are candidates representing that particular party. These candidates have been chosen based upon the nomination conventions of each party. Five counties in Framland constitute the constituencies and have different numbers of seats in the Landsting according to their size and population.

Elections are held every second year, alternating between elections for the Parliament and local elections, both of which are held on a four‐yearly basis.

Framland uses the same system in both local and national elections when it comes to distributing mandates. This method is the modified Sainte‐Laguë method and the underlying principle is that the number of seats a party gets in the Landsting should be as close to the relative number of votes the party got in the election.

There are some exceptions to the above‐mentioned principle. As part of its commitment to representative democracy, Framland employs two methods of adjusting the election results:

• Levelling Seats: It is possible for a party to receive a significant number of votes overall, but fail to get a high enough count in any single constituency to win any parliamentary seats. A small number of seats are nominated as levelling seats, which are allocated to any party winning four per cent or more of the total vote, but not winning any specific constituency.
• The Rural Additions: The allocation of seats to an area are slightly biased in favor of rural areas, so winning a rural seat requires fewer votes than winning an urban one. The intention is to ensure that rural issues are not unduly neglected in favor of urban ones. However, this system has lately been heavily criticized for being undemocratic and the mathematic basis of the allocation has been challenged.

Suffrage. Suffrage is universal from the year a person turns 18 years old, even if the person turns 18 later in the year the election is held. Only Framish citizens can vote in the Landsting elections, but foreigners who have lived in Framland for three years continuously can vote in the local elections. Women's suffrage was adopted in 1921.

The Head of State is not considered a "citizen" and cannot vote. Other member of the Royal Family are eligible to vote, but traditionally do not do so.

Elections 2015

The King asked the Labor Party to form Government after Democratic failed to form a coalition with the Nationalists.

Framland 2015 Election Results

While there are a number of political parties in the state, the political landscape has been dominated for decades by Framland Liberal Party and Framland Democratic Party, historically opposed and competing entities, which both occupy the traditional center ground. From the 1930s until 2015 they were the largest and second largest parties respectively. Both parties trace their roots back to the opposing side of the civil war. The Labor Party, historically the state's third political party has only ever been in power when in coalition with either of the two main parties. In 2015 there was a major political realignment in Framland, with Framland Democratic Party becoming the largest party, Labor the second, and Framland Liberal Party dropping to third following a collapse in support.

Framland Election Trends, 1991-2015

Democratic Party. In 2003, the party achieved the worst election in its entire history, but has seen a strong surge in polls since the 2009 election.

Liberal Party. Having initially been a major party in Framland, it has in recent times become marginalized. After the 2011 and 2015 elections, it is now in opposition.

Labor Party. Labor got 26 per cent of the votes in the general election in 2015. Labor Party is the second largest political party in Framland

Green Party. In the election outcome the party retained seats in the House of Representatives 2009 and continues to be available to any center center-left party.

Nationalist Party. The Nationalist Party has been unable to form a government and has failed to enter as a coalition partner but continues to hold a strong support base.

General elections are every four years. In the 2015 election, there were 1,493,398 persons eligible to vote. Of this, 1,284,322 actually voted for an 87% turnout rate.

National Elections for Landsting

	2015 % Vote	Electorate	Seats	Government Majority
Framland Democratic Party (FDP)	27	328,786	45
Labor Party (FLP)	26	351,904	43	Center Left Coalition with Labor party	89
Framland Liberal Party (FLIP)	22.1	254,295	36
Framland Green Party (FGP)	6.1	78,343	10
Framland Nationalist Party (FNP)	18.8	270,991	31	Opposition (FDP and FNP	76
	100	0	165
TOTAL			165

International Political Issues

Disputes with Torrike on Territorial Waters

The exploitation of the economic zone in the Baltic Sea off Framland, and fishing rights in the area near the border between the countries’ economic zones, is of particular concern and importance. While the disputes in this area have been relatively few and low‐key, the issue could over time, perhaps in combination with other contentious issues, take on increased importance and therefore potentially develop into a source of political conflict between the two nations.

Territorial Disputes with Torrike

Closely related to their territorial economic disputes, there is an ongoing debate over the ownership of several small islands in vicinity of Gävle. Regardless of its current population, Framland claims historical ownership, as most of the islands mainly had Framish population at the time of dissolution of the Skolkan Empire.

Dispute over Water Resources

Most Framish rivers originate in Torrike. Torrikan exploitation of these rivers for hydro electrical purposes causes occasional friction between the two countries. The Framish argument is that Torrikan control over the water level in the rivers makes Framish hydro electrical production unpredictable. Another aspect of the dispute over water resources could have an impact on the fishery resources in the rivers that originate in Torrike and flow from west to east into the Baltic Sea. The same logic applies to the lumber industry. Although there is currently significant cooperation between the two countries, a continuing atmosphere of collaboration requires considerable and continuing political buy‐in, the extent of which could change over time unless the agreements are mutually beneficial and handled with appropriate nimbleness.

Trilateral Discussions on Transportation Infrastructure

Framland’s dependency on railroad transportation through Torrike to access Norwegian ice‐free harbors causes occasional friction between the three countries.

International Relationships

Foreign Policy

The foreign policy of Framland is based on the premise that national security is best served by staying free of alliances in peacetime in order to remain a neutral country in the event of war.

Global Politics

Framland is not a major player on the world stage. Its main concern is to maintain its neutral position, and at the same time be recognized as a positive contributor in international politics.

United Nations

Framland is a member of the United Nations and participates enthusiastically in the activities of the organization. The strong interest of the Framish Government and people in international cooperation and peacemaking has been supplemented in the early 1980s by renewed attention to Skolkan and European security questions.

Skolkan Cooperation Organization (SCO)

The SCO is an intergovernmental mutual security organization which was founded by the leaders of Torrike and Bothnia in 1990 in Tyr, Torrike. Framland has decided to not be a member of either the Skolkan Economic Community (SEC) or SCO Interbank. She does participate as a dialogue partner to the SCO in order to maintain its contribution to regional stability.

Relations with South America

Framland and several South American countries have open diplomatic channels with embassies in the respective capitals.

Relations with Olvana

Framland and Olvana have open diplomatic channels with embassies in the respective capitals.

Relations with Donovia

Framland and Donovia have normal political relations with growing economic and cultural exchanges, especially on a regional basis; however, they both foster an age‐old distrust, and have diverging attitudes toward democracy and human rights. Framland is likely to prioritize environmental issues, economic growth and the Baltic Sea region.

Relations with NATO

Framland sees itself as a peace‐loving country that should remain militarily neutral, and will not be a member of any military alliance. To balance Torrike’s ambition of a reunited and greater Skolkan, Framland has in recent years had a cooperative relationship to NATO. Framland has not seriously considered full membership in NATO, it is, however, contemplating to seek membership in the PfP. Although Framland has no direct military relationship with NATO, they do occasionally participate as observers in NATO exercises. Support to NATO‐led UN operations has also been considered, but no commitment has been made. Official media is in support of the political view on NATO.

Relations with Arnland

Framland and Arnland are mutually cooperative due to a joint view on Torrikan influence and dependency. Both nations have a distrust of Torrike and reject the Torrikan idea of a reunited Skolkan. While Arnland wants to establish stronger political ties, Framland assumes a more “distant” posture towards Arnland. Framland and Arnland have very limited military links; mainly because Framland looks upon Arnland as a source of instability in the region. Other than trade and tourism, there is limited economic cooperation between the two countries. Because of trade and tourism Framland and Arnland share maritime, air and land communication infrastructure. Many Frams and Arns do share a cultural background. Even today, there are family ties that can be found between the two.

Political Entities

Political Parties

Framland’s most significant political parties are:

• Framland Democratic Party (FDP): Centre‐Right Wing
• Framland Liberal Party (FLIP): Centre
• Framland Labor Party (FLP): Left Wing
• Framland Green Party (FGP): Centre‐Left Wing
• Framland Nationalist Party (FNP): Right Wing

Framland Democratic Party (FDP).

The Framland Democratic Party (FDP)

Founded	1921
Leader	Rita Kolbeinsson
Headquarters	Feja
Membership	38,287
Ideology	Liberal Conservatism Social Conservatism
Political Position	Right/Center
International Affiliation	International Democratic Union
Parliament	42/165
Municipalities	348/1,369

History: Founded in 1921, the Democratic Party is the third oldest party in Framland, only after the Liberal Party. In the interwar era, one of the main goals for the party was to achieve a center‐right alliance against the growing labor movement. From 1966 to 2007, the party participated in six governments. Current party leader is Rita Kolbeinsson. Lars von Hirsh is Party Secretary and the “ideological smith”.

Organizational Structure: The FDP has its central board in Freja, and subdivisions in each municipality.

Ideology: The party is committed to fiscal free market policies, including tax cuts and minimizing government involvement in the economy. The Framland Democratic Party is also the only party in Parliament which proposes a reduction in public spending. The party is often associated with wealth and is attacked by the left for defending the richest people in the country. In contrast to the party's center‐right economic orientation, FDP’s social policies are quite liberal, with the party's program supporting liberal policies such as gay adoption rights and even gay marriage. The party regards itself as an opponent of socialism, and advocates economic liberalism and reduction of taxes and public spending. It has historically been the most outspokenly pro‐European Union party in Framland, supporting Framish membership during both the 1978 and 1998 referendums. The party generally supports privatizations and tougher law and order measures.

Regional: The party has its main voter potential in cities and urban areas.

Party Media: Like all other major political parties in Framland, the FDP has a well-organized public relations branch that utilizes available media outlets.

Party Conferences: Conferences are held in Freja once a year, usually in May.

Alliances: The FDP is not a member of any permanent political alliance, but cooperates as necessary with Framland Nationalist Party and occasionally with Framland Liberal Party.

Framland Liberal Party (FLIP).

The Framland Liberal Party (FLIP)

Founded	1905
Leader	Leif Maanson
Headquarters	Feja
Membership	19,611
Ideology	Centrism Liberalism
Political Position	Center
International Affiliation	Liberal International
Parliament	28/165
Municipalities	233/1,369

History: The FLIP was founded in 1905. Having initially been a major party in Framland, it has become marginalized in recent years. Through its history the Framland Liberal Party has taken part in both center‐right and pure centrist coalition governments. From 2003 to 2007, it was in a center‐right coalition government with the Democratic Party; after the 2011 election, it is now in opposition. The party is regarded as social liberal, and advocates personal freedom under the pre‐condition of an active state. Since the 1970s, the party has maintained a radical environmentalist position, which was an important part of the party profile when it came back to parliament in the 1990s. Overall, it has had a centrist position in the Framish political landscape. The party is also a strong supporter of multiculturalism, increased immigration to Framland, and relaxed integration measures. The FLIP has enacted reforms such as parliamentarianism, freedom of religion, universal suffrage and free education. Since 2010, the leader of the party is Leif Maanson..

History: The FLIP was founded in 1905. Having initially been a major party in Framland, it has become marginalized in recent years. Through its history the Framland Liberal Party has taken part in both center‐right and pure centrist coalition governments. From 2003 to 2007, it was in a center‐right coalition government with the Democratic Party; after the 2011 election, it is now in opposition. The party is regarded as social liberal, and advocates personal freedom under the pre‐condition of an active state. Since the 1970s, the party has maintained a radical environmentalist position, which was an important part of the party profile when it came back to parliament in the 1990s. Overall, it has had a centrist position in the Framish political landscape. The party is also a strong supporter of multiculturalism, increased immigration to Framland, and relaxed integration measures. The FLIP has enacted reforms such as parliamentarianism, freedom of religion, universal suffrage and free education. Since 2010, the leader of the party is Leif Maanson.

Organizational Structure: The FLIP has its central board in Freja and subdivisions in most Framish cities.

Ideology: In the last few election campaigns, the FLIP's main focus has been on environmental issues, education, small‐business and social issues. The FLIP advocates higher taxes on activities that damage the environment. The party advocates a reform of the Framish welfare state through a guaranteed minimum income for all citizens. Some other issues that the Framland Liberal Party advocate are increased labor immigration, an approach to a system of Flat tax with deductions, and more power to local authorities (provinces and municipalities). At the national convention in 2005, the FLIP decided with a margin of only five votes to still oppose Framland joining the European Union. It prefers continued membership in the European Economic Area.

Regional: The party has its main voter base in cities and industrial areas.

Party Media: The FLIP has a well-organized public relations branch that utilizes available media outlets. The party has close ties to leftist media in order to promote environmentalist ideas.

Party Conferences: Conferences are held in Freja once a year, usually in April.

Alliances: The FLIP cooperates with the Framland Green Party and Framland Labor party, and when it suits their purpose; the FDP.

Framland Labor Party (FLP).

The Framland Labor Party (FLP)

Founded	1905
Leader	Rudolf Lindblad
Headquarters	Feja
Membership	50,312
Ideology	Social Democracy
Political Position	Left
International Affiliation	Party of European Socialists
Parliament	45/165
Municipalities	374/1,369

History: The FLP was founded in 1905. In gained its first parliamentary seats in 1907 and has been one of Framland`s largest political parties since 1920. The first labor government was formed in 1932, lasting only two weeks. During the early 1930s Labor abandoned its revolutionary profile and became a traditional social democratic party. Through many years in government the Labor Party has played a decisive role in shaping the Framish welfare state. Although recognizing that there is still a lot to be done, the party is proud of its achievements during several decades: A society with a relatively small gap between rich and poor, a comprehensive welfare system and low unemployment compared to most other countries. The FLP is the largest political party in Framland. The FLP got 27.4 % of the votes in the general election in 2011. It currently leads the Government in coalition with the FLIP and the FGP.(FLP)

History: The FLP was founded in 1905. In gained its first parliamentary seats in 1907 and has been one of Framland`s largest political parties since 1920. The first labor government was formed in 1932, lasting only two weeks. During the early 1930s Labor abandoned its revolutionary profile and became a traditional social democratic party. Through many years in government the Labor Party has played a decisive role in shaping the Framish welfare state. Although recognizing that there is still a lot to be done, the party is proud of its achievements during several decades: A society with a relatively small gap between rich and poor, a comprehensive welfare system and low unemployment compared to most other countries. The FLP is the largest political party in Framland. The FLP got 27.4 % of the votes in the general election in 2011. It currently leads the Government in coalition with the FLIP and the FGP.

Organizational Structure: The FLP has its central board in Freja and subdivisions in all municipalities. Its current leader is Rudolf Lindblad. Deputy leader is Mrs. Liisa Ornskjold, and Robert Loos is the Party Secretary and “ideological watchdog”. A system whereby local trade unions could be affiliated to the party was abolished from 1997, and today the FLP has approximately 49,500 individual members.

Ideology: The FLP has a vision of a just world without poverty, in peace and ecological balance, where people are free and equal and have influence on the conditions affecting their lives. The FLP is a social democratic party committed to liberty, democracy and social justice. It is a reformist party that believes in partnership and cooperation on national as well as international level. By acting together rather than just as individuals, they believe they can make a better society for all.

Regional: Most FLP voters come from the lower middle class and working class in cities and industrialized areas.

Party Media: The FLP has a well-organized public relations branch that utilizes available media outlets.

Party Conferences: The Party Congress, which is held every year in April, is the supreme body of the Labor Party. This Congress elects the party leadership consisting of a leader, a deputy leader and a Party Secretary.

Alliances: The most important political allies are the FGP and the FLIP. The FLP and the trade union movement have common historical roots. There has always been a close cooperation between these two branches of the labor movement. However, the organizational and decision‐making structures of the party and the Confederation of Trade Unions are separate and fully independent.

The FLP is a full member of the Socialist International (SI) and the Party of European Socialists (PES).

Framland Green Party (FGP).

The Framland Green Party (FGP)

Founded	1981
Leader	Karl Lommedal
Headquarters	Feja
Membership	11,312
Ideology	Decentralism
Political Position	Left
International Affiliation	European Green Party
Parliament	15/165
Municipalities	123/1,369

History: The FGP was formed in 1981 by a group of people interested in better planning, social justice, sustainable economic growth and protection of our natural environment. In 1989, the Party took its first seat in the Landsting. The party did not have a national leader until 2002. At a special "Leadership Convention" in Freja on 6 October 2001, Per Viste was elected the first official leader of the Green Party. He was re‐elected to this position in 2003 and again in 2005. Unexpectedly, Viste resigned the leadership in the wake of the general election in 2007. Karl Lommedal then took over as the Party leader. (FGP)

History: The FGP was formed in 1981 by a group of people interested in better planning, social justice, sustainable economic growth and protection of our natural environment. In 1989, the Party took its first seat in the Landsting. The party did not have a national leader until 2002. At a special "Leadership Convention" in Freja on 6 October 2001, Per Viste was elected the first official leader of the Green Party. He was re‐elected to this position in 2003 and again in 2005. Unexpectedly, Viste resigned the leadership in the wake of the general election in 2007. Karl Lommedal then took over as the Party leader.

Organizational Structure: The FGP has its central board in Freja and subdivisions in Sundsvall, Luleå and Gävle.

Ideology: The founding principles of the Party are based on peace, democracy, protection of the environment, natural resources and social justice. The FGP believe in a range of policies to alter things for the better, from properly funded education and a better transport system, to improved primary health care and a fairer tax system. The FGP also works for equality and a political system that is transparent, and in decision‐making at municipality level. The FGP underlines the need for immediate planning for future energy needs.

Regional: The party has its main voter potential in cities and urban areas.

Party Media: The FGP cooperates mainly with the left side media.

Party Conferences: The Green Party Convention, which is held every year in May, is the supreme body of the FGP. It elects the party leader, deputy leader, The Young Greens representative, the Treasurer and ten members.

Alliances: The FGP does not take part in any formal political alliance in Framland. It cooperates with any party or organization that serves its purpose.

Internationally, the FGP is a member of the European Green Party. Though it previously held a more Eurosceptic stance than is usually articulated by most other green parties in Europe, the party backed the Lisbon Treaty with support from two thirds of the party.

Framland Nationalist Party (FNP).

The Framland Nationalist Party (FNP)

Founded	1933
Leader	Knut Kasperson
Headquarters	Feja
Membership	20,126
Ideology	Nationalism Conservatism
Political Position	Right
International Affiliation	European People’s Party
Parliament	35/165
Municipalities	291/1,369

History: The FNP is a Christian Democratic party founded in 1933. It was founded as a reaction to the growing secularism in Framland in the 1930s. Cultural and spiritual values were proposed as an alternative to political parties focusing on material values. In 1965 the FNP became part of a short‐lived non‐socialist coalition government along with Framland Democratic Party and Framland Liberal Party, but has since then been in opposition to changing governments in Framland.

Organizational Structure: The FNP has its central board in Freja and subdivisions in all municipalities.

Ideology: The party follows their European counterparts in many ways, arguing that the state should care for its citizens but not get otherwise economically involved. In the late 1990s they positioned themselves as a family‐friendly party. The party is an observer member of the European People's Party (EPP). Dr. Knut Kasperson is the current leader of the party. Ester Storelv is the Party Secretary. In social policy the Nationalist Party generally have conservative opinions. On life issues, the party opposes euthanasia, and abortion, though it can support abortion in cases of rape or when the mother's life is at risk. The party does not support accessibility to contraception as a way of lowering abortion rates. They also want to ban research on human fetuses, and have expressed skepticism for proposals to liberalize the biotechnology laws in Framland. Framland Nationalist Party in strong support of the biotechnology laws of Framland which are among the strictest in the World. On gay rights issues, the party supports possibilities for gay couples to live together, but opposes gay marriage and gay adoption rights. The party maintains neutrality on the issue of gay clergy, calling that an issue for the church. Framland Nationalist Party strongly opposes membership in the European Union.

Regional: Geographically, the Nationalist Party enjoys their strongest support in the south and near the Torrikan border. In the 2007 elections, their best results were in the province of Gaevleborg. As a party centered on Christian values, the party obviously draws support from the Christian population, specifically the Roman Catholics. Supporting Christian values and opposing same‐sex marriage appeal to the more conservative religious base. Framland Nationalist Party has also sought support among the Muslim minority in Framland which is mainly located in the biggest cities, pointing to their restrictive policies on alcohol and pornography.

Party Media: The FNP has a well-organized public relations branch that utilizes available media outlets.

Party Conferences: The Nationalist Congress, which is held every year in April, is the supreme body of the FNP.

Alliances: The FNP cooperates well with the FDP in most cases.

Other Political Entities

Interest Groups

A number of labor organizations of different political colors are active in Framland.

Pressure Groups

The “United Skolkan” movement is small, but very vocal group arguing that Framland would be safer and more prosperous in a reunited Skolkan. As a first step, the group proposes to enter a Framland / Torrike union. William Oxen is the current leader of the movement.

“Our Children’s Future” (OCF) is an environmentalist movement especially concerned about untouched nature, nuclear power plants, and sustainable development. The group has currently 600 active members across the country. The OCF has its main office in Freja. Their current leader is Siw Harenstam.

Political Elite

The political elite are defined as an informal mixture of government representatives, including politicians and civil administrators from the regional level. The current recognized elite for Framland include the following individuals:

• Mr. Rudolf Lindblad: Leader FLP / Prime Minister
• Mr. Robert Loos: FLP Party Secretary
• Mrs. Rita Kolbeinsson: Leader FDP
• Mr. Lars von Hirsh: FDP Party Secretary
• Mr. Rein Roth: Leader FDP Youth Party
• Dr. Knut Kasperson: Leader FNP
• Mrs. Ester Storelv: FNP Party Secretary
• Mr. Leif Maanson: Leader FLIP