Sanctus – Secretary Ben Jackson today launched the government’s new ambitious and wide-reaching plans to further devolve powers and decentralise government-making in Sanctaria. In a move that comes as a shock to many, including within the DLP itself, the crowning part of these plans is to begin a process of federalisation – a move that would take countless revisions of the country’s constitution. Also included in the plans include a controversial election promise to decentralise the Sanctarian Police Force which would see cities and counties – and eventually states – have individual and separate police forces.
Jackson’s ambitious plans go far beyond that which was promised in the DLP’s election manifesto, which said it would examine the feasibility of cities like Sanctus, Corpus, and Haven having their own police forces. Included in the plans today are:
- A division of Sanctaria into 4 federal states, plus 3 city-states
- Each state would be represented by a Governor, except the cities which would keep their Mayor as their CEO
- The county system, used in local administration as well as Senate elections, would remain, but be subordinate to the state system
- The Sanctarian Police Force would be split into 8 to ensure minimum loss of jobs and stability in policing – 4 state police, 3 city police, and a federal police bureau
- Each Sanctarian county (except the three cities) would be permitted to establish their own police force too, in consultation with the State they are in
- The House of Deputies would be drastically cut in size as state assemblies would be set up to take over up to 70% of domestic and fiscal policies
- Government ministries would be streamlined as more powers are devolved
- Further significant constitutional reform
At the press conference announcing the white paper for these changes, Jackson said that while they were definitely ambitious plans, with significant constitutional changes, they were all achievable in the lifetime of this government and that “they will give power back to the local communities”. Jackson also confirmed to journalists present that the national government would have keep the powers to legislate for any devolved matter, and that they would suspend devolution for any mismanagement.
Justice Secretary Eric Hill, who was also present, said that legislation to allow Sanctus, Corpus, and Haven to establish and keep their own police forces would be drafted and presented soon – as these are the cities with the most devolution in the country, they already have the resources and infrastructure in place to manage their own police forces. When asked who these police forces would be answerable to, Hill said “the Mayors of these cities”. He confirmed the SPF would take over in cases that were either of the national interest, such as child abduction or corruption, or involved crimes that took place across the country, such as situations where criminals left city limits. He said structure of these police forces would be up to each individual city. He also stressed that SPF offices currently serving in the three cities will have the option to transfer over in the same positions (or their new equivalents) and the same salary. If they chose not to, they would be redeployed elsewhere in Sanctaria.
There was muted comment from the Sanctarian Conservative Party, now in opposition after 18 years. Currently undergoing a leadership election, a statement from the party’s press office said they were “opposed fundamentally” to the plan and further comment would be issued when a new leader is elected.
JOEY SESSIONS, Political Correspondent
