A coalition deal has finally been reached in Zongongia on the eve of the deadline between Republic Now, Green Ecology, Women Rising, the Communists and the Tomorrow Party. Full details of the deal have yet to be released, however the new coalition has released a document containing the highlights of the deal. These include a number of policies the coalition will bring before parliament, and an agreement for each party to have the opportunity to hold a referendum on one issue of their choosing.
These five referendums will be held in April 2025 on the same date, and the parties of the coalition have agreed that each party can choose their own referendum question among their own party leadership. Each party has been given until the end of November to agree on their questions, and then legislation allowing for the holding of all five referendums will be passed together. No party has announced their question yet, though it is highly likely that Republic Now’s referendum will be on the abolition of the monarchy.
Outgoing Prime Minister Ivan Kristensen and his two deputies were pictured leaving the residence of the Royal Family looking “grim and dejected”, according to eyewitness reports. Helga Wuopio, leader of Republic Now, is scheduled to meet the King tomorrow in order to form a government; a meeting which is already the topic of numerous satirical videos and stories online and in newspapers. Wuopio will be only the second female Prime Minister of Zongongia, after Catrine Feldt of Social Labour, who was Prime Minister between 1986 – 1992.
This is the largest coalition by number of parties to have been formed in Zongongia ever. Historically, elections have usually produced majority governments led by either Social Labour, Economic Focus, or the Centre Liberals. While there have been two-party coalitions – as well as last year’s three-party coalition – this has not been the norm, and heralds a great change in Zongongian politics as the previously established parties fall far out of favour with the general population.
While officially, the King can refuse to allow Wuopio to form a government, this would be unprecedented, and would be seen as wildly anti-democratic. If King Osvald chooses this route, it would likely prompt even more backlash, and could potentially lead to a civil war. Despite the danger and unlikeliness of this scenario, a number of betting agencies are still offering odds on the possibility.
