GOVERNMENT
Prior to the Civil War (2016-2022) the nation was a monarchy where much of the power laid in the hands of the Krüger dynasty. To help conclude the war a new constitution was put in place. It still see's the monarch having most of the power however with many of the Krüger family having been assassinated, captured and murdered this has yet to fully come to light.
The government has three levels of government.
TOP LEVEL - THE MONARCHYThe monarchy of Mersch has yet (as of April 2023) not been restored following the civil war. At the moment the role of the monarch is taken by a member of the aristocracy who is elected for a period of two years. The monarchy is responsible for;
*Giving final ascent to legilsation. The monarch may veto legislation however this is then added to the next election (regardless of level) run in the nation. The monarch may also determine the order in which legislation is heard and so can prioritise their own.
*Overseeing elections.
*Granting titles of nobility.
*Appointing judges to the Supreme Court
*May pardon/commute sentences
*Commanding the Armed Forces
*Concluding treaties with foreign nations
MIDDLE LEVEL - KLEIN WITANThe Small Witan is made up of 17 appointed nobles. They may serve for 12 months before being replaced but then the following year may be selected again. They may be removed if a 2/3 majority of the Groß Witan. If you are removed from the Klein Witan you may not ever be selected again. The Groß Witan's responsibilities are;
*Oversee the nations budget. The monarch may not change taxation without their permission.
*Act as moderators for legislation from the Klein Witan. If a piece of legislation does not gain 9 votes then a member voting against it must write a review of the legislation for it to return to the Klein Witan.
*Ensure any required referendums are carried out.
*Should a succession issue arise they shall vote on its solution.
LOWER LEVEL - GROß WITANThe Groß Witan is made up of 301 members. These are selected every four years from geographical areas each of which have around 140,000 residents. Anyone over the age of 18 who is either a citizen or has had a right to residency for at least five years may vote in elections however only those born within Mersch may actually stand for election. The Witan must "lend their support" to a single Representative who if gaining the written support of 151 members of the Groß Witan is pronounced as Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is given the following responsibilities.
*Representing the people in discussions with the monarch.
*May nominate the first speaker on any legislation to be debated.
*Every Thursday is Prime Minister's Day meaning that they control what business is conducted by the Witan.
*Calls for votes of confidence in members of the Klein Witan
*Has permission to attend and talk in meetings with foreign diplomats
In addition the Groß Witan has the following responsibilities.
*Give final consent to taxation issues
*May remove members of the Witan
*Create legislation and vote on it.
*Approve Cabinet Ministers.
*Review and amend legislation returned from the Groß Witan.
