Penstubal Threatens to Split SDP, Tank Govt over Nuclear Issue

Penstubal has issued several stark warnings on 5-6 January to his Government colleagues, threatening to split the Social Democratic Party and bring down the Government if his demands regarding nuclear weapons are not met.

"I am fighting for what I believe is right, and that's a safe, secure and nuclear-free Demarcia, and I'm ready to do that even at the risk of causing a schism within my own party" said the founding SDP politician. "The world is a much more dangerous place with a nuclear-armed Demarcia."

In an interview with the newly-reformed BNTV News Demarcia owned by MikeBodwin, Penstubal has clarified his position on nuclear weapons, outlined his reasons for opposing them and expressed an openness for dialogue and compromise on the issue of defence, hoping that a potential agreement that involves eliminating nuclear weapons yet ramping up focus on defence "could make all sides happy".

Brandin, the Mayor of Dodoville, also gave an interview to BNTV News Demarcia, in which he expressed strong opposition to Penstubal's drive for a nuclear-free Demarcia.

"[Wholeheartedly], I’m in favor of the Nuclear Deterrent. (...) Who in their right mind, wouldn’t want to be able to defend themselves and compete internationally?" said Brandin. Asked whether he believes a compromise is possible that will satisfy everyone, he said: "There is no solution. We need nuclear arms. No if[s], ands or but[s] about it. We just have some politicians looking for trouble and headlines.”

Penstubal has since responded to Brandin's comments, blasting advocates of Demarcia's nuclear armament and saying that "to endanger our national security in such a nonchalant manner as they have done is both irresponsible and unexpected from politicians with as much experience as they have".

His comments were followed by a threat to tank the Government if his nuclear demands aren't met. The veteran politician has held his ground and vowed to continue fighting to achieve a victory for his side in this bitter struggle in the Demarcian political arena.

It is unknown yet what the repercussions of the nuclear issue will be for the young Jeskia administration. One thing is certain; they're bound to come at some point, and they're bound to massively damage the governing SDP, which hasn't even confirmed its Government yet but is already facing major difficulties in governance.

Laura Cooper,

Demarcian Inquirer.