PERSPECTIVE I - The Executive

The Executive Branch of VoD is composed of the Prime Minister and their cabinet (the other Ministers + DoC). The executive is the face of the VoDdian government and it oversees the day to day functions of VoD. The main powers of the executive are to implement laws, represent VoD in foreign affairs, prosecute crimes, and wield executive authority. 

Obviously the person who represents and embodies the executive branch is the Prime Minister, the constitution explicitly states the PM is the head of government and that the government wields executive authority on VoD. Currently, the Prime Minister is Noll - a man most famously known for being VoDs longest serving President. My interview with Noll shall be outlined below, along with any comments I may have.

1. ‘How do you feel about your tenure as Prime Minister so far?’

• "I've enjoyed being back at the political helm quite a lot. It's been nearly 9 months since I last sat in Parliament so to not only be working here again but to be leading the entire government is a nice return to standards. I've enjoyed the bipartisanship and activity coming from the House this term and I hope as PM I can continue to lead a stable and sensible government. Ignoring the glaring Senate issue, things are quite good."
  
  I have no comments on this answer, it is a standard and expected answer. 

2. Are you confident in the stability of your coalition?

• “I'm working with a lot of old colleagues, people I've faithfully worked alongside over my long time here like William and Embod. We understand each other and understand the sacrifices and compromises that a coalition requires to function. I have confidence that we will continue our understanding to lead a stable government through this House term and perhaps beyond.”
  
  Once again, I don’t have many comments as this is the expected answer for a Prime Minister to give the press. However, it should be noted that the governing coalition has experienced quite a few difficulties already - as outlined in the VoD v NotCom case, filed by Noll’s Attorney General, Opersup. 

3. What do you hope to achieve during your term?

•  “Now I'm settled in, I plan to get activity policies and events kicking with full steam next week, starting with a big VC this Saturday. This was my main campaign promise because it's something I want to see genuinely changed in the server, so will be one of my main priorities going forward. Besides that, I hope to leave office having presided over a stable and, most importantly, fun time in VoD. That would be my greatest achievement.”
  
  As an avid VCer myself, I am a fan of this plan. Similarly, I think that wanting to preside over a fun term in VoD is an admirable goal, as it is my personal belief that VoD has been lacking fun for a while.

4. What are your opinions about the Senate currently? Do you believe it should be dissolved?

•  “The Senate shouldn't and won't be dissolved. The two Senators responsible for much of this deadlock will be punished electorally, thus is the nature of representative democracy. Yes, they have made serious mistakes and yes I condemn both their actions and attitude, but this is where the power of the vote comes into play. The electorate have seen their behaviour and may choose to cast their vote elsewhere because of it, that's entirely their choice and shouldn't be the choice of a select few in the Council of State.”
  
  This is an interesting opinion, as one of the Senators of Noll’s party (VSP), Opersup, has been actively campaigning for the dissolution of the Senate. It seems Noll is taking a more moderate stance than that of the representative of his party. However, this is an opinion I can respect. 

5. What are your plans after your time as PM?

• “This is a fun question because I am actually planning something. I plan to return to being an independent following the end of my PM term, and subsequently I'll be creating an organisation called The Noll Foundation to study VoD-specific political science, help educate members on political issues, lobby for better scrutiny in Parliament and promote voter turnout schemes to get everyone engaging in democracy. This was my original plan when returning before I decided on a whim to found the VSP, so it'll definitely be something I'll be starting when I'm finished with the job at hand.”
  
  I am a big fan of this plan, and I can’t wait to find out more about this organisation after Noll’s premiership. I believe that VoD should have more independent organisations, which is why I formed the Bird’s Eye and is also why I am part of the VODYEZ board of directors.

I did ask Noll a sixth question, however, I will be saving the answer to that question for PERSPECTIVE V. I also asked all the other people I interviewed the same question, and their answers will also be in V. 

The next installment of this series will be released on Sunday the 15th and shall be about the Legislative branch, including an exclusive interview with Speaker Griffey.