List of political parties in Roman Empire (Premysloides Dynasty)

Political partiers in Roman Empire
Imperial Faction

Most important political group, but only non-elected. Imperial Faction representing interests of Emperor in Imperial Senate and are most fierce loyalists. They are also popular among people and in many cities and province, Imperial-aligned persons are elected to positions of governors and mayors.

Imperial Faction was originally declared as informal group of closest advisors and loyalist of Romanos V Angelos-Premysloides and party ideology was formed on personal beliefs of first emperor himself.

Primary ideas of Imperial Factions are imperialism, royalism and nostalgia to reunite and restore former Roman Empire.

Their economic theory is mix of mercantilism, national capitalism and national liberalism, defense of Roman citizens private property and strict rules in foreign trade.

While it was Emperor Romanos V who abolished State Monopoly of Foreign Trade, Imperial Faction still supported national trade restrictions and mercantilism.

Party was also "pseudo-Secular". On one hand, Romanos V declared freedom of religion, and allowed most of religions (except Catholicism and Sunni Islam) to be worshiped. On other hand, the Emperor declared himself as representative of God and deified himself in style of old Roman Emperors.

In 1265, membership of party reached 50,000 members, most of them in Constantinople, Thessaloniky and Nicea.Populares

Populares, sometime "Popular Party", later "Popular Democratic Party", was mass party which soon gathered most of citizens of many cities. Founder of party was corrupted, but staunch loyalist senator and First Consul Constantin Chadenos.

Populares split from those Nicean loyalists who gathered support for new Emperor from poor classes, workers and poor villages and as representatives of these social groups, they also based their ideology.

Populares however was also radical imperialists and supporters of Roman Nostalgia, anti-Catholicism and loyalism. In case of Populares, it had two origins. Most of poor classes were brutally oppressed and impoverished during Latin Empire and Catholic rule over Empire and also Imperial Faction is strong historical ally of Populares. This had origin in Gaius Iulius Caesar and Augustus Octavian support of Populares.

Because of this, Imperial Faction never allied with Optimates and Populares strongly supported all Imperial agenda.

Like Imperial Faction, they were economic nationalists and protectionist, they lobbied for re-institution of State Monopoly of Foreign Trade, but they were unsuccessful. On other hand, they were very successful in case of found trade unions, social committees, regulation of slavery (however, their intention was based on slavery caused high unemployment and poverty, rather then sympathy with slaves). Party supported massive investment in infrastructure projects, development and was very active in "Great Reconstruction of Constantinople".

Party never supported so-called "Human Rights", and humanism (except science and development). Populares were staunch enemies of women's rights, universal suffrage and minority rights. They were feared of decadency that can lead to the fall of Empire.Optimates

Optimates, main rightist and liberal party formed by representative of Nicean senate elite, Evangelios Porfyrius. Porfyrius was an influential merchant and landlord in Smyrna and was harsh critic of massive spending, which forced him to join Nicean loyalists against corrupted and tyrannical Alexios Obésus.

In his "Manifesto of Responsibility", Porfyrius declared three great evils of Roman Empire:

I. Imperialism - massive military imperialism led to extreme spending, corruption and building large bureaucracy.

II. Protectionism - state interference in economy weakened economic power, productivity and prosperity.

III. Social spending - while accepted some sort of social security, Porfyrius called for ban of proposed pensions, free health care and free education in favor of charity support from state.

Probably most radical and controversial goal of Optimates was to abolish "Free Bread" policy for poor classes and called Imperial government to use these expenses for future projects and imperial development, rather on unproductive "Free Bread" policy. As alternative to this policy, they proposed re-institution of Gladiator Games and building of pubs, casinos and theaters.

Optimates warned about extreme budget deficit (two million Hyperpyrons when the Empire was reconstituted), large debt (six to ten million Hyperpyrons) and massive court spending (400,000 Hyperpyrons per year in 1252).

Despite their economic policy, Party was very strong and won some of elections. Their greatest victory was in elections of 1261, when they were able to form government and force Emperor to simplify bureaucracy and decrease spending.

Party was social-liberal, supported suffrage and women rights, supported ethical and cultural minorities and personal liberalism. During Optimates rule from 1261-1265 and 1268-1277, Party was able to abolish prosecution of sexual minorities and open education (paid) for women.Ultraconservatives

Ultraconservatives, also Ultraconservative Party or Traditionalists, was found by Aristarchos Valden, newly appointed Constantinople Patriarch, who actively participated in massacre of Latins in 1250 and was military veteran. Most founding members were former military veterans, especially from Cataphract and Imperial Navy.

Ultraconservatives were never large party (except 1282 when they reached 45 senators), but after most elections, they were considered and negotiated as potential coalition partners.

Party ideology was mix of social welfare, economic protectionism, social and economic defense of Empire and military imperialism, jingoism and ambitions to reconquer Rome from Latins.

Party proposed ideology of "Military Society" as society formed on alliance between Imperial Armed Forces, workers, merchants and Imperial Trade Company under supreme ruler of Roman Empire.

In 1252, Ultraconservatives led reprisals and pogrom against Catholics in Empire and killed 4000 Catholics and destroyed most of remaining churches and monasteries. Emperor ignored this massacre and never punished Ultraconservatives.

Ultraconservatives also proposed large invasions to Balkan, conquest of South Italy and punitive expedition against Trapzunt Empire, because of Trapzunt secession from Nicean Empire and Roman Empire. Only the last was accepted and many members of Party participated in "Eastern Expedition".

On other hand, Party accepted idea of "Roman Citizenship" and respected all loyal citizens, no matter of their personal beliefs, if they were loyal and patriotic to Roman Empire. However, Party was staunch critic and enemy of women and minorities rights. Party criticized "New Edict of Milan" and wanted to reform this edict (Edict allowed Jews, Shia Muslims, Pagans and other minorities except Catholics, to build and public worship they religion, Ultraconservatives want only tolerance, without public worshipping).Merchant Union

In contrast to all other parties, Merchant Union was formed more like interest group, then ideological party. With rise of national mercantilism, minister Weng economic and political reforms and drastic changes in Imperial society, large group of independent merchants, artisans and citizens used this situation in struggle against Guilds and Guild economy dominance.

Merchant Union, founded by Spain-born merchant and engineer Benicio Torrez, accepted classical political ideas of Empire like Romanism, anti-Catholicism and loyalism, but also supported economic liberalism and fiscal conservativism.

Economic liberalism was their way because of struggle against Guilds, while fiscal conservativism had to prevent increasing changeable taxes (especially tariff taxes).

In foreign policy, Merchant Union supported economic diplomacy, peaceful relations and neutrality to gain position of bridge between Europe and Asia. They wanted to create this "Bridge" by decreasing tariff, elimination of Guilds and opening borders for economic exchange.

Important part of their ideology was "Industrialism", support of Imperial Trade Company and building mass-producing craft factories. While they never achieved most of their goals, industrial growth and building large craft factories with high output, profits and economic efficiency became their legacy.

To achieve peaceful coexistence and international cooperation, Merchant Union was also secular party.Liberal Party

Liberal Party founded by Varangian officer Feodosios Ignatiev, was most centrist party among other senate parties. Ignatiev, former mayor of Vaygach Russian province and owner of amber mines, believed in decentralization and localism, in increasing local villages and provinces rights and position.

As former Russian mayor, Ignatiev formed Liberal Party as representative of Russian interests in Roman Empire and Party is in close contact with Russian princes and republics.

In economic theory, Liberal Party is strongly agricultural-oriented party with voter base in most impoverished rural territories. As this, Liberal Party advocating decreasing, or abolition of property and land taxes and increasing support for agriculture, which is the opposite way of Merchant Union and even Empire itself.

Party also supported Imperial Constitution as tool for slow and moderate liberalization and democratization of imperial society, but never doubt imperial superiority and imperial majestrate.

While Liberals never gained any strong position in Imperial Senate, they are one of strongest party among local politicians. Post-Interregnum Parties 

Roman Imperial Party

Successor of emerged Imperial Faction and Populares. Empress Irene accepted necessity of loyalist party larger then as catch party for radical loyalists, but also with strong ties with lower classes and nationalists.

It was also gift to lower classes, as most low-income people had enough reason to stop Imperial Senate constitutional reforms and support imperialists.

In social area, RIP took stances of former Imperial Faction, while in economic approach, they accepted ideas of radical wing of Populares. This decision alienated support from industrial circles and Roman Imperial Party initiated formation of business association aligned with imperial regime.

Most of these association was recruited from colonial industrialists who had largest profits from imperial regime, very few joined from local companies and Eurasian industrialists.

However, as in case of preceding Imperial Faction, main patron was Imperial Trade Company, which was by 51% owned by Imperial Government and because of that, it was loyal tool to support Roman Imperial Party.

Roman Imperial Party initiated voting on increasing tariffs, increasing protectionism against Saint Atlantis and resurgent Japan Empire. Party also called for distribution of large properties and massive sums of money.

Because Roman Empire was stable legal society, industrialists reluctantly, but finally accepted increasing taxes, new land reform and law of cooperative economy which led to forming workers cooperatives on voluntary base in bankrupting companies, or by their own collected capital. In 2000, cooperative economy account 7% of total imperial economy, while it was second smallest segment after agriculture, it was important in services and local production and markets.

Because of modernization, Roman Imperial Party, like most other parties, created their own newspapers. Voice of Patria is newspaper addressing subjects like nationalism, Romanism, pro-military stances, rhetorical support for industry and support for racial and ethical integration, but also hard conservative pro-life and anti-LGBT stances.

Aside of massive trade union "United Workers Union" and business association AIC, Party have also youth and student wings. While active participation in these structures are not compulsory, active members have more votes in elections and better access to labour market and government offices. On other hand, National Student Council and Union of Imperial Youth are very strict, militaristic and demanding organizations to prevent success of sycophants and frauds. According some opposition activists, UIY training young people to serve secret police. This accusation was never proved and most activists spreading this false rumors went on long one-way tour to Caucasus.Conservative Union

Conservative Union founded by Caucasian businessman and supporter of free trade Levon Tarnesyan, was political community compromised by leftist of former Ultraconservative Party and rightist faction of former Optimates.

Initially, Tarnesyan wanted to form party with conservative cultural and social stances of former Ultraconservative Party and with right-wing liberal economic stances of Optimates. Soon, Conservative Union became adherent opponent of Roman Imperial Party and openly criticized "unjustifiable and irresponsible taxation and land reforms".

Party newspaper Legacy praised reigns of Valerianus II and Valerianus III as great reigns of peace, prosperity, stability and order. Despite criticism of various reforms and Imperial Government policy, Tarnesyan was very loyal to dynasty Angelos-Premysloides.

Conservatives held strong position in rural areas, on islands and in imperial diaspora. Nearly one-third of Conservative Union members are businessman, industrialists, economists or bankers, wealthy merchants and so, despite party is not successor of purged Merchant Union, some consider Conservative Union as spiritual and ideological successor of Merchant Union.

In area of foreign policy, Conservative Union had very similar priorities like Roman Imperial Party - expansion, consolidation and anti-Atlanticist stances. Aside of anti-Atlanticism, Conservative Union also declared moderate anti-Constitutionalism. They disapproved any liberal modifications of constitution, but also did not support any tightening or curtailing remaining authority of Imperial Congress.Citizen Party

"They must be insane, or brave," commented Empress Irene I intention to establish pro-Constitutional, liberal and democratic "Citizen Party". Despite all urges from rest of Imperial Government and conservatives, Empress allowed foundation of Citizen Party, mistake that will later led to bloody civil war.

Former Liberal Party was during military dictatorship and reign of Theodora I most prosecuted and terrorized party. About 90% of former party membership were killed or sent to penal colonies in Africa. Liberals did not had chance to restore their party, so they called former leftist faction from Optimates and Populares and Merchant Union to create new democratic and liberal party. Citizen Party.

Party Manifesto: is not fair trade! We must protect our employees from industrial rivalry of Asian Empire and cheap food from Atlantis! not fair trade, but free market is fair market. Everyone had right to defend his/her/their social rights as individual or collective community. Imperial Democratic Union
 * 1) We are liberals, we are believers in personal freedom, freedom of conscience and freedom of mind.
 * 2) Liberal democracy is only solution, every other solution lead to tyranny and suffering.
 * 3) We denounce former efforts of Imperial Senate. Imperial Senate did not had right to undermine imperial power during war.
 * 4) Every human being have right to have rights.
 * 5) State and church must be separated, Emperor must abolish title of Pontifex Maximus.
 * 6) This planet is not just for us, but for everyone. We must protect nature, or nature will not protect us.
 * 7) Everyone had great value, everyone had right to be member of our society, no one had right to prevent it.
 * 8) Free trade
 * 1) Free trade is
 * 1) Rather peace than war, rather roads, cities, hospitals and schools than grenades, guns and tanks!

Despite name, IDU is extreme conservative and anti-democratical political faction within Imperial Congress. While have only very few congressmans, party is active in local policy, strong in regional positions and have eight of 30 governors, Aside of classical policy, paramilitary forces called Iron Legions, are active in support of military, combat training of imperial citizens and building organic connection between Imperial Armed Forces and imperial society.

Iron Legion, like National Revolutionary Student Committee and Seeds of Future are active in counter-revolutionary and violent suppression of opposition demonstrations and marches or workers strike. National Democratic Workers Union disrupting opposition trade union congresses and beating liberal and leftist trade-unionists. In addition, Iron Legion is secretly funded and armed by Imperial Military.

IDU was formed from remnants of rightist Optimates, rightist Populares, Ultraconservative Party and conservative faction of Merchant Union.

Party goals are dissolve constitution and appoint superior absolute power to Emperor, spread conservative forms of Roman Nostalgia, fight against liberal democracy and economic protection of Empire. Large number of members are also orthodox monks and clergymen. Most of Orthodox Patriarchs are active members of IDU.

Only similarity between IDU and Citizen Party is in case of ecology and green policy. While Citizen Party have liberal stances and IDU conservative green stances, both accepting nature and protection of nature as important effort. Only case of joint law of Citizen Party and IDU was "Special Law about Amazonia" to protect massive Amazonian territory in South Varronia from industrialization and wood extraction. Law was accepted by Congress and by Emperor and established zone of 40 million hectares of rainforest under imperial protection.

This situation of cooperation never repeated and during discussion about abortion policy and protection of sexual minorities, radical conservatives from IDU killed some Citizen Party congressmans.