Castile (An Honorable Retelling)

Republic of Castile
*República de Castilla*
Timeline: An Honorable Retelling
Republic of Castile República de CastillaTimeline: An Honorable Retelling
Flag	Coat of arms
	Motto: ; Plus ultra; "Further beyond"
	Anthem: ; Himno de Riego; "Anthem of Riego" https://althistory.fandom.com/wiki/File:Himno_de_Riego.ogg;
Capital	Toledo
Largest city	Madrid
Official languages	Castilian
Religion	Roman Catholicism
Demonym	Castilian
Government	Unitary semi-presidential constitutional republic
Legislature	General Courts
Establishment
Population
Currency	European guilder (ƒ) (EUG)
Drives on the	right

Castile (Castilian: Castilla), officially the Republic of Castile (Castilian: República de Castilla), is a country in Southwestern Europe. It shares borders with Córdoba, Nafarroa, Portugal and France. It is the second largest-nation in southern Europe, behind Rhomania. It holds no overseas territories outside of the Balearic Islands in the Sea of Pytheas in the Mediterranean. Castile's capital is Toledo, and other major urban areas include Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, and Zaragoza.

During early antiquity, Celts, Iberians, and other pre-Roman peoples inhabited the Iberian Peninsula. The Roman conquest led to the establishment of the province of Hispania. After Romanization and Christianization, the fall of the Western Roman Empire prompted the migration of Central European tribes, including the Visigoths, who established the Visigothic Kingdom centered around Toledo. In the early eighth century, the Umayyad Caliphate invaded most of the peninsula, and under early Islamic rule, Al-Andalus emerged as a dominant power. Several Christian kingdoms, notably Asturias, León, Castile, Aragon, Navarre, and Portugal, arose in Northern Iberia. They undertook the Reconquista, a southward military expansion and repopulation that reconquered most of the peninsula, except for the southern region around modern-day Cordoba.

During the Age of Discovery, Castile pioneered naval vessels and was a major maritime ally of Aragon and, at times, France. It captured Zöldmezők from Hungary in 1725 and again in 1753, establishing San Esteban, while also colonizing Guantanamo on the island of Thule. However, increased competition with other naval powers weakened its ability to settle colonies, and it was often considered a secondary power during the colonial era. Following periods of civil strife, Castile and Aragon were brought into the Napoleonic sphere during the Second Great War. Castile regained independence during the Revolution of 1881. Much later, the Castilian Civil War saw socialist factions consolidate both the country and Aragon during the Fourth Great War, unifying the nation under Castile. During the Cold War, the nation became a Spartacist one-party state under the rule of Fidel Castro. Following geopolitical isolation and Castro's overthrow in 1995, Castile became a semi-presidential constitutional republic.

Castile is a secular semi-presidential republic with its capital in Toledo. It is a member of the European Community, the League to Enforce Peace, and the Global Treaty Organization, having joined all in 1999.

History[]

Pre-Castilian history[]

The Iberian Peninsula, where modern Castile is located, has a long history that stretches back thousands of years. Before Roman influence, it was home to a diverse collection of indigenous cultures, each with distinct social structures, languages, and art forms. By the early first millennium BCE, the peninsula was populated by several prominent groups: Iberians, who were indigenous peoples who inhabited the eastern and southern coastal areas of the peninsula. They had developed urban settlements and were heavily influenced by Mediterranean cultures like the Phoenicians and Greeks. In the interior and northern regions, Celtic tribes, who had migrated from Central Europe, mixed with local populations to create a unique Celtic-Iberian culture. These tribes were less urbanized than the Iberians but skilled in metalwork and agriculture. In the southwest, the Tartessian civilization emerged around the Guadalquivir River. It had strong trade connections with the Phoenicians and later the Greeks. The Tartessians are often considered the earliest advanced culture in Iberia, known for their wealth, metallurgy, and writing system.

Phoenician and Greek influence (circa 900 BCE–500 BCE)[]

Hamilcar Barca, a Carthaginian general who led campaigns in Iberia during the First Punic War

The arrival of the Phoenicians around 900 BCE marked the beginning of Iberia’s contact with advanced Mediterranean civilizations. The Phoenicians, great seafarers from the Eastern Mediterranean, established trading colonies along the southern coast, including the important city of Gadir (modern Cádiz), one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe. Through these colonies, the Phoenicians introduced new technologies, such as ironworking, and established lucrative trade networks dealing in metals like silver, tin, and gold.

By the 6th century BCE, the Greeks also began establishing colonies, most notably Emporion (modern Empúries) on the northeastern coast. These Greek colonies facilitated cultural exchange and further trade with the Iberians, bringing Hellenistic influences to the peninsula. Following the decline of Phoenician power, the Carthaginians, themselves a Phoenician colony from North Africa, expanded their influence over southern Iberia. By the 5th century BCE, Carthage controlled much of the Mediterranean trade routes, including those in Iberia. Carthage's most significant move into Iberia came after the First Punic War (264-241 BCE) when they began colonizing the peninsula to gain access to its mineral wealth and to support their military campaigns against Rome. The Carthaginian general Hamilcar Barca began the systematic conquest of southern and southeastern Iberia in the late 3rd century BCE, and his son, Hannibal, would later use the region as a base for launching his famous campaign against Rome during the Second Punic War (218–201 BCE). The Carthaginians founded cities like Carthago Nova (modern Cartagena) and exploited Iberian resources to fuel their war machine.

Roman Conquest and the Province of Hispania (218 BCE–409 CE)[]

Trajan Studio — Trajan, Roman emperor, who was born in modern-day Iberia

The Second Punic War was a turning point for Iberia. In 218 BCE, Roman forces landed in northeastern Iberia, beginning the long process of Roman conquest. Over the next two centuries, Rome gradually subdued the various Iberian and Celtic tribes through a series of brutal campaigns. The region, now divided into several provinces—Hispania Citerior and Hispania Ulterior—became fully Romanized by the 1st century BCE. The Roman presence fundamentally transformed Iberia. The construction of roads, aqueducts, and cities brought Roman culture, language (Latin), and law to the peninsula. Iberia became an essential part of the Roman Empire, known for its agricultural wealth, especially the production of olive oil and wine, as well as its mineral resources. Iberia also produced notable Roman figures, such as Seneca the Younger, a Stoic philosopher, and the emperors Trajan and Hadrian, who were both of Iberian origin. Roman rule brought stability and economic integration into the wider empire. Cities like Tarraco (Tarragona), Emerita Augusta (Mérida), and Corduba (Córdoba) flourished as centers of trade, culture, and governance. The Roman influence on architecture, religion (the spread of Roman gods followed by Christianity), and infrastructure lasted long after the empire's political control waned.

The Fall of Rome and the Visigothic Kingdom (409–711)[]

The Roman Empire began to crumble in the 4th and 5th centuries CE, as Germanic tribes migrated into its territories. In 409 CE, the Vandals, Suebi, and Alans invaded Iberia, signaling the end of Roman rule. The Suebi established a kingdom in the northwest, while the Vandals and Alans took control of the southern regions before moving on to North Africa. By 418, the Visigoths, originally allies of Rome, were settled in southern Gaul and parts of northern Iberia. Over the next century, they gradually extended their control over the entire peninsula, displacing the Vandals and Suebi. The Visigoths, under King Leovigild (568–586), consolidated power over the Iberian Peninsula and made Toledo their capital. His son, Reccared I, converted to Nicene Christianity in 587, which marked the beginning of the unification of Visigothic rule with the Catholic Church. This conversion played a crucial role in integrating the Visigothic elite with the Hispano-Roman population, although religious tensions persisted for a time between Catholics and the Arian Christian Visigoths. The Visigothic Kingdom reached its height under Chindasuinth and Recceswinth, but it was never a stable or strongly centralized state. It faced frequent internal rebellions, weak kings, and external pressures from the Byzantine Empire, which had established a foothold in the southeastern corner of the peninsula (the province of Spania) in the mid-6th century.

Califato de Córdoba-1000 — The Caliphate of Cordoba in 1000

The Muslim conquest and Al-Andalus (711–1200)[]

The Visigothic Kingdom collapsed spectacularly after the Muslim invasion of 711. The Umayyad Caliphate, led by the Berber general Tariq ibn Ziyad, crossed the Strait of Gibraltar and defeated the Visigothic King Roderic at the Battle of Guadalete. Within a few years, nearly the entire Iberian Peninsula came under Muslim control, forming the province of Al-Andalus. The early years of Muslim rule were marked by rapid expansion and consolidation. Al-Andalus became a part of the wider Islamic world, and cities like Córdoba, Seville, and Granada thrived as cultural and economic hubs. The Muslims, primarily Arabs and Berbers, ruled over a diverse population that included Christians, Jews, and indigenous groups. The coexistence of these religious communities, known as convivencia, became a hallmark of early Al-Andalus, though it was not always peaceful. In 756, Abd al-Rahman I, a member of the Umayyad dynasty who had fled the Abbasid takeover in Damascus, established himself as the Emir of Córdoba. Under his descendants, Al-Andalus became a center of learning, science, and culture. By the 10th century, under Abd al-Rahman III, the emirate was elevated to a caliphate, marking a golden age for Islamic Iberia. Córdoba, the capital, was one of the largest and most sophisticated cities in Europe, famous for its mosque, libraries, and universities. The Islamic rulers implemented advanced agricultural practices, trade networks, and a vibrant intellectual life that attracted scholars from across the Mediterranean.

Colonial and early modern eras (1200-1700)[]

Castile was a major maritime power during the Colonization of the New World. It relegated significant resources and naval assistance to the Christian forces during the Pilgrim Crusades. However, its attempts alongside Aragon to capitulate Cordoba to the south ended in failure, and the two resorted to using Mexica as a proxy - an effort which Cordoba ultimately won. It maintained a lengthy settlement in Guantanamo that lasted to the 1800s, financing it using French loans and a policy of strict taxation that hampered further land speculation. In 1521, Miguel I united Castile and Portugal into a single state that contemporary scholars have termed the Iberian Union. Following the 16th century, Portugal's wealth and influence began to wane. Officially, Portugal was an autonomous state, yet in reality, it was united with the Castilian crown in a personal union from 1521 to 1722. The Council of Portugal, while independent, was a key administrative unit of the Castilian monarchy, with legal parity with the Council of the Indies. The union of the crowns stripped Portugal of an independent foreign policy, making Castile's enemies Portugal's as well. Although England had been Portugal's ally since the Treaty of Windsor in 1386, the war between Castile and England resulted in strained relations and the loss of Hormuz in 1622. The French–Portuguese War from 1595 to 1663 saw invasions across Asia and rivalry over trade in Africa.

La sevilla del sigloXVI — Late 16th-century Seville, the harbor enjoying the exclusive right to trade with the New World

Ultimately, Portugal retained control of its colonies in the Cape. Portugal remained part of the union well into the 18th century, but trade disputes and economic deficits ensured that relative Castilian rule was not permanent. Much of Castile's port settlements in northern Muqaddas were lost to the Dutch Republic throughout the early 1600s, including San Diego, which had been a hotspot of early tobacco production. In 1715, the Miguelite realm was torn apart by a civil war between Miguel III and his rival, Elisabeth Farnese, leading to the widespread War of the Brutes. The Portuguese populace supported Miguel III, while the Castilians favored Elisabeth. The conflict expanded across Europe, with France allying with Miguel III and England, along with Dutch aid, supporting the Portuguese. A temporary non-aggression pact with Cordoba was established, imposing higher tariffs on Portuguese traders in the Mediterranean. The decisive Battle of Compostela in 1734 cemented Portuguese independence and its resurgence as a power. In Castile it meant the loss of important port cities in Cale and Galicia.

Napoleonic era and Third Great War (1700-1921)[]

Baldomero Espartero, Prince of Vergara — Baldomero Espartero, Prime Minister of Castile during the middle of the 19th century

In 1762, France and Castile attempted to persuade Portugal to join the Bourbon Family Compact, highlighting the Kingdom of England's growing power after its victories in the First Great War. Nevertheless, Maria I rejected this proposal, insisting her alliance with England was benign. In the spring of 1762, Castilian and French forces invaded Portugal from the north, progressing to the Douro, while another contingent besieged and captured Almeida, posing a threat to Lisbon. The Portuguese army, reinforced by English troops and led by the Count of Lippe, successfully repelled the Franco-Castilian invasion, driving them back over the border after the Battle of Valencia de Alcántara. Subsequently, the Treaty of Paris in 1763 resulted in Castile's agreement to cede Almeida back to Portugal. The French Revolution in 1789 caused considerable social unrest across Europe. In response, Portugal stationed troops in Catalonia and, together with Castilian forces, engaged the French in the Pyrenees during the War of Roussillon (1794). The campaign proved unsuccessful, and by 1795, Castile had secretly negotiated peace, forming an alliance and coordinating its foreign policy against England.

The French Revolutionary government viewed a divided Iberia as a threat to its interests. Subsequently, following his capitulations of England and the Dutch Republic, Napoleon invaded Aragon in 1810, supporting a popular revolution in Castile to urge a de facto unification of the two countries. While legally separate entities, the two nations held the same parliament in Toledo, and answered explicitly to Paris itself. Protests against French occupation ended in conflict, but were ultimately unchallenged due to the lack of any major power apart from Russia that could finance revolts. Denmark-Norway, the only nation which refused to obey by Napoleon's maritime policies, sent small amounts of aid to Castilian rebels, but not enough to turn the tide of the occupation itself. Castilian Prime Minister Baldomero Espartero, a veteran of these revolts, liberalized the country heavily during the 19th century, eliminating voting requirements while granting more civil freedoms to the general population. However, poor economic development compounded by government corruption led to large numbers of the country's population immigrating, largely to Novanglia and Cosimoland.

Castile and Aragon rebelled against French authority in 1881, managing to expel the French from the country after England, Cordoba, and Portugal intervened to ensure the end of Napoleonic control over the peninsula. Occupied with other ventures, Napoleon IV avoided calls to re-establish dominion over Iberia. Industrialization, the expansion of railways, and the rise of capitalism emerged in various regions of the country, especially in Barcelona, alongside the labor movement and the spread of socialist and anarchist ideologies. The 1870 Barcelona Workers' Congress and the 1888 Barcelona Universal Exposition are notable examples. In 1879, the Castilian Socialist Workers' Party was established, followed by the founding of its affiliated trade union, Unión General de Trabajadores, in 1888. The Third Great War saw Castile launch an offensive alongside Aragon into the Pyrenees, though these offensives stalled, and France made only minimal attempts at reconquest. Reflecting the anarcho-syndicalist direction of Castile's labor movement, Confederación Nacional del Trabajo was established in 1910 and Federación Anarquista Ibérica in 1927.

Civil war, Fourth Great War, and Cold War (1921-1995)[]

Francisco Largo Caballero, Prime Minister of Castile from 1938 to 1945

The country adopted a new constitution in October 1931 following the June 1931 Constituent general election, leading to a succession of cabinets under Manuel Azaña, backed by republican parties and the PSOE. The right emerged victorious in the 1933 elections, while the left won in 1936. The Republic was a time of significant political and social turmoil, characterized by the extreme polarization of both the left and the right. This period saw political violence, including church burnings, the Revolution of 1934, and numerous assaults on political adversaries. Concurrently, the Republic initiated crucial reforms to modernize the nation: implementing a democratic constitution, agrarian reform, army restructuring, political decentralization, and granting women the right to vote. In 1938, general José Sanjurjo launched a coup d'etat against the government, beginning a civil war. The government swiftly collapsed, and conflict was relegated between the socialist and nationalist factions. Iberia, after Dacia, became the second place to be in active civil war during the Fourth Great War. The socialist factions emerged victorious following Sanjurjo's death at the Battle of Zaragoza in 1940.

Subsequently, the nation was rebranded as the Socialist Republic of Castile, and Aragonese autonomy was abolished in favor of an authoritarian system. The new government under Francisco Largo Caballero refused to disband the army and militias, and used them to fend against French invasions to the north. After the war, territorial cessions were granted to Castile and Nafarroa. The period also saw the normalization of relations with Germany, which had been tense since the Spartacist takeover; Castile became a major German ally during the Cold War, sharing far-left sympathies. Economic redevelopment continued, and the new government opted to restoring traditional bureaucratic power to prevent excess lobbying by trade unions. The new reforms put the country at odds with Portugal, which fortified its border and refused to partake in trade dealings. Caballero resigned due to poor health in 1945, and was replaced by party loyalist Indalecio Prieto. Prieto introduced reforms championing free education and public service. While improving living conditions, this substantially increased the country's monetary debt, resulting in Berlin issuing loans directly to Toledo.

Fidel Castro 1977 — Fidel Castro, leader of Castile from 1958 to 1995

Poor diplomacy on behalf of the government led to the seizure of power by Fidel Castro in 1958. A politician of Canarian descent, Castro represented a more moderate faction of the party. After declaring himself president of the National Institute of Agrarian Reform (INRA) on May 17, 1959, Castro enacted the First Agrarian Reform, largely influenced by Novanglian politician Ernest Guevara, which capped landholdings at 993 acres (4.02 km^2) per owner and prohibited further foreign land ownership. Large estates, primarily owned by party elites, were divided and redistributed; around 200,000 peasants received title deeds. However, this private ownership was mostly nominal, as the state effectively managed the new farms. For Castro, this represented a significant move to dismantle the affluent landowning class's dominance over Castilian agriculture. Castro also took an aggressive stance against the Union of England, labeling them in a 1965 speech as the "Great Satan to western civilization." Nonetheless, his attempted reconciliations with the church and the state created tensions between the country and Germany, which adopted a policy of state atheism.

Castro also took the helm of the National Tourist Industry, implementing failed initiatives to attract foreign visitors by promoting Castile as a utopia without racial prejudice. Wage adjustments were made across the state; salaries for judges and politicians were cut, while those for lower-level civil servants were increased. In March 1959, Castro decreed a 50% rent reduction for those paying under $100 monthly, alongside measures to boost Castilians' purchasing power. This led to a decline in productivity and the depletion of the nation's financial reserves in just two years. The Urban Reform Law of 1960 ensured no family would spend over 10% of its income on rent. Those who were retired, ill, or impoverished paid even less or nothing at all. The elimination of private landlords allowed tenants and subtenants to obtain titles to their homes. The reduced rents, payable to the state over 5 to 20 years, would lead to homeownership; the state was meant to compensate former landlords with this revenue, though the frequency of such payments is contested. In the 1970s, plans to completely remove rent charges were reconsidered, but not implemented. Western media capitalized on this, mocking Castro's financial policies as being inferior in comparison to the widespread adoption of land value taxation by other nations.

Press restrictions remained high during Castro's rule. Student demonstrations increased throughout the 1980s, and the government resorted to violent measures with the goal of curbing opposition. However, the financial reforms undertaken by Germany ensured that loans from the Frankfurt Pact were no longer available, plunging the nation into higher debt. In 1994, a student uprising in Madrid and Toledo expanded into an armed rebellion, with trade unions quickly rallying behind the cause, opposing the bureaucratic measures implemented by Castro and his predecessors. Castro attempted to calm the situation by holding a public address on May 5, but this was poorly received. Following violent clashes between police and protesters, and having no power to control a potential coup by lieutenant colonel Antonio Tejero, Castro resigned from all offices on January 1, 1995, and fled the country to Germany. He had initially planned to flee to Comancheria, but the chances of Columbian interception were high.

Jose Maria Aznar DF-SD-05-00920 — José María Aznar, President of Castile from 1997 to 2005

A provisional government was established by his loyalists, headed by Julio Anguita, who would seek to continue the Castroist regime and continued with the crackdowns on student protestors. Antonio Tejero was arrested by the Comité Central and would be imprisoned along with those who were accused of plotting a military coup. On the streets, a rising start by the name of José María Aznar would become the leading figure of the protests and argued for democratic reform and a market liberal economy to improve the lives of all Castilians. Fights on the streets continued as student protesters became militant revolutionaries, with some members of the military defecting to the side of the protesters and they clashed with pro-Castro elements, with major fighting occurring in the city of Madrid and the capital of Toledo.

Members of the military would manage to capture Anguita and members of his cabinet attempting to flee to Germany, but were caught and held in a holding cell in the outskirts of Salamanca. With Anguita captured, the protesters would form a new provisional government, with opposition leaders, protesters, and high ranking officers of the military running the government together. They would organize democratic elections in the summer of 1996, with José María Aznar wining by 57% of the vote for President, with the People's Alliance, a big tent party made up of mostly conservative opposition voters forming a parliamentary government, giving the mandate for a transition away from the socialist system.

Anzar would begin to de-construct the socialist system with the assistance of his economic minister Rodrigo Rato, with Castile managing to make a solid transition back into the global market system and would begin to attract tourists to the country. A new constitution would be ratified in 1998 and would grant freedom of speech, the press, and to organize.

Democracy and modern era[]

Perhaps the most profound shift in Castilian social values was the evolving role of women in society, which was closely linked to the concept of family. For centuries, Castilian society adhered to a moral code that imposed strict sexual conduct standards for women (but not men), limited women's professional opportunities while valuing their roles as wives and, most importantly, mothers, and banned divorce, contraception, and abortion, yet allowed prostitution. With the restoration of democracy, the status of women underwent a remarkable transformation. A key indicator was their increasing presence in the workforce. Traditionally, Castilian women seldom participated in the job market. However, by the late 1990s, 22 percent of the country's adult women, though still fewer than in Italy and Ireland, had joined the workforce.

By 2004, this figure rose to 33 percent, comparable to Italy and the Dutch Republic. Nonetheless, women constituted less than one-third of the overall labor force, and in certain key sectors, like banking, the proportion was around one-tenth. A 2007 survey showed that only 22 percent of Castilian youth believed a woman's place was solely in the home, a sentiment less common than in England, Italy, and France. The main obstacle for women in the workplace was not public opinion, but factors such as high unemployment and the scarcity of part-time jobs. In terms of education, women were quickly reaching parity with men, at least in numbers. In 2003, women made up about 46 percent of university enrollments in Castile, the thirty-first highest rate globally, on par with most other European nations.

Castilian society is regarded as one of the most culturally liberal and LGBT-friendly nations globally. In 2015, 84% of Castilians believed that same-sex marriage should be permitted across Europe. According to the 2019 Eurobarometer, 91% of Castilians thought that gay and bisexual individuals should have the same rights as heterosexuals, and 82% were in favor of same-sex marriage. Castile was the third country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2005, and as of June 2021, it became the sixth country to legalize euthanasia nationwide, with over 70% public support. In part due to the strong secular policies enacted during the socialist era, religion in Castile remains at low levels, with 65% of the population being reported as irreligious.

Government and politics[]

Overview[]

The Government of Castile, under a semi-presidential constitutional republic system, is based on the principles of representative democracy, separation of powers, and federalism. This system combines elements of both presidential and parliamentary forms of governance, featuring a directly elected president who shares executive authority with a prime minister, as well as a bicameral legislature. The current system was established following the Constitution of 1996, when transitioned to a semi-presidential system in a subsequent constitutional reform. Castile’s government is defined by a mixture of federalist elements, providing substantial autonomy to its regions, and the strong executive roles of the president and prime minister. The transition to a semi-presidential constitutional republic occurred as part of a constitutional reform in the early 21st century, following popular demand for a more balanced distribution of power between the executive and legislative branches. Previously, Castile had been a socialist republic. However, in the context of a nationwide referendum, this system was abolished, and the country adopted a semi-presidential system to ensure more stability in governance while preserving parliamentary oversight. This reform maintained many aspects of Castile’s historical decentralization, especially regarding the autonomous communities, but introduced a new system of checks and balances between the president, prime minister, and parliament.

The executive branch of Castile's semi-presidential system is headed by the President of Castile, who serves as both the head of state and a co-head of the executive. The Prime Minister serves as the head of government and manages the day-to-day affairs of the state alongside the cabinet. Executive power is thus shared between the president and the prime minister, though their duties are distinct and outlined by the constitution.

Executive powers[]

The president is directly elected by the citizens of Castile through a two-round electoral system for a five-year term, with the possibility of re-election for one additional term. As head of state, the president has the authority to: Appoint and dismiss the prime minister (with parliamentary approval), represent Castile in international diplomacy, command the armed forces, call for referendums, and dissolve the parliament under certain circumstances, triggering new elections. While the president has significant influence, their powers are checked by the necessity of cooperation with the parliament and the prime minister. The president also plays a ceremonial role during state functions. The prime minister is appointed by the president but must receive a vote of confidence from the Congress of Deputies (the lower house of parliament). The prime minister serves as the head of government, overseeing the executive administration, proposing legislation, and ensuring the implementation of laws passed by the parliament. The prime minister is also responsible for: Managing domestic policy, leading the cabinet of ministers, submitting the national budget to the parliament, and answering to the parliament during regular sessions. The prime minister serves at the pleasure of the parliament and can be removed via a vote of no confidence, though this does not necessarily lead to new elections unless the president dissolves the parliament.

Legislature and judiciary[]

Castile’s legislative power is vested in the Cortes Generales, a bicameral parliament consisting of the Congress of Deputies and the Senate. Together, they are responsible for crafting legislation, overseeing the government, and approving the national budget. The Congress of Deputies serves as the lower house of parliament and has the more dominant role in legislative affairs. It consists of 350 members, elected by proportional representation from multi-member constituencies using a D’Hondt method. This branch proposes and votes on laws, holds the prime minister and cabinet accountable, approves the budget, and can pass a motion of no confidence to remove the prime minister. The president can dissolve the Congress of Deputies and call for early elections if political deadlock occurs or if the prime minister loses confidence. The Senate serves as the upper house of parliament, with a focus on representing Castile’s autonomous communities. It consists of 266 members, with 208 elected directly by voters and 58 appointed by regional legislatures. The senate reviews and amends bills passed by the Congress of Deputies, plays a significant role in regional legislation and autonomy issues, approves constitutional amendments, and can propose its own legislative initiatives, though its role is typically more consultative than that of the Congress.

Castile’s judiciary operates independently of the executive and legislative branches, with its highest body being the Constitutional Court. The court ensures that legislation and executive actions comply with the constitution. Below the Constitutional Court is the Supreme Court, which serves as the highest court of appeal in both civil and criminal cases. The Constitutional Court holds the power to: Interpret the constitution, review the constitutionality of laws and treaties, and resolve disputes between the autonomous communities and the central government. Judges of the Constitutional Court are appointed for nine-year terms and are selected by a mix of the president, the prime minister, the Congress, and the judiciary. The Supreme Court handles both civil and criminal cases, and it serves as the court of final appeal. It also hears cases of government misconduct and impeachment trials. The General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ) manages the appointment and oversight of judges across the country, ensuring independence and impartiality in the courts. Castile is a federal state consisting of 17 autonomous communities and two autonomous cities. Each region has its own parliament and government, which manage areas such as education, health care, and local infrastructure. The Castilian constitution provides a broad degree of autonomy to these regions, allowing them to govern according to their own statutes, while the national government retains authority over defense, foreign policy, and macroeconomic matters. Regional governments are elected democratically and have significant influence over local issues, though their powers are subject to constitutional limits and judicial review.

Political parties and elections[]

Castile uses a two-round system to elect its president and proportional representation for its parliament. Presidential elections occur every five years, with a second round if no candidate receives a majority in the first. Parliamentary elections occur every four years for the Congress of Deputies, with the Senate's members elected concurrently by proportional and regional representation. The electoral system is overseen by the Central Electoral Commission, which ensures the legality and fairness of elections, as well as the accuracy of voting procedures. Castile has a multi-party system, with several major political parties representing a broad spectrum of ideologies. The most prominent parties include:

People’s Party (PP): A center-right political party with conservative and Christian democratic values.
Castilian Socialist Workers' Party (PSOC): A center-left party advocating for social democracy and progressive policies.
Podemos: A left-wing populist party focused on anti-austerity measures and environmentalism.
Ciudadanos: A centrist party with a focus on liberal democracy and pro-European integration.
Vox: A right-wing nationalist party advocating for stronger central government and traditional values.

Culture[]

Castile's culture is woven from its diverse history, regional identities, and vibrant traditions. Influences from its Roman past, centuries of Moorish presence, and the Christian Reconquista have all contributed to Castile's unique cultural landscape. The official language is Castilian (Castilian), with Catalan, Galician, and Basque as co-official languages in their respective regions. Castile's artistic heritage includes world-renowned painters like Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Francisco Goya. Flamenco, originating from Andalusia, is a passionate and soulful music and dance form that reflects deep emotions and storytelling. Castilian festivals are diverse and colorful, with La Tomatina, San Fermín, Semana Santa, and Las Fallas among the most famous. Castilian cuisine varies by region but is unified by its emphasis on social dining. Tapas, paella, and regional delicacies like Basque pintxos and Galician seafood are highlights.