Po Er Kwa Deul posts criticism of economic policy

Po Er Kwa Deul's open letter, posted
near the Supreme People's Assembly.

Halfway into their second term as ruling party, Prosperity for Yurtyzstan is facing a major internal crisis following Vice-Chairman Po Er Kwa Deul's publication of a withering criticism of the party's economic policy.



The publication, an open letter to Chairman of the Presidium J.J. Hakimoto, was posted near the Assembly chambers in Yurtpyitaw earlier today, and was subsequently circulated. Hakimoto told reporters for Donglim and New Light of Yurtyzstan at the Foreign Residence that he was preparing a full response and would not comment until it was released.

The open letter takes aim at Hakimoto's monetary policy, which Po claims "[goes] against the spirit of the law", referring to the 26 May market reforms. Po criticises the monetary policy of James Hlako Yurt, appointed Chairman of the Yurtyzstani National Bank and Reserve by J.J. Hakimoto in October 2013. Po also attacks Hakimoto's government for purchasing stock in various private businesses. He closes the letter with a call for snap elections and Hakimoto's immediate resignation.

When Hakimoto makes his official response, it may set off a national political crisis. Many were sceptical when Hakimoto first announced his partnership with Po and his far-right Impoverished Yurtyzstanis' Front in November 2012, given their acrimonious history. While support for moderate economic policy remains strong in Yurtpyitaw and among conciliatory leftists, the IYF has a large base in the southern Sakkara Province; a battle over snap elections could paralyze the country with protests and media wars as Hakimoto attempts to implement his cultural development programme.