Basic Law enacted, first session of Congress of People's Councils scheduled

First page of the new Basic Law.

The Provisional People's Government has enacted the Basic Law of the New Richmond Republic only two days after the Republic's secession.

The Law, which serves as the Republic's constitutional framework, was adopted by unanimous consent of the Provisional People's Government and the members of the Blair Mountain League, which has cemented its place as the sole and governing party of the new Republic. The Basic Law enshrines various "fundamental principles of the state" such as socialism "as developed in a pragmatic and realistic way under the direction of the Blair Mountain League," progressivism, anti-fascism, anti-bigotry, "protection and refuge for marginalized peoples," and the ideals of the 29th of July New Virginian Revolution.

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The statute calls for a system built on the foundation of local People's Councils, directly-democratic assemblies that govern the capitol City of New Richmond and the various communes. These People's Councils elect delegates from among their members to represent them in the Congress of People's Councils, the "supreme organ of state power" under the Basic Law. The new Congress has the authority to elect and recall the other offices of the Central People's Government, to pass legislation known as Acts, to declare war and to ratify treaties. The CPC shall meet a minimum of twice per year - once in summer and once in winter - although extraordinary sessions may be called by the Central Executive Committee.

The Central Executive Committee exercises the executive authority of the Republic, and wields legislative authority during periods wherein the CPC isn't in session. Members of the CEC will be responsible for executive ministries, and the CEC will be led by an elected Chair. The Basic Law additionally makes provision for a judiciary known as the People's Tribunal.

Immediately following the enactment of the Basic Law, the local People's Councils assembled to elect their first delegates to the new Congress. The following individuals were elected, all members of the Blair Mountain League:

• Brooklyn Hewitt, New Richmond City - Secretary-General of the Blair Mountain League, former president of the Provisional People's Government, leading figure in the 29th of July Revolution.
• K. Riley Hewitt, New Richmond City - former pro-revolutionary Burgess of New Richmond to the New Virginian Parliament.
• Gaia Pacifice, New Reinhardt Commune - former revolutionary commando of the 29th of July Movement.
• Savannah Wellman, Cumberlandia Commune - former pro-revolutionary New Virginian Senator.

The Congress of People's Councils shall hold its first ordinary session within the coming week according to an announcement made by Party Secretary-General and Acting Leader of the Central People's Government Comrade Brooklyn Hewitt.