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[Leader] Jan Isozaki
In office
1988-1989
Prime Minister | Grete Scherer Victor Rathenau Berta Spindler |
Vice President | Zacharias Spiegler |
Preceded by | Position established |
of Osterdeutschland
In office
1988-1989
Deputy | Albin Kratochwil |
Preceded by | Stephanie Hecht |
In office
1986-1988
Preceded by | Vinzenz Goldberg |
Succeeded by | Irma Duden |
Born | 24 June 1966 (age 23) Geiselstadt, Osternau, Osterdeutschland |
Nationality | Osterdeutschlandisch |
Ethnicity | Japanese |
Political party | Communist |
Spouse(s) | None |
Children | None |
Education | Medical |
Alma mater | Clauborn University |
Signature |
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Allegiance | |
Service/branch |
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Years of service | 1983-1986, 1988-1989 |
Rank | Conscript (1983-1986), |
Jan Isozaki (b. 1966), also known affectionately to Osterdeutschlanders as simply 'Jan', is the current President of Osterdeutschland, incumbent since January 1988.
Born to a poor Japanese-Osterdeutschlandisch family in the 1960s, Jan spent his childhood in communal schools run by the communist Osterdeutschlandisch regime. This helped him, alongside all the other kids, develop excellent social skills and social awareness from an early age. He was a bright and attentive student throughout his school years, and recalls his school days as being among the most carefree in his life so far. Initially Jan wanted to become a paramedic and left school to study medicine at the age of 17 in 1983, although by 1984 he was becoming much more interested in politics as a way to help people than medicine.
Since coming into office, Jan has helped strengthen both communist rule and democracy in Osterdeutschland, helping to prevent disaster resulting from the hardliners' actions before he came into office. The party grew increasingly discontent with his predecessor's uncompromising regime, and after 30 years in office she was unanimously expelled from leadership; Jan being voted in as her replacement. He's seen as a young, vigorous and intelligent leader who's willing to compromise when necessary and stand by his principles whenever he feels it's necessary.
He's passed a number of acts since coming into office; including the Housing Act of 1988 which guarantees an end to homelessness and housing poverty in Osterdeutschland, the Equality Act of 1988 which makes it illegal for employers to discriminate against job candidates for any reason, and the Arms Reduction Act of 1989 which has ended Osterdeutschland's nuclear programme for the foreseeable future.
Jan was born in the mid 1960s to working-class parents in the rural town of Geiselstadt, in Osternau province. He was a good student from an early age, and was always fixed on a career where he could help people in some way. Initially being top of his class in the sciences, he wanted to become a medic after witnessing some saving the life of one of his friends during high school.
He also took part in many extracurricular activities during school, and was involved in the arts and sports clubs at his high school. He continued his involvement in the arts and took up music when he went to college, although he dropped organised sports at 16; preferring to go running or swimming on his own rather than playing a team game with other players.
Aside from wanting to be a medic and a politician, Jan also considered becoming a musician or an artist for a short period. He'd personally been inspired and motivated to do well in school and college due to some of the famous musicians he'd grown up with in the 1970s and early 1980s, although he felt medicine and politics allowed him to help people in more practical ways than music or art. To this day however, he still holds a deep appreciation for popular culture and the arts; and has met with a number of musicians and artists during his time so far in office.
He completed his compulsory military service over a three-year period from 1983-1986 due to his university commitments during this time. Usually this period is only one year long, although time served can vary from person to person.
After joining university, Jan began to discover his interest in politics outweighed his interest in studying medicine. He had a number of capable of friends studying medicine alongside him when he ran for the position of mayor in the town of Delmendorf; just 45km away from his university. This made him feel less bad about quitting. After winning with over 60% of the vote in 1986, he quit his medical course after three years and took up a full time role as mayor. He felt he was much more suited to work involving talking to and understanding the lives and situations of real people than he was helping tend to people's injuries and ills as a medic.
As mayor, he took steps to eliminate local corruption and to increase civic participation in politics. He established a Young Leaders' Programme inspiring young people like he'd been who weren't sure how they wanted to spend their lives to begin thinking about possible leadership roles in the future, and he made sure to hold meetings with his constituents in their own homes rather than making them come to his central office. He also made sure to work evenings and weekends whenever possible to try and fit himself around the lives of others.
This of course made him very popular! During his time as mayor, he became more and more well-known to other junior party members across the country. He began to attend national party conferences, and the other attendees were impressed by his on-stage charisma and speechmaking skills. After a military coup displaced his predecessor in 1988, he was voted into power with over 60% of the party vote. Even though he wasn't directly elected by the people, he still enjoys very high public approval due to his energetic leadership and caring nature.
Economic policies
Privatisation - in order to encourage co-operation with western and other capitalist countries internationally, Jan has allowed limited privatisation of some economic sectors; those judged non-essential by the state. These include things like luxury brands and toy manufacturers. Anything essential to the wellbeing of the people as a whole or to everyday life for ordinary Osterdeutschlanders remains controlled by the workers and the state.
Economic zoning - Jan has pushed through legislative changes allowing certain commercial zones to operate as free-market areas within Osterdeutschland's wider socialist economy. This has been done in order to attract foreign investment from the United States and other capitalist countries, while allowing the socialist government to benefit from any extra revenue generated and to use it to invest in infrastructure and other domestic projects. However, after receiving feedback from Premier Pasichnyk of Kirislavia, he's decided to make it compulsory for the Osterdeutschlandisch government to be given at least 50% stake in any foreign commercial activity in these zones.
Automation - Jan has also been pushing for the automation of the most mundane jobs in society, and the reduction of working hours for ordinary people. He plans to supplant their lost income with a universal basic wage, due to be introduced in January 1990. He feels communism's primary aim is to help people enjoy their lives as best they can. Capitalism, he feels, is an inherently unfair system, reliant on a working class to prop up everything above it in the social hierarchy of capitalist societies. For him, an automated workforce means a population free from this wage slavery and the subsequent unfair social hierarchies resulting from it.
Social policies
Inclusion - this policy is designed to create the perfect inclusive society in Osterdeutschland. Under the previous regime, people who were unable to contribute economically were marginalised on the sidelines of society; and human rights in the country were mostly ignored. Political protests have been legalised, freedom of expression expanded, welfare re-introduced for the neediest who aren't economically active and the press given much more freedom to report events objectively.
Selective surveillance - this policy is designed to overturn the use of mass surveillance by the previous regime, and to re-orient the use of surveillance techniques for use on known criminals only rather than suspects. Citizens are to be given the benefit of the doubt if they've done nothing obvious to compromise state security. This also applies to internet use and mobile phone networks, and bugging or tracking a user's calls without a valid reason supported by evidence is strictly against the law.
Net neutrality - while the internet is a very recent addition to Osterdeutschlandisch life, it has already seen a proliferation in its usage thanks to internet subsidisation policies enacted by the previous regime. This was mainly used as a way to monitor citizens' loyalty, however, and net use was strictly controlled. Since the current policy was introduced, the internet is no longer censored in any way shape or form; and a constitutional amendment means net neutrality alongside government support for widespread internet access is a constitutional right for all Osterdeutschlanders.
Foreign policy
Leader-centric diplomacy - Jan thinks the best way of approaching international diplomacy is to deal with other leaders as individuals, not representatives of nations. This is a pretty pragmatic way of looking at things, but the theory behind it is that an informal conversation with the leader of a neighbouring country will be much more likely to establish or strengthen diplomatic relations than a cold, formal encounter.
Dissent - Osterdeutschland since Jan came into power has been the first formerly Warsaw Pact country to break away from the icy grip of the Soviet Union while remaining communist. Ties with western Europe and the United States have significantly increased, and relations between Osterdeutschland and NATO has flourished since the end of 1988. This breaking away from the influence of the USSR has also led to increased relations with China; previously sour since the 1960s.
Open borders - unlike many other communist countries or even non-communist ones, Osterdeutschland's borders have been completely opened under Jan. He feels this is essential in maintaining cultural and ethnic diversity in Osterdeutschland, which is something he strives hard to do. He also feels this is good for trade and the exchange of ideas, and wants to encourage more people from around the world to visit and associate with Osterdeutschland in the future.
Jan prefers to handle international relations himself, as he believes it's important to build a personal rapport with other leaders in order to build trust. There is no official ministry of foreign affairs or appointed minister for the role under his government; unprecedented in the history of Osterdeutschlandisch politics. He tries to maintain good relations with all leaders, so long as he believes they really have the best interests of their own people at heart.
Before the office of President was created, foreign affairs was mainly handled by a specially-designated Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which has now been dissolved. However, the president cannot decide foreign policy alone; they are answerable to the Volkskammer in terms of their foreign policy decisions. A decision made by the president must be fully disclosed to the Volkskammer before it's implemented; and if 50% of the Volkskammer vote against the decision it is rendered null.
The president is permitted to engage freely in international diplomacy and talks with other leaders without the consent of the Volkskammer, however, giving them considerable freedom in formulating foreign policy ideas before they're put to vote. The president is not obligated to share the details of any meetings with another nation's leader or a foreign diplomat, and they don't even need to record the meetings in an official way. The only time they need to consult the Volkskammer is when they're planning on taking a course of concrete action which would change the direction of Osterdeutschlandisch foreign policy, such as the official signing of a new treaty or the tearing up of a trade agreement.
Relations with other leaders
Augusto Pinochet - Jan has previously been very critical of Pinochet, and has vowed to never personally or politically forgive him for the awful treatment of his political opponents in Chile. However, he applauds the fact Pinochet has finally decided to step down from power and allow democratic elections to occur in Chile. He also congratulates the President on his economic miracle, transforming Chile into one of the most powerful economies in South America during his time in power.- Nicolae Ceausescu - Jan sees Nicolae Ceasescu's loose grip on power in Romania as a result of his authoritarian and out-of-touch leadership as the prime example of what a communist state should not look like. He also thinks it very unwise of Ceasescu to make a state visit to Iran under such tense circumstances, and has spoken out to the international community in order to help Ceasescu and the Romanian government keep control over the situation. He has attempted to telephone Ceasescu's office, and is assured a personal conversation with him when he returns from his trip to Iran on December 22.
- Roh Tae-woo - the two leaders get along very, very well indeed. Jan highly appreciates Roh's keeping to his word when it comes to the democratisation of South Korea, and his foreign policy has been to support the south as the legitimate government of Korea in private. In public, however, Jan strongly supports peaceful reunification of the Korean peninsula, which he hopes will be brought about by Roh's strategy of 'nordpolitik'. He also strongly supports Roh's efforts to achieve 'growth with equity' in South Korea. He's aware of the current negative economic impacts this is having on the country in terms of a reduction in annual economic growth, but he is also aware of the South Korean public's strong support for his egalitarian policies and will support the President in seeing them through further.
- Toshiki Kaifu - Jan is pretty neutral on Kaifu, although the two leaders have seen an increase in trade between their two nations since they've been together in power.
- V. P. Singh - Jan and Singh have a very good relationship with each other, and Jan heavily respects Singh for his efforts in trying to ease tensions with Pakistan and to improve the lives of people traditionally considered 'lower-caste' in Indian society. Jan considers Singh a fellow progressive and a kindred spirit in politics, and the two meet regularly to discuss policies in their nations aimed at including all age groups and demographics better into their respective political systems.
- Yang Shangkun - after Yang's role in suppressing the Tienanmen protests of 1989, Jan cut all ties with him and the government of the People's Republic of China. He abhorred the way he and other party members, as well as members of the Chinese military, handled the student and worker protesters, and no longer considers the People's Republic of China the legitimate government of China; instead recognising the Republic of China as the legitimate political entity. He considers it especially horrifying that Yang was initially sympathetic to the students, and has lost all trust in his character and personal integrity.
Isozaki isn't in a relationship at present. He considers himself bisexual with a heavy leaning towards members of his own sex, although by his own admission he doesn't really feel comfortable in many relationships.
Personality-wise, he's been described as a kind, intelligent and thoughtful man; although he's extraordinarily introverted. He's only fully comfortable when he's talking to someone face-to-face, or surprisingly when he's giving a one-sided speech. He experiences high levels of anxiety and even begins to feel nauseous when having to deal with groups, or when he's in the middle of huge crowds. After being very resistant to the idea initially, he's been forced to control this with medication due to the nature of his job.
Despite these setbacks, he's very determined and meticulous when it comes to doing things he likes. Even though it's not really a passion of his, he enjoys running and swimming as a way of keeping active between working hours. In his spare time, he loves to travel around Osterdeutschland in disguise; and to walk around various cities as just another tourist. He also loves reading and writing, and even writes short stories for the entertainment columns of several major Osterdeutschlandisch newspapers under different pseudonyms.
Misc. stuff!
He speaks fluent English, albeit with a slight German accent.
He learned to drive at the age of 16, but has never owned a car.
Despite being a member of the Communist Party, Jan is surprisingly moderate politically. He prefers to help people over politics; and joining the party was the next logical step for him after leaving his medical course.
Alongside being a writer, Jan is a pretty good artist too! He sometimes releases doodles and sketches for his short story columns.
He listens to a diverse range of music, but his current three favourite songs are
Together in Electric Dreams by Phil Oakey and Giorgio Moroder, I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me) by Aretha Franklin and George Michael, and What Have I Done to Deserve This? by Pet Shop Boys and Dusty Springfield.Jan is a liberal socialist and views the west in a very positive light. Despite this, he remains an avid communist. He believes communism is the economic and social system able to bring the most happiness to the largest number of people, which is his primary aim.
He's predominantly left-handed, although due to the harsh education system under his predecessor he was forced to write with his right hand during school and university.
He's also a good singer! When he was younger, he would often go to karaoke bars with his friends and win prizes. However, he didn't think becoming a professional musician was for him.
He doesn't drink alcohol, although he gets through about seven cups of coffee per day.
He absolutely loves arcade games! As a teenager, he would sometimes spend hours on end in arcades.
Jan is also highly skilled at maths and physics. He's passionate about both subjects, and sometimes draws fractals on important documents when he's bored.
Sources
This factbook is heavily inspired by Kirislavia's leader factbook. I'm rubbish at inventing mine from scratch! I used theirs as the base, and if I expand it in any way I'll hopefully add any other sources here.
