Labour Vilakismus Front

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Labour Vilakismus Front
ጀዊ፡ወ᎕ኒየኪ፡ለቦረ᎐ቪለኪሥሙሥዎ (Yawi Waanijaki Labora'vilakismuswo)
LVP CoA.png

Emblem of the LVF

Political party (de jure)
Militant secret society (de facto)
Ideological doctrine: Vilakismus
Religious affiliation: Sejaveti Soziti
Primary Goal(s): Establishment of a Pan-Soziti Vilakismus state
Operation
Region(s) of operation: Neira
Based in: Otžanje, Odokcraca
Variyako (suspected)
Newspaper: Kuh Ivunwo Ba'reǩeki (People's Voice)
Political position: Third Position (self-declared)
Colour(s):      Black and white
Status & Relations
Members: 8,000 – 9,000 (suspected)
Notable clients: Flag of thr LVP.png People's Labour Party
Enemies: Flag of Variyako.png Variyako
Rivals: Flag of the National Revolutionary League.png National Revolutionary League
Historical Information
Founded: 1879
Founded by: Vulko Silajidžić, Sulejman Lukanov, Franjo Belušić, Uroš Jovanović, Branko Danojlic, Dragoav Biakedžija and Stejiepo Durkovic
Flag
Flag of thr LVP.png
[Source]

The Labour Vilakismus Front (Wunal: ጀዊ፡ወ᎕ኒየኪ፡ለቦረ᎐ቪለኪሥሙሥዎ tr. Loudspeaker.svg.png Yawi Waanijaki Labora'vilakismuswo) colloquially known as the LVF is an underground political party in Variyako. Reportedly the largest left wing movement in Variyako, the LVF support the ideology of Vilakismus, which advocates for a classless socialist state that is based on an orthodox, puritan form of Sejaveti Soziti where all people are equal, as seen in the eyes of God. Vilakismus also calls for all the Soziti workers to be liberated from the upper classes, who are seen as heretics in Vilakismus doctrine whereas peasants and industrial workers posses spiritual purity. The LVF aim to overthrow the governments of the Soziti states in Neira (most prominently Variyako) through a revolution led by the peasants.

The LVF was founded in 1879 by Vulko Silajidžić, Sulejman Lukanov, and Franjo Belušić, and was soon joined by dissident priests and intellectuals. The party soon became infamous for conducting attacks on "decadent" religious sites, government facilities, and factories, murdering those deemed to be "class and ungodly enemies". It has launched several failed assassination attempts on the Zanikoj.

The LVF are regarded by several Soziti scholars and foreign observers as a bizarre fusion of left wing socialist and communist ideologues with religious nationalists and puritans. It has been criticised in its liberal appropriation of religious doctrine and left wing social and economic analysis. Prominent Soziti scholars have criticised it especially due to its perceived over-analysis of the concept of equality disregarding the advocacy of hierarchy in Soziti teachings.

History[edit | edit source]

Development of Vilakismus[edit | edit source]

The Labour Vilakismus Front's foundation lies in the development of the Vilakismus philosophy which was first conceived in 1876 following the end of the Variyakoi Civil War. A low ranking priest named Vulko Silajidžić saw the war as having undermined the traditional interpretation of Soziti favoured by the Ravadi, which he eventually blamed for starting the war. Silajidžić concluded that for Variyako and the Soziti faith to continue Variyakoi society must be brought back to the "core value" of the faith - that being that people were equal in the eyes of God. For Silajidžić for this to be achieved the structure of society must be completely dismantled and replaced with a collective system, where there would be no private property and people would share all assets amongst themselves. According to Silajidžić the traditional peasants and nascent industrial workers were more spiritually pure then the decadent state bureaucrats, merchants and clergy, and as such such social stratification must be dismantled in order for spiritual purity to be restored.

Silajidžić published his views in the "Declaration for Vilakismus", a manifesto that urged for the founding of a "Vilakismus", a state which according to Silajidžić would follow his interpretation of Soziti that was based on puritan equality". Silajidžić was attacked and ridiculed for his ideas, being denounced by the political and religious establishment. As the idea of Vilakismus begun to spread the Zanikoj ordered for Silajidžić to be excommunicated for the Soziti faith and to be declared a heretic, a crime which carried the death penalty in Variyako. Fearing for his life Silajidžić fled into the mountainous boarder of Odokcraca where he continued to publish his views on Vilakismus in the city of Graišti, well known for being a haven for revolutionaries and leftist orientated intellectuals. Silajidžić further wrote on Soziti doctrine criticising institutions such as slavery.

Formation and formative years[edit | edit source]

In 1879 Silajidžić met Sulejman Lukanov, Franjo Belušić, Uroš Jovanović, Branko Danojlić, Dragoav Biakedžija and Stejiepo Durković. The seven men elaborated further on Vilakismus, which became more revolutionary in tone. Lukanov, Biakedžija, and Durković were pan-Sozitists whereas Belušić, Jovanović and Danojlić had been inspired by communist, socialist and syndicalist movements associated with labour movements worldwide. As such the puritan, egalitarian society proposed by Silajidžić was further envisioned as spanning across the Soziti world and would come about through a prolonged peasants revolution that would see the peasants overthrow the ruling class through violent means. In order to lead this revolution it was decided that a cadre of dedicated revolutionaries would be the ones to rouse the masses and lead the Soziti world into the creation of the Vilakismus state. As such a Ravadi consisting of the seven founders and other exiles influenced by their writings was formed, all of whom approved of the creation of the Labour Vilakismus Front.

The newly formed party started to publish its doctrines in its newspaper, Kuh Ivunwo Ba'reǩeki, which was freely distributed in Odokcraca. The organisation grew as exiles from Variyako joined the organisation. In 1881 Belušić, Jovanović and Danojlić successfully created the Labour Vilakismus Union, an organisation that established several specialised trade unions and similar associations in Graišti, as well as create links with existing labour organisations in Variyako. This helped bring in more recruits in the LVF which saw its membership expand. Regional branches (known as Vilakismus Rikěží's) were created in Variyako, Likadja, and Justavka. In 1882 local authorities in Graišti were alarmed at the (comparably) rapid rate of which the LVF were growing. This caused the leader of Graišti's branch of the Najidu to order a clamp down on the LVP, and requesting to the Odokcracian government to expel the seven founders. The Ravadi alongside some of their most ardent followers promptly fled Graišti. Members who stayed behind in the city were imprisoned and later executed by local authorities who subsequently banned Kuh Ivunwo Ba'reǩeki although in practice the paper remained in wide circulation.

Following the crackdown in Graišti the LVF remained dormant for around two years, with its membership scattered. Kuh Ivunwo Ba'reǩeki continued to be published regularly, where it further expanded on Vilakismus teachings. During these years it was thought that Silajidžić had taken refuge in either Tzolkun or Likaja. In 1884 Atraeth invaded Justavka creating the colony of Atraelish Neira, causing to many ethnic Variyakoi's to either emigrate to Variyako or Odokcraca. As a recognised opposition group the LVF relocated to Odokcraca where the central Ravadi started to centralise decision making once again. At the 33rd party Dolnacja held in Otžanje (the largest city in Odokcraca and a hotbed of religious radicalism) Silajidžić announced what became known as the Otžanje Protocol which allowed women to join the party as well as create the Holy Army of Labour and Peasants whose aim it was to overthrow the Variyakoi state. Famously at the end of his speech Silajidžić declared that "God has spoken and thoust should obey - revolution has begun". Following the 33rd Dolnacja the first attacks were made on Variyakoi officials as members of the Holy Army shot several Variyakoi priests deemed to be corrupt and raided their ostentatious cathedrals.

Present state[edit | edit source]

Since the 33rd Dolnacja and Silajidžić's call for revolution the LVF has consolidated its position, absorbing smaller dissident groups and sponsoring more underground trade unions in Variyako. It is alleged that in Variyako's outlying provinces entire villages are under the de facto control of the LVF.

Ideology[edit | edit source]

The ideology of Vilakismus is based upon the verse in the Iszotec that states that "all people are born and should be, in the eyes of God, both equally pure and equally sinful". Traditional Soziti teaching interpretations state this passage is stating that all people are equally capable of committing sins in God's eyes when they are born. However Vilakismus sees this as advocating for all people to be equal in all respects, and that in God's eyes all people are the same. As such, society should be equal in all respects, with all exploitation, hierarchy, and inequality to be eliminated.

Puritan Soziti[edit | edit source]

Economic views[edit | edit source]

A LVF poster, "The Capitalist (1899)

Broadly speaking the LVF hold leftist economic views, acknowledging the labour theory of value and calling for economic equality. The LVF have in their documents condemned capitalism for being corrupt and for exploiting the workers, and championed forms of public and state ownership over private methods. However they reject the concept of dialectical materialism stating that godly spirituality is more paramount than a strict materialistic outlook on nature. The LVF see socialism as necessary for giving citizens both liberty and justice, stating that the feudal system in Variyako inhibits moral upstanding and justice as the feudal system merely benefits the existing classes. By embracing a form of socialism the Soziti states will be able to both modernise whilst co-currently creating a economic system that emphasises equality, thus guaranteeing justice and the upholding of morality. The LVF also see socialism as being compatible with the Iszotec's teachings of charity and solidarity which they believe is lacking in capitalist economic structures.

The LVF have several internal factions who have different approaches to agricultural reform, with the main two being "collectivists" and the "agrarianists". The agrarianists are in favour of land re-distribution from the landlord class to the peasants and serfs on an equal basis - however the peasants would be allowed to keep the land for private use. Meanwhile the collectivists, who favour industrialisation, advocate for revolutionising agricultural practices from private farms to those that use communal methods, believing that by collectivising agriculture they will be able to "fast track" industrial development. The Declaration for Vilakismus fails to detail the LVF's precise economic policy outside of emphasising "public ownership", a form of land reform and the moves towards creating an economic system based upon a common wealth. Silajidžić has notably stated that the "political-cultural revolution" must come towards the economic revolution. However, due to the LVF's support for the peasantry it is generally seen that the LVF's peasant grassroots support the agrarianists whilst higher echelons of the party and those affiliated with the trade unions support the collectivists.

Peasant Revolution[edit | edit source]

The LVF differ from many other left wing revolutionary movements in that they believe the peasants (which includes serfs and agriculutal slaves) should be the vanguard of the revolution rather then the industrial proletariat. According to Vilakismus doctrine peasants are the purist in God's eyes with an agrarian lifestyle being held as the ultimate goal for society. Peasants compared to urbanites are seen to reject marital goods and lead simple, godly lifestyles focussed on hard work and worship. However, Vilakismus also states that these peasants are systematically exploited by the corrupting priests and the Zanikoj, with their piety being used to "feed the bellies of the feudal heretics", and that they are trapped by the systems of slavery, serfdom and feudalism established by landlords, lenders and the state. Thus in order for the revolution to be achieved whilst keeping its Godly character the peasants as the social class most close to God must be the ones to lead it. In order to achieve the "peasant revolution" a temporary feeling of class identity must be actively encouraged so all peasants will unite to overthrow the ruling feudalists. The LVF emphasise that peasant mobilisation should be undertaken in an united front, and cast themselves as the vanguard of the peasant revolution.

The LVF whilst seeing peasants as the leaders of the revolution nonetheless also see the industrial proletariat as an important class in society. The LVF emphasise that whilst the proletariat does not have the same moral purity as peasants nonetheless has the opportunity to become closer to God and is blessed with a more revolutionary spirit. The LVF state that whilst an agrarian revolution and society should be foremost, the industrial proletariat should be retained so that there is an alliance between the "moral purity of peasant-workers' and revolutionary nature of industrial workers'".

The LVF see the peasant revolution as being a long organic process driven by the LVF. According to Vilakismus doctrine for the Peasant Revolution to be successful and not be crushed by counter-revolutionary elements it must be conducted over a long period of time. The LVF must use guerrilla tactics to gain a foothold in the countryside where it can revolutionise the peasantry through land reform, thus building a base of popular support and giving it the opportunity to disrupt the societal and economic foundations of the state, removing the influence of feudal landlords and priests. When the state is in its last throes, the LVF will then be able to "mobilise the peasantry to cleanse the rich parasites from their cities, thus ending the peasant revolution". Throughout the revolutionary struggle it is paramount that the LVF remain governed by the peasants whilst remaining accountable only to God.

Stance on women[edit | edit source]

Stance on minorities[edit | edit source]

Organisation[edit | edit source]

The Vilakismus Ravadi[1] is the highest governing body within the LVF, consisting of 7 members who decide the majority of executive policy decisions, and lead the party overall. Beneath them is the Kolaji[2], a larger body of 107 delegates who appoint the members of the Ravadi and implement their directives, meeting only periodically. Below them are the provincial Kolaji that represent the Ravadi and the national Kolaji on regional levels. Below these bodies are smaller bodies that report to local Kolaji's.

Members of the Ravadi serve life terms, with replacements being appointed at the death of a previous member. Members are appointed by a unanimous vote within the body, being recommended and picked from the Kolaji. There is no official head of the Ravadi, although Vulko Silajidžić is considered the de facto patriarch of the LVF. The current members of the Ravadi are -

Membership[edit | edit source]

The 52nd Labour Vilakismus Front Kolaji provides some insight into the makeup of the party.

Social Composition of Kolaji Delegates
Conference Workers Peasants White-collar, intellectuals, clerical, other Total
52nd 22 (20.5%) 56 (52.3%) 29 (27.1%) 107
Ethnic Composition of Dolnacja Delegates
Conference Variyakoi Tzolk Likadjai Zeleovkian Odokcracian Justvakaun Gantaiz Total
52nd 80 (74.76%) 14 (13.08%) 3 (2.84%) 2 (1.86%) 5 (4.67%) 2 (1.86%) 1 (0.93%) 107
Gender Composition of Dolnacja Delegates
Conference Men Women Total
52nd 89 (83.18%) 18 (16.82%) 107

Leadership[edit | edit source]

Armed Wing[edit | edit source]

Symbolism[edit | edit source]

LVF propaganda poster. As many in Variyako are illiterate the LVF often produce posters to spread their ideology - this poster is intended to show the strength of peasant women and their equal status with men.

Hymn[edit | edit source]

The LVF retain an "anthem" that is closely associated with the movement. It is based upon a traditional Variyakoi folk poem written in the Variyakoi-Xhequan War. It consists of two verse and a chorus that is repeated twice; however often only the first verse and the chorus are sung. A translation of the lyrics is below. src
Verse 1

Oh god of all ages,
May thy grant us peace and smite our foes asunder fo'ever,
Thoust light dispels darkness, as the sinning tyrants
Are cleansed for thou's holy dominion,

Chorus

Bound by our unshakable faith and labour
We pray to you, o' Lord of creation,
Until our dying breath, and with thines blessings,
Guardians of Vilakismus we shall be!
(repeat)

Verse 2

We shall purify land lost on Zagrabi,
Stained with the blood of Xheuqan heretics,
The blood of our forefathers,
Runeth through our veins whilst our faith is Soziti,

Chorus

Notes[edit | edit source]

  1. The Ravadi in Soziti doctrine is the highest body of priests who collectively interpret the Iszotec.
  2. "Kolaji" in Wunal usually describes a large body of people