Michael Hutchinson

Michael Hutchinson
8th President of Floria
Incumbent
Assumed office 1725 AN
Vice President	Ronald Trueman Jr.
Preceded by	Isabelle Chopin
Born	Michael James Hutchinson Pentucky
Political party	United Party of the Republic
Alma mater	University of Pentucky
Occupation	Businessman, banker, politician

Michael Hutchinson is a Florian politician currently serving as the President of Floria. He has been in office since 1725 AN and his premiership is mostly known for Floria’s Raspur Pact membership referendum. He is also Floria’s first president post-Floxit. Hutchinson is known for his traditional conservative views rejecting abortion and believing in traditional family values. Hutchinson eventually during his tenure also became an advocate to abolish the death penalty. Unlike his predecessors, Hutchinson had strong views on anti-war preferring diplomatic solutions over violence and as such gained popularity among the Florian people tired of conflict imposed by the Florian government.

After a successful first term, Hutchinson became more conservative in his second term and made drastic reforms to education, drug use and abortion rights.

Life before presidency

Born in the central state of Kentucky, Hutchinson was raised by lawyers. Although he initially intended to pursue a career in law at university, he ultimately transitioned into finance after graduation. He founded Hutchinson & Co., which subsequently became one of Floria’s most prominent private banks.

Presidency

Early actions

Shortly after the election in 1725, Hutchinson experienced immediate pressure as Floria prepared to vote on its Raspur Pact membership. During the referendum, Hutchinson maintained a neutral stance and affirmed that his plans for Floria would remain unchanged regardless of its membership status.

Hutchinson, who opposed certain aspects of the death penalty, relaxed capital punishment laws for specific types of crimes.

Following the departure from the Raspur Pact, Hutchinson promptly declared Floria non-aligned and pledged to refrain from engaging in large-scale conflicts. However, he also reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining its global military influence and protecting its territorial interests in the Norfolk Isles and Etourney.

Controversially, Hutchinson proposed abolishing the 12-year terms of office and extending them to 24 years. This move effectively positioned Hutchinson to become the longest-serving President in Florian history. However, this proposal was blocked by the Supreme Court, prompting a significant shift in the rightward direction of Hutchinson’s administration. In response, Hutchinson introduced a radical change to his 1738 campaign slogan, “Floria First!,” which significantly diminished party power and led to a surge in support for the SDP in the 1738 Presidential Election.

Second term

Facing the growing popularity of the SDP, Hutchinson remained steadfast in his refusal to enter into new trade agreements with emerging nations. His newly implemented policies, as outlined in the “Florida First!” initiative, have been met with mixed reactions.

The federal prohibition of cannabis enraged the young population, who perceived it as an infringement upon their fundamental rights. Cannabis had previously been enshrined in the constitution as a legal right. While recruitment for the Florian Navy remained sluggish, the Air Force experienced a surge in popularity.

Political positions

Foreign policy

Immediately after leaving the Raspur Pact, Hutchinson released a 5 point doctrine on foreign policy for Floria:

1. Floria will abide by intermicronational law and its fundamental principles.
2. Floria will remain unaligned as long as Hutchinson is in power.
3. Floria will not seek confrontation with other nations.
4. Floria will protect its citizens wherever they are.
5. Floria will develop ties which were not explored during Floria’s time in the Raspur Pact.