1716–1717 Hurmu political crisis

The 1716 Hurmu political crisis began on 13.XII.1716 with a strike by the Union of Industrial Workers' Associations, and culminating in the resignation of Patrik Djupvik and prime minister on 5.XV.1716 (after the Social and Democratic Party left government).

General strike

The strike by the Union of Industrial Workers' Associations began on 13.XII.1716 after a failure of the union and the employers' organization to agree to a collective agreement with regard to working hours, salaries, work environment (health and safety), pension and social security payments, and so on.

It was quickly joined by the Union of Agricultural Workers' Associations and the Union of Textile Workers' Associations, who demanded the similar demands as to the Industrial Workers, making the strike a

As such, most of Hurmu's export production came to a stall, as well as the production of domestic consumption of food and goods.

Humanist intervention

From 10.XIV.1716 AN, groups of Honoured Sons and Humanist Vanguard cadets, armed with cudgels, iron bars, and wooden staves, have been observed assisting the Hurmu Constabulary in breaking up pickets, blockades, and wildcat strikes, in an effort to unjam the frozen logistic supply chains. The leadership of the Hurmu Constabulary subsequently expressed a willingness to deputise anyone willing to provide security for the critical supply distribution centres of the Lake District.

SDP leaves government

The Unions called upon the Social and Democratic Party of Hurmu (SDP) to leave the government. Protests in working-class areas of Hurmu started focusing on the treachery of the Social and Democratic Party in propping up a government that was so establishmentist and Senatorial. Protests wanted a more democratic Hurmu, with more social rights and policies for its people. Instead, the government focused its attentions on bringing the libertarian state of Oportia into a free-trade régime with Hurmu. This was the antithesis of what the Unions wanted (and needed). Rashid Hasanzadeh, leader of the SDP, held a speech for the members of the SDP, in which he defended his ministers remaining in the government. "In government, we can accomplish much more than we could ever do in opposition. Every day we are fighting against humanism, ensuring that the worst aspects of humanist economy never comes into fruition. Hurmu needs the SDP in government."

On 5.XV.1716, Rashid Hasanzadeh and the SDP ministers left the cabinet after they could no longer stand up against the grassroots, and called upon the Assembly of Representatives to declare no confidence in Prime Minister Patrik Djupvik.

Government resignation

Immediately after the SDP exodus from government, Patrik Djupvik wished to by-pass a possible humiliating defeat in the Assembly of Representatives. As such, he thought that if he resigned before the vote, he would remain in a care-taking role and other parties could still negotiate with him in forming a new government under his direction.

He informed the Speaker of the Assembly and the Senate later the same evening, on 5.XV.1716, that he had resigned as Prime Minister of Hurmu. Under the constitution of Hurmu, he would remain caretaker prime minister until a new prime minister had been inaugurated.