Stephen Paffens Jr.
| The Right Honorable Stephen Paffens Jr. | |
|---|---|
April 14, 2011 | |
| Predecessor | Assembly of Regents |
August 23, 2009 | |
| Predecessor | Office Established |
April 14, 2011 | |
| Predecessor | Office Created |
April 14, 2011 | |
| Predecessor | Office Created |
April 14, 2011 | |
| Predecessor | Himself (as member of the Assembly of Regents) |
May 16, 2010-April 14, 2011 | |
| Predecessor | Office Created |
| Successor | Stephen Paffen Sr. |
January 18, 2011 to February 11, 2011 | |
| Predecessor | Amber Moscow |
| Successor | Assembly of Regents |
March 3, 2010 to August 9, 2010 | |
| Predecessor | The Provisional Congress |
| Successor | Amber Moscow |
| Born | 1990 United States |
| Citizenship | Aspinburgh and United States |
| Nationality | Aspinburghian and American |
| Political party | Aspinburgh Party |
| Residence | Paffenburgh Village |
| Religion | Protestant, Aspinburgh Christian Association |
Stephen Paffens Jr. (born 1990) is one of the founding fathers of Aspinburgh and the current Prime Minister of the government.
Personal life
Stephen Paffens was born to Stephen and Annie Paffens on October 1, 1990 in the United States. He was raised in a conservative Protestant Christian home and has one brother. Mr. Paffens attend a local American high school, graduating in 2008 and currently resides in Chicago, Illinois USA and Paffenburgh Village, Aspinburgh.
Involvement in Aspinburgh
Stephen is good friends with Robert Brussels, the founding father of Aspinburgh, and was contacted by him about the possibility of forming micronation. He offered ideas early on and was active during the formation of Aspinburgh in the summer of 2009. He took part in the first elections held on September 22, 2009 -founding the Aspinburgh Party- and was elected to the legislature. However, during his time his involvement in the country was minimal.
Apportionment as Prime Minister
In the Spring of 2010 he was asked by Robert Brussels to assumed the post of Prime Minister for the newly formed government of the United Aspinburghian Principality. On March 3, 2010 he was appointed Prime Minister and began his career as a politician. He quickly took a more active role in the country and soon emerged as a real leader. In May 2010 he used his political power to challenge Robert Brussels on a number of issues. Until then, Robert was de-facto leader of the country and had complete power. It was during this time, however, that Stephen was viewed as a threat to Robert Brussels' power and Robert took measures to try and curb Stephen's leadership
Cabinet Reshuffling and Coup
On July 23, 2010 following a heated argument in the government office, Prime Minister Paffens dismissed Robert Brussels from all government offices, including as Chief of Staff of the Police Force. The following day members of the police stormed the government office and Robert appeared on TV to announce that he was reinstalling himself as Chief of Police. He denied leading a coup and Stephen remained as Prime Minister, however, with political power.
August 9, 2010
Stephen Paffens had been secretly holding discussions with the then King of Starland, Mr.Nik Hart, a long time enemy of Robert Brussels. Nik offered support for a rebellion and on August 9, 2010 Stephen Paffens declared that Nik was now the leader of Aspinburgh and began an armed uprising to capture Robert Brussels. The Police and many citizens rose up in support of Robert and the following day the rebellion fell apart. Stephen's leading ally, Aspinburgh nationalist leader Jeff Swed, was visiting friends in the United States and was not able to return in time to offer support for the rebellion. Stephen was removed as Prime Minister and was temporarily arrested, although he was later granted a full pardon. Robert then formed the Provisional Government Council and declared himself Supreme Commander of the Police, thus de-facto leader of the country.
Underground Activities
In late 2010 he came back into favor with Robert and was placed in government offices. Although publicly supportive for Robert's socialist views, he secretly held capitalist and moderate ideas. He used his influence to try and lead Robert to take moderate actions and is credited with helping to prevent radical changes Robert wanted to make. In December 2010 he stood for the People's Council and was elected, assuming the post, once again, of Prime Minister on January 1, 2011. During the protests against Robert on January 15–18, 2011 he offered support and helped to coordinate democratic movements. When Robert resigned on January 18, Stephen effectively became leader of the country.
Current Activities
Stephen pushed for a multi-party, democrat state and ended many of the far-left, socialist policies of Robert. On February 11, 2011 Aspinburgh was reformed as a union and the Union of Aspinburgh was declared. The office of Prime Minister was abolished and replaced with the 5 member Assembly of Regents, as the transitional authority in the country. He was one of the Regents and helped to guide the country towards a moderate democracy. On April 11, 2011 elections where held and marked the end of the transitional period. On April 14, 2010 he was elected by a vote of 4 to 1 by the Union Council as the first Prime Minister of the Union of Aspinburgh. Since taking office he has pursed a moderate, conservative course and is focusing on first rebuilding he country, then reaching out to other countries.
Political and Religious Views
Aspinburgh Party
On August 23, 2009 he founded the Aspinburgh Party, the county's first political party. It adopted a populist and moderate ideology. Stephen Paffens Jr. has described himself as a moderate and a populist and has rejected the titles of capitalist or conservative.
Abortion
Stephen is pro-life and opposes abortion.
Capitalism and Communism
The Prime Minister has said that he agrees with elements of both capitalism and communism and that he prefers a third way approach to politics. He leans more towards capitalism, but supports some social programs and ideas.
Christianity
Stephen Paffens Jr. was baptized into the Episcopal Church and is Vice President of the Aspinburgh Christian Association. He believes Jesus Christ is the savior and views the Bible as containing the word of God.