The Monarchy
The Imperial monarchy has ruled the Polish Empire since 1802 when Polish independence was achieved. Ten years later during the liberation of Lithuania from the Russian Empire the reigning monarch of Poland was also crowned honorary King of Lithuania. A title which he consolidated following the 1823 Riga riots which saw the honorary title change to a permanent one now attached to the Polish dynasty. In 1856 Emperor Marek II further consolidated the partnership by turning the personal union into a joint Empire, forming the Imperial Empire of Poland and Lithuania. This was accomplished through the creation of the Imperial State Constitution of 1856. Since then then the Polish Monarchy have remained the heads of state for the dual nation state.
The current monarch, his excellency Emperor Tomasz I has been in power since 2003 when his father died. Since coming to power the Emperor has implemented a large number of financial reforms including an overhaul of the tax system and has launched a major anti-corruption drive. He has been credited with easing tensions between Lithuania and Poland over border disputes following the annexation of the last section of Russian Kalingrad in 2010. Prior to being crowned Emperor, Tomasz I served as Chief of the Army (1998-2002) and as Lord-Marshal for State Security (1980-1998). He and his wife Agnieska Podgorska have had three children, two sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Prince Marek IV is the current Crown Prince and currently serves as the Lord-Marshal of State Security (since 2014).
The Monarchy serves as the head of state with absolute power (although in theory within the bounds of the constitution). The monarch has the power to dissolve the Parliaments of both Lithuania and Poland. However following reforms in the mid 20th century to the Imperial State Constitution, the two seperate parliaments have managed to have a large amount of autonomy. The Imperial Council of Lords (formed in 1946) was the monarchy's compromise to requests for more democracy in the system. The five key areas of control which the monarchy has are thus managed via the ten elected officials. The Emperor must ratify any law or bill for it to be passed and can veto any bill or law. As the supreme ruler and representative, the Emperor also represents the Empire on the international stage. Although the Foreign Minister or Crown Prince can take his place. The Emperor also formally takes the accreditations of foreign ambassadors and appoints ambassadors for the Empire. His position also makes him the Supreme commander in chief of the military, although he is not in charge of the day to day running of the forces. In addition he is responsible for making decisions on the awarding of high civic and military awards, as well as having the powers of clemency in the courts.
The Imperial family reside inside the Imperial Palace in Warsaw's famous Lazienski Park. The Emperors office and administrative staff work out of the Central Warsaw Palace. Which is also where the Emperor seat of power is. It is also where the Emperor meets and takes foreign guests and dignitaries.
The Monarchy serves as the head of state with absolute power (although in theory within the bounds of the constitution). The monarch has the power to dissolve the Parliaments of both Lithuania and Poland. However following reforms in the mid 20th century to the Imperial State Constitution, the two seperate parliaments have managed to have a large amount of autonomy. The Imperial Council of Lords (formed in 1946) was the monarchy's compromise to requests for more democracy in the system. The five key areas of control which the monarchy has are thus managed via the ten elected officials. The Emperor must ratify any law or bill for it to be passed and can veto any bill or law. As the supreme ruler and representative, the Emperor also represents the Empire on the international stage. Although the Foreign Minister or Crown Prince can take his place. The Emperor also formally takes the accreditations of foreign ambassadors and appoints ambassadors for the Empire. His position also makes him the Supreme commander in chief of the military, although he is not in charge of the day to day running of the forces. In addition he is responsible for making decisions on the awarding of high civic and military awards, as well as having the powers of clemency in the courts.
The Imperial family reside inside the Imperial Palace in Warsaw's famous Lazienski Park. The Emperors office and administrative staff work out of the Central Warsaw Palace. Which is also where the Emperor seat of power is. It is also where the Emperor meets and takes foreign guests and dignitaries.
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