Economics Directorate
The most important component of the Ministry of Finance, the Economics Directorate is considered the most influential and sought after bureaucratic body outside the intelligence/military complex. Charles Raspin, president of the Banque Republicaine, is also head of the directorate, joined by Deputy Minister of Finance Stephanie Leggo as the Estates General representative. Raspin's leadership of the council is unique, because it is the first time one person has held the director's post and the presidency of the Banque simultaneously. This unique position of power is testimony to Raspin's own political might (rumored to be tied to Georges Hebert Xavier or Jacques Molay), despite his public opposition to Prime Minister deRouen. The joint position has allowed Raspin to perform at a level surpassing his predecessors by easing the friction between the council and the Banque in areas where they must coexist, including the collection of the Market, Consumer, Contract Tax (MCC Tax) and other aspects of the Sevigny Economics and Taxation System (SETS).
Responsible for administration of the Southern Republic's financial well being on a day to day basis, the directorate has received much attention from external concerns determined to dominate it. Deputy Minister of Finance Stephanie Leggo in particular is in a unique position. Her appointment has skyrocketed Leggo's political career and indebted her to Prime Minister deRouen, who hand picked her for the job. She serves as his plant in the directorate, passing on personal information she gathers directly to the Prime Minister.
As for Charles Raspin, his appointment as director has doubled his already-significant influence in Republican society. His position allows him to not only to dictate policy at the bank, but also to influence the policies adopted by the rest of the financial community. Even though Raspin has had heated public arguments with the Prime Minister, his reputation has not suffered. It would seem that these stands against deRouen have influential personages lobbying for him to take the step from the financial world to the political jungle.
Structure
The directorate's leadership is comprised of a small group of influencial and saavy executives, supported by a complex bureaucracy. The Deputy Minister reports to the Estates-General on a weekly basis about the directorate's activities. The president and vice-president of the Banque Republicaine, who also sit on the directorate, represent the bank's interests in the economy. By making known to the directorate what is happening with the personal savings and spending habits of Republicans, and providing advice on how to best manipulate the opportunities presented there, they also represent the common citizens. Two senior chairpeople from the Exchange Board, a committee formed of senior chairpersons from the Republican Exchange, sit on the directorate to provide economic insight from the market's point of view. Three members of the Financial League, a group of presidents and directors of trusts, investment dealers and debit issuance companies provide data that shows the mobillity of private investment moneys, and allows the directorate to prepare new policies in a manner that best serves the continued growth of the economy.
Public Agenda
The main focus of the directorate i s to ensure that the Sevigny Economic and Taxation System continues in perpetuity. The directorate follows the annual growth target of 4% for the economy as a sort of mantra, and all members work towards this goal. Given the sheer number of people that have a hand in the running of the directorate, it is a wonder that anything gets done. Yet the economy continues to grow steadily, and the state prospers, bolstered by revenues siphoned from the vassal states. Charles Raspin's main goal at the moment i s to streamline the system. Many, however, see this as simply an attempt to lessen the number of levels between himself and full control of the Republican economy, and resistance to his plans has been constant. Yet Raspin is a patient man, and with his ever expanding influence base, which includes a mutual understanding with several key players in Port Oasis, he is sure that he will survive the storm, and emerge far stronger than any of his opponents.
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