Domestic Affairs

The spectrum of tasks for which the Ministry for Domestic Affairs is responsible covers many policy areas. Chief among these is the administration of civil government. Others include the promotion of culture, the integration of repatriates of Schwerdtan ancestry, the naturalisation of foreigners, and the admission of refugees. The Ministry also oversees matters of protocol in affair within the central government and in relations among the local governments.

Among the new and especially important fields requiring fresh political concepts is the modernisation of the government and the administration. Appointed by the Chancellor and Marshal of the Realm, the Minister for Domestic Affairs is fourth in the line of sucession as head-of-state.

 

Organisation of the Ministry

Three main divisions facilitate the efficient fulfillment of the Ministry's mission. A Deputy Minister oversees each division.

Governmental Affairs

Central budgeting and logistical services, administration of the public workforce, and stewardship of state-held property make up the key tasks of this division. As part of the reengineering of government, common administrative tasks were moved from the various Ministries to the Ministry for Domestic Affairs. Thus, all governmental financial, supplies and services, and personnel administration is centralised.

The division also operates the Academy of Public Administration, a pre-eminent institute of higher learning for governmental workers. Establishment of protocol and mediation in relations between elements of the central government, between the central and local governments, or between local governments also falls within the scope of Governmental Affairs.

Cultural Affairs

Sports and the arts are critically important to the cultural welfare of Schwerdtans. This division oversees the administration of cultural treasures and supports the widespread availability of the arts in all forms. This includes visual arts, media, and the performing arts. The Ministry provides grants in support of the arts and sports to ensure their continued development and the widest accessibility. Tourism is a natural partner; thus, the Ministry works very closely with Reisebüro, an agency of the Ministry for Commerce and Industry.

Immigration and Repatriation

While providing for the immigration of foreigners into Schwerdt, especially refugees with legitimate need of asylum, the Ministry must also take care to not jeopardise the balance of the social structure at an unacceptable cost to Schwerdt's citizens. Incorporated into this process is the national desire to welcome home all ethnic Schwerdtans wishing to repatriate from abroad.