Anatoly Zhukov "The Dictator"
Zhukov is Chair of the Mishalanski Communist Party and a strong candidate for General Secretary. He has served on the Supreme Soviet for over a decade, and was made Governor of Jeneazville Commune by Medvedev. Born in St. Riksburg to revolutionary parents, Zhukov has pushed hard line communism since entering politics, advocating a much more strict adherence to the principles of the revolution. A supporter of complete independence, Zhukov has been a vocal opponent of the Treaty of Two Bears, saying that Mishalan is bowing to a capitalist agenda. His calls for war against Elwynn were overturned in the Soviet, but not before causing significant rifts in the party. While an extremist, he has a considerable amount of influence and enough support to be a worthy candidate.
Fyodor Rykov "The Statesman"
A retired air force commander, Rykov is the "older but wiser" leader of the Red Guard, a loose group of retired military officers whose goal is to bridge the gap between the left and right wing elements of the Supreme Soviet. He gained disapproval from the far-left when he was appointed Governor of St. Riksburg over Zhukov, which was seen as a slight, and when he voiced support for the Treaty of Two Bears. Very popular with the media, Rykov is seen as a respectable and intelligent officer. His good governing policies in St. Riksburg have helped that city to recoup its losses from the Cabbage Plague, and have served to highlight his skills as an administrator. While relatively new in the political field, Rykov has significant weight with the public, which he could turn to his benefit when running for General Secretary.
Yuri Semenov "The Spy"
Director of Intelligence, Semenov has stayed out of the public eye for most of his career, only now entering into the limelight. The youngest of the candidates, Semenov is brash and daring, and appeals to the young reactionist groups. His stance is generally far left, and he is a strong advocate of tighter security and increased military expenditures. While not a direct opponent of the Treaty of Two Bears, he has stated publicly that signing the document was a mistake - albeit one that cannot be avoided now. Semenov prefers the legal high road, and advocates Mishalan gaining more power within Shireroth as a result of the treaty. Citing Yardistan as an example of a relative backwater gaining immense influence over the country, Semenov has drawn parallels with Mishalan, stating that the Union of Shirerithian Soviet Republics is not unattainable.
Aleksandra Volkova "The Judge"
Chief Judge of the Soviet Court, Volkova is an aspiring politician and has gained considerable media coverage for being the only woman candidate. Having had a successful career within the Mishalanski courts, she was appointed Governor of Concord by Medvedev, and has helped steer that city's recent growth. While often dismissed by her peers for being a woman, Volkova often leaves her opponents in the dust, often leaving debates on the floor of the Soviet in victory. Her knowledge of law makes her a strong contender for the position of General Secretary, but she is fighting a strong battle to break the sexist stereotypes against female leaders.
Nikolai Kirov "The General"
The gruff General Kirov remains commander of the armed forces, and his style echoes his lifelong military career. Despite being a staunch advocate for the military, Kirov also expresses a strong sense of patriotism and adherence to the rule of law. When Zhukov and others spoke against the Treaty of Two Bears, Kirov voiced his disapproval of them, saying that to fight a decision made by the Supreme Soviet, and thus the People, was an act of treason. Kirov advocates a strong military, but also sees advantage to closer ties with Shireroth, which can gain Mishalan access to more resources and skills. He has been a proponent of recent negotiations with Minarboria and Tellia for the expansion of the southern territories, stating that the military needs to focus its efforts on spreading the Revolution to those areas still under the yoke of barbarism. His support, unsurprisingly, comes primarily from those in the armed forces.
