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Ludwig Derangadage Scotty (born 20 June 1948) is a politician who twice served as President of Nauru and was Speaker of Parliament five times between 2000 and 2016. He served as president from 29 May 2003 to 8 August 2003 and again from 22 June 2004 until his ousting in a vote of no confidence on 19 December 2007.
He served as Speaker of Parliament from April 2000 to March 2001, May 2001 to December 2002, February 2004 to April 2004, November 2010 to April 2013, and June 2013 to July 2016, while representing the Anabar district. He was appointed as Minister Assisting the President of Nauru in the cabinet of Derog Gioura from March 2003 to May 2003.
Scotty was ousted in a vote of no confidence in August 2003 and was replaced as president by René Harris.
Scotty's government implemented major reforms to restore the country's economy. "Scotty returned as Nauru president", AAP (smh.com.au), 28 August 2007.
Scotty and his supporters won in the parliamentary election held on 25 August 2007. On 28 August, Scotty was re-elected as president with the support of 14 of the 18 members of parliament, defeating Marcus Stephen.
The liberal use of Parliamentary no-confidence motions, the occasion of many crises of government over several years, seemed initially to have subsided under Scotty's widely respected tenure of office. A constitutional review was being proceeded with, with a view to improving the functioning of Parliament and the offices of state.
On 13 November 2007, a motion of no-confidence against Scotty's government was unsuccessful; although a majority of those voting supported the motion (eight in favor, seven opposed), it fell short of the necessary nine votes. The motion was led by Dr. Kieren Keke, and it was based on allegations of misconduct on the part of Adeang and Scotty's unwillingness to act against Adeang. "Rebel faction fails to oust Nauru govt", AAP ( Sydney Morning Herald), 14 November 2007.
On 19 December 2007, however, a newly comprised majority in Parliament did succeed in ousting President Scotty through a new vote of no confidence (ten votes in favour, seven opposed). The motion was based on the same causes as the November vote. Marcus Stephen was sworn in as President of Nauru. "MPs oust Nauru's president" , Sydney Morning Herald, 19 December 2007.
Scotty’s second administration (2004–2007) was noted by some commentators as a period of relative political stability compared to the upheavals that preceded and followed it. During this time, policies associated with economic austerity were implemented. In early 2008, both government and opposition figures referred to the constitutional review process initiated under Scotty as part of their political legacy.
In April 2008 Scotty stood again for the Parliament of Nauru and was reelected to serve as a Member.
In March 2010 former President Scotty intervened the constitutional reform debate. Mr Scotty doubted whether changes proposed by the current Government of Nauru commanded popular support.
In November 2010, Scotty was elected Speaker of the House again, breaking a 6-month deadlock which had paralysed the government. His election as Speaker enabled MPs to elect a President, and Marcus Stephen was duly re-elected President of Nauru. Scotty explained that he remained a member of the Opposition to Stephen's government (though he would of course carry out his duties in an impartial manner), but that he had accepted the position of Speaker so that Parliament could function (giving the Opposition a say in government), and so that a budget could be adopted. He explained that his decision was also due to the ., ABC Radio Australia, 1 November 2010 Speaker Scotty resigned on 18 April 2013 amid increasing parliamentary deadlock and infighting, started over his own attempt to dissolve Parliament, he was temporarily succeeded by Deputy Speaker Landon Deireragea who served as acting speaker until 25 April when Godfrey Thoma was elected as Speaker after being nominated by former President Marcus Stephen.
Scotty was returned to the chair after the 2013 parliamentary election as the nominee of the government of Baron Waqa. Scotty was elected with 14 votes to 5 five for opposition nominee Kieren Keke. His deputy is newly elected MP Ranin Akua who was elected unopposed.
Post-Presidency and legacy
Ludwig Scotty remained a member of the Parliament of Nauru, following the no confidence defeat in Parliament of his Administration in 2007. Coming as it did only a few months after the landslide victory of his supporters at the polls in August 2007, his relinquishing of office so soon afterwards can be seen in terms of an element of promise and expectations unfilled.
Speaker of Parliament
Scotty served his first two terms as speaker from April 2000 to March 2001, and May 2001 to December 2002, after which he was elected as president.
Categories: Speakers Of The Parliament Of Nauru, Members Of The Parliament Of Nauru, 1948 Births, Living People, Presidents Of Nauru, Ministers Of Finance Of Nauru, People From Anabar District, University Of The South Pacific Alumni, Ministers Assisting The President Of Nauru, 21st-century Nauruan Politicians
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