Robert Martin

**Robert Dell Martin**(born March 4, 1958) is a Fontolian politician and economist who served as the 33rd *President of Fontolia* from 2002 to 2005 and the 20th *Treasurer of Fontolia* from 1994 to 1999, as well as serving in the Economic Association of Fontolia, an influential group of top economists who advise the government. A highly controversial figure for his advocacy for Fontolian intervention in Iraq, during his presidency, he dropped to 21% approval ratings, the lowest of any Fontolian president. The last President of the Conservative Party, he is blamed by many as being the most direct cause of the party's lost grip on the nation. While being especially disliked during his tenure, many today argue that if it was not for his unpopular intervention in Iraq, he likely would have been a very popular president, with a prosperous economy that lasted through his presidential term.

Born into a middle-class family in the suburbs of Hadsburg, Martin began working since the age of 15. He became a highly independent figure at a young age, which he credits for his conservative policies. He took interest in business and math, and studied at the City University of Hadsburg, where he earned a graduate degree in economics in 1977, and also met his future wife, Angeline Vicks. After graduating, he began working at various corporations and married Vicks in 1982. However, after conflict in the relationship, they ended up divorcing three years later. That same year in 1985, he also joined the Economic Association of Fontolia, assisted by his high reputation during his work at large corporations. In 1987, he began dating fellow economist Hannah Wu, and later married her in 1990. The couple had two children.

After gaining a high reputation amongst the government and public as an economist, he ran in the nonpartisan Treasurer election in 1994, which he won with 58% of the vote. As Treasurer, he became known for his small-government policies, which prompted the argument that Treasurer elections should be partisan. There was speculation that he would run for President in the 1999 election. In an interview, he did not deny running, but also did not confirm it. After finishing his term as Treasurer in 1999, he began further activity in politics. He began campaigning for Conservatives in other elections.

There was yet again speculation of a Presidential run by Martin, now in the 2002 elections. In 2001, he announced and launched his campaign. Being a reputable economist, with the Fontolian economy going through a recession at the time and a brewing conflict in the Middle East(during which he was then-believed to be a "peacemaker") had him win the Presidential election against his Left Republican opponent with 51.4% of the vote.

He began his presidency with a 58% approval rating. He advanced the economic policies of his fellow Conservative predecessor, while implementing various other policies similar to his tenure as Treasurer. By October 21 of 2002, three months into his term, reports showed a successful and quick recovery from the recession, with new jobs being created. This economic growth is argued by many in defense of Martin today, however, many criticize his economic policies as helping further deregulate and empower corporations and the wealthy while increasing income inequality. In November 2002, various Fontolian allies would begin their intervention in Iraq. With little experience and reputation in foreign policy, Martin was, as he later described, "dumbfounded". His cabinet was divided on a decision, with his State Diplomat and Vice President advocating for intervention, while others argued against it. In February 2003, Martin officially made a televised announcement of Fontolia's intervention in Iraq, emphasizing the strengthening of the nation's alliances. The statement was instantly criticized, especially by Left Republicans. Despite past division amongst his party, all Conservatives in Congress agreed to the intervention. On February 14, a congressional vote was held to authorize the military intervention. It was authorized 112-105, with all 110 Conservatives voting for it, but all but two Left Republicans voting against it. Over 15,000 troops were mobilized and sent to Iraq, arriving by March.

The Martin administration and the Conservatives' decision to intervene in Iraq was fiery. Robert Martin's approval ratings dropped to a historical low, 21%, in April 2003. A series of protests around Fontolia began against the war. Conservatives in Congress and Martin cabinet members begin publicly announcing their remorse for their support for decision. After much public pressure, on May 2, 2003, the Martin administration reversed the intervention, and all troops were pulled back. No casualties or losses had occurred. After the withdrawal of troops, Martin's approval ratings rose back to 39% that same month, though they never rose above 42% for the rest of his term.

Political analysts began predicting a Left Republican "tsunami" in the 2005 elections, with the intervention in Iraq being the most significant reason. As a cause, many Conservatives, including the 2005 Conservative presidential candidate and Congressional Chief, Ulysses Cole, distancing themselves from Martin and his cabinet. Despite this, Cole and the Conservative Party lost the election to Left Republican opponent Harrison Levy, winning only 38.9% of the vote, and losing 25 seats in Congress as well.

Robert Martin left office with a 38% approval rating. His Vice President, Francis Garnier, would go on to become the leader of the Conservative Party, as well as the Conservative presidential candidate for the 2008, 2014, 2017, and 2020 elections. After his tenure, Martin distanced himself from politics and kept a low-profile afterwards. He did not have a major public appearance until 2012. He has since shown regret for his decisions as President, and has ever since began supported more less right-leaning positions and candidates. He finally jumped back into public politics in the 2020 election, supporting his former Vice President. While he has had a rebounding public image, he is still viewed generally negatively.