Esquarium Today [Regional News, CLOSED]

by **Union of Akoren** » Wed Aug 17, 2016 3:52 am

Ankoren to join ONU after landslide "yes" vote

A woman casting her vote yesterday with her mother and children in tow.

17/08/16 13.20 pm

The Union is set to become a member of ONU following yesterday's referendum, where 88% of voters declared their support for membershio.er Over 70 million Ankorenis went to the polls, in what is the largest expression of popular will in the country's history, with 3.1 million more voters than what was seen in the 2015 Congressional elections. State President Evren Volkan declared the result historic and groundbreaking, stating that ONU just received the support of 62 million people. Ankoren's membership will be now voted upon by ONU members.

The referendum came after a special meeting of the Islamic Union Front in secret several weeks ago, where the ruling movement of the Union discussed the future direction of the nation in light of the ongoing campaign against backwardness and terrorism in Irvadistan. The IUF general committee agreed that opposition to ONU was undermining the Union's calls and efforts for continental unification and rather, represented the greatest platform and vehicle for continental unification. Lt. General Mehmet Ali Aydınlar, leader of the IUF's Guardians of the Union party commented that "decades of Union opposition to ONU and a rejection of its structure and potential has denied us decades of progress towards unification of the continent, now is the time to recognise our mistake and rectify that immediately."

Prime Minister Qaseem Akbari, who is also chairman of the IUF, commented that "Union membership of ONU will clearly benefit the entire continent, it will give the organisation a nation with clear leadership abilities and a very clear vision for the continent. Our population and economic power, will undoubtedly lead us to becoming ONU's natural leading light and we should use that beneficial position for the enhancement of the continent's independence and security." The IUF's General Committee agreed to present a referendum to the people on the basis of membership of ONU.

Its now been confirmed that Foreign Minister Hüseyin Dündar spoke extensively with Pisdara's Speaker Shadar Kabari on the matter of ONU membership and both agreed that ONU offered the best chances for a process towards unification, this discussion was key to Speaker Kabari's decision to see his Islamic People's Movement party campaign for ONU membership, marking the IPM's greatest victory since the election, with Pisdara now set to become a member also.

Of the 71,441,660 voters, 62,868,660 voted for "yes" for membership, 8,573,000 voted "no" marking a significant landslide vote for membership.

Should the ONU memberstates vote yes for Ankoren's membership, it will become the largest member by population and economically, whilst fellow applicant Pisdara will be the smallest.

The government has announced it has begun organising celebration rallies across the country should ONU vote yes for Ankoreni membership. Already, 1.5 million citizens have declared their intention to join such celebrations.

MORE HEADLINES

PM: "Union membership in ONU will only strengthen it" [ 27209 ]
Aksiyon Opinion: The Union should have joined ONU decades ago [ 4997 ]
4 die from dehydration in northern Ankoren as water shortages worsen [ 945 ]
ANA seizes control of ten villages south and west of Habroun [ 651 ]
MoND: 2,100 ANA soldiers have been martyred in Irvadistan since May [ 116 ]

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About me · by **Luziyca** » Thu Aug 18, 2016 12:04 pm

Death penalty bill enters the Senate, passes first reading

Socred Sen. Samarin Danilovich

BETHLEHEM, F.C. - Today, the bill that would only allow the death penalty for war crimes, terrorism, and genocide was finally tabled on the Senate floor by Liberal Senator Valerian Karandashov and Socred Senator Samarin Danilovich. This bill was virtually identical to the bill that had just been passed in the House of Representatives in content.

Valerian Karandashov introduced the bill to the Senate earlier today, repeating the same points that Edward Nikitovich and Kotova Tarasovna have made when they introduced the bill to the House on the second of August.

Debate
Following the introduction of the bill to the Senate, heated debate began to occur between the Social Credit Party and Liberals who are in favor of abolishing the death penalty, and the Whigs and the National Luziycan Party, who were opposed.

Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Whig Senator Grigor Tarasovich suggested that "this body [the Senate] should act as a chamber for sober thought. We should not let the rabble of the entitled millennial threaten the public safety of this nation. If we are to get rid of the death penalty, there would be absolutely no deterrent to prevent any potential criminal from threatening the very fabric of our society!"

In response, Samarin Danilovich retorted "I am sure there would be lots of deterrents to stop criminals from offending. For example, our overcrowded prisons." That remark drew laughter from both sides.

Grigor then snapped back, saying "I got statistics, saying that when the death penalty was abolished in Lyonsland in 1961, rates of rape increase 322%. Rates of murder rose 356% in Lyonsland. Need I say more?" He then added that "Point is, if you get rid of the death penalty, you get rid of the most important deterrent, which is that they want to live."

Valerian Karandashov then dryly remarked, "Last time I checked, Lyonsland abolished the death penalty for civilian crimes in the 14th century. It was from then on only used for military offenses. I don't think many Lyonese civilians noticed when Lyonsland got rid of the death penalty."

Eventually, the debate ended, and then a vote was taken: 57 Senators (52 from the Liberals and 5 from the Socreds) voted in favor, while 20 voted against (from the Whigs and NLP). Nine Senators from the CLP chose to abstain. Thus, the bill will be sent to second reading by Monday.

Response from the government
At a press conference at the Congressional Palace, Vice-President Colin Hardage said that "as the President of the Senate, and next in line to be the leader of the free world, it is nice that Luziyca is finally taking a stand and saying no to the execution of innocents, no to botched executions that take way too long and result in agony, and no to the death penalty for civilians."

He acknowledged that "there are some circumstances where the death penalty is warranted, such as genocide, war crimes, and terrorism. But for most other purposes, the death penalty has outstayed its welcome here in Luziyca, and I hope that soon, the rest of the civilized world will realize that the death penalty should only be restricted to crimes against humanity."

President Sera Svensson meanwhile has said that "this is a good stepping stone. But we need to do much more in order to reduce our incarceration rate and to make sure that penal reform can be achieved."

In other news
Pisdara - ONU referendum passes by a narrow majority
Kashui - 54-year old farmer kills 22-year old Shudri man, farmer claims Shudri was stealing his property
Opinion - We must legalize vigilante justice
Gijirokastra - 1.1 million protesters protest planned abolition of death penalty at the Square of Nations

by **Pisdara** » Fri Aug 19, 2016 6:24 am

Emepishdargir • Français aininienne • العربية • English

Local ☀ Politics ☀ Lifestyle ☀ World ☀ Travel ☀Sports

19 August, 2016

Speaker Desmarais says ONU win will directly lead to New Bounesque referendum, seperation

Speaker Michel Desmarais (KTA/PUA)
wants New Bounesque to split.

The narrow victory for Pisdara’s ascension into ONU on Sunday has ethnic Aininians fuming, said Speaker Michel Desmarais to the District Council of New Bounesque today, in which his Aininian Union Party has an absolute majority of six out of ten seats. Calling the ONU win the end of Aininian support in Pisdara, Desmarais stated he will begin talks to hold a referendum on New Bounesque’s independence from the Pisdari Republic and possible re-annexation into Ainin as an autonomous territory or even province.

Pisdara’s newfound association with ONU, and Nautasia in general, has Unionist supporters up in arms, stating that the islands’ government is forcibly trying to walk away from the free association agreement that binds Ainin and Pisdara together, a desicion that would have disastrous consequences to the over 1,000 ethnic Aininians on the islands, especially in New Bounesque. The Aininian Union Party believes in the separation of New Bounesque, and with the current fears surrounding the recent referendum, they may be able to push their platform. Party leader Conrad de Villeroy has also come in favour of a New Bounesquois independence referendum.

However, the official government position on the majority-Aininian district, that it is unable to separate, and that it does have the means or resources to become justifiably independent, insofar that Speaker Jean-Claude Herve Bouchard officially stated in today’s session of the Legislature, in which Desmarais brought up the issue, that “Aininian fears on ONU are unfounded. I can assure you our other relations with other states with not affect our special relationship and deals with the Aininian Republic. And to be quite honest, it seems quite rich that a party which essentially said ‘deal with it’ when you won your seats are now whining when things do not go your way.”

Despite the government’s reluctance to talk about the possibility of New Bounesque leaving, leaders from other parties have agreed to discuss the issue with the Unionists in private and possibly work out a compromise.

Local ☀ Politics ☀ Lifestyle ☀ World ☀ Travel ☀Sports

19 August, 2016

Legislature grants special economic deal with textile manufacturer Loup-CGT as part of “Bringing Pisdara Up” program.
As talks of New Bounesque once again threatening to leave dominated discussion in today’s Legislative session, the government also agreed on granting Aininian textile giant Loup-CGT special concessions in order to kickstart the nation’s new “Bringing Pisdara Up” economic plan. The plan, first proposed by Speaker Jean-Claude Herve Bouchard and his Progressive Party, is meant to promote manufacturing growth on the islands in order to pay for the expansion in tourism. Textile work currently makes up over seventy-percent of manufacturing jobs in Pisdara, and Loup-CGT, the Aininian textile giant which has just secured a deal with the Pisdari government exempting them from certain taxes and tariffs, makes up a large bulk of the local industry.

The vote came down fourteen for, six against, and three abstaining. Outside the Leguislature, labour rights groups gathered around Ashuragar to protest the recent decision, saying that Loup-CGT has a reputation for abuse, union-busting, and underpaying employees (the issue regarding Pisdari sweatshops, which make up around 69% of manufacturing, has still not been officially discussed), and that a move towards economic free trade and favouritism with certain companies can lead to lower wages and further enviromental degradation. The Revolutionary Labour Federation, Pisdara’s largest non-trades specific union, has officially denounced the agreement and the “Bringing Pisdara Up” program as a dangerous move towards economic liberalism. However, Social Democratic deputies, of which the majority voted for the agreement, stated that Loup-CGT’s exemptions will come with future regulations, to be later decided, to calm textile workers’ nerves.

by **Willowsea** » Fri Aug 19, 2016 11:49 pm

The Daily Eye
Since 1898

CHRISTIAN DAYS OF CELEBRATION, HOLIDAYS NO MORE
It is official, Christmas is not a holiday anymore and so are other Christian holidays. President Louis Vargas signed controversial LH35616 after 18 days of mass demonstrations pro and against it.
By Bebetter Zendesky
August 20, 2016
(Edited)

His Excellency President Louis Vargas has approved LH35616, popularly known as the "Separation Of Christmas And Holiday Act," and has become Republic Act No. 60012. All Christian holidays listed by the "Royal Proclamation To Acclaim Christendom In Willowsea" will no longer be officially observed by the public. It is now up to businesses, schools, and other organizations concerned whether they will observe these holidays or not and suspend work and activities for it.

These Christian holidays affected are: First Sunday of January, Epiphany; January 6, St. Brigid's Day; Tuesday before Lent, Mardi Gras; February 3, St. Angsar's Day; March 24, Maundy Thursday (Common holiday); March 25, Good Friday (Common holiday); March 26, Black Saturday (Extraordinary holiday); March 21, Sunday or the first Sunday after March 21, Easter Sunday (Extraordinary holiday); second day of Eastertide, Easter Monday (Extraordinary holiday); 39 days after Easter, Ascension Day; 40 days after Easter, Pentecost; Friday immediately after Easter Sunday, Good Friday; August 15, Assumption Day; November 1, All Saints Day (Extraordinary holiday); October 4, St. Francis' Day; December 24, Christmas Eve; December 25 Christmas Day (Common holiday); and December 26, St. Stephen's Day (Common holiday).

President Vargas was not supposed to approve the bill as he planned to let the Constituent Assembly to interpret LH35616 and decide, according to an interview with RBN - Radio Patrol FM. And even considered waiting for 30 days so that it would be approved automatically by him without needing to make a choice as accorded in the constitution.

The Speaker of the Constituent Assembly, Dr. Erwin L.L. Deboix PED, has announced in a statement released by his press office that even though the assembly will have to convene sessions, readings, amend, sponsor, deliberate, and vote it is obvious that LH35616 would correct "constitutional violations in effect" and "reaffirm Willow sovereignty" because the bill would also further erase Arkiasian colonial vestige, referring to the Royal Proclamation that is the center of this national dilemma.

Pro LH35616 demonstrators celebrated this "day of victory for all Willows," in a 352-people street party outside the Old Confederate Government Building, as the leader of the prominent pro movement of the "Watchers Of The Willow Constitution" Maudie Lawder stated in a flowery, glittery (literally) statement on a sticker-spangled bond paper posted outside her house in Shergoatten Road in Willow Vesparia, Castrope.

Meanwhile, as soon as the Anti LH35616 demonstrators learned of the news from the Office of the President through PTV and the Office of President, there were hundreds in dozens of verbal clashes between supporters and anti-supporters of the newly created, controversial republic act on the streets and outside their homes, involving government officials and workers on their way to work and while they were working, and along with secular and technology school students. Nobody has been reported hurt.

Before the Royal Proclamation known today, there was the "Royal Proclamation To Acclaim Christendom" was written by Viceroy Captain Minec Ynoloc and signed by King Robert I, dated December 9, 1859, for the promotion of the Arkiasian Catholic Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Vesperia by constituting recognized Christian days of celebration as holidays in the then United Arkiasian Provinces of Willowsea. These Christian days at first were St. Angsar, Good Friday, Easter Monday, All Saints' Day, Christmas Day, and St. Stephen's Day.

Then in December 8, 1872 the "Royal Proclamation To Acclaim Christendom Further" was made by King Robert II and Viceroy General William W.M. Earstam that included Christian days of celebration recognized by the Lutheran Catholic Church, the Church of Francilie and the Lyonic Celtic Church. The Christian days added from the Lyonese Church were St. Brigid's Day, Easter Sunday, and Christmas Eve. Epiphany, Mardi Gras, Ascension Day, Pentecost Day, Assumption Day, and St. Francis Day. (Easter and Whit Monday were not included however)

Maundy Thursday came along under the "Maundy Thursday For Willowsea Act" of the Parliament of Arkiasis, the first and only parliamentary act in Arkiasis that legislated for the benefit of Willowsea in 1894. Robert III compiled the royal proclamations and the parliamentary act for these Christian celebrations into the well-loved and well-hated Royal Proclamation To Acclaim Christendom In Willowsea.

The Arkiasia Revolution of 1895 passed, the Nevan-Arkiasian War came but not to Willowsea, Willowsea shared in the Arkiasian Mainland's "Republican Miracle," drowned in the Great Depression, Arkiasis initiates decolonization, and Willowsea became a country spared from the Second Great War as it were in the First Great War. The first Constitutional Convention of Willowsea argued about the legal status of pre-independence legislation made by Arkiasis and the then recently defunct provincial assemblies.

In the last days of the convention, former Governor of Ericland (Modern day East Willowsea) Robert Morse reasoned that "there is no practical or essential need of replacing legislation made by the Kingdom and the Republic of Arkiasis. If we are to be a representative, confederate democracy then we should act like one in this convention. Our duty lies first in the people, not hatred for our former colonial ties. And so we must serve foremost in their best interests and in doing so we will recognize beneficial and essential Arkiasian legislation as law whether these were written by the Crown or the Republic, so as long as these legislation do not need that relationship between us and the Arkiasians that has passed."

A moderately moderate amount of Arkiasian royal proclamations and Colonial Willow legislation were recognized by that convention, and so did the New Constitution Act of 1950, the Third Republic, the Dominion of Willowsea, and the Fourth Republic we know today.

LATEST ON THE DAILY EYE

PPW adds decentralization to platform - Derek Grimm-Fowler, Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Progressive Party of Willowsea, changes party platform on governance.
Agriculture reform expanded - President Louis Vargas has given the go signal to Agriculture Secretary Narmin Muto to increase agrarian subsidies, promotion of agrimarkets, and to provide more development grants for rural areas.
EDITORIAL: On "Controversial Luziycan bill enters Senate" - The death penalty will likely have a comeback in Luziyca, one of Esquarium's leading proponents of democracy, freedom, human dignity, and morality. Here are thoughts why the death penalty bill might bring back the death penalty.

COMMENTS|THE DAILY EYE FORUM

REMOVEADSPEAS
A minute ago.
comment deleted by mods

PBLouV_
Two minutes ago.
5 UPVOTE 3 DOWNVOTE
WTF seriously? I mean come on its just christmas and a bunch of holidays Dont these vastards now that there are businesses that benefit from this other than the jeus freaks.

PissyPisdaraONUBITCHERu
Four minutes ago.
12 UPVOTE 6 DOWNVOTE
This is the worst republic act in Willowsea history.

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by **Sardeed** » Sat Aug 20, 2016 11:50 am

La Rápúrro
A source for Sardeed's news

Sarah Moien steps down as Leader of the Opposition
Sarah Moien, leader of the SDP and Leader of the Opposition steps down, succeeded by Allan Mene-Paul.

Sarah Moien

Two time leader Sarah Moien steps down as official Opposition leader -- Sarah Moien, the two time leader of the opposition under both Tulo Bannan and Roberto Cádis has resigned her position as leader of the Opposition, stepping down to be the Chief Whip for the Social Democratic Party. News about her stepping down was first leaked four months ago, when the SDP's Revitalization of Healthcare Act (RHA) failed by only one vote.

Sarah Moien first started her career in Baican as a prosecutor working for the Port Baican Attorney's Office. When she was forty-one, the SDP won the Baicanese 2008 election and Moien became Deputy Attorney General. A year later, Cavine Tomas stepped down out of concern for mismanagement during the famous Baican Street Shootings of 2010, Moien became Attorney General of Baican and stayed in office until 2011, where she decided to run in the Senate. With a landslide 64% victory, she was elected into the Parliament and become Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. On the 13th of March, Moien was elected into the Leadership of the SDP. Sarah Moien was considered as the SDP candidate for President, but Nicolas Masías was chosen instead.

Allan Mene-Paul

Sarah Moien reasons for stepping down were simple, she did not believe that she would be able to carry the party into government. In a conference of the SDP, Moien said "I do not believe that I will be able to carry the current opposition into government, it is my opinion that a fresher face is needed to lead this party. While I will always be faithful to this parties cause, it is my opinion that I can serve my party in other ways..." Others have noted the Moien does not have the charisma or the experience to push bills into the Senate, while all but two of the bills she has authored and supported have been proposed by the Central Commission, only 30% of them have passed the Senate. Her largest failure was failing to discipline the Chief Whip of the SDP, resulting in the Revitalization of Healthcare Act (RHA) failing by one vote in the Senate. The Chief Whip was fired and Sarah put under fire by those in the party. Moien lost control over the Judiciary Committee a week before her resignation, this was probably the turning point. As already mentioned, in a conference, she announced that she would be stepping down and becoming the Chief Whip.

Allan Mene-Paul was the proffered choice to succeed her. Allan is a young (second youngest person to ever be Opposition Leader), outspoken, progressive, and very popular with the people. More importantly, he was a master debater and could push any bill. The Senator from Tormis-Sude is the current Deputy-Chairman of the Senate Defense Committee and Sergeant in the military. In the SDP conference, Mene-Paul said "It is an honor to be able to lead this party and coalition and push the liberal and progressive agenda this party was made to do. It's going to be tough, but I am ready to take it on!" Mene-Paul is a vocal critique of the government, unlike Moien who proffered to not criticize the government. Will Mene-Paul lead the SDP into government, or will the Government be able to fend him off? It is uncertain.

by **FreYhill** » Mon Aug 22, 2016 8:47 pm

Borneung Games | DAY -1
T'an Ji Hoon, The Freyhillian | Posted: 23 August 2016 9:19 FEST| International Sport

Captain Hae Kwang "Shocked" after defeating Powerhouse Masseau

- (Borneung, Freyhill) Although Borneung “Focused” on 2nd Esquarian Summer Games Opening Proceedings, the Opening Matches of the Men’s and Women’s Football Tournaments brought “Surprisement” to the Esquarian Football world. Emotions such as devastation, shock and excitement from various "underdog" teams have brought the Games Tornament to a new bar of excitement, with The Commonwealth's Pellikeon Men's Football Team winning over Masseau 1-0.

National Team Management described the win against Masseau as a “Boost of Confidence” in the Commonwealth’s Esquarian Games Football Campaign, with the team prepared to take on Daecon later this week. Although Bookies have awarded the Daeconese Side “Better Odds”, Team Captain Hae Kwang “remains optimistic”, with the head figure of Commonwealth Football said to be proud of his team's achievements between their “Hopeless Failure” at the Spring Coupe and the Esquarian Games Tournament.

Opponents Daecon are said to be having an “Excellent Campaign” at the Borneung Games, with the Nation “Defeating” Arkiasis 0-2; Placing their National Team at the top of Group A’s Table.

The Montecaran “King Killers” in Group B defeated Namor during the “Final Minutes” of the Last Half; with the Final Score being 3-2. Pavonistade Beat Ocelot Isles 0-2 Hours Later at Saricheok, with the nation now moving to the top of Group B’s table above Montecara.

West Cedarbrook tied with Ainin 2-2 after Scoring the Final Goal Moments before the 80 Minute Mark at Woong Stadium, Borneung. Zhouchia, Won their "Monic Orientated" Match against Xiaodong 0-2.

by **Lecistan** » Mon Aug 22, 2016 10:42 pm

Lekkëbsczi |

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Filimön |

FORMER PRESIDENT SZITKOWSKI DEAD AT 74
Reformist leader returned home from 29 years of exile only a month ago

Szitkowski's push for reform saw him exiled by Grand Duke Michôł I.

August 23, 2016 | Jelénik, Lecistan - Władëmar Szitkowski, the fourth President of the Grand Duchy of Lecistan and an icon to Lecistani liberals and reformers, has died of heart failure in his hometown of Jelénik. A longtime member of the Moderate Front, Szitkowski was elected president in 1985 but driven into exile by Grand Duke Michôł I for proposing several amendments to the Lecistani constitution. His death comes only 37 days after he returned home from his nearly three-decade-long exile.

Szitkowski's spouse, Nôrcyza Zenicka, told reporters earlier today that he had suffered cardiac arrest this morning and was rushed to Swiaty Lùtór General Hospital, where he was declared dead at 9:57 AM. Zenicka requested that the press give herself and other members of Szitkowski's family privacy and respect as they mourn his passing.

Władëmar Maria Szitkowski was born to Dobrosłôw and Małgòrzata Szitkowski on November 4, 1941, in Jelénik, then called Salérines by the Francilian regime. He graduated from Szimóngôcz University in 1964 with degrees in political science and philosophy, but returned home to Jelénik shortly thereafter. Joining the Moderate Front, he was first elected to political office in the 1975 general election, as a deputy for Jelénik.

Known for his populist rhetoric and strong liberal ideals, Szitkowski quickly rose to prominence within the Front and succeeded President Kôrol Kòziol as the party's leader on January 1, 1985. In spite of attempts by the Ministry of Elections to hand the presidency to National Party leader Adóm Kersz, Szitkowski won the presidency in a landslide vote; though the official results gave Szitkowski 66% of the vote, the actual results released earlier this year show he won nearly 83% of the vote.

Szitkowski campaigning in the 1985 general election.

Backed by a firm majority in the Royal Chamber and a supermajority of the Lecistani voting populace, Szitkowski attempted to propose several amendments to the 1965 Constitution of the Grand Duchy. The amendments included expanding suffrage to all men and women over the age of 21, transferring several executive authorities from the Grand Duke to the President, and comprehensive protections for human rights. The proposed changes provoked a strong reaction from Grand Duke Michôł I, who dissolved the Royal Chamber to halt the debate and drove Szitkowski into exile.

In exile in Pontnouveau, Francilie, Szitkowski was a prominent critic of the Grand Duchy for twenty-nine years. He continued to fight for democracy, liberty, and equality in Lecistan through all the means available to him. After the outbreak of the Second Lecistani Civil War, he urged foreign governments to support the Second Lecistani Republic. As a supporter of the Second Lecistani Republic, he fell under the blanket amnesty offered under the Treaty of Szimóngôcz and returned home on July 17, 2016.

President Łukôsz Grzéskowicz issued a brief statement on Szitkowski's death, describing Szitkowski as "a personal hero... and an inspiration to the Lecistani people". He also declared a national day of mourning and ordered all flags to fly at half-staff for a week, as is customary to mark the death of Grand Dukes and Presidents. Fellow Solidarity Alliance leader Frãcëszk Szpilman vowed to "keep the memory of President Szitkowski alive by continuing to fight for the ideals of liberty, equality, and democracy that he stood for"; Łukôsz Bãdows called him "one of the bravest, most principled men that this country has ever known". Revolutionary Socialist Party leader Wiktória Maszke described him as "a visionary and a revolutionary", and urged President Grzéskowicz to give Szitkowski a state funeral. Even opposition leader Tobéasz Dunôjski released a short statement expressing his "sincerest condolences to the family of former President Szitkowski in their time of grief and loss".

At time of press, funeral arrangements for President Szitkowski are unknown.

Other Articles:
OTHER- Freyhill defeats Masseau in Borneung soccer shock
FOREIGN- Comparing Pisdara's political issues to Lecistan's
OPINION- Lecistan must take its own actions on executions
FOREIGN- Should Lecistan join an international organization?
ECONOMIC- Continuing stability boosts markets, predictions

About me · by **Luziyca** » Tue Aug 23, 2016 12:11 pm

Bill concerning the death penalty passes second reading

Socred Sen. Samarin Danilovich

BETHLEHEM, F.C. - Yesterday, the bill that would only permit the usage of the death penalty for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide began the process of second reading in the Senate. Senators Karandashov and Danilovich once again presented the bill to the Senate in order to undergo the process of second reading.

The debates
Much like the first reading in the Senate, there was heated debates between the Social Credit Party and the Liberals against the Whigs and the National Luziycan Party. One of the most heated moments was an exchange between the NLP and the Liberals.

Lombardian Senator Fabio Bellanti from the NLP was quick to condemn the proposal, declaring that "if we were to permit such a proposal to pass, if we were to permit a motion that will destroy the safety of the nation and expose us to greater criminal activity, then I am clearly against it. I would rather have ten thousand innocent criminals executed than let one pedophile get away with their savage crimes."

Valerian Karandashov then asked Fabio Bellanti, "The fact that we take a gamble before we execute people, that even though we wait decades to execute people, there is always still a chance of them being innocent."

"That is why," Bellanti replied, "we hold people in death row for that long. We think that we need to give time to make sure that any evidence that can put reasonable doubt that they're guilty. But all this does is exacerbate the toll. I am of the opinion that we get rid of the mandatory appeals process, in order to end the psychological torture."

"If we did that," Karandashov remarked, "we will have far more executions than we would otherwise. Innocents would be executed left and right. But I doubt that you care about that, since you would execute ten thousand innocents to keep one monster away from the streets."

"That's right," he replied.

Later on, Whig Senator Grigor Tarasovich said that "it's a no-brainer that the death penalty be kept. It is a final solution to criminals who can never be reintegrated into society, whose crimes are so horrific and heinous that they deserve to be cast out of society. There is absolutely no need to fix something that is not broken, since the death penalty works. People punished this way have a recidivism rate of zero percent: it is much lower than most other forms of punishment, even life in prison without parole."

Samarin Danilovich then remarked, "In recent years, we have seen botched executions: there is greater difficulty trying to import specific items for our lethal injection. Therefore, they die in agony, since it takes so long to die."

Tarasovich then snapped back, "If they were a murderer, if they were a rapist, I think that is what they deserve: they deserve to feel the pain that they have inflicted upon their victims. They do not deserve a hug and a chance to commit their crimes again; no, we need to punish them and let God take it from there."

Danilovich stated, "We once burned people at the stake until 1968. But we got rid of that and replaced it because it was barbaric and uncivilized. It has no place in a modern nation. Likewise, many nations across the world are abolishing the death penalty. They recognize that the death penalty has outlived its welcome. To not abolish it now and to wait until everyone else gets rid of it means we can no longer be a true leader of the free world. We'd just be a mere follower."

The vote
Once the debate ended earlier today, a vote was taken: 57 Senators (52 from the Liberals and 5 from the Socreds) voted in favor, while 20 voted against (from the Whigs and NLP). The nine Senators from the CLP abstained.

Following the vote, Senator Danilovich told reporters, "I am so pleased that this bill is close to being passed. I can literally taste victory, because it is so close. But we must realize that between here and the President's desk lies a committee and third reading. And the committee stage is really the final hurdle. It could be possible that this bill [to get rid of the death penalty] would end up dead in committee, but I am sure it would be a grave mistake to kill that bill."

Senator Karandashov said that "I'm taking this one step at a time. But I am amazed how far it has come from the House, all the way to the Senate. I am already excited; this bill being so close to the end, it's like I can easily see the President signing it into law. But first, we need to take this through committee, and then we must debate the reports."

In other news
Willowsea - Media claims that death penalty bill will bring back the death penalty
Lecistan - Former President Szitowski dead at 74, President Svensson sends condolences
Opinion - The Esquarian Games in Freyhill is doomed to failure
Sardeed - Sarah Moien steps down from opposition leader position

by **Ianann** » Tue Aug 23, 2016 12:27 pm

Heated Contract Dispute leads to Chlebek ILH retirement

Taebaeksan - All summer long the Taebaeksan Blizzard management and their Captain Benedykt Chlebek have been in a heated dispute about contract length and salary. Chlebek led the Blizzards to their first ever Duke Zielinski Cup and led the league in goals, assists, and points for the whole regular season and playoffs. He was awarded the Tadeusz Honors Trophy for his exceptional performance in the playoffs. In game four of the Finals Chlebek scored the game winning overtime goal to beat the Minahski Stars for the Duke Zielinski Cup.

Benedykt Chlebek wanted Seven year contract with $13 Million a year, the Blizzards' highest offer to Chlebek was a seven year $9 million contract, Blizzard rivals, the Seoldansk Royals had offered Chlebek a five year $11.5 Million contract but Chlebek declined as it wasn't what he wanted. For the past week rumors circled that Chlebek would retire from the Ionite Hockey League.

Just five minutes ago, Chlebek had announced that he would retire from ILH competition and seek competition elsewhere in the hockey world. Hockey columnists around the Ionite sports world are speculating where Chlebek could head to, some believe he might head to the Arkiasis Elite League, the rival league of the Ionite Hockey League although Commissioner and President of League Operations of the ILH, Patryk Stanek commented on that rumor stating "That would be a drastically ill informed decision if he made that choice, that is where careers go to die. And let me remind everyone, all players sign a year no-compete clause with another league if they are a free agent in every ILH contract. If he believes that he could use retirement as a loophole he is mistaken. In the end we just hope he comes to his senses and finds a home back in the ILH."

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by **West Cedarbrook** » Wed Aug 24, 2016 6:40 pm

-- retconned --

About me · by **Luziyca** » Fri Aug 26, 2016 12:43 pm

Bill concerning the death penalty passes third reading, signed by President Svensson

Sera Svensson gives thumbs-up

BETHLEHEM, F.C. - Yesterday, the bill had passed the committee stage and entered Third Reading. Today, the bill came to a vote, and after having been passed, it was quickly signed into law by President Sera Svensson, thereby abolishing the death penalty for all crimes committed after January 1, 2017, except war crimes, genocide, and terrorism. However, she went on to give clemency all but sixty-three criminals on death row and sentenced them to life imprisonment without parole.

The report from the Justice Senate Committee
The committee basically repeated the same report as the House Committee, explaining that "a case involving the death penalty is ₤1.5 million (three million dollars) per case," while the average cost of maintaining an inmate is at "₤15,643 ($31,286) per non-death row inmate", and the cost for a non-death row case is at "₤370,000 ($740,000)."

It explains that that the cost to try and imprison all inmates, regardless of whether they're on death row or not is currently at ₤37,000,722.90 ($74,001,445.80), with ₤1,565,535.17 ($3,131,070.34) spent merely on imprisonment. If the death penalty was abolished, and all prisoners were commuted to life imprisonment, it would fall to ₤35,630,702,463 ($71,261,404,926), and the absolute cost of imprisoning the inmates alone would be at ₤1,507,568,325 ($3,015,136,650).

Therefore, the committee stated that "it would be substantially cheaper to end the usage of the death penalty in the long run," but also noted that the provisions to only have the bill apply to offenses committed after January 1, 2017 means that "we would not reap the benefits [of abolishing the death penalty] for a long time."

The debates
Whig Senator Grigor Tarasovich said that "no expense is too great to keep the monsters off of our streets, the worst of the worst criminals from enjoying their 'right' to live and to keep these criminals from committing these crimes again."

In response, Senator Samarin Danilovich replied, "Theoretically, someone could launch an appeal and find the death penalty unconstitutional, because it violates their right to life, and violates the provision that there should be no cruel and unusual punishment."

"What about the victims, Senator?" Tarasovich replied. "Do you care about them?"

"I do," Danilovich replied, "but..."

Tarasovich interrupted Danilovich, saying, "You don't! If you did, you would realize that if the execution is botched, he can relive the agony of the victims that the subhuman criminal has endured."

At this point, the Speaker requested order from the Senators. However, the debate went on until six in the evening when the debate wrapped up.

The vote
The vote took place at nine in the morning, and was presided by Vice-President (and President of the Senate) Colin Hardage. The votes were whipped, causing the vote to be aligned by party. The Liberals and Socreds voted yes, the Whigs and NLP voted against, and the CLP chose to abstain.

In favor - 52 Liberals, 5 Socreds
Against - 19 Whig, 1 NLP
Abstain - 9 CLP

Thus, with the bill having passed the Senate 57-20 with nine abstentions, the bill was sent to the President's desk.

The signing ceremony
President Sera Svensson officially signed the bill into law at eleven in the morning, declaring that "Now that we have gotten rid of the death penalty, I call upon all nations in the world to follow the lead of the leader of the free world!"

However, in her signing statement, Svensson used the statement in order to exercise her executive powers to grant clemency by commuting the sentences of most of the people on death row to life in prison without parole. Her decision to commute the sentences affects 3,230 people on death row throughout the country.

Only sixty-three criminals, all of which are convicted of terrorism-related offenses will remain on death row, since Sera Svensson has announced that "since terrorism remains one of the crimes that will still warrant the death penalty, it would not make sense to give clemency to terrorists, especially in these trying times when we're fighting against The Caliphate." No criminals are on death row for war crimes or genocide.

In other news
Gijirokastra - 1.2 million people protest abolition of death penalty and the granting of pardons by Svensson
Opinion poll - LRT poll shows 44% of respondents support the death penalty, 42% oppose it, and 14% are netural
Shenitsa - Governor condemns mass-pardon by Svensson, plans to sue the President to make this mass-pardon unconstitutional
West Cedarbrook - Satirical article from The Pickle makes the rounds again on social media mocking Cedarbrookese grammar

by **The Ocelot Isles** » Fri Aug 26, 2016 10:43 pm

Sinhako Veshchaniya Pradhikarana

Sinakes Autoritas debakting

Sinhako Broadcasting Authority

-BREAKING Shudri outpost residents admitted to hospital test positive for Toloupum Fever
August 26, 2016

An aerial view of Jaituna, the dasta from which
two residents believed to be infected with Toloupum
Fever originated.

KONGEUVIA, OCELOT ISLES - The Ocelotian Ministry of Health has recently confirmed that two residents of the dasta (Shudri outpost) of Jaituna is infected with a viral hemorrhagic fever, and is seeking to quarantine any people potentially in contact of the two persons.

The pair, a Shudri couple of Mihai Schmit and Nadja Schmit, were admitted to the Kongeuvia Memorial Hospital today in the early morning. Both Schmits reported unusual coughing, coughing up blood, and reddening eyes. With rapid testing, they were tested positive for the Toloupum Fever disease and hospital staff alerted the Ministry of Health of the infection.

Police sources indicate that prior to August 25, the Schmits were mostly active in the Jaituna dasta but had on three separate occasions used Kongeuvian bus transit. Minister of Health Richard Ellk is requesting that all people believed to have been in contact with Mihai and/or Nadja Schmit submit to testing and quarantine, declaring that "the outbreak must be curbed through every measure available".

Toloupum Fever is a deadly disease native to Pavonistade, but outbreaks also periodically occur in the Ocelot Isles. The Schmits' infections are the first in the Ocelot Isles since 2009, when a Pavonistadian tourist in Eastardia city was struck with the disease. Symptoms, which usually take 5 to 10 days to appear, include vomiting, bleeding, gastrointestinal pain, and later weight loss and coma.

Currently the Schmits are isolated in the Kongeuvia Memorial Hospital and will be undergoing intensive care and monitoring. Governor-President Howard Miten wished for recovery of the Schmits, saying that he "hopes for the Schmits to emerge alive and as survivors of the ordeal." SInhakese President Johannes Sikari also expressed support for the Schmits, saying that "Toloupum Fever is a scourge that will be defeated by Mihai Schmit, Nadja Schmit and countless others."

Other News
Freyhill - 2nd Summer Esquarian Games underway
Sinhako - President Sikari blames Jaituna outbreak on Ocelotian nationalists
Ocelot Isles - Leader of Alternative for Ocelotians steps down

by **West Cedarbrook** » Mon Aug 29, 2016 5:48 pm

Ceres Satellite Radio Channel 29
Ask Gerry

Gerard Zeller and Bernard Cohen answer your questions
Hello West Cedarbrook, and our audience overseas, it's time once again for 'Ask Gerry'. In case you're not familiar with the program or the format, I'm Gerard Zeller, chair of the West Cedarbrook Civic Alliance party, and a candidate to the Senate in my own right in Steinhouse. Each week at this time I answer questions called in on Ceres Satellite Radio, or e-mailed, texted, tweeted, and sometimes put to me in person about any issue on your mind, whether the upcoming Senate race, the CA's position on issues of the day, sports, software, you name it. I'll answer it. Today we're in the second hour of a twenty four hour marathon, to give you a better insight into what a Civic Allliance led Senate would bring to the Kramden. It's pretty bleak at my house in the second city, but I want to thank my guest for this hour, Mr. Bernard Cohen, who has flown in from West Legnica, where he's standing for the CA in that city's Senate contest. Bernie is a Civil Attorney in private practice, and had served as a West Legnica City Councilman under the Liberal banner. Many of the audience may be familiar with his dad, Arnold Cohen, Secretary of External Affairs under President Steinberg. Well, we're here to field your questions, so let's get started.

I have an e-mail from Vikram Ney, 53, who's an estimator in Wrycova. Mr. Ney asks "Does the CA see any chance of allowing the sales tax permitted by states and municipalities to expand beyond the current 3% limit?" I don't see much chance of that Mr. Ney. As of now only Wrycova and Port Yehoshua have seen a need to implement a sales tax, and both are well short of the 3% limit. In general, most states seem to be able to allocate sufficiently for education without tacking on a sales tax, and I haven't heard much discussion of expanding the permitted limit beyond a supplement for education. While the sales tax has boosted performance at both Wrycova and Port Yehoshua Municipal Universities into the top ratings in the Kramden and kept tuition reasonable, there doesn't seem to be much enthusiasm for this measure at any state level. A sales tax has been debated in the last few years here in Steinhouse for the Municipal University, but never has gotten very far. And I'd have to see more demand as a Steinhouse resident before endorsing a change here. Bernard, any demand from what you can see in Coastal State?

Cohen: "None that I can see, Gerry. In all fairness, schools throughout Coastal are coming along just fine, and funding for the major and secondary public universities aren't much of an issue. Some in Ironton would like to see more competitiveness from Ironton College in attracting talent in the sciences, but in all seriousness, Michelson Tech is going to dominate the hard sciences in the Ironton metroplex. Gerry, so you want to dive deeper into the education question? There are some issues that remain, mostly at an elementary school level, that are bigger concerns - certain city school performance records, the entire secondary language brouhaha stirred up in South State, possibly an investigation into English grammar instruction..."

Zeller: I think we've covered Mr. Ney's concerns here, Bernie. Let's move on to a call in from overseas, this one from Montecara. Hello, you're on Ask Gerry"

"Hello? Yes? This is Lotàrio Zana, calling in from Montecara. I'm a machine worker, age 42, and my question for you Mr. Zeller is: If your party comes to power, what will it do about monarchist aggression from outside Conitia to keep us all safe"

Cohen:"Gerry - if I could, I'd like to take this one. Hello Mr. Zana, and thank you for your interest. For those of you in Conitia, and further overseas, the Civic Alliance is a relatively new party, which has mostly grown in the last year over frustration with both the Consevatives and Libertarians sweeping of important educational, health, and social issues under the rug. You'll find a wide range of Cedarbrookese society attracted to our ranks, including many former Libertarian and Conservative senators and
office holders. But one thing I can tell you is that Cedarbrookese foreign policy has solid multipartisan support for the Southeast Oriental Entente as a deterrent to foreign aggression on the continent, and in the nearby waters. This has been the bedrock of Cedarbrookese policy since the early 1990s, and continues to this day. The SOE draws strength from the concert of Latin democracies joining with West Cedarbrook and Korivania acting in close coordination. The Civic Alliance will continue in support of the SOE, should we gain a Senate majority. There is no daylight between the major parties here in defense of the continent. Where you may see discusttion, Mr. Zana, is in the details of individual weapons programs. But any funding decisions about defense technology would be made in light of the latest information and intelligence provided to the Senate by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, no different than now. And I think it safe to say, CA candidates share a regionalistic approach to defense. We in the CA don't have to contend with an isolationist wing. We'll leave that to the Libertarians to contend with. And neither is there much pull toward a more contentious policy beyond Conitia, as proposed by some Conservatives. Many of us appreciate the fine work of Secretary Kansky, and the administration's pragmatic approach to commercial issues beyond the Conitia horizon. Gerry, does that sum it up?"

Zeller Pretty much, Bernie. I'd like to also reassure Mr. Zana, and all of our friends up north that our support for the SOE is as solid as the Libertarians and the Conservatives. And you can see that we back up what we say we're going to do, in bringing needed reform to Lecistan last year, and in the ongoing naval exercises in the waters off Conitia, most recently off Montecara. That's not going to change. Now, I've go a tweet from Francois Ruban, 22. He's a part time college student in Port Yehoshua. His question, "How about more Zugs for Child Health Clinic funding?" A good question indeed. Bernie, I'm going to turn this back to you.

Cohen: "Thanks Gerry. Francois, you should know that concern over low funding for children's health was one of the driving forces behind our predecessor, Group 15, when the got together last year in Steinhouse to put Mr. Zeller in the mayor's office. That was a tough election, and in the end the Conservative machine kept Maurice Oppenheim in city hall there, but not until we won the City Council Presidency on this and many more issues. I've seen the sad results of Conservative neglect for public health, not so much in West Legnica, but certainly in Ironton, and many of the smaller towns in Coastal State. We plan to make a strong case in the Budget Committee, not only to make sure child health clinics in underserved areas are fully funded, but also to see to it that audit staff follows up on number of doctors and nurses, availability of medicines and vaccines, and hours of operation in each state, down to the city, village, hamlet and township level. In addition, we're going to demand a nationwide survey of sanitary sewer facilities, giving priorities for expansion as well as immediate maintenance needs. And we'll demand that Treasury ride herd on local officials to make sure the additional funding doesn't server simply as a source of graft. In fact, it's high time higher criminal penalties are put in place for embezzlement of public funds at the state level. This has been a cornerstone of Civic Alliance plans since the start of the year."

Zeller: Right you are, Bernie. This has been a driving force for the CA's formation, and is a prime concern going forward. Now here's a call from Bartfeld. Hello, you're on "Ask Gerry"

"Hi Mr. Zeller. This is Malka Hayes, I'm 25, just a housekeeper with two little ones at home. Can you tell me what CA's attitude toward collective bargaining is for public employees? My husband's a bus driver, and he says every time his union goes to negotiate hours and benefits, they get the run around from city hall. Current contract negotiations are in, what, the 9th week with no end in sight. It's terrible. What do you have to say about it?"

Zeller: Thank you for calling in, Mrs. Hayes. Yeah, I'm familiar with the situation up there in Bartfeld. It stinks. I wish I could help you more directly. It was a tough loss for City Hall and council seats up there last year, but I guess you couldn't expect better for a new party. You know, it could be that Mayor Cieczwicz is just inexperienced, after coming to office last year. And he's pretty jammed up with the Conservatives in North Central. My advice would be to have them continue to negotiate with the Mayor, maybe trenching back on the requests for the upcoming contract in favor of longer term gains. It's very sad, Mrs. Hayes, but that just seems to be the way things are up there in North Central and Northwest. Now, at the national level, we've been very supportive of union rights, even in the public service domain. The Feld administration is pretty intransigent in dealing with public service unions, and the Libertarians have drifted from their traditional support of labor, land and capital as the three pillars of the economy. So I invite you to talk to our candidate in your district. I think you will find Mr. Fligl receptive to your concerns. Hope that helps.

by **Pisdara** » Tue Aug 30, 2016 7:25 am

Emepishdargir • Français aininienne • العربية • English

Local ☀ Politics ☀ Lifestyle ☀ World ☀ Travel ☀Sports

30 August, 2016

Speaker Naram-Sin proposes more moderate land reform bill, Legislature agrees on New Bounesque issue
Beginning today’s session of the Legislature was Speaker Baba Naram Sin (GSUP/NFLP), who proposed yet another call for land reform. His new plan, considered far more moderate than his previous attempt in July, will see only 2,500 acres of land, most belonging to absentee owners who will be repatriated with a financial compensation, given to the government in order to provide cheap land for agricultural use. It’s more moderate stance contrasts the July proposal that would have seen over 10,000 acres seized with little to no compensation. Speaker Naram-Sin also assured the deputies the plan would not seize the lands of businesses deemed important, such as textile manufacturer CGT Loup and soft drink giant AB Georg.

The proposal saw support from outside the Patriotic group with Amelie Vaux and Sakar Kizito stating they will support the bill if measures are put in place to ensure the land reform does not target based on ethnicity, a fear that to many both Aininian and Pisdari, seems real, and a fear the Aininian Union Party held on with while once again deriding the proposal as anti-Aininian and anti-business. The Progressives also chimed in, with party leader and Speaker Jean-Claude Herve Bouchard accusing supporters of the bill of “trying to enlarge our government and granting them powers to take away our liberties.” Currently, it seems eight out of the needed twelve deputies support the bill, and eight outright oppose it. For it to pass, Naram-Sin and his allies need to sway the remaining six neutral deputies, all member of the Social Democracy of Pisdara, to support the bill for its official vote next week.

Also concerning the Legislature was the issue regarding New Bounesque and the increased talks by Aininian Union members on separation from the rest of Pisdara. Party leader Conrad de Villeroy (KTA/PUA) finally addressed the Legislature publically on the issue, surprising many when he announced he had accepted the concerns of opposition deputies. De Villeroy confirmed the issue of a referendum on New Bounesquois independence will be ‘postponed’ until 2018, where the party faces both legislative and local re-election. Until then, the Aininian Union has agreed to quiet its stance on independence. The decision makes sense, with the right-wing party now having the ability to promote its agenda more carefully and build up support for the 2018 elections, where if they retain or grow their majority, they can be seen as a true political movement and not a flash-in-the-pan conduit for temporarily-enraged Aininians.

by **The Ocelot Isles** » Tue Aug 30, 2016 12:55 pm

Toloupum Fever: 80 People in Quarantine, Says Ministry of Health
Date: August 30, 2016

KONGEUVIA, OCELOT ISLES - Three days have passed since the couple of Mihai and Nadja Schmit were isolated ater testing positive for Toloupum Fever. In that time frame, at least 80 people have been quarantined for close contact with at least one of the Schmits and are being monitored for any symptoms.

Minister of Health Richard Ellk mentioned the status of the quarantine in a press conference, commenting that there was "good progress" in processing people potentially infected with Toloupum Fever. He warned that at least one person quarantined had tested positive for Toloupum Fever and that several people in contact with the Schmits have not yet been quarantined. Nevertheless Minister Ellk assured the Ocelotian Administration will "work with all forces and resources to prevent a public health crisis."

In order to identify the people most likely to be infected, the Ministry of the Interior was involved in tracking previous movements of the Schmits. It was publicized on August 27 that they travelled in Kongeuvia by bus prior to displaying Toloupum Fever symptoms. However, later Internal Ministry reports and bus CCTV footage further detailed that the couple travelled in the afternoon (after 13:00) on August 21, August 23 and August 25.

Minister Ellk has not stated whether or not any more those quarantined have tested positive for Toloupum Fever or have exhibited symptoms, nor has there been any additional details on the current situation of the Schmits. He announced the ministry will alert the public of any updates and changes, and the Ocelotian Administration ruled out the possibility of a local state of emergency at the moment.

Information about the quarantine and the risks of infection can be accessed on the websites of both the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of the Interior.

Other News
Luziyca | Death penalty abolition and mass pardoning to take effect
Kongeuvia | Toloupum Fever has "potential" to delay return to schools
Jaituna | Minister Ellk believes "unsanitary conditions" led to Toloupum Fever infection

About me · by **Luziyca** » Wed Aug 31, 2016 9:33 pm

Sikari pays visit to dasta, sparks controversy

The Isvariksa Regional Council HQ

JAITUNA, GADHA - In his role as the Secretary of the Dasta Andolana, President Johannes Sikari paid a visit to the city of Jaituna, site to the Toloupum fever outbreak that has resulted in over eighty people quarantined so far. However, Johannes Sikari's speech outside the Isvariksa Regional Council building proved to be extremely controversial.

The speech
Speaking to a crowd of 500 people, President Sikari stated that "The Ocelotian Minister of Health [Richard Ellk] has alleged that unsanitary conditions here in this city. Well, clearly, Ellk has not visited Jaituna: Jaituna is a clean and thriving Sinhakese city, just like Prasanta or Adara. If he actually visited Jaituna, he will know that this place has great sanitation, and that it would be impossible for Toloupum fever to arise in these conditions."

He then went on to explain that "the only logical explanation is that Ocelotian nationalists have launched a bioterror attack against Jaituna. If you see the tapes for August 21st, a late middle-aged man was sitting near them with an umbrella as a walking stick. At one point, the man dropped the umbella, and a few moments later, we see Nadja feel something in her leg."

"That man must have used a Katranjian umbrella against the Shudri couple," Sikari said, referring to the Katranjian umbrellas that spies during Katranjiev's Liberationist era used in East Luziyca against notable dissidents.

Sikari then declared that "we will bring the terrorist to justice, and prove that terrorism against this promised Shudri land will not be tolerated!" He also expressed hope that Mihai and Nadja Schmit will recover from the "horrific disease," and that "no Shudri will ever die of this disease in our native land."

Criticism of the speech
In Prasanta, opposition leader Helga Duta condemned the visit to Jaituna and speech, and explained to a crowd of 4,000 at the main square that "Sikari is using this outbreak of the Toloupum Fever [in Jaituna] to inflame existing tensions between Ocelotians and Shudri, just so he can get some cheap political points and so once he provokes the Ocelotians, we will run to him and demand that he give us independence or put a wall or integrate the dastas."

She warned that "we cannot afford to provoke the Ocelotians and then use the inevitable racial tensions between us and the Ocelotians as an excuse to put up a wall or integrate the dastas, or whatever provocative action Sikari is thinking now. We must create a constructive relationship, to maintain friendly ties between us and the rest of the islands! We cannot survive without the Ocelot Isles right now, and if we are allowed to grow, we will make sure that they cannot survive without us, so we'd be both worse off for leaving!"

The crowd applauded Helga's speech, waving Ocelotian and Sinhakese flags.

At a later interview, Helga Duta said that "it is definitely not a bioterrorist attack," and suggested that the Dasta Andolana be "put under greater scrutiny by the [Sinhakese] government" and for Sikari to answer "some questions about his conflict of interest between his role as head of the DA, and as the President of the Sinhakese nation."

by **Lecistan** » Thu Sep 01, 2016 7:04 pm

KWëP ditches Solidarity over economic issues

1 Séwnik, 2016

KWëP leader Bògdan Borzyszkowski
said that his party was "out of
place" in the mostly-leftist
Solidarity Alliance government.

SZIMÓNGÔCZ - Party for Freedom and Progress leader Bògdan Borzyszkowski has said that his party will be leaving the governing Solidarity Alliance amidst a growing rift between the KWëP and other members of Solidarity over economic, financial, and budget issues. Speaking to a press conference earlier today, Borzyszkowski told reporters from Czãdnik Lekkëbsczi and other news sources that the KWëP was "out of place in a tax-and-spend governing coalition."

The confrontation between the Party for Freedom and Progress and the other parties that make up the Solidarity Alliance- the Rally for Lecistani Sovereignty, Lecistan Social Democrats, and Great Reform Party- comes as the electoral grouping, formed as an anti-monarchist coalition during the run-up to the October 2015 elections, deals with the tasks of governing the country that they seized control of following the signing of the Treaty of Szimóngôcz.

The specific catalyst that seems to have pushed the KWëP out of the Solidarity coalition is a bill proposed by ZSL legislator Kôrol Zukòwski which would increase the income tax rate on the top 15% of Lecistanis by 3.5%, which has been supported by the ZSL, SDL, and KWR, but opposed by the KWëP. However, the general rift between the KWëP and the remainder of the alliance has been growing since the end of the Second Lecistani Civil War as the ZSL, SDL, and KWR have attempted to push leftist legislation through the Royal Chamber. While a common anti-monarchism and banditry united the four parties during their attempt to overthrow the Grand Duchy and form a republic in Lecistan, the libertarian KWëP has been ill at ease within the mostly social democratic coalition since.

"Unfortunately, the conduct of the other parties in the Solidarity Alliance over the past few months has made it clear that the Party for Freedom and Progress no longer has a place in the coalition," KWëP leader Bògdan Borzyszkowski told reporters in a press conference earlier today. "The coalition's original goal, of fighting for civil rights and democratic governance in Lecistan, has been subsumed by a wholly leftist agenda of deficit spending, high taxation, and big government. The KWëP has fought and will always fight for limited governance, personal freedom, and the free market, and as such we have decided that we cannot remain within the Solidarity Alliance."

In response, the office of President and Rally leader Łukôsz Grzéskowicz released a short statement saying that Grzéskowicz was "upset" to see the KWëP leave Solidarity. "It is President Grzéskowicz's firm belief that the work of defending the progress this country made thanks to the Treaty of Szimóngôcz is ongoing and of paramount importance, and that unity remains the best way for all opposed to tyranny to protect their rights and liberties," the statement continued. "However, we will respect the right of the KWëP to make its own decisions as a party, and it is our hope that they will continue to stand with us- as they have in the past- against any future attempts at despotism by the forces of reaction." The statement also confirmed that a list of replacements for KWëP members in government positions would be compiled by Monday at the latest.

While the KWëP's exit denies Solidarity a supermajority by reducing its government from 39 to 29 seats, the ex-rebel faction will continue to maintain a comfortable majority in the Royal Chamber. As a result, they will continue to be able to pass most forms of legislation, including budgetary and policy legislation, though they will not be able to unilaterally alter the constitution or take other similar measures.

Other News Stories

Rapper given week in jail for lese majeste - Controversial anti-monarchist rapper Owczarek has been sentenced to a week in jail and a fine of Lƒ5,000 for insulting former Grand Duke Juchany I and the Lecistani monarchy in several songs on his recent album Wòjna.
Tensions rise in Ocelot Isles amidst Toloupum outbreak - Johannes Sikari, President of Sinhako, has caused controversy by visiting the "dasta" (settlement) of Jaituna to make a statement on an ongoing outbreak of the Toloupum fever disease.
Luziyca's Svensson limits the death penalty - President Sera Svensson signed a bill abolishing the usage of the death penalty for crimes other than genocide, war crimes, and terrorism, in spite of concerns about rising crime rates and endangering the public.
Pisdari politician "postpones" New Bounesque referendum - Aininian Union leader Conrad de Villeroy has said that any referendums on New Bounesque independence from Pisdara- threatened by de Villeroy after Pisdara joined the ONU- would occur after 2018.

by **Union of Akoren** » Sun Sep 04, 2016 5:52 am

ANAF obliterates terrorist convoy as Union scores more victories

Footage from the ANAF shows the so-called Caliphate convoy under attack

04/09/16 13.46 pm

The Ankoreni National Air Force has reportedly struck a so-called Caliphate convoy of vehicles fleeing from the besieged town of Tal Kahmoun, some 12km west of Habroun. The convoy of some 200 vehicles was spotted leaving the town towards Habroun by ANAF drones, which swiftly resulted in at least six ANAF aircraft bombing the convoy. The General Staff Headquarters has estimated that 175 vehicles were destroyed and at least 200 so-called Caliphate fighters killed. It comes as the Ankoreni National Army and the Supreme Command for Jihad and Unification seized control of Habroun's southern outskirt of Marakhat.

The Ankoreni National Armed Forces (AUSK) has achieved several key victories in the past three weeks, with the capture of Awanihya, Sheik Yazeem and Kanbaj, the so-called Caliphate's position in Habroun has been significantly weakened with the closure of one of the two major roads connecting the large city to the rest of Caliphate territory. The AUSK also successfully repelled a failed terrorist counter-attack at Kafr Buhum, with at least 150 terrorists killed, and 30 vehicles, including 6 tanks being destroyed by the indomitable AUSK forces.

Commander-in-chief of Operation Undeniable Victory, General Adnan Terim confirmed that the operation since May has inflicted serious damage on the terrorist movement in Irvadistan. Speaking to the Union Congress today, he said "since the 10 May, the AUSK and its supporting elements in the Supreme Command for Jihad and Unification has inflicted serious damage on the terrorist movement in Irvadistan. They have lost complete control of all border areas, as well as key population centres in the south.

"With the fall of Habroun, the Union and the AUSK will have a consolidated and secure position in southern Irvadistan, from which to advance north and cleanse the continent of its evil" he said to great applause. General Terim also used his address to dismiss earlier reports that 2,100 AUSK personnel had been martyred in the operation since May.

"Earlier reports that 2,100 of our sons had been martyred were incorrect, this number was derived incorrectly from numbers including our sons who have been injured, I can confirm now, to Congress that the true number of our martyred sons, is 1,153. To some this may already feel or sound too high, but as we all said as one people, there is no cost too great in the journey towards continental unification" he said.

The General Staff Headquarters has estimated that at least 5,500 terrorists have been killed since the operation began in May, General Terim defended this number in his address to Congressmen and women this morning, saying "our estimates on the number of terrorists killed by our forces in the process of securing Irvadistan's future is built upon the physical collection of bodies after a victory and the interception of communications between terrorist warlords and their lieutenants on the ground, we have taken note of numerous failed counter-attacks, our complete domination of the skies above the area of operations and our superiority against the enemy. They are losing both ground and entire brigades of their murderous death cult horde" he explained.

Both the General Staff Headquarters and General Adnan Terim have refused to give a time-scale of when Habroun will fall to the AUSK, due to concerns over the level of resistance the AUSK will face. However Habroun has been under constant artillery and air bombardment since the 2 June. The Foreign Ministry again denounced criticisms made by "human rights organisations" after the Irvadi Observatory for Human Rights (IOHR) claimed that the AUSK's bombardment of the city has killed over 600 civilians. Foreign Ministry spokesman Kaan Altan denounced the reports as "malicious lies created by imperialist backed groups, who use human rights observation as a mask for their illicit propaganda" he said.

AUSK opens second front in east - Joint Operations Headquarters meets to discuss joint offensive

Yesterday also saw confirmation that 25,000 ANA soldiers, backed by 5,500 fighters from the Supreme Command for Jihad and Unification had crossed the border in the east, taking two villages of Al Famoun and Babarihya. The force, dubbed the "East Operation Group", faced little resistance from so-called Caliphate forces. The offensive was backed by both the ANAF and artillery, the General Staff Headquarters confirmed that the operation in the east has the primary objective of relieving Irvadi government forces around the terrorist held city of Hadaj, the EOG is tasked with securing all strategic areas west of the city, to cut it off from supply and enable the government to retake it.

Chief of Staff General Burak Güven at the meeting of the
Joint Operations Headquarters

The eastern offensive prompted the first official meeting of the Joint Operations Headquarters in Qufeira two days ago. The meeting included both Chief of Staff of the National Armed Forces, Burak Güven, C-in-C of Operation Undeniable Victory, General Adnan Terim as well as three other senior AUSK officers, opposite them were Vice Marshal Jamal Fakhri Tawfeek; head of the Irvadi People's Defence Force, Commander of the Defence Staff, General Riad Zulfikar Abdulrashid and four other senior Irvadi officers. The meeting covered the joint offensive against Hadaj, as well as the possible allocation of an air base close to Qufeira for use by the ANAF against terrorist positions in support of the government.

In his address to the Union Congress today, General Adnan Terim celebrated the level of cooperation and brotherly care shared between the senior staff of the AUSK and Irvadi People's Defence Force.

"We are now reaching a stage in our collaboration and cooperation that will transform our mutual abilities in combating terrorism and foreign interference and exploitation. We have made solid plans and preparations for a joint offensive in the south-west against terrorist dens and hideouts in the city of Hadaj and its surrounding urban areas, a success there will confirm to the world that two Islamic and Nautasian nations can and will succeed against extremists - we pray that such a success will weaken the case for non-Nautasian involvement and succeed in limiting foreign involvement" he said.

It is not clear when IPDF forces will launch their offensive against Hadaj, however the State Ministry of National Defence has stated on its website that "when our allies in the IPDF enter the Hadaj Offensive, it will shatter all terrorists in its way."

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by **Katranjiev** » Tue Sep 06, 2016 5:35 pm

Queen Elis gives birth to twin sons

Queen Elis

KRASIMIR, KRASIMIR - Today, Her Majesty Elis was taken to the Royal Hospital in Krasimir at 11:03 am, KST. Once Her Majesty arrived at the Royal Hospital, she gave birth to two sons: Prince Rodrigo of Glodzhevo at 1:23 pm, followed by Prince Gazeriko of Albena at 2:24 pm. The official announcement was released at 3:15 pm, KST, at Krasimir Castle.

Following the release of the announcement from Krasimir Castle of the birth of Prince Rodrigo of Glodzhevo and Prince Gazeriko of Albena, the Katranjian Prime Minister Magarit Ogynan sent a statement of congratulations, and wished Her Majesty "the best of luck in raising these two children."

Leader of the Official Opposition Elena Magdarov has also sent congratulations to Her Majesty, and advised Elis to "focus on your children; they're more important than your next stunt designed to make you more famous."

Meanwhile, Prince Andrei of Chavdarov, formerly Prince Andrei of Glodzhevo remarked that "I am pleased that my sister has given birth to two sons: now, she has someone who, when older, can serve as regent for Princess Kalina if she becomes Queen, since she needs all the help she can get if she takes the throne [of Katranjiev]."

Meanwhile, in Filimons, where King Ludvig (husband of Queen Elis) has came from, the birth of the two children has been marked with plans to release commemorative coins to celebrate their births, as well as gun salutes in the Filimon capital of Vilnna.

by **West Cedarbrook** » Tue Sep 06, 2016 6:09 pm

-- retconned --

by **Pisdara** » Fri Sep 09, 2016 12:23 pm

Emepishdargir • Français aininienne • العربية • English

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9 September, 2016

Land reform fails to pass 10-11, Naram-Sin blames Social Democracy

The results of the Legislature's vote on the land reform bill:
10 for, 11 against, 1 for referendum, 1 abstain

Speaker Baba Naram-Sin left the Legislative building today fuming after his more moderate land reform bill, which would have seen 2,500 acres of land taken from absentee landlords and distributed to poorer citizens, failed to pass. The vote, seeing ten for, eleven against, one abstaining, and one calling for a public referendum, saw Naram-Sin’s New Pisdari Liberation Front (GSUP/NFLP) and its allies champion the bill, but deputies from the United, Aininian Union, Liberal, and Social Democracy camps declined. After the vote was counted, Speaker Naram-Sin blasted the Social Democracy deputies, stating that they were “merely a front for the United Coalition and completely bought out” before leaving the chamber.

The passage of the bill, effectively a toned-downed second draft of the more radical land reform proposal that GSUP drew up in July, hinged on a ‘for’ vote from a majority of the Social Democratic deputies, with the United Coalition for Independence and Aininin Union Party for the most part ideologically opposed (Although deputy Amelie Vaux, a member of United, did vote for a public referendum, and fellow deputy Sakar Kizito did vote for the bill). Instead, the Social Democrats, following the lead of party leader Babum Ishhi-Addu, opposed the bill on grounds of impractically and damage to the economic potential of the islands. Not all six deputies followed Ishhi-Addu however, with one abstaining and three voting for the GSUP-backed proposal. Even so, Naram-Sin stated after his outburst that “I don’t care ultimately about the votes for. When the party leader is so against your bill for no real reason, something is up.”

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9 September, 2016

Nomadic woman attacked on Ashuragar street, suspect unknown
Walking back to the temporary camp her family had set up outside of town, Shubure Shub-Ad, 53, was suddenly and violently attacked by a man on Utu Street. “I was just walking out of the grocer’s,” stated Shub-Ad, now currently at the clinic in town, “and all I feel a second later is someone pushing me down. I could just make out that who did it was a man of, I don’t know, 20 or 25. Then he kicked me in the face”. Shub-Ad’s attack is the latest and most violent in a string of anti-nomadic sentiment seen over the past few months. According to a report commissioned by the Committee on Education and Domestic Affairs, twenty-three incidents have occurred since the beginning of July, including a nomadic family being driven out of their camp near Sakar and a small group in Kurur Nheshtinka’a declaring itself a “neighbourhood watch against nomads and others”, leading to the beating of a teenager in mid-August.

Mrs. Shub-Ad says she is now fearful for her life, and that she is worried about the mass movements that occur in November and December, when most of the over five thousand nomads head towards Ashuragar for prime grazing lands for their livestock. “It’s scary. While so many people in one place, some wacko’s surely going to try something.” Police are currently unsure who Mrs. Shub-Ad’s assailant is, and have stated they plan to drop the case, a decision that have angered some in town.

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9 September, 2016

Social Democratic deputy splits after land reform vote, forms own party
Shu Durul, former member of the Pisdari Liberation Front and one-time deputy for the Social Democracy of Pisdara, officially resigned from the party today, citing disappointment in the voting patterns seen during the debate on the land reform bill. Deputy Durul called out not only his former party, but also Pisdari political culture at large, for “becoming more about saving face and making backroom alliances rather than being honest and working as a normal person for normal people.” He place emphasis on the Social Democrats, currently facing another bout of accusations of being too cozy with the centrist United Coalition for Independence, as well as the populist and nationalist Patriotic Front, saving a large portion of his vitriol for the New Pisdari Liberation Front, which he called “a wolf in sheep’s clothing. If they’re a left-wing party, then Nevanmaa’s a multicultural democratic state”.

However, Mr. Durul speech was not only about him leaving his old party, but also his founding of a new one. The Social Democratic Farmers’ Party (KEHSh/PSDA) is, according to its new leader, a broad left-wing group hopefully to be filled with social democrats, democratic socialists, progressives, and agrarians. It’s focus on agrarianism and environmentalism along with workers’ rights seems to be an olive branch to other small parties, such as the Pirates and 21st Century Pisdara, with similar platforms, and it remains to be seen if Durul will be joined by other Social Democratic deputies angered at leader Babum Ishhi-Addu any time soon. Until then, deputy Durul is the new party’s sole representative.

by **Lecistan** » Fri Sep 09, 2016 2:07 pm

SAMÒSTÓJNOCCZI
Wòlny ë prawò dlô kòrzdi Lekkëbë

Solidarity Divided?
Two Solidarity legislators leave alliance, become first deputies for Revolutionary Socialist Party

The Revolutionary Socialist Party, founded by rights activist and union organizer
Wiktória Maszke (pictured), has gained representation in the Royal Chamber.

September 9, 2016 - by Małgòrzata Łéczszynski - Only days after Party for Freedom and Progress leader Bògdan Borzyszkowski announced his party would be abandoning the governing Solidarity Alliance over economic issues, the political coalition has taken another blow as two of the alliance's deputies in the Royal Chamber- one from Szimóngôcz and one from Upper Rzëszù- have defected to the Revolutionary Socialist Party in protest over what they described as "ideological inconsistency".

Pioter Szëmrejski, a former member of the Rally for Lecistani Sovereignty and a deputy for Upper Rzëszù, and Florión Lëpùszski, a former member of the Lecistan Social Democrats and a deputy for Szimóngôcz, released a joint statement announcing their decision earlier today. In the statement, they attacked the Solidarity Alliance for agreeing to permit continuing Nevan influence over Lecistan. "So long as the Nevan Realm- a regime known internationally for restricting free thought, ignoring popular sovereignty, and violating human rights- continues to have influence over the politics of our country, and is allowed to quarter its troops in our homeland, the sovereignty of the Lecistani nation and the rights of the Lecistani people will be at risk," the statement said. "The decision to work with a regime that routinely committed war crimes against Lecistani civilians is utterly appalling- especially when they were ostensibly opposed to ending that regime's unjust lordship over Lecistan."

The decision to accept compromise with Nevanmaa, the statement continued, was "unjustifiable and blatant ideological inconsistency." "This was not merely a change of tack; this was a violation of the fundamental principles upon which the Solidarity Alliance and its constituent parties are supposedly based. This callous willingness to abandon policy goals that are supposedly fundamental planks of their parties' platforms suggests to us that the leadership of the Solidarity Alliance is not truly interested in serving the people, but is instead interested only in obtaining power through any means necessary."

"Having come to this conclusion," the statement finishes, "we cannot in good conscience continue to be members of the Rally for Lecistani Sovereignty and the Lecistan Social Democrats. Instead, we have decided to formally join the Revolutionary Socialist Party; while its platform is to the left of our personal beliefs, it is committed to the Lecistani people in a way that the Solidarity Alliance clearly is not."

Speaking after news of the defections broke, Revolutionary Socialist leader told reporters that Wiktória Maszke she was "immensely honored that Szëmrejski and Lëpùszski have chosen to join the KSR". "Obviously, there are some political differences between myself and Deputies Szëmrejski and Lëpùszski, but it's my sincerest hope that we can put those aside in favor of working together to bring about a government that is truly concerned with the Lecistani working class and that is not beholden to brutal foreign despotates." She also told reporters that she would be meeting the two legislators to set out the KSR's goals in the Royal Chamber and smooth out policy differences between the KSR platform and the politics of its two new deputies.

President Łukôsz Grzéskowicz told a press conference that the defecting legislators "failed to recognize the progress made in the Treaty of Szimóngôcz thanks to the efforts of the Solidarity Alliance." "Put bluntly, the state of human rights and political liberty in Lecistan was advanced massively by the agreements made in the Treaty of Szimóngôcz. We were able to guarantee universal suffrage in this country, expanding the vote to the most Lecistanis in this country's history; we put power in the hands of officials elected by the Lecistani people, and guaranteed that the voices of the Lecistani people would be heard in this country's governance; we instituted sweeping protections for civil liberties and civil rights. Without question, the Treaty of Szimóngôcz brought about the greatest leap forward, towards equality and freedom and progress, that this country has ever made."

He also responded the statement's claim that he was only interested in power, calling it "total nonsense". "I have been committed to serving the Lecistani people since I was elected to the Earldom Council for Brzny-Lùtórowo more than two decades ago. It has been that commitment which has driven me for my entire career, and it is that commitment that continues to drive me now," Grzéskowicz stated. "And I find it noteworthy that Deputies Szëmrejski and Lëpùszski resorted to fabricating a personal assault on myself and my fellow party leaders, since it shows just how little they're actually standing on factually and realistically." SDL leader Łukôsz Bãdows also responded to the attacks levied against him and Solidarity's leadership, telling a press junket that "the claims made by Deputy Szëmrejski and Deputy Lëpùszski, about the state of this country, about the nature of the Solidarity Alliance, and about me personally, are without any sort of basis in reality."

Other party leaders also released short statements and announcements in response to the news. Tobéasz Dunôjski, head of the National Union for the Resurgence of Lecistan and leader of the official opposition, released a short statement saying that the defections "prove[d] the weakness of the Solidarity Alliance," and described the coalition as "unfit to rule". "When members of the Solidarity Alliance itself are questioning it- as we have seen not once but twice in the first few days of September- the Lecistani people must start questioning it as well." National Socialist Community of the Lecistani Nation leader Jerzy Racłôwski, by contrast, attacked the KSR, telling supporters in Nowi Szimóngôcz that "the newest head of the hydra of communism is now menacing the Lec nation". Similarly, National Republican Party leader Lujcusz Bosko described the deputies as "traitors" for "banding together with ultraleftist would-be-tyrants." Lecistani Progressive-Conservative Party leader Łukôsz Szwélidza, meanwhile, expressed disappointment that Deputies Szëmrejski and Lëpùszski decided to join the KSR instead of the KLPK. "The KLPK is a party that is committed to governance of, by, and for the people in Lecistan, and it is my hope that the deputies will reconsider their decision and join us in seeking fair, just, and open governance for Lecistan." Comedian Kasper Gurka- founder of the satirical Feline Party- uploaded a video entitled "A Statement from the Feline Party on the Decision Made by Deputies Szëmrejski and Lëpùszski", consisting of his pet cat Krësztof, who is ostensibly the Feline Party's leader, wandering around Gurka's house for five minutes.

Predictions that the Solidarity Alliance would fracture should it achieve victory in the Second Lecistani Civil War arose as early as October of 2015, when Lecistani Feminist Alliance leader Marëna Bòch-Shu, writing for the Esquarian Human Rights Monitor's Esquarian Light, predicted that the alliance would fracture between a nationalist faction dominated by the Rally for Lecistani Sovereignty, a moderate faction dominated by the Lecistan Social Democrats, and a libertarian faction dominated by the Party for Freedom and Progress. While the KWëP leaving the alliance fulfilled one part of Bòch-Shu's prediction, the remainder of the alliance appears to be fracturing differently- not between the ZSL and SDL, but instead between those who support the Treaty of Szimóngôcz and those who oppose it.

Those who support the Treaty are remaining within the Solidarity Alliance and its constituent parties, but it has been unclear where those who oppose it would go. It now appears that Wiktória Maszke has- successfully- established the Revolutionary Socialist Party as the home for ex-Solidarity supporters disenchanted by the coalition's decision to negotiate with Nevanmaa. Drawing in more conventional social democrats and left-wingers is no small feat for the KSR, given that the party's platform is a mix of Welzism-Haclavism and syndicalism, and that its original voting base was a mixture of Welzist-Haclavists, syndicalists, liberationists, Domianists, and other far-leftists, but it is a feat that the party appears to be accomplishing.

Regardless, it is now clear- in the wake of a breakup that was far rougher than the one that occurred on September 1st- that Solidarity is on the defensive. The coalition retains a majority, with 27 seats, but it is clear that there is serious dissent within the ranks- dissent that Grzéskowicz, Bãdows, and KWR leader Frãcëszk Szpilman will have to quell or mitigate. For a coalition whose very name preaches unity and cooperation, growing rifts could be very dangerous- and there are no doubt several smaller parties that could stand to profit should Solidarity shatter. Solidarity's troubles also imperil universal suffrage and protections for civil rights in Lecistan; should Solidarity's coalition collapse outright, the ÙNdPL would be the likely pick for a minority government, and their commitment to the rights and liberties protected by Lecistan's new constitution and the Treaty of Szimóngôcz is untested- and suspect at best.

The rise of parties like the KSR, KRN, and NPdNL also suggests a widespread dissatisfaction with Treaty of Szimóngôcz. If these parties continue to gain traction on the ZSL, SDL, KWR, ÙNdPL, and KWëP, then the peace established in the wake of the Second Lecistani Civil War might be even more fragile than previously thought. The risk of Lecistan falling into a third civil war becomes greater and greater as these radical parties gain on more moderate ones, and it is probable that a hypothetical Third Civil War would be at least as destructive as the first and second- especially if it is being spearheaded by groups wholly opposed to any sort of negotiation or compromise.

Ultimately, we are reminded that the fate of Lecistan remains very much in the balance. Can Solidarity stop its growing divisions before the rend the coalition apart? Will the Lecistani people lose the rights they won in the Treaty of Szimóngôcz? Will radical parties set Lecistan's course from here on out? Is Nevan influence in Lecistan here to stay? Everything from here on will have immutable impacts on Lecistan's fate.

by **FreYhill** » Sat Sep 10, 2016 4:51 am

Republican Model: Prime Minister Receives “Extra Powers”
Pae Yong Chol, The Freyhillian | Posted: 10 September 2016 18:03 FEST| International

Electoral Commissionor Nam "Wishing Luck" to the Commonwealth.

- (Goldglass, Freyhill) The Commonwealth Electoral Commissioner Nam Ji Hae alongside Prime Minister Mats Lundgren have announced the Question and Model for the Republic Referendum at the end of the Month of September - with the Commonwealth Republican Movement (CRM) through an Official Statement believing that “Although the Model Dumps a “Presidential” Idea, the Commonwealth Republicans Still Support an Independent Commonwealth”.

Prime Minister Lundgren & Commissioner Nam Believed that a “Centrist Federal Government - with the Prime Minister as both Head of State and Government was the best direction for the nation if it was to leave the Monarch back at the Home Islands”. Furthermore, Lundgren & Nam Released the “Ballot Question”, with the Electoral Commission set to Print “That The Commonwealth shall secede from the Monarch of The Most Serene Empire, prompting changes to the Commonwealth Constitution of 1874 where the Prime Minister is the Head of State and Government rather than Head of Government.”

Lundgren - Being a Constitutional Monarchist, has established the “Remain” Side of the Upcoming Referendum on Republicanism, with the Prime Minister’s Electoral Offices at Saricheok “Setup” as the Campaign's Headquarters until room is made down at Goldglass. Whereas the Commonwealth Republican Movement have Nominated One Nation Leader Karolina Crusenstolpe and Opposition Leader Ru Seung Min as Co-Leaders - a move seen to appease “Conservative Republicans”.

by **Namor** » Sat Sep 10, 2016 8:33 am

National minimum wage introduced to Namor
President-General touts "new era" for Namorese workers

September 10, NMR 2380

President-General Shohai Antelope meeting with members of the Kungtongsen,
Namor's federation of trade unions

NAMO, CAPITAL DISTRICT - History was made as President-General Shohai Antelope signed Namor's first-ever national minimum wage law, replacing regional wages with a wage of P35.00 ($5.00)/hour nationwide.

The National Minimum Wage Act (NMWA) was co-sponsored by deputies in all three parties that make up the Popular Front governing coalition - Democratic Socialists, Liberationists and Socialists. Deputies from the People's First Coalition (PFC) also supported the bill after being given the green light by party leader, who called it "a step forward in the cause of protecting Namorese workers." The only party that opposed the bill were the New Democrats, with chairperson Tsao Haojing accusing the Popular Front government of taking steps that will further prevent Namor from reviving its sluggish economy.

Having passed the Central Council by a wide margin, the NMWA made its way to the Executive House, where it was immediately signed into law by President-General Antelope in a ceremony attended by Labor Minister Kao Babai, several factory workers and representatives of the Namorese United Front of Trade Unions (Kungtongsen).

"Today is a day that will be remembered by all workers in this country. Today, the People's Republic of Namor has joined the community of nations that have a national minimum wage. Today, we say good-bye to the days when there was a lack of central government oversight in regards to how much the average worker was paid hourly, when each city, prefecture or district instituted its own wage, sometimes in conflict with the interests of the working class," he said. "Today, we welcome a new era for Namorese workers."

Antelope praised the multi-partisan cooperation that made the bill's passage possible.

"As expected, our Popular Front stood from the perspective of the Namorese worker. We were joined by our friends in the People's First Coalition and the regionalist parties. It shows that there is a consensus in Namo that something must be done to improve the conditions of working men and women in this country," he said.

The passage of the NMWA means that Namor is now among the majority of Velkian nations that have a national minimum wage. Before the act was signed, Namor had been one of the two countries in the continent that allowed regional authorities to set the minimum wage - the other being Luziyca.

However, Namor's new national minimum wage is lower than that of most other Velkian countries. Geadland's minimum wage ranges from P56.00 to P84.00 ($8 - $12) per hour depending on age. Katranjiev's minimum wage ranges from P35.00 to P70.00 per hour depending on age. And in most parts of Luziyca, the minimum wage is P50.00 per hour; in some places, it is P70.00 per hour.

Analysts say the relatively low P35/hour wage is supposed to appease workers while maintaining Namor's competitive edge as the country continues to recover from an economic slowdown.

Other News
Namorese athletes continue to wait for gold in Borneung - Follow PTH's coverage of the Summer Esquarian Games in Freyhill.
Freyhill to have another referendum on whether to expand Lundgren's powers - A referendum held at the end of September will determine whether Freyhill absolves all ties with the monarch of Tuthina.
Complaining of "ideological inconsistency," two of Lecistan's Solidarity Alliance legislators defect - Two former legislators of the Solidarity Alliance, Lecistan's governing coalition, accused the alliance of tolerating Nevan influence in Lecistan and joined the Revolutionary Socialist Party, becoming the far-left party's first deputies.
Pisdara's land reform proposal fails to pass - A bill that would have transferred 2,500 acres of abandoned lands to poorer citizens was rejected by the island's legislature, sparking fury among its proponents.
Katranjian Queen gives birth to twins, President-General Antelope sends congratulations - At 4:15 pm Namo Time, Krasimir Castle announced that Katranjian Queen Elis gave birth to two twin sons - Prince Rodrigo of Glodzhevo and Prince Gazeriko of Albena. Following the announcement, President-General Shohai Antelope sent a telegram of congratulations to the queen as well as the rest of the Katranjian royal family.

by **The Ocelot Isles** » Sat Sep 10, 2016 6:37 pm

Developing Kongeuvia doctor contracts Toloupum Fever disease
Date: September 10, 2016

Work is done inside the only Biosafety level 4 laboratory
in the Ocelot Isles. A doctor having monitored the Schmits
contracted Toloupum Fever.

A doctor operating in the Kongeuvia Institute of Infectious Illnesses was found to have contracted the Toloupum Fever disease, which earlier had claimed the lives of Jaituna outpost residents Mihai and Nadja Schmit.

The doctor, who is identified to be Kyle Callossa, is known to have worked in the Kongeuvia Institute of Infectious Illnesses, the only laboratory capable of handling Biosafety level 4 (BSL-4) agents in the Ocelot Isles. It is believed that he was involved in the care of the Schmits and the monitoring of other quarantined and isolated people.

Callossa was brought into an isolation unit in the Kongeuvia Memorial Hospital, the same hospital in which the Schmits were overseen. How Callossa was infected with the Toloupum Fever virus is not known, but it is likely that safety guidelines for Toloupum Fever are to be affirmed much more rigorously in medical and research centres.

The Ministry of Health does not consider Callossa to be contagious but is looking into locating any persons potentially in close contact with him. In regards to the infection case, Minister of Health Richard Ellk promised that "the health and safety of all medical workers will be continued to be held at the highest standards" and that "there will be no Toloupum Fever epidemics under my watch".

A hazmat team has been prepared to sterilize Callossa's residence, resembling the early steps taken after the Schmits tested positive for Toloupum Fever.

Toloupum Fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever to which there is currently no known vaccine or medication. The disease has a very high case fatality rate if left untreated. As of today, 110 people are quarantined and 8 people are isolated (including Callossa).

Other News
Namor | Minimum wage established nationwide by President-General Antelope
Freyhill | Analysis into Freyhill's referendum set later in September
Jaituna | Ministry of Health concludes investigations, announces "disturbing findings"

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