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by **Geanna** » Tue Nov 18, 2014 6:08 am

Parliament approved Budget for 2015

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Melanie Laveau (@MelveauGBC) and Harrison Konstantinous (@KonstantHarris) (GBC)
^{11/18/2014 | Saxonople, UFG}

_{S T O R Y H E A D L I N E S}
:· NEW:Southern Albiyan Government Established

:· Pilot Error determined in fatal crash in S. Albiya

:· Geannese-Ulthrannic Wedding - What to know

:· Geannese budgeting

UFG, Pardes (GBC) — November 18th, Everyone's favourite day as the Government finishes its budgeting procedure to determine if 2014 was a good year for the nation as a whole - or a bad one. There were a few surprises through out the year, events throughout the globe that had markets watching - however Geannese trade contracts and relations have remained firm.

In total the MoE has reported that for 2014, a total of $2.5 trillion in Federal Taxes were collected - a 5.6% increase from 2013's Budgetary Report. The MoE further reported that on average, $62,500 was the expected income of medial families - a small change since 2013. The MoE also released quarterly reports throughout the year outlining budget cuts and increases with the Federal Administration losing 3.2%, Education gaining 1.5% thanks to the Education Reformation Act of 2014, and the Defense slash for the Royal Army that dropped its spending of 8% to redirect funding to the Navy - with an increase of 4.5%.

Trade has also increased - by reports released by the Royal Trading Company citing a $134 Billion increase in trade contracts for 2014 - a 13.4% increase from 2012. Harold Gowley of the RTC Treasury Board stated that he was pleased - ''Since we've expanded our contracts to global partners, and the nation has opened herself up further to foreign investment - we are pleased to see this - it is very good news''.

A few special moments were of course marked out in the report, such as the sell of several ships to the Valinese that slashed maintenance and operating cost for the Navy - and a significant investment by Sel Corp as well into Valinor. Chief Minister Chloe Emro of the MoE stated that she was as well overall pleased with the results - she also pointed to the recent investments into Valinor. ''I hope to see further investors flocking to the Valinese - there's a strong chance for a mutual economic partnership and friendship between us''. She also said that the MoE would be further looking into increasing trade with Emmeria, Belfras, Jolan, and Estovakiva.

Some worry about the implications of the Geannese markets being so open to nations across the spectrum - this worry was downplayed by Prime Minister Reinhardt saying, ''RCO, CDI, CMSA - If you can't set your differences aside to strengthen peace and prosperity - to offer stability, reconciliation and friendship with your neighbours regardless of the lines, there's a problem. We are friendly, we want to strengthen ties with everyone - blocking off entire nations to your markets only causes stagnation''

In total, the MoE reports that following the budgetary report - the Federal Government has a surplus of around $3.3 Trillion, money she can use to further increase investments into other nations and work with further budgeting for 2015. In total, a 6% increase to spend - even if appearing small, Emro says she is pleased and excited to see that the economy is growing rather than slowing.

By GBC's Sarah O'Clowd

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by **Rodarion** » Tue Nov 18, 2014 5:41 pm

RCO General Secretary: Remind yourself of our shared principles or re-evaluate your membership

Gen Sec. Radu Lebotescu gives a stark warning to all RCO members in a speech to students in Cinigrad

November 18, 2014| 14.10 PM PCT | înregistrate| By: Maria Graza

General Secretary Radu Lebotescu of the Romula Cooperation Organisation has warned all members to 'remind themselves of our shared principles or re-evaluate your membership', his blunt warning comes several weeks after a near major fallout was avoided between the Papal Republic and Geanna over the arrest and pending execution of disgraced reformist, Petru Verde and an ongoing spat between Tarsas and Geanna over the Geanna's official adoption of 'Empire' after it formed a provisional authority in Albiya. Mr. Lebotescu who has been General Secretary of the organisation since its foundation in 2009 has stated that he can no longer tolerate "childish arguments and spats, that have a major detrimental effect upon the future of unity and cohesive work within the Romula Cooperation Organisation." His warnings came during his speech before students at the University of Cinigrad, he praised Estovakiva for its efforts to expand the RCO's abilities and applauded the Imperial Dominion's defence of the RCO's prinicples.

Radu Lebotescu is not known for harsh words or blunt outbursts, instead he has become a household name (in Rodarion at least) for his near ceaseless smiling, yet today he crushed that trait. As General Secretary as perhaps the largest economic entity in the world, he has a fair foundation of power below him, allowing him in turn to ensure that the RCO project remains the success it has been since 2009. He has been near silent over the past few weeks, first regarding the Rodar-Geannese spat and now the Tarsan-Geannese Spat, he has watched and studied the situations and clearly had enough.

"There appears to be one or two members of this organisation, that seem to be lacking an understanding our share principles, in short their overall statement is, let people run their nations as they see fit, if their people are content and productive, for every nation has a right to sovereignty, self determination and freedom of government regardless of system used. Yet disagreements over the past few weeks have shown that this or these members simply don't understand such principles or now, no longer accept them" he said.

"If they do not understand them, they should come to understand them, engage with those who do and let them explain them. If members do not accept them, then, by all manner of speaking they do not belong in the Romula Cooperation Organisation. Because how can you join a group of people, if you do not agree with with they're talking about, or what drives forward as a group, not productive for you or the group as a whole" he continued.

Radu Lebotescu, a Rodarian himself and the former representative to the OPA for the Papal Republic, made no comment regarding the arrest and sentence of Petru Verde, yet he has to deal with growing calls within the Papal Republic to debate with the Geannese government whether they truly belong within the RCO. Last week, Senator Octavian Candreva (NCP) appeared on Good Morning Rodarion, saying, "this is a nation that does not share our religious values, does not share our values for freedom of government system, does not share our values for state sovereignty, Albiya being a clear example of CDI style interventionism and then has the gawl to comment on our judicial exercises, they appear to be more like a CDI wannabe and a simple fawner when it comes to dealing with the rest of the RCO, I seriously doubt that warrants continued membership of the RCO."

Senator Roxana Antonescu (NDP), chairwoman of the Senatorial Committee on Rodar-Tarsan Relations (SCRTR) also commented, saying, "I don't think they fit in with us, I must also agree with the comments made by Emperor Romulus of Tarsas, changing a nation's title from Federacy to Empire does not guarantee the status and respect actual Empires recieve from some circles within the international community, they've caused the RCO to become hypocritical in its most basic value of non-interventionism and I thank God that this has not truly been discovered by other institutions and organisations so far."

However, Consul Ceausescu rejected this opinions as "mere reactionary nonsense, Geanna is a valued member of the RCO, it's economic presence is key to our organisation's development and they are valued for their pragmatism, I do not accept these opinions that they do not belong in the RCO, any government system is acceptable should they be the sovereign representative of their people, that includes liberal democracies such as Geanna, that's a key foundation of the RCO itself and we will abide by it."

Speaking further, General Secretary Radu Lebotescu stated his personal anger at the situation within the RCO's membership. "On a personal note, I feel somewhat betrayed and hurt by these recent arguments, we should respect one another's right to operate ourselves as we please. In the RCO, we try to construct meaningful, trustworthy and above all mutually beneficial relationships between members and I cannot stand by and watch a member undermine that and undermine our values and priniciples because of misplaced loyalties. I ask one thing, don't argue with one another, don't insult one another, we're supposed to be a close knit community and lets make sure we build that, together. So no more blunt comments on a nation's internal matters and no offensive comments on the decision of an elected government to change its national title."

With regards to the formation of the CMSA, General Secretary Lebotescu stated his optimism in future cooperation with the organisation based in the Far East. "I am sure, that officials in Bedero, Valtos and Antiyita will be as eager as we are to engage in meaningful dialogue and cooperation, for any can see that the RCO and CMSA operate on similar foundations, a respect for sovereignty and self-determination, I believe that the RCO and CMSA can begin to produce a relationship with truly spectacular sources of potentional."

Asked by one student, what was Rodarion's true view of the CDI memberstates, Radu Lebotescu replied, "from the Rodarian perspective, there is no absolute freedom anywhere in the world, no perfect democracy, and no government that does not lie to its people. In essence, all are equal by virtue of sharing the same imperfections. Some are more powerful than others, however, and that is what really counts." His reply has intrigued numerous circles, the Foreign Ministry refused to comment on whether this was the case, yet it appears that the 'Rodarian perspective is highly popular within the National Catholic Party and general society, this itself shows that General Secretary Lebotescu is privy to the deepest thoughts of the Rodarian Foreign Ministry, proving his valued position.

PRRB's Rade Serban contributed to this report.

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by **Central Prestonia** » Tue Nov 18, 2014 11:52 pm

High Court Finds for Emperor in Trading Case; Diet Bill Expected Soon

Hudson The High Court today announced it had reached a ruling in what many political analysts and jurists have described as the trial of the century, the highly controversial case arising out of revelations that the Imperial Family was engaged in day-trading on a tax-free basis in early 2012.

In a 47 page opinion published on the case of Simmons v. The Emperor, the court broadly ruled in a 4-3 decision that the trading activities of the Imperial Family do not inherently create a conflict of interest with the Emperor's position as head of state, but also ruled that such funds do not fall within the Proceeds of State Duties clause of the Civil List Act 1915. Under this ruling, the trading activities of the Emperor must be reported and taxed as if they belonged to any other private citizen. In a precursory legal question, the Court held by unanimous vote that the Emperor was legally capable of being in conflict with the interests of the Empire, upholding the Duality Doctrine which states that the personage of the Emperor is legally a private citizen and that the office of Emperor itself enjoys sovereign immunity. This question, raised in preliminary challenges at the Superior Court of Appeals, was perhaps the most controversial, leading many across the political spectrum to accuse the Emperor of absolutism and prompting the Emperor himself to state that he did not believe himself infallible.

While the Duality Doctrine was easily upheld, the court split sharply on the question of the Emperor's activities, highlighting the ideological splits of the High Justiciars. The 4 man majority opinion, written by Chief Justiciar Clarence Morgan, had two concurrences from traditionally conservative justices Henry Yates and Regina Smith. Also joining the majority was court newcomer Kyle Moore, who did not file a brief of his own in his first-ever High Court decision. While the majority affirmed that as a private citizen the Emperor's right to conduct commerce could not be infringed, Yates and Smith in their concurrences wrote that the question "exposes deep flaws in the Imperial system...which must be addressed."

"That the Emperor as head of state may invest in a private capacity is to be accepted," wrote Yates. "But when the level of investment occurs in such industry or to such degree as to pose a patently clear conflict of interest, or opportunity to benefit from one's position [as Emperor]...here one must give pause." Smith, whose moderate judicial stances make her the common swing vote of the 7-member High Court, went further, calling it "unconscionable" that no sanctions nor limitations were included in the Court's decision. She also characterised the position put to the Court as "poorly-worded," and "extremist," in a scathing opinion during which she begrudgingly concurred with the majority.

"It is not acceptable that the Emperor may on account of hereditary right flout all law related to the expenses and finances of public officials, law which is written to ensure their accountability to the public which enables their offices," Smith wrote. "While this court does not have the opportunity at this time to ensure an effective change to the state of affairs before us, one hopes such will be enacted sooner rather than later."

In opposition were liberal justices Jason Hart and Julia McCarthy, joined in a surprising turn of events by archconservative justice Anthony Brown. Hart wrote the main dissent, arguing that evidence presented showed "a clear and unmistakable pattern...of private interest over public duty," and blasting the majority opinion for its "blatant and willful misinterpretation," of the Duality Doctrine.

"Were any other individual citizen before this Court for these offences--assuming he could reach this case to such a level--he would be immediately ruled against without question," Hart wrote. "This is what the law demands of an Emperor who is, in his person, no more than a private citizen endowed with a special office and unique duty. Yet, as before, we fail to enforce the Duality Doctrine where it is inconvenient to Imperial whims to do so."

In a statement released this afternoon through the Imperial Press Office, the Emperor expressed "relief" at the conclusion of the case and vowed to keep an earlier promise made toward transparency of his trading activities, as well as to limit the extent to which he involves himself in their governance.

"Effective immediately, His Imperial and Apostolic Majesty will begin divestment from companies in which he holds a controlling stake," the statement read. "The full details of these transactions will be reported with the Bureau of Stocks and Securities as is appropriate and necessary, where they will become a matter of record." Plaintiff John Simmons, meanwhile, expressed his "disappointment," at the verdict, which he spearheaded as chief legal counsel for the Foundation for Transparency in Government. "We are deeply disappointed by this outcome, which serves to reinforce that there is one law for Him and one for the rest of us," Simmons told PBC this afternoon. "But we are not discouraged. We have raised awareness as never before on a vital issue of government transparency, and will continue to do so until we get the government we deserve."

Simmons' hopes, however, appeared answered this afternoon in a statement from the Imperial Diet announcing that a bill to place the person of the Emperor under the same laws and regulations governing the finances of elected public officials would be introduced shortly. The equalisation of law between the Emperor and MDs in this regard has long been a party plank of both the Labour and Federal parties, and Premier Mary Cullen said today that her party was "excited" to work with the Feds on what she called a long overdue initiative.

"I share with [Federal leader] Mr [Jordan] Howe a deep conviction that all levels of government must be held to the same rigorous standards of public accountability," the Premier told PBC this afternoon. "I and the whole of the Labour Party are eager to begin work on this vital measure, and encourage MDs of all ranks and files to join with us in so-doing." Cullen's office indicated that a bill would likely be worked on after the adjournment of this session of the Diet for Christmas recess, and would be presented sometime shortly after the State Opening on New Year's Day. The Emperor has not indicated any position on the potential bill, though most analysts believe it will be signed if presented.

by **Rodarion** » Wed Nov 19, 2014 8:17 am

Petru Verde hanged this morning

Disgraced Homosexual political figure, Petru Verde was executed this morning, by hanging, although it was conducted behind closed doors at Vitan North Prison

November 20, 2014| 14.10 PM PCT | înregistrate| By: Lucian Bodic

Petru Verde, the former head of the now banned National Reform Association, was hanged this morning after being found guilty of homosexuality and the three cases of sedition. He was arrested in late October and found guilty earlier this month, he was remanded in custody until his death sentance was to be carried out. According to the Justice Ministry, Mr. Verde's execution was set for the 18th, however Pope Constantine XIV personally intervened and offered Mr. Verde a chance to confess his sins and recant on his mistakes, however he refused to confess his sins, stating he had not committed any. He was hanged in Vitan North Prison, Romula, a priest and two guards were present. His wife, Ariana Verde has also been imprisoned under the charge of being a 'Farcical Spouse', for it being illegal to be married to man convicted of being homosexual, she has been sentenced to 15 years in a Repentance Camp.

Petru Verde's arrest and subsequent trial caused much anger and outbursts in "Free Pardes", with the usual case of the Papal Republic being accused of not recognising human rights and how immoral it is to arrest someone based upon their sexual orientation. As normal, the Papal Republic weathered the nonsensical comments and arguments and maintained its right as a sovereign nation to exercise its sovereign laws as it sees fit. Consul Octavian Ceausescu said this to reporters as he prepares for tonight's election results show, "as unfortunate as it is, when the government must conduct the death penalty, it is a sign that no one is exempt from the judiciary, from our laws. No matter who you are, your position in society, you are not exempt from justce, Petru Verde thought he was invincible, we proved him wrong and we brought him to justice."

Members of the former NRA planned to conduct a protest outside the Ministry of Christian Culture and Guidance however the police refused to grant them permission over fears of violent action by the protesters against the Ministry, 12,400 were supposed to be involved. The National Police Service warned the group not to protest without permission or they would face collective punishment. General Superior Romulus Cristescu warned, "if these former members prepare or plan a demonstration or protest over the situation following the arrest and execution of Petru Verde, I will ensure that the National Police Service utilises its full powers to collectively punish this group, as any demonstration or protest would be illegal without permission, they'd be breaking the law and that is that."

385 former members have been arrested already due to their refusal to hand in their membership cards, they all spent a week in detention and their membership cards were destroyed by Police. A further 3,000 recieved warnings after they missed the deadline to hand in their membership cards. A large number of the NRA Executive Board have fled to Emmeria, Belhavia and Eagleland following the ban, six members have arrest warrants due to direct connections to the charges of sedition laid against Mr. Verde. The Foreign Ministry has contacted Belhavia demanding their extradition.

"I urge the Belhavian government to cooperate in this matter, these six individuals have been connected directly to cases of sedition and we are sure that the Belhavian government will cooperate and arrange their extradition to the Papal Republic, we must ensure that all face the criminal justice system and have no place to hide or to avoid their responsibility in committing crimes against the state" Foreign Minister Mircea Basescu stated outside the counting office in his local constituency. However many Senators have commented on their doubts that Belhavia will agree to extradite the six wanted criminals, yet the National Police Service and Office of the Holy Inquisition have frozen all of their assets and seized their property, as permitted under the Faith Protection Act 1956.

News that his Holiness Pope Constantine personally intervened in Petru Verde's death sentance has been applauded by the general public. According to a statement made by the Office of the Holy Father, his Holiness offered Mr. Verde the chance to confess his sins and recant on his mistakes, something which has resulted in a prison sentence rather than execution in the past, yet the National Prison Authority stated that Petru Verde refused to confess his sins or recant on his mistakes, for he made none in his life. Following his refusal on the 18th, he was again offered the chance to confess on the 19th, again refusing.

He was hanged at 09.50am in the central courtyard of the Vitan North Prison, in view of all 8,954 prisoners. Resident Chaplain Grigore Jurescu gave him last rites and prayed for his forgiveness before God. His body is to be buried in the prison cemetary, his two sons are permitted to attend Mr. Verde's funeral, however due to his wife's sentance she will not be present.

PRRB's Lucian Bodic contributed to this report.

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by **Rodarion** » Wed Nov 19, 2014 7:55 pm

NCP re-elected to government

Victorious Consul Octavian Ceausescu declared tonight the first day of the Rodarian Century

November 20, 2014| 22.10 PM PCT | înregistrate| By: Miran Turescu

40 minutes ago, the National Electoral Commission publically confirmed the expectations of hundreds of millions, confirming that the National Catholic Party under Consul Octavian Ceausescu have secured another five years in government, the NCP secured 60.6% of the vote, receiving 533,443,705 votes, gaining 426 seats in the Senate, an increase of 52 and a majority of 75, the National Democratic Party saw gains albeit small, increasing their seats by 6 to 168, with just under a quarter of votes counted, 211,443,923. The Rodarian Socialist Party saw losses, with 10 seats lost to the NCP and Green Party, it now only has 82 seats, it received 103,403,953 (11.7%) votes, the greatest shock was the near annihilation of the National Liberal Party, which lost 63 seats, clinging onto the doors of the Senate with just two seats, the situation was so dire, that Senator Viktor Opran, the leader of the NLP, even lost his own seat to Green, Viktoria Lurescu. On top of the NCP’s success, the Green Party has finally entered parliament after almost 30 years of attempts, it secured 27,540,699 (3.1%) votes and 22 seats, most of whom were picked up from the RSP and NLP.

To overview, the National Catholic Party has been re-elected to government with an increase in seats of 52, now with a majority in the Senate of 75, they received 60.6% of the vote. Incumbent Consul, Octavian Ceausescu is expected to be again recognised as the elected head of government by the Papal Continuing Committee and his Holiness Pope Constantine tomorrow morning.

It has taken over a month and cost an estimated $1.88 billion, yet the largest democratic election in world history was a success. 879,372,979 votes were cast, following the introduction of mandatory voting last year, it has provided Rodarion with the most exciting campaign in modern times, to put the number into perspective; more people voted in this general election than there are people in Emmeria and Belhavia combined. More people voted for the NCP than people live in Arthurista for example. At the election results event in Saint Peter’s Park in Romula, chairman of the National Electoral Commission, Claudiu Alexandrescu said, “this general election is our shining achievement, we have proved to ourselves that no matter the size, we will always exercise our democratic right to choose our elected officials.”

Standing next to Chairman Lurescu, Consul Ceausescu took to the podium to address the estimated 490,000 people present.
“Dear brothers and sisters, we have won, we have done it (applause), we have achieved yet again, the support required to continue serving the Papal Republic for another five years, I would like to thank you all, all of you for voting in this greatest democratic success story (loud applause). I would like to thank the leaders of all political parties for their contributions to this success story and their excellent contributions to ensuring that all of you have a choice at each election, please stand and cheer for them (loud applause).

This is not a great day for me, or my party, but is a great day for the Papal Republic, today we showed the world our dedication, our commitment to ensuring that the Papal Republic stands firm, stands ready and eager to continue working towards a prosperous and secure future. Today we showed the world that no one can subjugate us, diminish us or enslave us (loud applause), today we showed our fighting spirit (applause).

Today begins the rejuvenation of the nation, today begins a new Rodarion, one no longer fearful of boldness, one no longer eager to please all, one no longer standing in the shadows bashful, shy of its abilities or rights, today begins a new path, a path which will allows us to show the world our might, today begins the true Rodarion, a nation of power, prosperity, unity and above all faith (loud applause). Today is the first day of the Rodarian century (loud applause).

Our potential is endless, within three years we are expected to become the largest economy in the world, let us make that milestone in two, you placed your support, your trust with the National Catholic Party once again, because you know, we are the only party to make sure this happens, you trust us, to work for you, to build a greater Rodarion, a stronger and safer Rodarion, you have given us the mandate to pursue a plan that will rejuvenate our nation from top to bottom (applause), you have given us the mandate to show the world our might (applause).

Today the world will look at us in admiration, they will look at you, the Rodarian people, the builders of a major power, the builders of a renewed nation, denounced to decline in the 20th century, yet we rise, O do we rise up, and shall continue to rise, up above the clouds and into the stars themselves, we are like a giant, ceaseless in growth, ceaseless in energy and ceaseless in success (loud applause) and a giant ready to show the world its might, though I pray to the Lord above, that we do not become complacent in our current pace of development, we must never become comfortable with the status quo, we must always reach for the better, reach for that brighter future, one you see to be led by the NCP, we have always been the party of the Papal Republic, we have always been your party and we shall always be (applause).

The next five years may not be easy, for what we plan for this nation may cause upset, it cause anger and it may cause fury, but it let be known that every action this party has taken has been in the interest of every single Rodarian man, woman and child since we were first elected to government in 1955, the NCP has governed the Papal Republic for 52 years, in those 52 years we have transformed this nation from a broken, declining land of farmers, into the manufacturing superpower of the world, but we could not have done that without you, the farmer, the factory worker, the police man, the teacher, the doctor, every single citizen has played his or her part in our nation’s story and together, it is clear, we can achieve absolutely anything, together, the NCP and you the people of the greatest nation on the planet (loud applause).

I would say, perhaps wrong to do so, yet I must say this, we are blessed nation, a nation without sin, a nation yet still hungry for redemption before the Lord, we have built our nation upon his holy word, we have built our nation in servitude to him and we have been rewarded, our works are good works, we toil in the fields and the factories, shedding our sin with every drop of sweat, tear and blood upon our blessed land (loud applause). I would say still, that our future is a bright one, we are a people gathered upon the wings of angel, taking us to the promised land, the land of prosperity, strength and security, and that angel is our paradise of Rodarion (applause).

Let us work together for another five years, let us together build a stronger, powerful, prosperous and secure Rodarion, let us show the world our might and let us continue to work hard in our Rodarian century. God bless you, and God bless the Papal Republic, Deus Vult brothers and sisters (chants of Deus Vult and loud applause).”

Political commentators have already unleashed numerous theories regarding the future political arena of the Papal Republic. Many have cast the National Liberal Party to the bin, it has lost all of this senior and most publically known Senators, the only two seats that remain were held by unknown backbenchers, who now are being called the #NearExtinctNLP. Many have also denounced the National Democratic Party for its poor showing, only growing by 6 seats, whilst early estimates placed their gains at over 30, its however widely accepted that Senator Romulus Maior, will remain leader of the NDP due to his popularity. Senator Mircea Blaga is expected to step down as party leader, after he vowed to do so in the event of the party losing seats, it lost 10. Severus Cernea, leader of the Green Party secured the Lumena seat, defeating NLP, Anna Mirescu with a 332,594 lead.

Professor Cristian Lupescu, present on PRRB1’s election coverage show, stated, “this year’s general election has really revealed the energetic parties, the National Catholic Party has been totally rejuvenated under Octavian Ceausescu, he has purged the party of the technocratic nature of the Iliescu administration and adopted the vigour and determination not seen since Nicolae Ponta’s administration in the 1990s, they showed the country that their still the dominant political force and got the support in reward, I suspect Ceausescu will prove to be a long serving and successful Consul. As for the Green Party, I am utterly amazed, so is the NCP leadership I imagine, they split the NLP and RSP vote and stalled the NDP, I look very much to seeing how they fair in national politics, as for the RSP and NDP, they just lacked the energy or perhaps the leadership to fight effectively, the RSP in my professional opinion, if it campaigned with absolute vigour could have supplanted the NDP as the official opposition, the NDP for their part if they campaigned to their full ability, could not have taken government, but most certainly could have reduced that NCP gains list. The NLP, well they were going to suffer heavily this past month, they’ve just been a shambles after the disastrous administration under Cristian Diaconescu in the early 2000s.”

We expect Consul Ceausescu and Proconsul Alexandrescu to be reconfirmed as their respective posts by the Papal Continuing Committee tomorrow, we will also become privy to whether Consul Ceausescu plans to re-shuffle his cabinet, which if he does, new ministers will obviously require the acceptance of the Papal Continuing Committee, Senate and Sacred College of Cardinals.

PRRB's Miran Turescu contributed to this report.

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by **Central Prestonia** » Wed Nov 19, 2014 10:34 pm

Diet OKs C4.5 Billion Investment Package To Valinor

Hudson The Imperial Diet this afternoon passed a foreign aid package described as "unprecedented in scale" to the benefit of the Ancient Kingdom of Valinor, sources told PBC.

The package, totaling C4.5 billion, will be administered under the Foreign Ministry's "Building for Democracy" program in conjunction with the Ministry for Economic Development. The program, begun in 2001 with Anikatia, aims to promote democratic institutions and development of infrastructure and trade through extensive investment and free-trade programming. Currently, the nations of Anikatia and Kigeme also receive aid under this program, though the package to Valinor represents the largest by far. The measure was passed through the Diet as a budgetary rider by the Diet Working Group on Ways and Means, and is expected to begin with the 2015 budget.

As specified in the budgetary rider, the sum of C4.5 billion will be administered in several payments throughout the 2015 calendar year and be earmarked for investment in infrastructure or public-interest development, such as housing or healthcare. Additionally, the bill includes resolutions aimed at reducing tariffs and trade barriers between Valinor and Prestonia, as well as for laying the framework for greater military cooperation in the wake of announced reforms in the military structure of the Ancient Kingdom earlier this year. Addressing the Diet during debate this afternoon, Premier Mary Cullen heralded the package as "a long overdue action to our words of friendship" with Valinor.

"The relationship between Hudson and Valtos is, in our estimation, a very important one and one hopes that the Valinese feel this way as well," Cullen told the Diet this afternoon. "With this unprecedented aid package we have taken a long overdue step toward building the Valinese economy, toward strengthening ties with the Valinese people, and ultimately toward being the ally we have long said we are." While the budgetary rider passed handily by a vote of 549-96, it was met today with some backbench concerns over the amount and Valinor's apparent drift toward the RCO sphere of influence in recent weeks.

"Are we really going to commit ourselves to playing money-ball against the richest economies in the world?," Federal backbencher Jim Howard asked today. "Because that's not a fight we're going to win." In response, Foreign Minister Arthur Jennings defended the package while saying that the RCO had "nothing to do with" the draft of the bill.

"This isn't about Romula, about spheres of influence," Jennings told the Diet. "It isn't about putting Valinor into this box or that one. It's about strengthening our ties to a valued and equal-footed ally, and doing so in a way that will benefit both of our economies. And if Mr Irenaeus can make time in his schedule to make a visit to Hudson we would be delighted to discuss these things further."

In a separate statement this afternoon, the Ministry for Economic Development said that it would be sending personnel to the embattled Valinese provinces of Segala, Agronnimous, and Ria where the aid package will be directed. While specific details were not available at press time, the statement said that these personnel would be "coordinating with local government and industry leaders...to identify areas of need and better advise the Prestonian private sector in this regard."

The Hudson 100 Stock Exchange reacted positively to these developments, gaining 108.36 points to close at 9947.21 on the day with gains coming heavily in energy and heavy industry stocks. Financial analysts attributed the gains to increased consumer confidence ahead of new market openings, backed on the possibility of government subsidies insuring against risk.

"The shareholders of Saint Andrews Ironworks, of Royal Crown Petroleum, these companies that posted the biggest gains today, are expecting that Prestonian industry is going to have essentially a free hand in Valinor backed on the faith and credit of the government," PBC Chief Financial Analyst Mark Stuart told PBC Market Watch this afternoon. "Of course, the specifics remain to be seen but in the short term we can expect this confidence bubble to push stocks into the ten-thousands and perhaps even higher if things play out well."

by **Tarsas** » Wed Nov 19, 2014 11:07 pm

Senate Approves 2015 Budget

The Imperial Senate has voted and subsequently approved the 2015 Budget Plan proposed by the Imperial Treasury. The plan outlines a projection of all spending necessary in 2015 and allocates tax revenue based on the 2014 numbers. The Imperial Treasury reported that 3.1 trillion in tax revenue was collected in total during the 2014 Fiscal Period. The majority of the money came from the national sales tax and property taxes within the Capital Province. With peace with Ulthrannia finally brokered, the Ministry of Defense reported a 10% decrease in spending and the deactivation of one armored cohort, comprising old T80125 tanks.

Administration costs were cut by the official dissolution of the Fortification Office, a specific government office that was operating on a staggeringly cost inefficient budget. The specific job of the Office was to maintain fortifications around the nation. Due to the mobile nature of warfare in the modern era, however, static fortifications have become relics of history for the most part. The Fortification Office operated on a 2 billion harkan budget to maintain seventy static artillery pieces along the Ulthrannic border, pieces that have now been deactivated and had staff removed. The 2 billion has been transferred to the Immigration Ministry.

Another major budget renovation for 2015 is the expansion of the Immigration Ministry to permit the current immigration quota to be moved up to 25,000 people a year. Currently, only 15,000 people are permitted to enter the nation a year and receive work permits. This quota is raised significantly for allies such as Rodarion and Ulthrannia but is kept at a low number for other states. The 2015 Immigration Expansion will provide the funding for the quota to be raised to 25,000 people a year and will uphold the Student Exception, which removes the quota entirely for international students who wish to attend school in the Empire.

Trade revenue increased by an additional 40 billion in 2014 as several naval maintenance contracts were approved for renewal with Belhavia for continued maintenance and upgrade of Veros class vessels in service with the Belhavian navy. Additional maintenance plans were approved for CIWS installations in foreign service. Additional funding was also provided to several naval bases abroad where Tarsan personnel are stationed. Additional revenue was generated from armament sales of old equipment to the Republic of Dacia and the Baharaq Republic.

The government's massive projects for 2015 include the construction of a new nuclear plant and the subsequent shut down and removal of the old Marvius Bay Nuclear Plant. In operation since 1966, the plant is well overdo for its reactors to shut down. After a dangerous temperature spike in one of the plant's three reactors in 2010, the Atomic Energy Inspection Board declared that the plant was no longer safe and would need to begin the five year shutdown process. Personnel and usable equipment are being transferred to a site five miles away along a different part of the bay where the Central Bay Nuclear Plant is being constructed. The plant will be opened this year with money from the 2015 budget and will be partially owned by Marvius Energy Corporation, a private sector company, and the Imperial Atomic Energy Board, which is a government owned entity.

The Imperial Treasury has given its approval of the spending and budgeting that occurred in 2014 and gave a positive outlook on government finances. Currently, a large investment surplus will be utilized to invest into key economic sectors and boost output. Overall, Chairman of the Treasury Callus Agripla Vecar, has said that he is pleased with the current government budget.

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by **Virana** » Sun Nov 23, 2014 3:41 pm

Historic Mount Allat eruption death toll rises to 64
Catastrophic eruption causes estimated billions in damage as emergency services are swarmed

^{SHARE THIS:}

Kader Tarek (@KaderTarek) and Donald Voortman (@DDVoortman) (The Heat)
^{Nov 23, 2014 10:21 AM | Qaum, Alamani, United Republic of Emmeria}

A shocking photograph of the eruption submitted by a resident of Sudarah, a suburb of Qaum, AL, depicts the historic eruption that occurred Sunday morning. The Heat photo

_{S T O R Y H E A D L I N E S}
:· NEW: Mt Allat death toll rises to 64

:· Eruption the "deadliest in over a century"

:· Mount Allat erupts, sends ash across much
of country

Qaum, AL, United Republic — The death toll of the catastrophic eruption of Mount Allat has risen to 64 in what is being called the largest and deadliest volcanic eruption on Emmerian soil in over a century. Hundreds of people sustained injuries, many of which were serious.

The volcano, Mount Allat, erupted this morning around 8:17 am following a series of tremors that caused one of the largest landslides ever recorded. This was followed by an eruption whose eruption column is estimated to be nearly 30 km high. The sudden eruption melted glaciers on the mountain, forming unprecedented lahars that caused severe damage in areas very far from the volcano. A number of smaller eruptions have occurred throughout the day. State militia and national guard units have been deployed to aid emergency services in Alamani as much of the area to the western side of the mountain has been reduced to wasteland.

Mount Allat is located 75 km west of Qaum, the capital of Alamani. The stratovolcano was due for an eruption, with a number of steam-venting episodes occurring over the past decade. According to URGS acting director Martha Knighton, the earthquakes in the area were likely one of the many causes of the eruption.

WATCH: Terrifying footage captured of Mount Allat eruption (GRAPHIC)

"There were numerous tremors for the past five years in the area, which likely caused the western face of the mountain to weaken and fracture. From what we have available it seems like Mount Allat's western side virtually exploded," she told reporters at Press Time. "We are working with local and private partners to gather information about this unfortunate event and figure out exactly what happened, to improve our proactive response for the future."

"It was like a nuclear war"

The Heat reporter Jenna Anderson, who sustained minor injuries during the eruption, was able to speak with The Heat over phone from Carrol Medical Center in Qaum, AL. She was in Sudarah, a Qaum metro area suburb, at the time of the eruption. She said: "There was a deafening explosion and the sky went black. I swore I thought it was like a nuclear war. I started coughing. I couldn't breathe. People were yelling, screaming. It was chaos."

FULL COVERAGE: 2014 Mt Allat Tragedy

UR authorities estimate the eruption may have caused up to $3 billion in damage. Areas surrounding the mountain, particularly its western side, were reduced to wasteland as historic landslides, volcanic lahars, and ash covered the area. UR authorities said trace amounts of ash were detected in air samples collected in 9 different states. The URGS constructed a map of the spread of volcanic ash from the eruption:

The spread of volcanic ash across the United Republic from today's eruption, courtesy of the U.R. Geological Survey. Click to enlarge.

A large-scale mobilization of emergency services, state militia and national guard, and private security contractors has occurred as the Department of Homeland Security's Emergency Response Service (ERS) coordinates emergency response and disaster relief. The Emmerian Red Cross and Red Crescent's (ERC) disaster relief fund has also sent numerous humanitarian officials to the area to support the local population, and it has launched a global campaign for donations.

TheHeat would like to issue condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of those affected by the unfortunate tragedy.

WATCH: Alamani governor declares state of emergency

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by **Geanna** » Mon Nov 24, 2014 1:26 pm

Photo of the new One Pound (Ф1) via Department of Financial Exchange

Parliament institutes transitional semi-fiat backing for currency
United Federacy finally begins printing of EBM Currency

^{SHARE THIS:}

Melanie Laveau (@MelveauGBC) and Harrison Konstantinous (@KonstantHarris) (GBC)
^{11/24/2014 | Saxonople, UNITED FEDERACY of GEANNA}

_{T R E N D I N G A R T I C L E S}
:· NEW:Volcano erupts in Emmeria

:· Pilot Error determined in fatal crash in S. Albiya

:· Geannese-Ulthrannic Wedding - What to know

:· Geannese budgeting

UFG, Pardes (GBC) — Parliament finally passed the Energy Transitional Monetary Act after several months of arguing and discussions behind closed doors. The United Federacy will be the first nation on Pardes to have instituted an Energy Backed Currency. An economic plan was laid out as a possibility for the nation to follow two decades ago - partially replacing fiat with the backing of Energy. The nation nationalized the electric grid and industry - and carefully managed close-partnerships between these industries and banks.

The establishment of the Department of Financial Exchange and the Board of Governors in 2011 - started the transition process into EBM. The Board of Governors is made up of economists and electrical engineers - tasked with managing the actual inflation and deflation - leaving the rest of the monetary value of the currency to the Market. ''Electrical prices for kWh has remained stable for almost twenty years at roughly .13 cents to 1 kWh. This puts the pound at 7.6 kWh. Fredrick Hamilton stated, Chief Director of the BoG.

With this - it is possible for consumers to actually exchange their money for kWh. However, this is applied in two ways - the banks are responsible for printing the money that represents the energy out-put of producers. Essentially making the system rely on a semi-fiat system, Energy is actually quite expensive to store - and thus the second manner of exchanging currency for power is on an accredited efficiency rate - basically the producer's ability to provide you that energy to say your home.

Government restrictions on power have become interesting as a result - it is possible for the public to produce their own energy and sell it back to the BoG. Producers will compete against each other to provide energy more and more efficiently, spurring the economy and ensuring the grid remains stable - jobs in the energy industry are as well expected to explode. The ETMA also establishes extremely harsh policies on lobbying or corrupting the BoG. Policies are also established in the form of Energy Reserve Bonds to curb and easily manage deflation and inflation of energy prices.

The Transitional process is expected to be completed in 5 years as a goal - the main focus is finishing the set-up of the energy grid and fixing loopholes and providing further policies to ensure the system transitions smoothly. Old currency is expected to begin falling out of circulation - however - the value of kWh will be provided to these older notes until they have become de-circulated.

By GBC's Sarah O'Clowd

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by **Tarsas** » Mon Nov 24, 2014 2:50 pm

Disputed Zone: How Unstable Is It Really?

The region of Golgotha, better known to many as the Disputed Zone, is a large tract of land that borders both Tarsas and Ulthrannia, though neither Empire has been able to reclaim it since it was assigned as a buffer zone under the 1948 Treaty of Los Reyes. Major attempts have been made, whether through covert or overt means, but none have succeeded. The region of Golgotha was supposed to have it's own governing body made up of local community leaders. The Golgotha Council was destroyed in 1958 on its 10th anniversary when Pro Tarsan militia stormed the building and slaughtered everyone inside, claiming the Ulthrannic leaders had taken an unlawful majority.

Neither Tarsas or Ulthrannia could intervene without irking the other nation, so began the years of little to no government. In 1963, a man who held the title of Baron in Tarsas and Count in the court of Ulthrannia by the name of Remus Agrippa Magulius satisfied both countries when he declared his own state within the disputed zone. A local who had grown up in the zone, he negotiated, through force of arms and through guile, with all of the groups within Golgotha and formed for the first time in a decade and a half the Kingdom of Golgotha and appointed himself as High King.

Order and prosperity reigned until his death in 1981 after a battle with cancer. He had two sons, one of which had titles in Ulthrannia and the other in Tarsas. Both had a bitter succession war for the throne that resulted in the death of the Ulthrannic heir and Golgotha was split into civil war again. It remains that way up to this day. The leader of the largest faction of pro Ulthrannia peoples calls himself "Lord President" Marco Luis del Oeste. He is currently the leader of the Free City of Santiago. The largest Tarsan faction is the Knights of Alctae under Duke Alcae Remus Magulius, lone surviving son of the former High King. He primarily inhabits the city of Alcae.

Neither side is able to gain major ground within the zone and outside of their zones of control, lawlessness reigns. It is estimated, on Akkadiya, that 60% of the illegal drug trade, 70% of human trafficking victims, and 90% of stolen goods all are shipped through the disputed zone on their way to a black market. The zone is divided between many lesser nobility from both states, with just over half of all factions loyal to Magulius and the remainder loyal to del Oeste. Despite their united front against their enemies, all factions fight incessantly. Tarsan loyal factions are all ruled by Golgothan nobility, most of which own an urban development and a chunk of land. Each of these warlords provides armed forces from their own lands. Ulthrannic loyal factions are under similar rule, with nobility that are loyal to Ulthrannia ruling them.

Both del Oeste and Magilius hold rights to the throne by birth but with the dissolution of the Royal Court in 1982 after it was burned to the ground in a fierce fight in the former capital of Feroa, neither claim can be decided upon. Several factions of Germanic peoples also exist in the central areas of Golgotha, many whom actively fight against the occupation of Tarsan and Ulthrannic factions. In 2011, it was estimated that 50% of the military resources spent by both factions had to be put towards fighting the Feroa Tribe, who have a significant pull with the local population. It is believed that certain financial backers within both countries, who simply wish to keep the zone under anarchy to avoid control from their enemy, also fund the Feroans.

Efforts to civilize Golgotha have been attempted by both sides, but have widely been unsuccessful. An RCO inspector visited the zone in 2010 and came up with a plan to have the zone integrated within both countries by 2020. This was voted down in the Imperial Senate after a two month long session. The opposition won out by showing how integrating it would be a massive undertaking and cost the Tarsan taxpayer billions. The Senate followed shortly after by sealing the border with the disputed zone. To this day, the situation remains the same.

A destroyed early model T80125 tank sits in the city of Vermos

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by **Bogoria1** » Tue Nov 25, 2014 7:51 pm

Eleven CCP politicians killed in Librantowa

Librantowa Police with two confirmed assailants and another suspect, who was later released

November 26, 2014| 16.30 PM PCT | înregistrate| By: Filipina Bonkowska | @FBonkowskaBBC

Eleven Catholic Central Party politicians have been killed at an open-air rally in Librantowa this morning. The three MAs and eight local politicians were killed by gunfire that is believed to have come from members of the North Bogoria Freedom Army (NBFA), an ethnic Lithuanian Pagan militia that has a record of attacks on Catholic populations and officials. Police in Librantowa successfully arrested two of the assailants and killed another, in what could potentially be a serious flashpoint as tensions between north and south continue to grow.

At 3.00pm, the CCP began its open-air rally in Librantowa Central Park, where they were calling for further negotiations as a means to end decades of ethnic and sectarian tensions in Bogoria. Cibor Wilczek MA, (among the dead), was a leading voice within the CCP calling for reform of the electoral system to a more representative form, finally offering the South major influence in the National Assembly. Around 600 people were present at the rally, Wislaw Sokol, the leader of the CCP was expected to make an appearance but failed to do so due to a family emergency.

Armandek Mech, the Commissioner of the Librantowa Police Force gave this statement, “at 4.55pm, four armed men entered Librantowa Central Park, pushing through the crowd, they reached the front and shot dead all 11 Catholic Central Party politicians present at the rally. Cibor Wilczeck died en-route to hospital, Zuzanna Zarzycka died in the operating theatre. The nine others were declared deceased at the scene, we will be launching a comprehensive investigation into the murders, we have reason to believe that those responsible were active members with the North Bogoria Freedom Army, should this be the case, it will warrant a further investigation by the Anti-Terrorism Unit of the Central Investigation Agency. The Criminal Investigation Agency is modelled on the Emmerian Criminal Investigation Division.

Wislaw Sokol who spoke with BBC reporters outside the Holy Mother Hospital in central Librantowa, said “I cannot believe what has happened, this innocent men and women, elected by the good people of the South to represent them locally and nationally have been gunned down, simply for being Catholic or ethnic Polish, its disgusting.”

President Algirdas Kirkilas has also taken to live television denouncing the massacre as ‘unjustifiable and sickening’. “We will never become accepted to terrorism, we will never become comfortable to massacres or murders of innocents based on their faith or ethnicity, it is actions like this that deny our Bogoria a prosperous and hopeful future, we will find those responsible and we will bring them to justice” President Kirkilas continued.

Police quickly evacuated the park and closed all exits, searching every man and woman for weapons, two were caught with their weapons and arrested, another fled, firing shots at police officers at one of the park entrances, two bystanders were injured but are not in serious conditions, police quickly gunned the assailant down, he died at the scene.

According to the interrogation of the two arrested, one other escaped from the park, he has not yet been identified. However the LPF did confirm the identities of the two arrested and both have a history of involvement with the NBFA and the Guardians of the Bellobog. Both militias are recorded as terrorist organisations by the central government, however little action has been taken against them.

The Ministry of the Interior has raised the terrorist threat level to B, the second highest level, in fear of possible reprisals by Catholic groups such as the December 19 Movement (D19) and the Popular Catholic Defence Brigades (PCDB), both groups have yet to comment on today’s incident online.

An investigation is to be launched by the Librantowa Police Force, the Central Investigation Agency and its Anti-Terrorism Unit is also expected to conduct an independent investigation. The loss of three Members of Assembly makes this incident the most costly for the political class of Bogoria, yet the loss of eight local politicians will make this more personal for the Catholic South, already ethnic Rodarian politicians are stating that they will no longer speak in public until the LPF or the CIA acts to destroy the NBFA. Lujan Sladek a local councillor was the youngest to be killed, aged 24, he was engaged and leaves behind a pregnant fiance, he has been praised on twitter and facebook as a kind and ambitious man, who had hopes of entering the National Assembly in next year's general election. Leo Sierkuciejewski another local politician was the oldest, aged 68, he leaves behind his wife, two daughters and six grandchildren.

Names of those who lost their lives:

Cibor Wilczeck, Member of Assembly, 47
Zuzanna Zarzycka, Member of Assembly, 56
Wilus Gregorowicz, Member of Assembly, 40
Adrian Zebrowski, Local councillor, 33
Leslaw Gajda, Local councillor, 29
Henrieta Zalewska, Local councillor, 35
Leo Sierkuciejewski, Local councillor, 68
Fabek Paleta, Local councillor, 39
Kasandra Kosowska, Local councillor, 53
Lujan Sladek, Local councillor, 24
Grzegorz Pawlikowski, 32

BBC's Filipina Bonkowska contributed to this report.

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by **New Belhavia** » Tue Nov 25, 2014 11:21 pm

Trending Stories -- Mt. Allat Eruption -- Repentance Camps Closure -- Geannese Monetary Reforms -- Golgotha Conflict -- Belhavian Senate

Death Toll Rises To 76 In Mount Allat Eruption As Chesed International Sends Aid

_{Pictured: The eruption of Mount Allat in Alamani state, Emmeria.}

Emmerian authorities allow Chesed International and other humanitarian non-governmental organizations to send aid.
^{November 26th, 2014 | By Elazar Cohen (ecohen@aij.org) (AIJ) | 9:37am EDT}

PROVISA, BELHAVIA — Two days ago, Mount Allat in northeast Emmeria erupted suddenly, with an eruption column nearly 30 km high. Hundreds are injured and the death toll has risen to 76, the United Republic Department of Homeland Security's Emergency Response Service reported earlier today.

While President Goldman and leading public figures across Belhavia have sworn to stand by the Emmerian people in their time of need in light of this unprecedented natural disaster, U.R. authorities have given permission for Chesed International, Belhavia's largest humanitarian and disaster relief private organization, to send aid, support personnel, and funds to help alleviate the human suffering and local devastation in the wake of the stratovolcano's unforeseen and lethal eruption.

'Funds, Some Personnel Only'

Yitzchak Ben-Moshe, the executive director for Chesed International's overseas disaster relief operations, was queried by the press on his organization's game plan to aid in the Mt. Allat recovery efforts. When one member of the foreign press inquired about sending ship-based relief in light to recent Geannese pronouncements of the same, Ben-Moshe said that "[c]onsidering that the Mt. Allat region is hundreds of miles inland from the coast, no naval assets will be activated. We will, rather, transport in aid workers, supplies, and ground vehicles via cargo plane to the nearest airport. We are coordinating with the U.R. Department of Homeland Security, ERS branch, on getting our people in where they can be of the most use in recovery operations."

Approximately a hundred aid staffers, ten tons of ready-stocked crates of medical supplies, food, and water, and some off-road emergency aid vehicles have been dispatched and are currently being flown to Emmeria, where they will be organized under local and federal U.R. authorities in recovery efforts.

Celebrity singer Elazar Sielderman, the honorary chairman of Chesed's charity fundraising drives, announced that he raised over $4.3 million shekels in the last 48 hours to support efforts in the post-eruption fallout and has planned to hold more 'Internet money bombs' and more traditional, formal fundraisers among Belhavian elites to raise more money for aid operations.

Elazar Cohen reported from Provisa, Belhavia. None of these organizations are associated with the AIJ, and all opinions and personal views in the article do not reflect the viewpoints of the AIJ or their employees.

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by **Central Prestonia** » Wed Nov 26, 2014 12:48 am

"Mad Dash" On in Embrea as Election Nears

Colchester Direct democracy, electoral reform and the youth pay gap. These were just three of a myriad of issues discussed this week as the leaders of the three major parties hit the whistle-stops for one final dash before the December 1st election.

While neither Sir Arthur Cavington, nor Jordan Howe, nor incumbent Premier Mary Cullen will be defending their seats in this election, all three have been out in force across their swing seats in the 90-constituency strong kingdom, conscious that every seat and indeed every vote can make or break their ambitions. All analysis thus far has pointed to an unpredictable election day, with polls seesawing wildly; as of this writing, the parties had returned to a statistical dead heat, though Labour continued to trail the rival Union and Federal Parties. Many have attributed the decline in Labour's standing here to the youth vote, a theory the Premier seemed to account for as she took the stage at a rally in Walpole to address a convention of College Labour and Young Labour delegates.

"You represent the future of our nation," Cullen told the assembly of about 1500 students ranging in age from 13-17. "And you deserve to be given a solid foundation for a brighter future, and you know as your parents and your grandparents know that there is only one party in Prestonia committed to making tomorrow brighter--for everyone--than yesterday was."

"All of you here, young or old, rich or poor, whatever language you speak at home, whatever church you go to or however you worship, this party cares about you," Cullen said, before urging the youth to "finish strong" in the last week of a campaign which has seen increased use of youth and college movements for grassroots organizing.

"You who are old enough, get out and vote; you who aren't quite there yet, organize, read, know what is going on in your country and what you can do to help...we count on you to lead us into tomorrow," she concluded.

While the Premier's words may have been inspiring, many in the Labour camp have criticised the party's inaction on addressing the so-called "youth pay gap," of under-17 workers being paid below the nationally mandated minimum wage. In response, Cullen met with representatives of the Youth RESPECT Coalition, a youth-rights political group aligned with the Labour Party but not officially part of the Labour Caucus. Today, her office released a statement reaffirming the Party's commitment toward remedying the situation.

"The Premier feels strongly that our minimum wage law must protect especially the youth, who are most at risk for exploitation on the job," the statement read. "To that end, the Premier will be working within her own party and across the benches to create a permanent solution to this issue." While no official plan of action has yet been released, many speculate that a bill fixing youth minimum wage at 75% of the adult level is in the offing if Labour holds control of the government.

The youth vote also resonated with the Federal Party this afternoon as leader Jordan Howe addressed a group of about 500 mostly middle-aged and younger voters in Donnington this afternoon, calling for "a paradigm shift" in the governance of the country.

"What we need, in the 21st century, is a system that engages every citizen of this nation in the process of government. And as we look to the future, sometimes it helps to look to the past," Howe said, drawing on his own experience in his native Gravic Isles.

"In my home kingdom, we never had feudalism. Every man was free...to petition, to advocate, to vote for what he felt ought to be done, and when there were gatherings they weren't of elected men but of all the men as equals. And this is what we need today, to ensure that all ideas are considered and all voices heard. In my home kingdom, and in Estovnia today, they call it the 'thing.' In the language of Prestic, we call it direct democracy, and it is something in which I believe very strongly."

While direct democracy has largely been a purely academic concern, recent polls show support rising for the institution particularly among the under-35 demographic; under Howe's leadership, it has been elevated to the level of a major platform policy. Analyst Patrick Murphy told PBC that this sharp demographic split can be related to how people use and interact with technology.

"Obviously, a system like this, if you consider petitions and the like, the natural thing would be to use the internet," Murphy stated. "So it's no surprise really that the group most in favor is the one that knows its way around the net the best, that's grown up around it."

In sharp contrast to its rivals, the Union Party has not made as much use of strong oration from its leadership in stump-speeches, instead leveraging the presence of Sir Arthur Cavington via the television and radio airwaves with occasional public appearances. Today was no exception, as Cavington took to the airwaves of PBC's popular current events program Real Talk, where he created a flurry of discussion by pronouncing the electoral system "utterly broken," and "in need of immediate repair."

"What we have here," Cavington told host Trevor Bishop. "Is a situation where there is only one party that can in theory collect a majority in the Diet. The Union and Federal parties have no chance. Statistically, I mean, even if all ninety seats [in Embrea] went to either one of us, there would be no majority government. And you see this reflected in the turnouts, here and in the Gravic Isles. These people know their votes won't make a difference, so they stay home, and who can blame them?"

Cavington also criticised the arrangement as being "inherently unstable" from a government perspective, referring to the staggered election cycle.

"Look, its no secret that you don't get anything done when you're constantly reappraising and reshuffling, which is exactly what a nation which is always at the polls does. A prospective Premier at this stage cannot realistically think more than a year in advance, which simply doesn't work when you're working in a long-term world. So I say--and I think the other major parties would agree--let's bring our electoral system into modernity, let's have fixed-term Diets and one single election, at a national level, and get on with the business of governing." Cavington conceded, however, that passing the amendment would be "an uphill battle."

"Obviously its going to be difficult going," Cavington told PBC. "With the Assemblies who all like the current status quo. But I think with enough work we can get it through the Diet, through the kingdoms, and I think the Emperor will sign it if we can explain the benefits. And this is something I know the Union Party will address in the coming weeks, but as far as how it goes, well, we'll see."

by **Davisholm** » Thu Nov 27, 2014 5:51 pm

Globe magazine reports
DAVISHOLM: The chancellor's chances
An election is due by the end of next year. Can Deacon win?

On the face of it, Chancellor Harriet Deacon's prospects of re-election do not look promising. Her Socialist party continues to trail the Liberals by 10 percentage points in the polls on preferences. Her government could fall before the end of next year, before it has had enough time to regain support, thanks to its wafer-thin support in Parliament. The Socialists have already lost their majority in the House of Communes. Until last Sunday, the Socialists and their loyal Green allies had a majority of just 3 seats between them. This has now been reduced to 2, following a defeat in a by-election to the insurgent Davisian People's Movement.

The government has lost a total of 5 seats to by-election defeats and another 3 due to MPs crossing the floor. The opposition would need to gain 2 more seats in order to bring down the government and force an early election - unless Deacon can obtain support from independents or the Communists. Deacon's government is in a very unusual situation; it holds a larger majority in the House of Provinces (6 seats) than it does in the House of Communes. This is a refreshing change; the upper house is a notorious graveyard for reformist legislation.

It is the norm that a government in Davisholm will be unpopular for most of its term. Opponents of the government tend to be noisy, supporters tend to be quiet. The approach to an election campaign tends to result in a resurgence in support for the government. Assuming there is no major economic or foreign policy crisis, support for Deacon will grow next year. Left-wing voters who disapprove of Deacon now for not being radical enough will still come back to vote for the Socialists to stop the Liberals from winning. Centrist voters will also start to return. Voters will not just be thinking about how the government is faring in the moment, but also how they have fared over the previous four years.

Does Deacon deserve to unpopular? Globe endorsed her in 2011, believing that the time had come for change. We acknowledged that there was a risk in endorsing a self-styled 'socialist'. But as we expected, Deacon's economic policies have been relatively liberal, in the tradition of Carter Phillips centrism. Debt has been kept under control, most tax rates have barely changed and the government has supported free trade and open immigration. Since 2011, the economy of Davisholm has continued to grow steadily and avoided a relapse into recession. Davisholm is a developed country now, so growth will never be as fast as it was in previous decades. We have also praised her government's progressive social policies, including a commitment to gender rights, LGBT rights, prison reform and better drug policy. The main downsides have been a growing pile of wordy regulation laws, the unnecessary extra tax band for the wealthiest earners and increases in inefficient farm and energy subsidies. On balance, Deacon is competent, but there could be better.

As is common, voters still prefer the incumbent chancellor over the opposition leader, even if they prefer his party. Tom McFadden, the leader of the Liberal Party (the Official Opposition), has struggled to make headway in this respect. Voters prefer Deacon to McFadden by a 57%-43% margin. His approval rating is 40%, lower than Deacon's 43%. Globe admires McFadden for his outspoken support for market economics, limited government and free trade. But he does so in a way which does not endear himself to voters. A voter's primary concern in an election is not 'limited government' but a prosperous economy. He seems too concerned with reducing taxes, without saying how he would fund the tax cuts. His penchant for creative language and straight talking are a refreshing change, compared to the evasive inoffensive answers we are used to hearing from politicians like Deacon. But there is a downside to this sort of personality; he is prone to making on-the-fly remarks and rash decisions.

It is precisely one of these moments earlier this year when McFadden called for the dismantling of Medibank. This is one of the flagship programs of the Deacon government and replaces the forest of national and provincial healthcare aid programs with a unified system. The Liberals opposed it at the time, arguing that it took power away from the provinces, but it wasn't expected that they would push to repeal it. Yet thanks to his big mouth, McFadden has made this official Liberal policy. By a large margin, voters disagree with it. Nor were they enchanted by his improvised plan for tax cuts, which would mainly favour the rich. Similar blunders like these would saddle the Liberals with unpopular policies and convince voters that McFadden is not suited to Government House.

Globe argued in September 2013 that McFadden was the wrong man to lead the Liberals and called for them to choose a different leader. We would liked to have to have seen Richard Head (a highly competent finance minister from 2001 to 2007) defeat McFadden in the 2011 leadership ballot. But it's too late to change leaders now; if the Liberals want to win the next election, it would be madness on their part to give him the boot.

The next election will be a contest between these two personalities. The Union of the Right (now increasingly marginalised) and the Davisian People's Movement (increasingly less so) will fight them for the primary vote, but the decisive factor will be the balance in support between the Socialists and Liberals. The odds are increasingly in Miss. Deacon's favour. Whether this is a good thing remains to be seen.

by **Rodarion** » Fri Nov 28, 2014 5:22 pm

Pope Constantine in historic visit to Anikatia, announces major reform to the Church

His Holiness Pope Constantine was met by Deputy Prime Minister Nikolai Tretyakov

November 28, 2014| 14.10 PM PCT | înregistrate| By: Lucian Stoica

In his first overseas visit, his Holiness Pope Constantine has laid out plans for major reforms to the way the Catholic Church spreads the gospel and conducts itself across the globe, in what is a truly historic visit to the Republic of Anikatia. In his first trip abroad since being elected head of the Romulan Catholic Church, Pope Constantine has reaffirmed Anikatia as a nation of sectarian peace and harmony and declared it a model for Christian neighbourliness, "a nation once condemned to misery under the thin lies of marxism, a nation now prosperous, peaceful and harmonious, a nation without quarrel or ill-feeling, a nation truly of inter-faith peace and harmony, a model, an inspiration for all of mankind." His trip to Anikatia is also coinciding with a trip by Foreign Minister Mircea Basescu who is reportedly here in Anikatia to negotiate a new free-trade agreement with the Anikatian government estimated at $15.6 billion.

His Holiness left Romula early last night and had a comfortable 26 hour flight, he landed in Antiytia at around 2.00pm he was greeted by Deputy Prime Minister Nikolai Tretyakov, a practicing Catholic. He then travelled to the presidential palace where he met President Sui Anyi and the two enjoyed a working lunch, topics of discussion included inter-faith relations, the Catholic population in Anikatia and the importance of Rodar-Anikatian relations in a move that has further made Pope Constantine distinct from his predecessor who focused mostly on theological matters. After his meeting with President Sui Anyi, the Pope was taken to a large speaking hall at the Anikatian House of Assembly where he addressed a large audience of Anikatian political, religious and business leaders.

"I have come here, to this restless nation, this nation of idealic zen, of pure harmony and peace, to discuss matters of faith, but it is easy to diverge into the importance of the relationship between the Papal Republic and Anikatia, because I am not just the leader of the Catholic Church, but also the sovereign of the Papal Republic, so forgive me if I stray on topic" the Pope jokingly requested.

"I am an old man and I remember the day that the communists took power here in Anikatia, the heart sinks, the tears rise and the feeling of remorse appears. For the next 21 years, we all watched as the communists destroyed Anikatia's image and cultural soul and destroyed the nation's connection to God, be he Allah, Ulthrianel or Lord Buddah. They're godless and souless evil claimed the lives of many who cherised their relationship with the divine, the Archbishop of Antiytia, Boris Zukhaev, a dear friend of mine was executed publically in 1983 for simply asking the communists to respect religion. The Catholic Church and the Papal Republic watched in horror as their repression tore Anikatians from the divine, but you triumphed, you defeated the poisonous dogma of Marx and you overthrew the monolith to enforced secularisation and moral corruption, you brought Anikatia from the brink to the dawn of a new age, a born again Anikatia, ready to find the divine once more. We prayed for you and God answered and he has blessed this nation and its industrious people, be proud in that the world stands with you, wherever you go" the Pope continued, recieving a standing ovation from some Anikatian lawmakers.

Since the fall of communism in Anikatia in 2001, relations have improved dramatically with trade rising from $3.2 billion in 2001 to over $105.33 billion as of 2013. Anikatia has been addressed as Rodarion's closest partner in the 'Far East', some have even said, 'our most reliable and respectable ally'. Anikatia has become one of Rodarion's largest arms suppliers, importing various aircraft such as the MyL-27, in 2005 the Papal Republic successfully negotiated the 2005 Rodar-Anikatian Friendship Exchange Agreement, in which the PRR recieved production rights for the fighter aircraft in exchange for allowing Anikatian automobile companies direct access to the Rodarian market.

"I would also like to make an announcement, here in this fine chamber, because I feel that it is a fitting location for what I am about to say. For centuries the Church has operated a stern and overtly stubborn approach to evangelisation, offering human beings a single line or interpretation of the gospel, some have called this fundamentalist, archaic, mis-placed in the modern world, others have called it necessary, the answer to the growing fracturing of socieites, an answer to moral corruption and societal laziness that eminates from individualism gone mad, yet I agree with the former. The gospel of Christ, is not a set piece, a set script from which to read, it is something every man and woman has the god given right to interpret as they please, that is the case today as it was when Christ walked this earth two millennia ago. I intend to see that this changes, in what I call, de-centralisation of evangelisation, in effect, the Church will inform its diocese leaders across the globe to spread the word of christ in light of their native nation's values and traditions.

"Should one nation, tolerate homosexuality, offer same-sex marriage or civil partnerships who are we to judge? For we are mere mortals, only the Lord in his divine light can judge us, for that reason, I support the Church in those countries spreading the gospel and teaching the gospel of christ in a manner fitting to the values of the society in question. In exchange, a nation were traditionalist values are held, the gospel should be fitted around that, for the Church is there to evangelise humanity and it must do so in a manner benefitting humanity, respecting humanity and embracing humanity's differences, varities and traits. The Church shall return to its ordained mission and it shall achieve its mission with humanity in mind and salvation of man as its aim, the Church is now the universal church that it is supposed to be" the announcement resulted in vast applause from the audience.

The Pope's announcement comes after several months of speculation over the broadness of his intended reforms, earlier this week he signed an executive order, shutting down Rodarion's Repentance Camp system, returning over 300,000 people to the mainstream prison system, due to the Repentance Camp system becoming excessive and uneeded in Rodarion's modern harmonous and united society. It is not known whether the Pope will attempt to address his desired reforms through a Vatican Synod or simply pass it through the Sacred College as a Papal Bull, yet many Church commentators have stated it will most likely be the latter, due to the reform not altering Catholic Social Teaching to a large degree and since his election in September, the Pope has spoken to all 288 Cardinals on a personal basis regarding the reform to guage their support and alay concerns.

Following his speech, the Pope led the chamber in prayer and left to visit the Antiytia Pontifical School for Social Teaching, the country's largest seminary, there he is expected to give a speech on the role of the Church within charities and the need for mankind to rediscover communal spirits. Tomorrow, Foreign Minister Basescu will meet Anikatia's Foreign Minister Tsuda Rekha, where they will negotiate the Free-Trade deal, a student exchange programme, increases in Rodarian investment into Anikatia and RCO-CMSA relations.

PRRB's Lucian Stoica contributed to this report.

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by **Temuair** » Fri Nov 28, 2014 7:58 pm

Emperador Lino Alberte Avila dies at age 87

Emperador Lino Alberte Avila is laid to rest following a traditional ceremony in the Temple of Danaan on Dinsmar. Thousands of mourners turned out for the ceremony, and lined the streets from the Temple to the Salón dos Señores.

Dismar - Astrid

Emperador Lino Alberte Avila VI, leader of the Empire of Temuair since 1989, died early Monday morning according to official sources. According to a statement from Minister of Health Brais Lois Mira, “Emperador Avila passed away at 05:13 local time, in his home surrounded by loved ones. He passed away peacefully in his sleep. We pray that Deoch commends the soul of our beloved leader into the everlasting fire of his love.”

According to the official statement released by the Ministry of Health, the cause of death was a pulmonary embolism. The episode came as a surprise to the family. According to reports, the Emperador collapsed during a meeting of senior military officials late Sunday evening. The details of the meeting were not released to the public but the meeting was described as “routine in nature.”. The Emperador was rushed to Misericordia General Hospital where the condition was diagnosed. The Emperador declined surgery for the condition, reportedly stating that his “reign was at an end, and that it was time for the next generation to inherent the throne.”. He was discharged from Misericordia and flown to his private estate in the Astrid Mountains, citing that he wished to pass into the next life “with family and friends in the comfort of his own home.” According to reports for witnesses, the Emperador was heavily medicated prior to his discharge from the hospital, and may have been placed in a medically induced coma prior to his death.

State funeral services were held in Dinsmar on Friday, and other cities observed an official state of mourning during the services, with schools and other governmental non-emergency services suspended for the day. The High Priest of the Temple of Danaan presided over the ceremony, giving a stiring eulogy highlighting Emperador Avila's commitment to the Aisling people, the betterment of Temuair, and his commitment to the gods.

Following the ceremony, a processing of high ranking politicians, members of the military and the Emperador's family, lead a processing of citizens and subjects through Dinsmar to the Salón dos Señores, the Hall of Lords, where the remains of Aisling Emperadors dating back over 1,000 years are interred.

The conclusion of Fridays service marks the beginning of the official month on mourning. Traditionally, no major political decisions are made during the month of mourning, and the nation is administered by the Head Burgess unless a state of emergency exists when an Emperador passes away. The Head Burgess is never officially recognized as an Emperador, and is merely said to be acting as a steward until a new Emperador can be chosen. The Office of the Emperador is one of the few non-elected positions in the Temuair Empire, with the previous Emperador choosing his own successor. The successor is not made public until after the reigning Emperador's death, and is traditionally written down and sealed away at the beginning of his reign, with the decision being changeable at any time, and generally reviewed once a year.

Emperador Avila had named his successor, and it came as no surprise when the announcement confirming his son Vitor Antón Avila, was made Friday evening. Vitor Antón Avila will assume the title of Emperador Avila VII after the conclusion of the official month of mourning. Rumors persist that Vitor Avila intends to allow foreign dignitaries to attend the coronation ceremony, something that has never been done in Temuair's history. When asked, he stated that to do so was to “show solidarity and unity with our neighbors and the world at large.”

Vitor Antón Avila is a former member of the Imperial Navy of Temuair, commanding the Orgullo, a Piet-class destroyer. He served with distinction during his time in the military, completing 13 years of service before honorably separating from the Imperial Navy in 1989. Following his separation from the Navy, he was appointed by his father to the Ministry of Defense as a the governmental liaison to the Imperial Navy.

The Avila family has held the reigns of power in the Temuair Empire since the mid 1950's, and have lead the nation in growth and prosperity during their tenure.

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by **Virana** » Fri Nov 28, 2014 9:34 pm

In landmark speech, President Vaziri declares the Freedom Century
U.R. president applauds Papal reforms but rebuts 'Rodarian Century', says Emmeria continues to lead the way

^{SHARE THIS:}

Kader Tarek (@KaderTarek) and Donald Voortman (@DDVoortman) (The Heat)
^{Nov 28, 2014 10:21 pm | Oured, D.A., United Republic of Emmeria}

President Vaziri made a number of bold statements at his Weekly Address outside the Presidential Residence today. Most notably, he applauded the The Heat photo

_{S T O R Y H E A D L I N E S}
:· NEW: President Vaziri declares 21st the
"Freedom Century"

:· Vaziri lauds reforms in Catholic Church

:· Vaziri: Recovery from Allat part of the
Emmerian spirit

Oured, D.A., United Republic — President Alex Vaziri gave his weekly address outside the Presidential Residence on Friday evening, making a number of statements regarding issues this week like the death of Temuair's late emperor, Mt. Allat tragedy, Romulan Catholic Church reforms, and statements from the Catholic pope that it was now the Rodarian century.

Death of Emperor Lino Avila VI

The death of Temuair Emperor Lino Avila VI was met with sorrow from Vaziri.

"I am saddened by the events leading to the death of Emperador Lino Avila. It is an unfortunate day when a leader passes away," he said. "A man who espoused the ideals of love and courage and brotherhood has left this Earth today. He went down fighting a severe pulmonary embolism, and his passing will be remembered forever. Let this be a lesson that not even the world's leaders are immune to the power of God. While we will long honor his memory, we cannot forget that the world continues to move on, and today is the dawn of a new era in Temuair. Emperador Vitor Avila has inherited a great and challenging responsibility, one that I am sure he will rise to meet with conviction and dignity. I bid him the best of luck in his endeavors at the helm of an empire."

Mt. Allat eruption

President Vaziri called for donations to humanitarian organizations to support those affected by the catastrophic eruption of Mt. Allat in Alamani. The eruption is the deadliest volcanic eruption in the United Republic in over a century and one of the deadliest recorded eruptions in modern history.

"The eruption of Mt. Allat is truly a tragedy," Vaziri said. "But it is our solemn duty, as Emmerian people, to unite, as brothers and sisters, to recover from this tragedy. Together we can fight any challenge, against insurmountable odds, time and time again. Our tenacity is an integral part our Emmerian spirit. And that is what makes us great."

At the same time, while he spoke highly of private and governmental donations to humanitarian organizations providing relief in the area, he defended the decision of the United Republic Department of Homeland Security in declining military assistance from Geanna in light of the tragedy.

"There is no doubt the brave men and women who are putting their lives on the line to aid their brothers and sisters in need are honorable and praiseworthy. I cannot stress with words how grateful I am of my friends and loved ones around the world who have contributed to helping those in trouble. However, we are a nation built on strength and the rule of law. In tragedies we can endure and have plenty of resources to mobilize, we cannot surrender our dignity and our national commitment to our people by outsourcing these to exclusively foreign bodies. We understand the power of the Geannese military to support us through these times, but we have all the resources we need to conduct the very same operations the Geannese propose; bringing them in to take over would complicate the process and delay the timeframe for aid to reach those who need it. We welcome all humanitarian aid, but military aid for this crisis is unneeded. However, and I cannot say this enough, I wish to express my gratitude towards the resolve and good intentions of the Geannese people."

Catholic Church reforms

In recent weeks, the Romulan Catholic Church has committed to a number of reforms aimed at modernizing the church's policies in the evolving world. President Vaziri voiced his support for many of these reforms, some of which are aimed at liberalizing one of the most conservative religious institutions in Pardes.

"Pope Constantine and the Romulan Catholic Church have in recent weeks announced their dedication and commitment to eliminating outdated practices and bringing liberty to the people of Rodarion and Catholics around the world," he said. "The closure of repentance camps, many of which were known worldwide for drastic human rights abuses, and the Church's newfound stance of tolerance of alternative worldviews, are both positive developments. I am sure Pope Constantine is heading down the proper path in alleviating the troubles faced by the Rodarian people after having endured the same oligarchy for 42 of the last 60 years."

"Freedom Century"

After the Rodarian National Catholic Party (NCP) regained a majority in the Rodarian Senate, major NCP figure Octavian Ceausescu proclaimed it the "first day of the Rodarian century" in a move that was criticized by many Emmerian political figures. The statement was reiterated by Pope Constantine following the recent Catholic Church reforms, where he said "today, our century begins."

President Vaziri was critical of this statement.

"The 20th century was, in all respects, the Emmerian Century," he said, reiterating the words of Cold War era President Joseph Levine. "We rose from a fledgeling second-rate industrial power to the most dominant economy in the world. We helped transform a planet covered in tyranny and imperialism into an emerging utopia of liberty, democracy, and prosperity. We turned from a nation covered under the shadow of global powers into one that came up and challenged the world's giants.

"And now we see across the globe, as people take their lives into their own hands to defy those governments that once had the power to challenge us, that our fundamental ideals - those of peace, of personal responsibility, of accountable, free, and representative governance - are not just Emmerian concepts, but universal values. This is why institutions of human repression are now forced to break the bonds that once tied down their people. At the dawn of the Emmerian Century, we were the lone voice to utter these words. But today, our friends stand by our side. From the coasts of Belfras, where kingly tradition lives in harmony with benevolent liberalism; to the cities of Belhavia, where liberty and individuality have long reigned supreme; to the beaches of the Eagleland, where closeness to God is essential to personal freedom; to even the shores of Anikatia, where the chains of communism have now given way to universal prosperity, our ideals ring true and universal. The 21st century is no longer just an Emmerian Century, but the century in which the people of the world declared, in one voice, that liberty is not for the select few, but for all of God's people. The 21st century is the Freedom Century. And like the last, the United Republic will lead the world and pave the way for the less fortunate. God bless liberty, God bless Emmeria, and God bless the world."

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