Fonteveille News Network [CLOSED]

[Fonteveille]

Fonteveille News Network is your foremost provider for all Fontégasque news. Including domestic and international coverage, FNN is committed to keeping Fonteveille informed about the world, and the world informed about Fonteveille.

[Fonteveille]

Noordeindian State Visit


The Presidential Flight Landing at Fonteveille Int. Airport

The ongoing visit of the President, First Lady, and government members of the Grand Duchy of Noordeinde is seen by most as a positive step in Fontégasque foreign relations. The President and his party are being personally hosted by His Majesty the King, and we have reports that they have been visiting with various high-ranking members of the government. The Grand Duchy, though having a ceremonial figurehead monarchy, is a constitutional democratic republic, as such this is seen as a huge leap for His Majesty who has hitherto only dealt with other monarchies. It is hoped by many that the Kingdom and Noordeinde will be able to form a strong friendship.

[Fonteveille]

Landmark Decision by Royal High Court


The Royal High Court Assembled to Give its Verdict

The Royal High Court gave its verdict yesterday in the case of Ministry of Defense v. The Crown. The Court ruled by a vote of 6 to 2 in favor of the Crown. The case began when His Majesty attempted to move the administration of the Royal Armed Forces from the Ministry of Defense to the Huate Cour, thereby dissolving the Ministry. The Minister of Defense at the time sued the Crown, on the basis that this was a violation of his and the people's rights and an overstepping of the King's authority. However the Court sided with the Crown, citing Articles 10-12 of the Constitution as their reason for doing so.

Article 10
The King determines the organization of the different branches of the administration, and salaries of all civil and military officers, and appoints and dismisses the same. Exceptions especially provided for in the present Constitution or in other laws, shall be in accordance with the respective provisions (bearing thereon).
Article 11
The King has the supreme command of the Army and Navy.
Article 12
The King determines the organization and peace standing of the Army and Navy.

The decision has been met with mixed opinions. Some view it as a power grab by the King, such an opinion was submitted via facebook by one Ms. Gianluca,

"I cannot imagine any reason for His Majesty to have done this, other than for sheer display of power. The Ministry of Defense was doing a fine job, and was responsible to the rest of the Cabinet, which we elect. I am thoroughly upset with this action by His Majesty."

However others viewed it as a positive thing, as expressed in this text sent in to FNN on the subject by a Mr. Henri,

"I applaud His Majesty for this action. Not only is he within the constitution, this will help him fulfill his duties as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, without that Ministry to get in his way."

Overall there has been a mixed reaction, and most are only waiting to see if this causes any real changes.

[Fonteveille]

Assassination Attempt and Terrorist Bombing at Nickian Coronation!


Photo of the Rubble that once was the Cathedral of St. Andrew

In a shocking series of events, the coronation of Her Imperial and Royal Majesty Empress Olivia of the Holy Nickian Empire, one of Fonteveille's closest allies, has been rocked by an explosion. As HI&RM attempted to give a speech on the steps of the Cathedral where her coronation had just taken place, gunshots rang out from the crowd. The Empress's security forces had just managed to get her inside when a huge explosion boomed in the courtyard outside. Though sadly many civilians were killed outside, none of the invited guests (including our Royal Family) were harmed. Both inside and outside the Cathedral hysteria erupted. However, our Royal Family was able to cooperate with the Empress to get the Cathedral evacuate, and to begin relief efforts outside. After addressing the ICLC Council on the matter His Majesty King Alexandre and the Royal Family returned home. His Majesty is currently in a closed joint session of the Royal Diet, presumably to discuss declaring war against the Fellowship Resistance, the group claiming responsibility for the attack. We will have more information for you as events progress.

[Fonteveille]

To Arms!


His Majesty the King Addressing the Joint Session of the Royal Diet

Following the vicious attack on the Holy Nickian Empress's coronation, the Royal Diet yesterday, at the request of His Majesty, officially declared war on the Fellowship. The Royal Diet also resolved to deploy part of our armed forces and extend an overture of alliance to the Holy Nickian Empire. The general reaction to the attempt on the Empress's, and by extension the Royal Family's, lives caused general outrage among the people, and this war is viewed with general support. Especially with the knowledge we will be participating as part of an ICLC Coalition. Deployment of troops to the HNE began immediately and full deployment of the 73,000 men and women is expected to be complete within 10 days.

[Fonteveille]

Commonwealth Council Temporarily Relocated


Fort Inselburg in the Grand Empire of Celritannia

At the urging of the Holy Nickian government due to the continued threat of further terrorist attacks in Harmony City, Bardust, the ICLC Council resolved to relocate. There were many suggested locations, including our own Castello di Savoy, however it was decided that Fort Inselburg in Celritannia was the best choice. The island fortress was chosen due to its remoteness, and the fact that its easily defended and patrolled. The Council is in the process of relocating, but our representative, His Grace the Duke of Farnese, has informed us that so far in addition to the Fontégasque delegation, the Allicantean, Celritannian, Izzeryian, Alkoul, and Bardustian delegations have arrived. It is hoped that the Council will be able to return to the familiarity of Harmony soon.

[Fonteveille]

Reform Protests in the Capital


Thousands Gather in the Capital to Demand Reform

This morning thousands of people gathered in the street in front of the Castello di Fonteveille, and the Royal Diet building to peacefully demand legislative reforms. In particular they demanded that the King's power to choose the members of the government be eliminated, and the government be formed by the majority party. They also demanded that the Chamber of Lords be relegated to more of an advisory role. The protests were led by a coalition of Orthodox Christian and Islamic leaders.

[Fonteveille]

Chamber of Reps. Elections!

Following the declaration of war on the Fellowship Resistance, the Liberal Democrat-Social Democrat Coalition has decided to take advantage in the upsurge of patriotism, and thus support for them, to call for a general election. The Prime Minister yesterday formally asked His Majesty to dissolve the Royal Diet, His Majesty, who is known to favor the coalition, assented and the Royal Diet was dissolved. The current government has been in power for three years, and as the maximum term for any government is seven years, this election could possibly lead to a ten year Lib. Dem.-Soc. Dem. Coalition government, if the preliminary polls are to be believed. The general attitude among the voters is that this is a good idea, that giving the government a new seven year term will prevent instability if the war lasts for more than four years.

[Fonteveille]

Queen Maria Pregnant!


Queen Maria

In an official statement made by the Royal Household Ministry in His Majesty's name, it has been announced that Queen Maria is surprisingly pregnant. In the words of the official statement, "This [pregnancy] was in no way planned, though we are exceedingly happy to add a new member to the Royal Family." However, all is not happy in the Royal Family. The Crown Princess Isabella, due to Fonteveille's male-preference primogeniture laws, will be replaced as heir-apparent if the newborn is a boy. It is rumored that the Crown Princess's visit to Allicante was arranged to coincide with the announcement, and that she was equally in the dark as the general public. The Crown Princess is a favorite of the people, though as she would have become the first female sovereign of Fonteveille her approaching reign was viewed with worry. The expected loss of the Y-chromosome, which has been preserved by the hitherto direct-male line of descendants. This direct-male line descent means that the current King Alexandre has nearly the same Y-chromosome as his royal ancestor Francesco di Savoy. Her Majesty is estimated to be two weeks pregnant, and as stated in a statement by the Royal Family Physician, it will be around nine or ten more weeks before the sex of the baby can be determined. The Kingdom waits with bated breath for the outcome.

[Fonteveille]

Massive Protests Rock Fonteveille

Protesters in Porto

Massive protests have sparked all over Fonteveille, including every major city. In the spirit of the Fonteveille City protests a few days ago, these protesters are demanding government reform. So far the protests have been non-violent, however the protesters have pledged to halt traffic and disrupt government functioning all over Fonteveille until their demands are met. They have been blocking roads, and convincing government bureaucrats to join them, debilitating the governments ability to function. The purpose is clear, they are taking advantage of the War with the Fellowship Resistance to force the government to consent. At this time of war, the government needs to function as efficiently as possible, but these protests are making that impossible. The Chamber of Representatives is also pressing for reform, they have passed a resolution demanding that the King negotiate with them to reach an agreement. However, the Castello di Fonteveille has yet to release any statement on the matter.

[Fonteveille]

His Majesty Consents to Negotiations

His Majesty, facing three days of near total halting of the administration everywhere but Fonteveille City, has consented to enter negotiations with a delegation from the Chamber of Representatives. The King and the committee have been in discussion for nearly eight hours, however both His Majesty and the committee members have suggested that the talks are very productive, and they hope for a final deal soon.

[Fonteveille]

Reform Negotiations Finished!

The King and the Chamber of Representatives have come to an agreement. The exact wording of the agreement was not to be released. However, we here at FNN have managed to get a leaked copy of the agreement.

Protester's Gains
The Royal Diet will be called the Parliament of Fonteveille
The powers of the Chamber of Peers will be greatly reduced
The Chamber of Peers shall debate and vote upon all bills, excepting money bills
By voting against a bill, the Peers can only delay it for a maximum of two parliamentary sessions over a year
After this time, the Representatives can force the Bill through without the Peers' consent
The Peers can hold the government to account through questions to government ministers and the operation of a small number of committees
The Royal Family shall be removed from the Chamber of Peers
Parliament may pass a vote of no confidence or withhold supply and thereby dissolve Parliament
The Government must enjoy the confidence of Parliament to remain in power
A new National Flag and Coat-of-Arms shall be created, separate from the Royal Flag and Coat-of-Arms

King's Gains
The plan to turn the village of Verono into a Palace-Capital plan shall be approved and financed.
Once completed this new city shall become the Capital of Fonteveille and Seat of Government.
The King shall remain Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces
The King shall retain the power of Royal Assent