Esquarium Today [Regional News, CLOSED]

by **Namor** » Wed Feb 10, 2016 9:08 pm

Highlights from the 1st post-primary presidential debate

February 11, NMR 2378

37 DAYS
UNTIL NMR 2378
GENERAL ELECTION

ARRA - The first post-primary presidential debate hosted by PTH was held in the Football Stadium of Arra City. New Democratic candidate Huan An, Popular Front candidate Shohai Antelope and People's First candidate Kuo Zhang all attended the debate. PTH brings you the highlights from last night's debate.

Economy, taxes and trade: Antelope compares Huan's flat tax to Jahisticism

For most of the debate, the candidates debated economic policy. Shohai Antelope went on the offensive, accusing the New Democrats of being incapable of stopping volatility in the stock market. He also criticized Huan An's proposal for a 25 percent flat tax rate for all citizens, comparing the tax to Jahisticism, the state ideology of Unolia.

"Huan's flat tax is like what Jarrod Thuman scribbled on paper when he took over Unolia. It sounds nice, but once you actually implement it, you'll see the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer. That's not the situation we need, especially when we're in crisis," Antelope said.

"You have no problem with every worker deserving the same minimum wage. Why can't you accept everyone paying the same percentage of his income no matter how much he earns? I thought you stand for equality," Huan retorted.

Antelope then railed against Huan's support for a continental free trade pact, which Huan called "necessary" to end the global recession.

"Deputy Antelope, it's clear that you don't understand a thing about economics. The way to get out of a recession is to buy more. Turning to protectionism only makes things more difficult," Huan told Antelope.

"I'm not sending Namorese workers to another country because I think that's the only way they can survive," Antelope replied. "Our priority should be to bring the Namorese people back to normalcy. That requires policies that benefit Namorese, first and foremost."

Besides sparring with Antelope, Huan had a brief confrontation with Kuo Zhang, who brought up his proposal of instituting a 500 percent tariff on products coming from EU member states.

"How do people support this from the start?" Huan asked Kuo.

"Because they know, deep down in their hearts, that our economy is in the dumps. The Namorese people are not getting any benefits that are supposedly out there," responded Kuo.

Kuo Zhang: Katranjians are "dogs"

When the candidates began discussing foreign policy towards the end of the debate, People's First candidate Kuo Zhang stirred crowds by comparing President-General Fu's Luziyca policy to that of neighboring Katranjiev's.

"Namor is becoming a second Katranjiev. I said this before and I'm saying this now. We're losing our sovereignty. Just look at Katranjiev. Their country is in shambles. Everything they say must satisfy Luziyca, everything they make ends up in Karshev's, all their oil and bicycles. Since Huankun Chen's downfall they've become dogs, quite frankly. They can't stand up for themselves, as they prefer to be Bethlehem's best friend. Do we really want Namor to be like this?"

"No, but I find it appalling that you would compare a people to dogs," Antelope said, distancing himself from the other détente-skeptic candidate on stage.

"Well, I really hate to say it, but that's what they are. You know that's the case too. It's just that we've been too afraid to say it," Kuo replied.

Antelope: "I can keep relations stable"

When the candidates were presented a question about whether they prefer expanding or contracting détente with Luziyca, Huan An seized the opportunity to attack the Popular Front's "rabidly outdated foreign policy."

"My mind is in NMR 2378, but Antelope's is in NMR 2336," Huan said, referring to the year the Third Namo-Luziycan War took place. "I want to bring Namor to a new century of peace and prosperity. Antelope doesn't; in fact, in a rally in Po'ai he said no to détente. How do you expect him to become President-General and not get our country in another costly conflict?"

"Deputy Huan, can you please stop portraying the New Democrats as the only party that can maintain stable relations with our neighbors? In fact, it was a leftist administration that normalized relations with the Luziycans. Yes, I want a stable relationship - a relationship that can benefit both countries. I can keep relations stable, even if I'm not a New Democrat," replied Antelope.

"So you're pulling a volte face on this subject now?" Huan asked.

"Who said that? I always wanted stable relations. It's just that your party keeps polarizing the issue so that you appear like a peacemaker and I appear a warmonger. But that's far from the truth," said Antelope.

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In move towards competitive politics, Unolia leader dissolves parliament, calls elections - Jahistic Unolian leader Zheng Zhuli dissolved the AoTP and called for elections.

by **Francilie** » Thu Feb 11, 2016 8:34 am

Thursday, 11th February 2016
CEDRIC LIET, PATRIOTS' LEADER, AGRESSED DURING AN ADRESS

Cédric Liet, president of the nationalist party "The Patriots" and of the "Nouvelle Alliance" coalition, was hit by an Autian independantist militant during an adress in Autebourg.

AUTEBOURG, L'AUBE AUT - Today in Autebourg, the "Reborn City", the only city in Aut to be ruled by right-wing parties in an overwhelming socialist federal state, the Autian State President of the nationalist party "The Patriots", Roberto Asùran, welcomed the politician now known to be the second force in last year's Consul election, beating both Republicans and Socials, but beaten by Claire Journay's Center, Cédric Liet. Elected in 2014 during the National Convention of the party, in Châteaunigray, he managed to bring the Patriots to new heights. Ex-LibDem, he joined the party in 2005, where he incarned the new generation, more progressive than the old one.

He decided to make security, defense of the poor and unionism the principal issues of the party, while the previous president, René Châtelain, made controversial declarations concerning immigration and "family values".

The Sanctidesiderian (he was born in Saint-Dizier, Champrésie) decided to visit Asùran in Autebourg, in light of recent murders committed by Autian far-left independantists on Armoricans and Francesians.

In his adress, in the Patrice-Massuret Forum (a former opera, now a big venue for politicians' adresses, concerts and TV shows), he described these murders as "atrocious crimes committed by partisans of the destruction of the Federation", when suddenly, someone ran out of the audience and punches violently Liet in the head seconds before he's brutally taken by security forces. The adress is suspended and Liet, who apparently stood still, personally called an ambulance.

On his Twitter account, later in the day, he posted a tweet saying that he's safe and sound, and that his wound is currently being treated by the staff of the Santa-Pétia Hospital in Autebourg.

The profile of the agressor was released by the Police Bureau of Autebourg: Robén Azedo, a 22-year-old far-left independantist militant, founder of the illegal organization "Jenadra enmirde l'Union" ("Youth fucks the Union"). He is already known by the Police for vandalism and agressions. He was brought to the Santa Lùssa Police Bureau in Autebourg by the security forces of the Patrice-Massuret Forum. He "committed his act for his ideals of a free socialist Aut, by smashing the Francilian, Armorican and Fiennish fascist nationalist dogs that stole everything from the Autian people". He will be temporarly emprisoned for a week, before being judged by a tribunal that still needs to be determined.

Recent SondIn (Independant Polls shortened) polls shows that Cédric Liet is the "best" right-wing politician of the Union, before the Republican Jean d'Aussy.

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by **Namor** » Fri Feb 12, 2016 8:23 am

Riro president: Kuo Zhang "man of decent vision"
Comes after Kuo's Katranjiev comments

February 12, NMR 2378

36 DAYS
UNTIL NMR 2378
GENERAL ELECTION

JUNOF, RIRO - In what some are viewing as an endorsement of a Namorese presidential candidate by a leader of another country, Riro's president Ling Mon praised Kuo Zhang, calling him a "man of decent vision" and asking voters to consider him in March.

Ling Mon made the remarks during an interview with local newspaper Junof Sibo. The reporter asked Ling whether he had watched Wednesday night's debate in Arra.

"Oh yes I did, all of it," Ling replied.

"I want to get your insight on one of the candidates, and that's Kuo Zhang, the People's First candidate," the reporter said. "There is a firestorm going on because Kuo called Katranjiev - Katranjians - 'dogs' and accused them of being subservient to Luziyca. According to Kuo, Namor is becoming a second Katranjiev. What do you think about those remarks?"

Riro president Ling Mon said Kuo Zhang is a "man of decent vision"
during an interview with local media

"Well, I admire him for his assertiveness in that subject. And I do believe he is a man of decent vision. Few politicians these days are willing to say it like it is. In the context of this election, Kuo is probably the only one up there who is shamelessly pointing out the geopolitical realities of today. You've got to admire that. About Kuo calling Katranjians dogs, perhaps there's a better word he could have used, but people should actually look at the argument," said Ling.

"I can't vote in the election because the Namorese of Riro aren't one with the motherland yet, but voters certainly shouldn't shrug him out of sight at first glance. They should listen to him before making a decision."

Ling Mon isn't the first leader to comment on Namor's elections. In January 19, Jahistic Unolian leader Zheng Zhuli declared his support for New Democratic candidate Huan An.

At home, Kuo Zhang is facing criticism after Wednesday's debate, where he claimed "Namor is becoming a second Katranjiev" and called Katranjians "dogs." Kuo also suggested that Katranjiev was better off under Liberationist rule.

In Xhishin, hundreds of ethnic Katranjians protested outside the local PFC chapter demanding that Kuo apologize and quit the race.

"I am absolutely outraged. Although I live in Namor, I have many relatives in Desislav. And I can tell you, they are not dogs. They are hard-working people. Kuo Zhang and his party must not only apologize, but also withdraw from the race. To have this idiot run in a Namorese election is a disgrace."

Katranjiev's Queen Elis condemned Kuo's comments.

QueenElis
@ElisKatranski

@KuoZhang called our people a bunch of dogs. We're more like cats, tyvm. Now excuse me while we tell our human slaves what to do.

RETWEETSFAVORITE
3,3826,686

A spokesperson for Kuo's campaign said the candidate is not backing down from his comments.

"What needs to be said was said, and Chairman Kuo does not regret it," the spokesperson said.

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NRLM backs Kuo Zhang's Katranjiev remarks - Bao Ding of the Namorese Revolutionary Liberationist Movement backed Kuo's comparison of Katranjians to "dogs." "You cannot deny that Baikun Qing and his so-called reforms marked the death of Katranjiev," he said.
Francilie politician attacked during speech - Cedric Liet was physically assaulted by a young militant. He is reported to be in stable condition.

by **Pisdara** » Fri Feb 12, 2016 1:02 pm

12 February, 2016

Nomadic man killed by militia during attack on camp
Reports have flooded in that during a “rounding up” of nomads in the Southern District, that an elderly man has been shot and killed by Militia members earlier today. The Militia, a newly-formed branch of the Pisdari military, entered a nomadic camp and begun taking the inhabitants to trucks situated outside of the camp. An elderly man, whose name is currently unknown, apparently resisted this, with a Militia member fatally shooting the nomad.

Since the implementation of the Settlement Act in late January, hundreds of nomads have been sent to holding facilities located outside Ashuragar, Sakar, and Zalalal. These camps are meant, according to a PRPN spokesperson, “to civilize and accustom the nomads to proper living”. The Militia, an all-white (per the recent ban on ethnic Pisdaris holding public or authoritative offices) branch of the military, has been tasked with carrying out the Act.

Many have called the Act “barbarous and a force killing our democracy” and the legislative opposition has recently requested the the Settlement Act be brought to Supreme Court of Ainin over questions about its legality. Opposition leaders hope if the Act gets sent to the Supreme Court, it will be quickly shut down, destroying a major section of the ruling PRPN-PLC coalition’s policy. Human rights advocates have also come out against the Act, stating that the killing of the nomad today may sadly be a common occurrence if the Settlement Act is not invalidated.

by **FreYhill** » Fri Feb 12, 2016 9:38 pm

Quick news: Freyhillian Prime Minister Dae Jong-Ji to visit Luziyca
Prime Minister Jong-Ji to visit Luziyca tonight in a string of Diplomatic visits
프레이언덕이안 | English

Editor Oh Jin Ho | February 13, 2016 Upon the start of Prime Minister Dae Jong-Ji’s sixth term in office, Mr Jong-Ji will be traveling to The Christian Republic of Luziyca tonight for the beginning of a series of diplomatic affairs across the continent of Velkia. First meeting with Luziycan acting president Colin Hardage over a period of 4 days, Prime Minister Jong-Ji would be talking about a Free trade agreement amongst other topics with Acting President Hardage to help enable relations between Freyhill and Luziyca prosper even further.

by **Geadland** » Sat Feb 13, 2016 5:51 am

The Liberal reports
GEADLAND: LEFT BY THE WAYSIDE

Pir Muinten remains a martyr for Geadland’s democracy. But his influence has waned.

13 February 2016 Last updated TBC Geadish Standard Time
BONDHAVEN – It was late in the evening on a warm summer night in 1967 when Peter “Pir” Muinten stepped out of a restaurant in the centre of Bondhaven. The former prime minister and incumbent opposition leader had been dining with some party colleagues. "I look forward to seeing you again," he said to them, as he turned to leave. He walked down Stadport, past other bars and restaurants that were mostly closing for the night. He turned left down Saint-Andras-Gat to walk to Central Station. A semi-circular window on the station’s façade could be seen, illuminated, at the far end of the street. He never got that far. A sinister figure silently approached him from behind and fired a crossbow bolt into his head, directly into his brain. After Mr Muinten collapsed on to the street, the assassin stabbed him multiple times with a knife, then fled.

The gruesome murder was one of the most dramatic events to take place in Geadland in the 1960s. It is said that any Gead who was old enough to remember it will remember exactly where they were when they first heard the news the following day. He was much missed. Hundreds of thousands would line the streets of Bondhaven to see his funeral two weeks later. Even his detractors eulogised him: Prime Minister Karl den Haage-Are called him “one of the finest politicians in Geadland’s history”. In modern times, he remains well-regarded. In 2010 he was voted into ninth place in a survey of the 100 Greatest Geads. Unusual for a politician who was so divisive in his lifetime, there would be schools, roads, buildings, a metro line and even a town (Muintenstad) named after him. Tributes like this would never have been obtained by the right-winger Gunnhild Måssendal, who was just as divisive and who has had a far longer-lasting influence.

This is inevitable. As Mr Den Haage-Are noted at the time, the murder was widely regard as “an attack on democracy itself.” It is not easy to speak ill of the dead. It is even harder to speak ill of a politician who was undeservedly murdered at the age of 53, while his career was still going strong. So the only time Pir Muinten is mentioned in Geadland’s politics these days is when he is extolled by the left. At the SDLP conference last year, Samuel Stefansen cited him as one of his heroes, and said “Politics has been growing stale for too long. We need leaders with true ambition and vision, just like Pir Muinten.” Yet there was an elephant in the room. The SDLP may regard him as a hero, but they have since moved a considerable way to the right. The current party wants government spending to be equal to half of Geadland’s GNP. In Mr Muinten’s day, it was over 60%, and he wanted it higher still.

When Mr Stefansen appeared on a talk show with well-known media interviewer Alek Bloom, Mr Bloom took the unusual step of pointing this out. “If a person had advocated your preferred level of government spending at an SDLP conference in the 1960s, surely they would have been called a right-wing traitor?” Mr Stefansen did not miss a beat: “That’s partly because he completed a lot of the work he set out to do. His government was very busy building roads, houses and flood defences, for instance. Now we don’t need to spend that much in those departments. The government has also become more efficient at spending money.” Ten years ago, Mr Muinten’s former rival Karl den Haage-Are had appeared on the same program “He was always an opponent I respected. I really admired him for his oratory, his leadership skills and his political courage. That all seems to be missing from politics today.”

A few political figures on the right have broken a taboo by overtly criticising him. Jaan Torbjörnsen, the current Commissioner of Solned and a former Conservative Party leader, wrote an opinion piece in Dagposten that gave Mr Muinten a political broadside, a rarity since 1967. He cited the fact that growth rates slowed from 4.2% in 1958 to 2.7% in 1965 as evidence that Mr Muinten has “mismanaged” the economy with his “failed socialist experiment.” He concluded that “Had he not met his undeserved end in 1967, he would be most likely remembered not as a martyr, but as an artefact of a bygone era when socialism was considered a viable prospect. Just like Jeppe Adelvik.”

Mr Torbjörnsen’s writing drew the ire of left-wing politicians. SDLP deputy leader Angela Harlo retorted: “It is ironic that Mr Torbjörnsen calls Pir Muinten an ‘artefact of a bygone era’ when Mr Torbjörnsen is himself an artefact of a bygone era, who will be best remembered for his fruitless opposition to gay marriage and immigration.” Johan Smid said that “Karl den Haage-Are never stooped as low as that.” Fulksrekorden journalist Karol Hardenvik issued a response piece. She listed many aspects of his legacy that endure in modern times, mostly his social policies (abortion, no-fault divorce, cannabis, a push for gender equality) and economic programs (e.g. roads, metro lines, flood defences, phone lines). Yet she conceded that aspects of his legacy had not endured, in lament: “The welfare state he created, an envy of the world, was downsized by Gunnhild Måssendal. Subsequent left-wing governments made little attempts to bring it back; the current government has chipped it away further still.”

Manfred Hägen, another former SDLP prime minister, is well known for being both blunt and centrist. In an interview with this newspaper (see page 6), he said of Muinten: “I admire him, but he isn’t my favourite. He was a bit too left-wing for Geadland. A lot of people assume he was popular at the time. He often wasn’t. He lost two of the three elections he contested, even though the left had managed to govern for a generation prior.” He still gave Mr Muinten a mostly favourable appraisal: “Many of his achievements endure to this day, from the Da Hegner Metro to legalised abortion. At the same time, there were mistakes as well, and Geadland was able to move on from them. Ultimately, the positive achievements have lasted for longer.”

‘What mistakes?’ we could not help but wonder. “Mainly on the foreign policy front. He was too hostile to East Luziyca and too friendly to Yunglang Antelope. Had he lived beyond June 1967, Mr Muinten’s support for the Liberationists would have become increasingly untenable. But you have to remember that the world stage was very different back then, and at the time his worldview would have seemed quite sensible to many. The Quiet Revolution was only just unfolding in East Luziyca; the Green Fever had not yet unfolded in Namor. The region and world was sharply polarised between market liberals and communists. Pir could make a plausible claim that he was taking a middle path between the two.” The problem is that countries that try to take a middle path between the two economic systems often end up taking a middle path between the two political systems as well.

by **The Ocelot Isles** » Sat Feb 13, 2016 10:22 pm

-ALERT Armed Police Attempts to Clear Bhatakaiya, Skirmishes with Protesters

A pro-Bhatakaiya protester confronts the
Ocelotian Armed Police.

Within hours after the Ocelotian Armed Police began the process to clear the protest outpost of Bhatakaiya, a vast majority of Bhatakaiya protesters vowed to remain in their locations and refused to follow police orders. This contributed to clashes with approaching armed police, a disorderly situation feared by both Ocelotians and Shudri.

There were negotiations between Dasta Andolana and radical nationalists over the status of Bhatakaiya. As negotiations broke down, a 72-hour ultimatum for Bhatakaiya protesters to withdraw from their occupation sites was issued. The armed police, riot police, or local law enforcement agencies did not intervene despite the ultimatium expiring on February 9. At 10:00 am today, the armed police reached the vicinity of Bhatakaiya and ordered the 150 Shudri nationalists to clear their outposts. The nationalists held their ground, leading to violent engagements between them and the armed police.

In the first twelve hours of the clashes, the armed police was able to subdue most of the Bhatakaiya protesters. They were arrested for obstructing order and refusing to assist law enforcement officers, though some were injured and bruised during earlier confrontations. It is believed that at least 20% of nationalists still remain in Bhatakaiya. The current whereabouts of Giacomo Kisanale, the leader of Bhatakaiya, are not immediately known but he is not under police custody at the moment.

Another place seeing police-protester conflicts is Oxen CIty, recognized earlier for hosting Filipa Amdhi and Motshan's protest camp as well as Ocelotian-Shudri clashes. As municipal police confronted both Ocelotian nationalists and pro-Sinhako protesters, there were reports of violence perpetrated by both Ocelotians and Shudris, but it is considered that the situation in Oxen City was less volatile than that in Bhatakaiya. The reason for the police confrontation was unrelated to the clashes that occurred some time earlier.

It is expected that Bhatakaiya will be completely secured in the next twelve hours. Internal Minister Rowan Tromppe did not directly comment on the situation but urged for "a quick return to stability, peace, and order" for all people.

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About me · by **Luziyca** » Sat Feb 13, 2016 11:31 pm

Svensson transferred to Jerusalem, releases video message

Sera Svensson before flying to Bethlehem

JERUSALEM, INLEDA - Today, President Sera Svensson has been transferred from the William Aberhart General Hospital to the Empress Sofia Hospital. A spokesperson for Sera Svensson has also released a video of the President from her hospital bed in Jerusalem, expressing thanks for the well-wishes and explaining her recovery.

In her native Swedish, the President explained that "I am recovering very well. The bullet has been removed at the Frontiersburg hospital, and I am quite confident that I will return home pretty soon, but it is unclear if I will be able to continue my position as President of this beloved country. That being said, I would like thank you all for your well-wishes and prayers for my health over the past few weeks." She also told viewers that "My hope is that I will be back at the Presidential Palace by the end of the year, but things change, y'know."

Upon the release of the video, leader of the official opposition, and of the Social Credit Party, Paul Nikolovich stated that "I am glad to hear that Sera Svensson is recovering, but I believe that it is a good idea for Svensson to step down from the Presidency so she can concentrate on her recovery from the traumatic incident that occurred in Frontiersburg."

Acting President Colin Hardage however fired back at Paul Nikolovich, saying that "While I am prepared to formally assume the title of President any time, I have hopes that she fully recovers. Whether she will step down, it is her own decision to make, not ours."

In other news
Ocelot Isles - Bhatakaiya dasta in the process of being cleared: what to expect
Freyhill - State visit: what to expect for this historic visit to discuss a free-trade deal
Pisdara - VP Colin Hardage condemns murder of nomadic man, demands "an end to racial inequality from Pisdara"
Katranjiev - Elis in hot water after condemning Kuo Zhang, engaging in twitter war

by **Geadland** » Mon Feb 15, 2016 3:36 pm

NORDLAND AND HARDAGE COMMEMORATE TREATY OF VESTERHAG
Colin Hardage, Queen Sofja and Efa Nordland mark 50th anniversary of treaty that repaired relations with East Luziyca

14 February 2016 Last updated 11:22 Geadish Standard Time
VESTERHAG - Acting President Colin Hardage, Queen Sofja II and Prime Minister Efa Nordland were among that attendees of a commemoration event at Vesterhag City Hall that marked the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Vesterhag. The 1966 treaty marked the first time in a century that relations were established between Da Hegner and Bethlehem. It has originally be planned that Sera Svensson would attend the event. As she remains recuperating from an assassination attempt on 28 January, Hardage has taken on her presidential duties and attended the engagement in her place.

Luziyca had refused to recognise Geadland in the 70 years after Geadland ceased to be part of the Christian Republic. Trade and travel across the border froze to almost nothing. Upon the partitioning of Luziyca in 1935, the communist government in West Luziyca gave recognition Geadland. But relations between Geadland and East Luziyca (governed by the pre-1935 government) rapidly deteriorated at this point. The result was the Polder War, in which Luziyca attempted to take over the Solned Delta and annexed some further territory. It would not be for a few more decades before rapprochement was finally achieved.

In the 1950s, once anger over the Polder War had died down, Prime Minister Magnus den Rose initiated some dialogue between the two governments with the hope of establishing diplomatic relations. His left-wing successor Pir Muinten tried to continue this policy. But in public he was highly critical of the East Luziycan government, especially its foreign policy and the influence the Lutheran Catholic clergy had over its government. Muinten openly preferred to maintain good relations with Namor's Liberationist regime. East Luziyca rebuffed his efforts, with one diplomat saying "We suspect the only reason he wants us to start an embassy in Geadland so that he can burn it down."

The speakers at the event shied away from giving this background information. Instead, they began discussing the situation in October 1965. Society in East Luziyca was changing dramatically in the Quiet Revolution. Both the clergy and the existing political establishment were losing their influence. Meanwhile, Karl den Haage-Are had just become the prime minister of Geadland. His right-wing government had a clear mandate to seek better relations with East Luziyca. And so four months of negotiations began, some of which were made in public and others were made in secret. It culminated on 14 February 1966 with Den Haage-Are and Queen Maria travelling to Vesterhag City Hall to meet with President Adam Noahseen and sign the treaty. Among their entourage was the 15-year old Princess Sofja, the future Queen.

The Queen did not make a speech during the main presentation at the event, but spoke with several media outlets about her memories of seeing the treaty being signed. Among the main speakers, Colin Hardage praised how "[f]ifty years ago, the Quiet Revolution began to change our policy toward Geadland as we finally recognized Geadish sovereignty." Efa Nordland said the treaty was a "day of reconciliation for our two nations" and that "yes we have prospered greatly in economic terms as a result, but it benefited us on a human level too." Also present was Dennis Haldemann, the former Liberal Party leader who is now the last surviving member of Karl den Haage-Are's 1965-69 government.

An original copy of the treaty was on display at the event. It details an agreement to open up the border to trade and movement. Luziyca gave up its territorial claim to Geadland, while Geadland in turn gave up its claim to any territory lost to Luziyca in the 19th century and in the Polder War. An essential step for this process was that the Geadland's constitution had to be amended to remove any mention of the territorial claims. The following month, the Geadish electorate voted by a large margin to approve the amendments, in a show of public support for rapprochement. Efa Nordland told the audience that "the consequences were enormous. Few in Geadland were unaffected by détente with Luziyca." Even many people in Luziyca, especially in West Geadland, could not fail to notice changes, whether it was Aldvik cheese appearing on the shelves of supermarkets or tourists arriving in caravans to admire the architecture of the local church.

In the short term, a trade boom helped Geadland's economy regain momentum after a few years of slowing growth. Good relations with the Liberationist regime in Namor became difficult to maintain as the Green Fever took hold; without securing reconciliation with East Luziyca, Geadland would have been isolated or stuck with an authoritarian ally. In the many decades after, East Luziyca and later the reunified state became one of Geadland's largest trading partners and sources of immigration. Those who came in permanently brought with them their families, work skills, restaurants, Lutheran Catholic churches and many other things. Conversely, some Geads moved southwards. Luziycan tourists flocked to cities like Bondhaven and Da Hegner. Almost everyone in Geadland has crossed into Luziyca at at least one point in their lives, whether it was a city break in Bethlehem or a skiing holiday in Jasper.

[OOC: Quote by Colin Hardage was supplied by Luziyca.

by **Namor** » Mon Feb 15, 2016 4:49 pm

Моджинг Сибо | Mojing Sibo
February 15, NMR 2378

KUO ZHANG, 2ND PLACE?
Following the 1st PTH debate, PFC candidate closing the gap between him and Huan

PFC and Kuo Zhang supporters, identifiable with their orange flags, rally in Mojing.

By Yu Vang | POLLS RELEASED by numerous firms, including the Mojing Sibo, Liberator and Tesong show that since the first post-primary presidential debate in February 10, the percentage of undecided voters has slid whereas the gap between New Democratic candidate Huan An and People's First Coalition leader Kuo Zhang has been closing, putting Huan at risk of being overtaken by Kuo and falling into third place.

According to the left-leaning, Liberationist-owned Liberator, Popular Front candidate and frontrunner Shohai Antelope has seen support increase since the beginning of the month. Back in January 22, 50.1 percent of interviewees said they would vote for Antelope. That percentage has since increased to 53.5 percent. Huan An dropped significantly from 26.7 percent in January 22 to only 10.3 percent in February 12, while Kuo Zhang jumped from 7.5 percent to 17.8 percent, replacing Huan as the second place runner-up.

In a survey conducted by this paper and released on the February 13, Shohai Antelope is the frontrunner with 42.3 percent of interviewees saying they would vote for him - a 2.2 percent increase from January 25. Support for Huan An dipped from a rock solid 30 percent to 26.2 percent. While Kuo Zhang remains in third place, 11.6 percent of those interviewed said they would vote for him in March, compared to 9.5 percent in January.

In Tesong's poll, just released today, 44.5 percent of interviewees say they support Shohai Antelope, a four percent climb from the beginning of February. Support for Huan An slid by nearly ten percent, from 24.4 percent to 16.5 percent. To make matters even worse for Huan, the 3rd place runner-up is behind him by only 0.2 percentage points; 16.3 percent of interviewees expressed support for Kuo.

A "K-Storm" in progress?

While some expected support for Kuo to dwindle, especially amid the controversy the People's First Coalition chairman created by calling Katranjian people "dogs," the opposite has been true. Kuo's rhetoric brought about an abundant harvest of supporters that had previously been inaccessible to the ultranationalistic party, and analysts are divided on why that is so.

Analyst Chun Baitxo believes Kuo is walking a fine line between "extreme nationalism" and "mainstream nationalism," nothing that his strategy in NMR 2378 is somewhat different from his strategy in NMR 2373.

"In NMR 2373, he was outright calling this and that Namorese territory, which alienated many rational voters. Now, he has moved beyond playing the irredentist card and is playing with legitimate concerns the average citizen has with the economy, all while sticking with some of the basic beliefs that old-time PFC supporters adhere to, as well as his usual way of words. From NMR 2373 to now, his platform has expanded quite a bit. And so far, it's working very well for him."

Another factor contributing to Kuo's rise may be growing discontent with the present New Democratic administration. As Namorese stocks continue to brave the storm with mixed results, more and more voters are questioning President-General Fu's ability to control the economy.

"There couldn't be a better time for Kuo Zhang, and Shohai Antelope, to ride the waves of discord," said Li Jung, chairman of the solid left Namo University Socialist Students' Alliance (NUSSA).

In spite of this, the unbroken trend of voters ultimately choosing more moderate candidates means that the "K-storm" may not last forever. Commentators point out that although the threat Kuo Zhang poses to Huan An is real, the threat Huan An poses to Kuo Zhang is equally real. If Huan An obdurately rejects Kuo's radicalism, he might make some headway in securing his place as first runner-up in the long run. Not to mention that there is still more than a month left until the March 20 vote, and candidates are rigorously preparing for the second debate on March 20 which will be accessible to international media. The fate of anything - be it Antelope's lead, Huan's performance or Kuo's storm - depends on how it performs in the next month.

OTHER NEWS

Domestic: Executive House says Kuo Zhang "unqualified" for presidency
Domestic: Kuo Zhang fires back at President-General: "Someone who puts our sovereignty at risk is unqualified"
Domestic: Huan An accuses Shohai Antelope of being "inadequate" in condemnation of Kuo Zhang
Domestic: Wild panda shot, killed by teenagers
Ocelot Isles: Protesters clash with armed police trying to dismantle illegal settlement
Riro: PFC delegation meets with President Ling Mon in Junof
Geadland: Are Nordland, Luziyca sending a message to Namor on Treaty of Vesterhag anniversary?
Luziyca: Svensson says she is "recovering very well" from assassination attempt

by **Namor** » Mon Feb 15, 2016 5:29 pm

OPINION No Huan An, you're to blame for Kuo Zhang's rise
Two candidates in this election at least have some understanding of Namor's national interests, and Huan isn't one of them
Наморайин | English

Huan An may have to focus more on Kuo Zhang than on Shohai Antelope

Huan An may have to focus more on Kuo Zhang than on Shohai Antelope, now that a Tesong poll indicates Kuo Zhang is only 0.2 percentage points short of tying with Huan and becoming the runner-up. Since the February 10 debate, Huan has been on an accusation spree. He accused General Secretary Shohai Antelope of being "inadequate" in condemning Kuo's radical comments, even going as far as to suggest that the Namorese left and the People's First Coalition are in an ad hoc alliance to remove the New Democrats from power.

Much of what Kuo Zhang said (and says) is indeed reprehensible. It's not presidential to call the people of another country "dogs," whether the intended message may be exactly that or not. This side of the world won't be stable with a government that makes up protean territorial claims for the sake of "national strength." It is clearly not in the best interests of the Namorese people to be led by the PFC for the next five years.

But if Huan An is trying to portray himself as someone who deserves to be preferred over Kuo Zhang, it hurts to say that he's doing a really bad job.

Two candidates in this election at least have some understanding of Namor's national interests, and Huan isn't one of them. At least Kuo understands (as much as Shohai Antelope or the Namorese people do) that matters which concern national interests transcend politics. At least Kuo understands that economic prosperity cannot be bought at the expense of our economic security. Between Kuo and Antelope, it all really boils down to which candidate is more pragmatic in pursuing what's in the best interests of the Namorese nation, and why.

But it's a whole other story with Huan An, who seems to have a hard time understanding why his performance in the polls hasn't improved. He couldn't come to the realization that voters are tired of his party's obsession with "market liberalism." (I put this in quotes because although I support a modified market economy, 'market liberalism' to the New Democrats is just an euphemism for increased corporate power) Moreover, events unfolding next door mean the Namorese people have even less reason to stand behind Huan An's rosy perception of "détente."

Jeopardizing our national interests and cozying up to a rabid Christian theocracy are things that the ideal Namorese leader wouldn't do. Even an unideal leader like Kuo Zhang won't do these things if he is somehow elected. Maybe that's why he is overtaking Huan in some polls. If Huan An really wants to stem Kuo Zhang's rise, he should walk out of his neoliberal bubble and recognize that as a country, Namor has its interests, too. If he doesn't do that, he only has himself to blame.

LI JUNG is a student and currently serves as Chairman of the NUSSA (Namo University Socialist Students' Alliance). He identifies himself as a "deep leftist" and is a avid reader of Yunglang Antelope's works, particularly On People's Revolution and On Imperialism. He has a blog, Voice of the Young Masses, which can be viewed here.

Trending

Executive House: Kuo "unqualified" for presidency | Geadland, Luziyca commemorate peace treaty | Luziyca's Svensson transported to new hospital

by **Britanno 2** » Tue Feb 16, 2016 4:04 pm

Will the Conservative modernisers turn on Browning?
Cooper and Lunn insist their loyalty, but privately many wish they'd challenge the PM.

A presidential election lost, defections in provincial assemblies, and dismal opinion polls. The problems of the Conservative Party seem to grow weekly and as pressure grows on Prime Minister Marcus Browning, so does the pressure on the 'rising stars' of the party. Defence Minister James Cooper and Business Minister Kirsten Lunn both publicly insist that they back the PM, but that certainly hasn't stopped the speculation.

Both youthful cabinet ministers are perceived as potential future leaders of the Conservatives and many prominent figures have privately urged one of the pair to run against Marcus Browning for leader after months of bad press. Former Prime Minister Anthony Hanrick, who rarely makes interventions in modern politics, has spoken of his admiration for Cooper in particular - a testament to the 41 year old's centrist image, similar to that of Hanrick's prior to his 1999 landslide.

But Lunn, three years his junior, has also has received praise - party grandee Barbara Walsh commented on how she saw hope for the first female leader of the Conservatives with Lunn's rise to power. Together, the two party centrists are seen as a powerful brand that could deliver the Conservatives election victories and reverse opinion polls.

Indeed, the time could not be more ripe for a leadership challenge. After the elevation of Leanne Jensen to the leadership of the SDP in June last year the Conservatives have been consistently behind in the opinion polls and speculation about a leadership challenge from Cooper was at its peak in mid-summer. Browning's handling of the expulsion of Nevanmaa from NOSDO which was praised by both the media and within Parliament provided a bump in support for the Conservatives, but the momentum was quickly lost with a disastrous presidential election that saw the party's candidate barely make the second round only to lose easily to a powerful coalition of the Social Democrats and Social Liberals.

The combination of moderate centre-left forces backed up by more left-wing parties is a successful formula that won the SDP power from 2006 to 2013. After a short flirtation with the hard-left under Nadia Stoyan, the Social Democrats now appear to be ready to repeat the formula under Leanne Jensen. Browning's position appeared safe with Stoyan as Opposition Leader, but now faced with a charismatic moderate the Prime Minister appears to be struggling. It is this 'electability test' that many see a Cooper or Lunn leadership passing that has inspired their support amongst many Conservatives, and government sources have told BNB that if the Esquarian Parliament and Candover Mayoral elections show bad signs for the party then a move to remove Browning could transpire.

However, if Cooper or Lunn were to challenge him, they would be left with less than a year for them to serve as Prime Minister before going to the country in a general election. Allies of both have privately told journalists they fear that if they lost at the polls then the entire justification for their coup would be proved false or, worse, that they could lose a leadership election but deal so much harm to Marcus Browning that the entire government is brought down with them. Nevertheless, polling has shown that one of the two modernisers would help the Conservatives in a general election and possibly attract supporters who have defected to the Centre Democrats in recent years.

Conversation amongst Parliament insiders who see a coup as a inevitable has turned to which of the two will challenge Browning for the leadership. While James Cooper benefits from greater name recognition amongst the public, Kirsten Lunn is often respected as intellectually greater and could help with the Conservative deficit amongst female voters who might already be tempted with the third consecutive female leader of the SDP. If one were to throw their hat in the ring, it is always possible the other could follow but this would risk splitting the vote as well as resources campaigning against one another. As well as this, the two are reported to be both politically and personally close, meaning they'd be more likely to challenge Browning as a team - or a "dream ticket" as one supportive MP put it - than as competitors.

by **West Cedarbrook** » Tue Feb 16, 2016 5:55 pm

Metro Section

TSW to Look at Hartly Metro in Review of Rapid Transit Update Plan

East 30th St. Station on the T Downtown Distributor
The Transportation System of Wrycova, known here as the 'T' has decided to send a delegation from it's engineering and operations departments to Hartly, Ainin, as part of it's initial review of proposals for the upcoming two year improvement initiative. The delegation will be headed by chief of the T's Rapid Transit Division, Antoine Lodzer, and will be oriented towards observing recent improvement in traffic signaling and safety measures on one of the largest subway operations in Esquarium. Mr. Lodzer told the Morning Star that due to the high demand on Rapid Transit lines in the capital, it seemed a good idea to elicit the advice of other large scale providers of subway service in Esquarium. "Don't get me wrong", he said in making the announcement, "I admire a lot of the work in Port Yehoshua, especially in construction of the new extension there. But not many cities can provide palpable experience in moving the volumes we face every day on the T. Although some of our engineering and track layout is unique, especially in the downtown distributor and the near southern line, many of the improvements we are considering have been pioneered in Hartly, and we want to see first hand and discuss with their engineers what objectives those improvements have met, and those areas where additional problems were encountered."

Factions in the Municipal Council, as well as representatives of Mayor Kaplan have been pressing for changes in the T's Rapid Transit that will reduce delays on the downtown distributor, and increase speeds on Rapid Transit lines, particularly on South Line service to WryMu, Brookpark, and Midbar. In the past two months alone, Council members have been besieged by complaints from their Brook Park constituents suffering from three breakdowns on the T between the West 19th and the Chaim Laskier Boulevard stations, the most recent one requiring a day to repair. Following that breakdown, the T headquarters on Veyse Dorn Street was the scene of a mass protest by angry Brook Parkers, after which Mayor Kaplan sent a letter to TSW Chairman Jacques Nicolas de Lamartine demanding that the organization's improvement initiative put Rapid Transit safety and operations at the top of the list for consideration.

by **Britanno 2** » Wed Feb 17, 2016 4:54 pm

Where do ministers stand on Conservative tensions?
As speculation of a contest grows, the cabinet seems as divided as the rest of the party.

With pressure from centrist elements of the Conservative Party growing on James Cooper and Kirsten Lunn to challenge Marcus Browning in a leadership election, their cabinet colleagues are being courted to ally themselves with one of the party's two main factions - the centrist 'modernisers' and the right-wing market liberals. While all ministers publicly insist that they are loyal to their leader, speculation is rife over who would stand with who if a move against Marcus Browning were to materialise. Below are all the Conservative cabinet members and who they would be expected to back.

Minister	Post	Position
Alexander Jensen	Foreign Minister	Press speculation about Jensen's position is perhaps the most active. As a popular Foreign Minister, some have suggested that he has an eye on the leadership himself, but sources close to him say that he would only consider running if Marcus Browning stood down voluntarily. His ideological position is largely unknown, but his endorsement in a leadership battle would be a major success for the recipient.
Kenneth Mills	Domestic Minister	Security Minister at the same time Browning served as Justice Minister, Mills is close to the Prime Minister and the two are considered to be close allies. Particularly critical of the media's interest in the Conservative leadership, the Minister for Domestic Affairs is undoubtedly in his friend's camp.
Linnea McVey	Justice Minister	Almost certainly loyal to Browning, McVey has adopted the hard-line approach to law enforcement that is favoured by many in the more right-wing faction of the Conservatives and not all that different to the one pursued by the Prime Minister when he was Justice Minister. She has also hinted at her disapproval of the fast-paced ascendancy of the likes of James Cooper to the top of Britannon politics, remarking that "experience seems to matter less than a polished image nowadays."
Sarah Collins	Health Minister	Collins is reportedly the most frustrated with tensions within the government as she sees them as a distraction from her ministerial job. The 48 year old, who is more policy-minded than some of her colleagues, would likely back Marcus Browning if a leadership election occurred out of loyalty, but would most likely have no problem working under James Cooper or Kirsten Lunn if they triumphed.
Ian Richards	Welfare Minister	Despite running against Browning for the leadership in 2006 when Anthony Hanrick resigned, Richards gets on well with the Prime Minister and was reportedly grateful for Browning's decision to keep him on in cabinet when they returned to government. Those close to him feel that he would not only feel obligated to return the favour with his support, but also that he is more ideologically aligned with the PM.
Joseph Milburn	Energy Minister	An advocate of the centrist, more electorally successful approach taken by Anthony Hanrick, Milburn stood in the 2006 leadership contest as the candidate favoured by Hanrick and Conservative centrists but narrowly lost out to Browning. With close ties to both James Cooper and Kirsten Lunn, the Energy Minister is widely seen as an opponent of the PM but too much of a 'face from the past' to realistically challenge for the leadership himself.
Isaac Edwards	Treasury Minister	The youngest cabinet member, Edwards is catching the eye of many at his role under Christian Democrat Yvonne Walker at the Treasury. His promotion at the age of 35 is unprecedented and was seen by many as an attempt by Marcus Browning to reach out to younger MPs. Nevertheless, he is not a guaranteed source of support as, while indebted to the Conservative leader, he probably has more in common with the modernising wing of the party.

by **The Ocelot Isles** » Sun Feb 21, 2016 9:48 pm

Sinhako to Prepare for First General Election

Five days after the first anniversary of the founding of Sinhako, the Sinhakese political system and communities are preparing to organize the autonomous province's first general election. Results from the upcoming election, which is believed to take place in early April at the earliest, will confirm Helga Duta as the president of Sinhako or replace her with another president. It is expected that the election will proceed even should there be incidents similar to the Bhatakaiya or the Mirski clashes.

Several Sinhakese political parties have formed and are slated to run for the elections. Helga Duta leads the Sinhakese Labour Party which advocates the establishment of a welfare state for the autonomous province and closer ties with the Ocelot Isles. Shudri radicals and nationalists are eligible to run as well; the most well-known example is Dasta Andolana leader Johannes Sikari, who will be leading the Sinhakese Nationalist Party. His party would integrate dastas into Sinhako and guarantee the "right to protection from racism" within its territory.

The Sinhakese electoral system will be first-past-the-post and will not follow the closed-list proportional representation system used by the Ocelot Isles. In this winner-takes-all situation, one candidate simply has to win more votes than any opponents to secure their seat or be elected. It was expected before the first anniversary of Sinhako's founding that any of this province's elections will utilize the FPTP system due to its simplicity and its usage in Luziyca (having sizeable Shudri communities).

The election time is an aspect that has not yet been determined, although early April is considered to be the earliest point at which the election may take place. It is argued that it would be more realistic for elections to occur in early May or later so as to give additional time for organization. What is also being debated is the deadline for registering political parties: there is concensus among Ocelotian analysts that all registration would be completed within three weeks of announcements of a new election. Currently only the Labour Party and Nationalist Party are registered for the elections.

In regards to the first election of Sinhako, Governor-President Howard Miten ascertained that "the Sinhakese will be free to take part in and run their elections without any Ocelotian interference." He also "wished for the best for all that will take part in an important political process of Sinhako." The Minister of Sinhakese Relations have also commented, hoping for "peaceful passage and successful conduction of the first election of the Sinhako province." Due to the Bhatakaiya and Mirski clashes, Ocelotian Armed Police and Sinhakese police will step up security during election time.

While the Ocelot Isles has compulsory voting, Sinhako does not. It is expected the election will be split among "moderates" and "radicals", and Ocelotian parties such as the Frontier Party will not be directly involved due to Sinhako being exempt from even the Ocelotian Constitution. Currently Helga Duta and Johannes Sikari are unavailable for comment.

Other News
Shudri Protests | Filipa Amdhi, Giacomo Kisanale, Motshan apprehended by armed police
Mirski | Cora cousins found guilty of second-degree murders + other charges, to be sentenced March 1
Britanno | Conservative leadership election may see competition among possible candidates

by **Namor** » Tue Feb 23, 2016 2:06 pm

Kuo campaign: Huan An encouraged Namorese to evade conscription following TNLW
Наморайин | English

Guk Aiping, communications director of Kuo Zhang's campaign, says Huan An
encouraged people to avoid military service

Yet another controversy has arisen as election day approaches; Kuo Zhang's campaign alleged that New Democratic candidate Huan An had encouraged draft evasion among young Namorese during and after the Third Namo-Luziycan War.

Guk Anping, communications director of Kuo Zhang's presidential campaign, appeared with several middle-aged men who said they had been encouraged to not join the Namorese Liberation Army (NLA) by Huan An, who back in the NMR 2330s was a political commentator known for his anti-government views.

Namorese law mandated at the time that all Namorese from the ages of 18 to 22 must serve in the military for over a year. Prior to the Third Namo-Luziycan War, the Military Service Act allowed individual districts and autonomous republics to decide how long one must serve. But after the war, the central government reasserted control over conscription by promulgating an 18 month service requirement. In NMR 2346, the requirement was lowered to 15 months, and in NMR 2353 the Military Service Act was finally repealed by President-General Chanin Chen.

"I was told by Mr. Huan to turn away from the Liberation Army, because as long as the Liberationists are in power the government's always going to send me off to some aggressive war," said a man who identified himself as Jun. "I was kind of convinced, but in the end I decided to join the military because that was the law. In retrospect, I don't regret it because heaven knows what would have happened had I done something different."

Fan Bu, who turned 18 two years after the war ended, claims he was approached by Huan An and told to evade military service "because the government might collapse soon." Unlike Jun, Fan did evade service and as a result had his citizenship revoked. He was eventually pardoned by the government following the repeal of conscription in NMR 2353.

Guk Aiping acknowledged that Huan himself did not evade service. Starting NMR 2329, Huan, a Xhinan native, completed all 12 months of service required in his district.

But the revelations "do raise legitimate questions," he said. Huan had been a prominent critic of the Third Namo-Luziycan War, even going as far as to question the official position that the war was fought in self-defense.

"Here's a person who had encouraged others to turn away from the army. Can we run the risk of having a President-General who encourages the people to turn away from this country? I hope the Huan campaign responds soon."

Popular Front candidate Shohai Antelope's campaign refused to comment on whether it believes the allegations raised against Huan are true, but said the issue "should be investigated."

Trending

Sinhako to prepare for first election | Tensions in Britanno's Conservative Party| The K-storm goes on: Polls show Huan An on par with Kuo Zhang | Riro's Ling Mon says he did not endorse Kuo Zhang "per se" | Unolian leader to Antelope: "Yunglang you are not"

by **The Jahistic Unified Republic** » Wed Feb 24, 2016 9:26 am

Connors Strikes Back
Accuses Zheng of "Playing Nice" With Leftist Opposition

2/22/2016 Polls
AULP- 39.9%
Radicals- 19.3%
SDP- 18.7%
Greens- 8.4%
People's- 4.9%
Other- 8.9%

After a well-received appearance on Unolia Tonight, Premier Zheng Zhuli has come under fire from Radical Jahistic opposition over deriding remarks that he and host Richard Thompson made about Radical Jahistic leader Jacob Connors two days ago. Zheng and Thompson referred to him as "scary" due to Connors' tabling of a bill in 2015 that would abolish communal living in the Union.

"I, for one, want to run a campaign that isn't based of smear tactics in the hopes of riling up the people. But that's just me." Said Connors on social media.

"He gives lip service to the Unolian left, which should've remained banned, because he's friends with their leaders? Does this not set off red flags? He doesn't stand for the declared Jahistic?"

Zheng's poll numbers, especially amongst the urban populations, were greatly improved from his appearance, although peasant populations are still leaning towards Connors and the People's Party. A new poll confirms the Radicals' spoiler position: assuming that all Radicals would otherwise vote for a unified AULP, that hypothetical party polls (as of two days ago) at around 54-57%, giving a clear majority (in a d'Hondt system, nonetheless).

"Connors is appealing to the anti-Namor branch of the Jahistic movement," says sociology professor at Unolia City University, Jack Hu, "This appeals mainly to the south of the country closer to Roubao where the situation down there is still very much an open wound."

Polls say that, when given the one-on-one choice of the Radicals and the All-Union Party, Zheng's poll numbers fall 12% when you introduce his notable pro-Namor Reconciliation stances. Connors made a focus on agrarian living a priority under his regime, in what is sometimes call "Thumanism-Connorism," referring to pragmatic economic policy with a focus on farmlife.

Zheng, along with the "leftist coalition" of the Greens and Social Democrats, have pushed reforms including a collective Head of State, and Constitutional reform, finding an unstable common ground in the absence of Radical Jahistic-AULP unity. There is divide as Zheng has gone on record as stating that he believes that the AULP as a political organization should return to the forefront of Unolian politics "in due time".

The Unolian Leaders' Debate is set to be held on Free Unolian Broadcasting Station, and questions may be submitted using the hashtag "#FUBSdebate." Scheduled topic include economy, foreign relations, and the role of the AULP in everyday Unolian life.

by **Namor** » Wed Feb 24, 2016 5:28 pm

Huan responds to Kuo's evasion accusation: "I never, ever, encouraged anyone to break the law"
Claims Kuo Zhang, Shohai Antelope in "ad hoc alliance" against him

February 24, NMR 2378

24 DAYS
UNTIL NMR 2378
GENERAL ELECTION

NAMO, CAPTIAL DISTRICT - Many described New Democratic candidate Huan An as having no chill since yesterday.

After People's First candidate Kuo Zhang accused Huan An of having encouraged others to evade military service back when conscription was legal, Huan denied the charges.

"Let me make it clear - I never, ever, encouraged anyone to break the law," Huan told PTH in an interview. "It's true that I was skeptical of some of the laws the government passed back when I was younger, but I never told anybody to try changing these things outside of the framework of existing laws."

Huan acknowledged that he was opposed to conscription around the same time he allegedly encouraged others to evade service.

"The government does not have the right to call up random people to serve. There are many ways to serve one's country and military service is just one of them," he said. "Nevertheless, I served in the army and others did too."

Huan then hit back at Kuo Zhang and Popular Front candidate Shohai Antelope with a recrimination of his own. He accused Kuo Zhang of "spouting trash" ahead of the election and said Shohai Antelope has "a politician's responsibility to stand up [to Kuo]."

"Kuo is ravaging Namor with his pure trash and Shohai Antelope is looking on in approval. I don't agree with Deputy Antelope on multiple issues, but that doesn't mean he should go ahead and form an ad hoc alliance with a really bad choice. This is not the politics the Namorese people deserve. I don't care who you are - leftist, rightist or somewhere in between. Namor is a country of compassionate values and the rhetoric like that coming from Kuo is absolutely unacceptable."

Other News
ELECTION '78 Jahistic Union leader says he has Huan An's back - Zheng Zhuli, the leader of the Jahistic Union, says he is a "fan" of Huan An, praising him as a candidate who is running for the presidency-general in a "bad system."
Ling Mon backtracks on "endorsement" of Kuo - Riro president Ling Mon he did not endorse Kuo Zhang "per se," but was "merely giving a suggestion to [Namorese] voters."

by **West Cedarbrook** » Wed Feb 24, 2016 5:47 pm

-- retconned --

by **The Jahistic Unified Republic** » Fri Feb 26, 2016 12:34 pm

SDP, Greens, Welcome Zheng Reform Plan
Can They Provide Confidence and Supply?

The issue that started this entire electoral mess was Premier Zheng Zhuli announcing a massive reform plan a month ago. When the first of the reforms, leasing control of the Jahistic Liberation Forces from the Party to the State, were approved, a significant chunk of the All-Union Libertarian Party broke off, leading to the mess we are in right now. Zheng doubled down on his reforms, allowing the supposedly banned Social Democrats to run as an electoral party, a move some say opened more than a few floodgates for the downfall of the AULP.

However, both the AULP and the aforementioned Connorist faction (running under the banner of "Radical Jahistics) are floating around 50% combined, showing that Jahisticism is still trusted by a majority of Unolians. This does not settle the glaring and public divide between Radicals leader Jacob Connors, and Zheng.

The more the two take jabs at each other, the less likely a unified Jahistic coalition will come out with two-hundred and fifty-one, if at all. Add this to the fact that Zheng has publicly declared a personal friendship with Social Democratic leader Dr. Li Zhou. Add this to the fact that both the Green Party and the Social Democrats have publicly declared support for Zheng's reform package, and we could have a coalition on our hands.

A messy coalition, but still a coalition.

The Social Democrats won the Unolian Left's vote in 1999, when the Revolution had just ended, as an alternative to the declining popularity of radical Marxist and Anarcho-Communist Parties which had been brutally killed by Monarchist forces. However, the People decided that they would put their trust in the Great Leader, Jarrod Thuman, who then led Unolia to an unprecedented enlightenment in ideology and economy before his untimely death in 2014.

Zheng shifted power away from the Party in a dramatic move. It has since come to light that he did so due to the Connorist influence in the Central Committee derailing the purpose of the Party. The move has rallied Anti-Connorist Jahistics. Banners are now seen outside of Unolian homes reading "Zheng is the New Thuman", although these are discouraged.

Now, Zheng is peddling a reform package which includes a definitive collective Head of State elected from each member-state, with the power to veto domestic laws and sign treaties. He supports increasing the role of the AULP as a vanguard organization under a "One Union, Two Systems" idea, which would force the State Government and AULP Apparatus to play along.

As of now, the Party is a shell of itself. The Central Committee chamber sits empty as Party members wait for the final decision of the elections. The Jahistic Youth Corps, once a source of light for the general Unolian populace, sits in fear of being stripped of funding. Most are critical of the idea that the AULP may join a coalition with the leftist parties, saying it's a betrayal of Jahistic thought.

The Revolution is in danger and the elections may produce more questions than answers. But at least we'll have a government.

In Other News:
Namorese Reconciliation: "I will have a diplomat in Namo in five hours after I form a government." Zheng declares to Council of Namorese Residing in Unolia
Connors: Former Premier says Zheng's reelection is the "death of the Revolution"
Sports: Can the Unolia Revolutionaries Win Handball Unolia Series for Third Year in Row?
Sports: Esquarian Federation of Baseball Leagues declares itself "exempt" from "political climate", invites all baseball leagues to join.

by **FreYhill** » Sat Feb 27, 2016 8:36 pm

Prime Minister Dae Jong-Ji Arrested and Charged
Freyhillian Prime Minister Dae Jong-Ji Arrested and Charged for Murder of Economic Secretary
프레이언덕이안 | English

Editor Oh Jin Ho | February 28, 2016 Following the investigation of the sudden death of Economic Adviser Mr So Young from the Office of The Prime Minister, the Freyhillian Federal Police arrested Prime Minister Dae Jong-Ji for an account of first degree murder. With the authority soon later confirming that the Prime Minister has been charged. With the Prime Minister now unable to serve due to the Constitution disqualifying citizens with criminal convictions from being admitted to both houses of the National Diet, the political stability is in the hands of Governor-General Pyon Jung Min until she appoints Won Chi Hun, the current deputy Prime Minister and leader of the Nationals Party as the Interim Prime Minister, required by law.

Won Chi Hun at the
Council of Esquarium

With Won Chi Hun also holding the portfolio of Minister of Foreign Affairs, the next few weeks of Federal Diet politics is predicted to be based around the reshuffle of the next Cabinet, with Chi Hun expected to be Prime Minister until the Liberal Party elects a new party leader. Although that the Liberal Party’s leader is usually the Prime Minister in the Coalition Government, the final say is vested with the Governor-General, whom appoints the Prime Minister, creating a slight motion of politics of The Commonwealth going into the unknown. With Won Chi Hun expected to be sworn in as Prime Minister this afternoon to maintain political stability. To complete convention, the future Prime Minister is also expected to give a speech to the people of The Commonwealth of Freyhill to outlay what the Chi Hun term of politics would look like, with Foreign Affairs most likely being made the Federal Diets top agenda for the next few years.

Won Chi Hun, one of the most experienced member of the National Diet has been in politics since she was elected the Federal Member for the electorate of North Borneung in 2000. She has been the Minister for Foreign Affairs since 2013, with Freyhill joining the Esquarium Community under the advice of Chi Hun to Prime Minister Jong-Ji. Chi Hun became the leader of the National Party of Freyhill earlier this year upon the defeat of former leader Ko Songmin in the federal elections, automatically making her the Deputy Prime Minister of the Commonwealth. Though, most importantly, Won Chi Hun is the first Prime Minister of the Commonwealth born overseas. Although that she was born in Luziyca, Chi Hun was naturalised as a Freyhillian Citizen upon her family moving back to the Commonwealth at an early stage of her life, allowing her to take the top job of the country.

The Ministry of Won Chi Hun is expected to remain the same, except for some portfolio reshuffles to replace the now vacant spot of Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Top bets currently for the prestigious job of Deputy Prime Minister which traditionally is combined with Minister for Foreign Affairs are Lucas Karlsson and Eoh Soo Hyun, whom are both highly experienced with current politics and Foreign Affairs. It is expected that the future Ministry would be finalised after Tuesdays Coalition meeting, with Won Chi Hun most likely choosing direct ballot within the two parties for the election of the vacant post.

News from our regional partners
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Sinhako to Prepare for First General Election.
Conservative leadership election may see competition among possible candidates in Britanno.

by **Pisdara** » Mon Feb 29, 2016 12:53 pm

29 February, 2016

Independence Party, Social Democratic Party to combine in electoral alliance

The logo of the new Independence - Social Democrats electoral alliance

Earlier yesterday, party leaders Babum Ishhi-Addu of the Independence Party (KU) and Albert Gaston of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) announced that the two groupings will join together temporarily as a way to gain more power in the legislature and possibly try and force an early election. Currently, the controversial Radical National People’s Party has formed a government with the Liberal Conservative Party. Since coming into power in January, the Radical National People’s government has faced mass protests and concerns over human rights violations.

The new alliance, named Independence - Social Democrats, will see four sitting deputies join their ranks, with discussions with the Pisdari Liberation Front and Farmer-Labour Party to possibly include the other left-wing parties in the alliance. The reasons for the coalition between the KU and PSD “are various”, stated KU leader Babum Ishhi-Addu. The alliance will finally mend the vote-splitting between the social democratic and liberal parties, an issue that has allowed the rival Liberal Conservative Party to last fifteen solid years in government. If the new party has the clout to force the Council to call an early election, it is very likely the alliance will come out on top.

New video shows horrendous living standards at holding facility, calls for Aininian intervention grow
The surfacing of a new video depicting a holding facility for nomads near Ashuragar has outraged many on the island and has strengthened calls for the Aininian Supreme Court to review and strike down the controversial Settlement Act.

The video, linked to a streaming site account in Ainin, shows the inside of the Asuragar-Zalalal Nomadic Facility and a group of nomads being forced into hard labour. According to the video, children as young as six are shown breaking rocks and carrying wood far heavier than their own weight. A small glimpse at the various tents in the camp also show that government vows to allow nomads to keep their personal belongings have possibly been broken. The tents are barren except for some spartan furnishings.

The video is now being seen as evidence against the Settlement Law, which has seen roughly five-hundred nomadic families and groups sent to these holding facilities in an effort to, in the words of Governor Alfred Lèche, “civilize them”. The Act also banned ethnic Pisdaris from serving in positions of authority such as the police, certain areas of government, and the military. Opponents to the Settlement Act have recently petition the Supreme Court of Ainin to look over the act and decide if it unlawful according to the Constitution. The existence of this new video may speed up the process, and may see the case debated in the Supreme Court by this year.

by **Namor** » Mon Feb 29, 2016 1:54 pm

ELECTION '78 As election day nears, smaller parties are making their voices heard

February 29, NMR 2378

19 DAYS
UNTIL NMR 2378
GENERAL ELECTION

NAMO, CAPTIAL DISTRICT/MOJING, EAST NAMOR/VETPEI, THALASSA - Thousands of pandas dancing in Mojing's iconic People's Square. Teenagers in revolutionary suits giving out free copies of Jarrod Thuman's works. A sea of red in downtown Namo.

These are some of the scenes that are unfolding across the nation as Election Day approaches but go unnoticed in the media because they are organized by parties that only gain at most hundreds of thousands of votes.

But the smaller parties are there, and as long as Namor's multiparty system remains, so will they.

"If you fail [to enter the Central Council], try, try again," said Ji Jung, vice president of the Panda Party (the president is Nie-Nie, a panda that Ji adopted from the zoo). "This year, we're really hoping to get at least three people in there."

Members of the environmentalist Panda Party, dressed in panda
costumes, leaving a metro station in Mojing to attend the rally in
People's Square

Ji is one of the 3,000 Panda Party members and volunteers who dressed up as pandas and danced in People's Square. As the party danced, it caught the attention of other residents. Some of them stopped by and took a few pictures.

The dance ended with Ji urging crowds to vote Panda in March 20.

"In the last election, the Panda Party encouraged everyone to vote Shohai Antelope for President-General. This year we're doing the same," Ji told PTH. "The reason is because the New Democrats are all talk, no action when it comes to saving the environment, cutting fossil fuels and reducing our carbon footprint. These aren't Shohai's priorities, either, but we feel that the Popular Front has more of a shot at doing something about the issue."

This year, the Panda Party mobilized its biggest group of candidates ever - 87 candidates scattered across Namor's 50 legislative districts.

Nominating a smaller number of candidates is the Jahistic Party of the Namorese Region, which is led by Chairman Jijin Fenzi, who is also running for President-General.

Based in Vetpei, Thalassa, Namor's Jahistics have given out free copies of works by late Unolian leader Jarrod Thuman. They have also organized protests calling for the withdrawal of Namorese military personnel from Roubao, a city-state claimed by Jahistic Unolia. Speaking to PTH, Jijin Fenzi said his end goal isn't for the Jahistic Party to gain a seat or two in the elections, but for Namorese to gain a better understanding of Jahisticism.

Jijin Fenzi is the leader of the Jahistic Party of the Namorese Region,
a pro-Unolia party based in Thalassa

"A lot of the politicians in power immediately dismiss Jarrod Thuman as an idiot who didn't know what he was talking about," he said, alluding to Shohai Antelope's comparison of Huan An's flat tax rate with Jahisticism in the February debate.

"Chairman Thuman is perhaps the most misunderstood leader in the world. He led a country that had just gone out of an oppressive monarchy, and at the same time he had to deal with what we Namorese had to deal with in the past - the constant pestering and bashing by hostile foreign powers.

"We are making great progress in promoting Voluntarism-Capitalism-Jarrod Thuman Thought," Jijin continued. "It might take time for Namorese to understand V-C-JTT, but we're willing to wait."

But things aren't always easy for smaller parties. Many of them have been ridiculed or marginalized for their perceivably radical or trivial positions.

Take the Namorese Revolutionary Liberationist Movement (NRLM), a party that split from the mainstream Liberationists in the NMR 2330s but have since faded out of relevance due to their continuing reverence of disgraced President-General Kiang Ssxu and the Green Fever. Or the Communists, who although have some support among Namorese blue-collar workers are being threatened by the existence of the Socialists, a more moderate counterpart that enjoys representation in the Central Council.

Fortunately for smaller parties, recent policy changes might give them a better chance to enter the CenCo. The government recently announced that it will abolish the "two-level system," which differentiates between "national-level parties" and "regional-level parties" and bars the latter from running in national legislative elections. The abolition of this system allows emerging minority interest groups such as Txotai's All-Otekian Party (TAOP) and Xibensho's Democratic Party access to the Central Council - if they get enough votes.

Radoslava Yulia of the TAOP says she's grateful for the change.

"Just because we're not prominent at the national level doesn't mean we don't deserve a voice," the former prosecutor and current legislative leader of the party said. "We will win the Otekian vote."

Win or lose, the smaller parties aren't going away.

"We will enter the CenCo or fade into obscurity trying to do so," said the Panda Party's Ji.

Other News
ELECTION '78 Things to watch in the March 10 debate - How will Huan An, Shohai Antelope respond to Kuo Zhang?
Central government intervention in Pisdara urged as video purportedly shows "horrendous living standards" - The surfacing of a video purportedly showing the reprehensible condition of nomads in a Pisdara holding facility has spurred calls for the Aininian Supreme Court to strike down a law that sanctions these facilities.
Zheng Zhuli says he's willing to reconcile with Namor - The Jahistic Union's leader said to a delegation of Namorese living in the country that he will reestablish diplomatic ties with Namor if he wins the next election.

by **Namor** » Mon Feb 29, 2016 7:50 pm

THE PICKLE - Почаи Симмун
Breaking the news
until it's broken

DEVELOPED NEWS Scientists confirm Esquarium will sooner or later be destroyed by inactivity

Namo - A study conducted by a panel of 30 scientists from all across Esquarium have published shocking revelations - sooner or later, Esquarium will be destroyed by inactivity.

Tzo Kesho, who has studied the relationship between time, society and
geology, says Esquarium is doomed to self-destruct as a result of nothing
much happening

"It even shocked some of us, but I saw it coming," said Tzo Kesho, a Namorese scientist who has studied the relationship between time, society and geology and has written three books concerning the scientific veracity of end times in religious teachings. "Nothing much is happening in this world, and if this remains the case then it won't be long before the world destroys itself."

According to the panel of scientists, the destruction of Esquarium via inactivity is, unlike apocalypses theorized elsewhere, "slow and painful."

"This is an end of the world that's not going to happen in one hour or one day. This is a slow and gradual process that can't be easily felt. And that's the scary part: as of now, there's no real way to calculate when inactivity will destroy the world or whether this process or destruction has happened or not. Worst case scenario is that it could be happening right now," said Tzo.

"If you look at the world right now, not much is happening. The only thing you hear in the news are the Namorese elections and a few political stuff elsewhere. That's very dangerous: once these elections and politics are over, possibly nothing might happen. That will only accelerate our destruction."

Comparing the slow destruction of Esquarium by inactivity with terminal diseases like cancer, Tzo said the trend is "difficult to reverse."

"Unless something happens, yeah, we're f*cked," he said. "I know I've never sounded this desperate before, but governments can at least carry out some false flag operations or something just so we don't have to meet our fate earlier."

According to Tzo, the last time Esquarium came "very close" to destruction via inactivity was during the Esquarian Games in Ainin, when suddenly nothing happened unless someone won a gold medal.

by **Katranjiev** » Mon Feb 29, 2016 8:34 pm

Trifonov expected to become Katranjian-majority by 2020

The city of Baicheng

BAICHENG, TRIFONOV - Studies conducted by respected demographers Gregor Titov (from the Royal University of Krasimir) and Daniel Lu have confirmed what had been suspected for a long time: Trifonov will become majority-Katranjian by 2020, leaving the last Namorese-majority duchy in the Kingdom to end up becoming Katranjian-majority. The paper was published yesterday, and it has drawn significant attention across the duchy.

"As of the 2015 census," Gregor Titov explained, "the duchy of Trifonov is 49% Kannei, and 46% Katranjian, with 5% belonging to other ethnicities like Luziycans and Scotians. Really, Trifonov has no ethnic majority since the 2010 census, when the population was at 52% being Kannei Namorese and 45% Katranjian, with 3% belonging to other ethnic groups."

Co-author Daniel Lu also explained that "the major reasons why the proportion of the Kannei population has been shrinking is due to two factors: the main factor being an influx of ethnic Katranjians from the early 2000s on as a result of the oil sands which has resulted in a significant economic boom, and especially post-2014, some Namorese heading northwards to Riro, for various reasons."

The contents of the paper have shown statistics showing an upward trend of the ethnic Katranjian population for decades, with two "bursts" where Katranjians have migrated to Trifonov: one from 1910-1950, and the other from 1995 to the present day. From 1955-1990, the paper had noted that the level of ethnic Katranjians stagnated, primarily due to restrictions on freedom of movement, making it impossible to move to other communes within the country without government approval.

The paper noted the factors for the first burst of growth was as follows:

Government encouragement
Agricultural land that was "sufficient to support millions" (according to a 1912 pamphlet)
Opportunities for the poor to have a fresh start and get rich quickly
Concerns of potential irredentism against Riro, and the desire to "secure" the eastern frontier

The second burst of population growth for the ethnic Katranjians in the duchy of Trifonov had various factors, such as:

Economic boom with a result of jobs
Widespread investment in the oil sands
Upgrading infrastructure so to ensure that the oil gets exported
Opportunities to make it rich

What makes the first burst of population growth different than the second burst, said Gregor Titov was that there was a "virtual absence" of "direct" government encouragement for the second period of growth, although the decision to invest in the oil sands in the eastern duchies may have indirectly encouraged people to move eastwards so to not only bring the country into the 21st century, but also to integrate the Riroese economy with that of the rest of the country.

In contrast, the first period of ethnic Katranjian population growth was marked with heavy government encouragement, as well as practices such as confiscating land from ethnic Namorese and giving them away to Katranjians with "minimal compensation" at best to the original landowners, and with the development of infrastructure designed to secure the "eastern frontier."

However, the economy has one thing in common for both stages: a major reason why people want to head east is because it represents a new opportunity. How would it represent a new opportunity?

In contrast to the feudal system and a heavy emphasis on social class in the western duchies, the eastern duchies were seen as a "tabula rasa" where anybody can make it rich and easily rise through the ranks of the social class, to the point that theoretically, a pauper in a rural mountain village in Genkov would rise to become an aristocrat in the city of Yichun in Trifonov.

Post-Liberationism, the east represented a significant source of revenue as Katranjiev sought to rebuild its economy. One of the more simpler things to do is to develop the infrastructure to export oil to its neighbors, and then use the petrodollars earned to invest in bringing the country out of the stagnation that has been experienced for the past several decades, and into the 21st century.

However, such prosperity has come at a cost: as the ethnic Katranjian population rises within the duchy of Trifonov, there are concerns that Namorese culture will end up becoming eroded, and it could potentially result in ethnic tensions between the Katranjians and the Namorese within the duchy, much like what we see in Txotai between the Otekians and the Namorese.

Daniel Lu explained that "the only way that the duchy cannot be majority-Katranjian by 2020 is if the oil boom goes bust," although even that is no longer guaranteed, considering the diversification of the ducal economy, especially within the cities of Baicheng and Yichun. Thus, it has become clear that to "preserve Namorese culture, more emphasis should be placed on Namorese culture than what it currently is" within the duchy, and to remind settlers that "when in Rome, do what the Romans do," and not expect things to change to accommodate them too much.

In Baicheng, former Premier Baikun Qing explained that "I am interested at the paper, and it is interesting to see such a diverse blend of cultures. But we must not lose sight that this land is our land, and thus, while we welcome newcomers, they need to respect our ways and our traditions. If they don't like it, they can head back to Desislav."

However, in the bedroom community of Teofilov, adjacent to Baicheng, Mayor Mladen Petrova stated that "for a long time, we gave the Namorese lots of room to practice their ways. It is clear though that the Namorese must sooner, rather than later, accept their fate and assimilate into the body politic."

Regardless, as more people read about the study, and know about it, it is abundantly clear that Trifonov may have a tough future ahead.

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