News Thread [Kylaris|Canon|IC]

by **Etruria2** » Wed Jun 20, 2018 2:11 pm

Student protests decline as movement splits over Citizens' outreach
Number of protesters nose-dives over government pulling tuition fee support and rejection of "interference" by the Citizens' Alliance
Lucca Rosse
^{20 June, 2018, 15.00pm | Vicalvi, Vespasia, Transetruria}

The student protests have begun to decline as the movement, ResistenzaEtruria fractures over direction and political affiliation. While other students have cited the threat of financial support from the government being withdrawn as the sole reason.

The student protests which began last week over the National Dignity Act and the prohibition of war-crimes claims being made in academia and published materials became law. The protests were swiftly organised by a student and liberal based movement called ResistenzaEtruria. Over 600 people have been injured in clashes between the Federal Police and the students across Etruria, while over 300 have been arrested. The Ministry of Health however, confirmed that three people have died.

The three deceased have been identified as students from Vicalvi who suffered serious injuries as a result of violent clashes with riot police. Their families have been notified.

While protests continued today, they did so without much incident. The Federal Police did confirm that six were arrested after they ransacked a boutique shop in Vicalvi, though they were not registered students. The number of protesting students has fallen by over 10,000 according to the Interior Ministry, the number of non-students protesting alongside them has also reportedly fallen. Only 80 students protested at the University of Metropolitan Stazzona.

Despite ResistenzaEtruria’s repeated claims that they will continue protesting until the National Dignity Act is repealed, they appear to be having difficulty in mobilising or maintaining the momentum shown throughout the past week. Several students have described concerns and fears over the government’s threat to retract tuition loans and support grants to any student arrested during the protests. At least 186 students have had support revoked by the Ministry of Education according to a statement released this afternoon.

While the threat of having support revoked appears to be driving students back into the classrooms, the more politically minded members of RE. have been dissuaded by the efforts of the Citizens’ Alliance to seize control of the movement. The concerns were first raised after the party’s leader Vittoria Vetra met with RE. leader, Massimo Amato at the University of San Giorgio in Vicalvi, along with other senior figures. Vetra according to leaks from the meeting urged the movement to rally to the Citizens’ to mobilise the student vote.

A video posted online by several RE. members today slammed the meeting. In the video students said, “we don’t want parties involved, this is our movement, this our fight. We sell ourselves to the Citizens and we lose everything we have.”

Another video was posted on a different site, where other students said, “it is vital that we remain independent, we will not be pawns in Vetra’s quest for attention.”

On the streets, rumours of a RE-CA hitch up was met with mistrust and anger, one student told ORN, “all the CA wants is total control of young people because they think we’re only capable of following them. They’re wrong on every level, we’re our own people”, another said, “The Citizens’ are no different, they’re equally detached and aloof, they use us for votes, promising us everything, just so they can pitch us against those who vote Tribune. This is not about government, this is about freedom of speech.”

While the Citizens’ gains achieved in the recent election were in part driven by the youth vote, there appears to be a growing rift with student voters. According to opinion polling, those currently studying for a degree, 43% support the Citizens’ Alliance, 29% support the hard-left Popular Renewal, 18% support Democratic Alternative and 10% support the Tribune Movement.

A large number of students are concerned that the Citizens, eager to seize a majority of the student bloc, would seek to strongarm Amato into signing up. The Tribunes picked up on the student’s concerns, with Education Minister Elisabetta Riolo accusing her Citizens’ counter-part in an interview on Orrizante News, of “bully the students into becoming pawns, while we work to improving their employment chances.”

First Citizen Francesco Carcaterra who is set to visit Marirana in coming days, told some students during a walk-about in Poveglia, “the NDA is there to protect you from having a warped view and mindset of our country’s history, its there to ensure that you’re not influenced by highly political lecturers, who are beholden to others”, he also reminded them that his government is “working on the biggest labour and employment reforms for decades to make sure your degree gets you a job.”

Despite the student protests dying down, the government is now facing a raft of law-suits and civil actions. The Etrurian Human Rights Observer Association is expected to sue the government and Federal Police over excessive force and may seek criminal action over the three deaths. The Justice Ministry however has warned that any law suit will undermine “riot control and policing in general, our officers acted with excellent standards.”

More as the story develops.

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by **Traditum** » Thu Jun 21, 2018 11:35 am

MONUMENTAL ELECTION IS VICTORY FOR THE ROYALISTS
Royalists win all 9 seats in Aelia; Catholics win 3 seats and Catholic Democrats win 2 seats in Sennia.

Marcus Troiana (@marcustroiana )
^{MAY 23 2018 | AQUILA, AQUILA}

Newly elected Royalist Party Senator Claudio Gerrara, the face of the now-popular Royalist movement in Aelia.
Photo courtesy of Maria Bolandi.

AQUILA, AQUILA -

After the elections across Aelia and Sennia closed on Wednesday and the votes were counted overnight, the results of the election were announced Thursday morning. The results were rejoiced widely by Conservatives and bemoaned by the more liberal in Aquila. The Duchy of Aelia- the most populated Duchy and commonly known "the liberal stronghold" of Aquila, elected nine members of the conservative Royalist Party to fill all nine open seats to become Senators of Aquila. In the Duchy of Sennia, which also voted more liberal than the other Duchies, voted in three members of the Catholic Party and two members of the Catholic Democrats Party to fill the five open seats. In all, twelve seats went to the unofficial "Conservative bloc" (made of the Royalist, Catholic, Partician Parties and the Aquilian National Front) of the Senate, whereas a mere three went to the "Liberal bloc" (made of the Catholic Democrats and Progressive Parties and the People's Party of Aquila).

This election was the largest election in Aquila since the first election of 1940; since Senators serve lifelong terms, elections occur generally only after the death or resignation of a Senator. Until this election there was never more than three seats vacant at one time during the Senate. This election had fourteen seats open, only really made possible by a series of events which took place. Firstly, the death of Senator Marius Bundetta, a Senator of the Catholic Democrats party from the Duchy of Aelia, caused elections to be called on June 20th. Compounding to this, thirteen Senators of the Progressive Party were accused of bribery and misdemeanor by fellow Progressive Senator Henricus Nolano. They were summoned to High Trial before the King himself on May 23rd. After a long trial, they were convicted of the crimes accused, and promptly were dismissed from the Senate by the King. This then opened fourteen seats in the Senate for the June 20th election.

After the thirteen were dismissed and two other Progressive Senators left to join the Catholic Democrats, there was only one Senator left in the Senate of the Progressive Party. The Duchy of Aelia was traditionally the stronghold of the Progressive Party, but after the series of events, the popularity of the Progressive Party plummeted, with AquilaPoll publishing a survey that found the Party had an approval rating of 3.7%. Thousands of members would resign membership from the party. Most political experts did not expect the Progressives to win anything, but were conflicted as to which party would fill the vacuum left in the wake of the Scandal.

In the wake of this, the parties began to put forward candidates for the Senate for each seat. With each party putting forth nine candidates, it was uncertain how the race would shape itself. One candidate in particular began to stand forward in the race. Senator Claudio Gerarra's message of the strength of stability and tradition seemed to reach many ears in Aelia, and his and his fellow party members' popularity soared. When asked to comment on the falling of the Progressive Party, he commented that "When the promise of progress we have heard has proved to be a lie, why should we support it? Why not instead support the stability and traditions that have kept this Kingdom together for well over a millennium." The Royalists would not make the same such popularity gains in Sennia, where the Catholics and the Catholic Democrats pulled into a tight race.

In the end, the Royalists won all the seats in Aelia, with each Senator receiving roughly 60% of the vote. The Catholic Party had roughly 20% of the vote, and the Catholic Democrats had another 20%, and the other parties had very small percentages. In Sennia, the vote was much, much closer, with the votes being split more evenly. The Catholics and Catholic Democrats both had around 45% of the vote each, with three Catholics having more votes and two Catholic Democrats with more votes. The Royalists now have 38 seats in the Senate, the Catholics have 28 seats, and the Catholic Democrats have 21; the Patrician Party has 9 seats, the Aquilian National Front has 2, and the Progressive and People's Party of Aquila each have one seat.

The results of the election were received with joy from the members of the Royalist Party. Senator Philipus de Cornelia, the leader of the Royalist Party, said that "The game of the Progressives is finally up. The people of Aelia have finally seen through their lies and have seen that Faith, Tradition and Loyalty are what is really important. The lie of "Progressivism" has finally been exposed in Aquila." The Catholic Party, close allies of the Royalists, were happy as well. "Although our party did not do as well as we liked, we are excited that our allies did well. And we still gained three seats, and made progress in the Duchy of Sennia. The Royalists have similar goals to us, we just have different focuses; gains for either party will help Aquila become an even more just and Christ-centered society," Senator and Party Leader Martinus Valus responded when asked.

However, the Progressives and Catholic Democrats were disappointed. "First we were framed and sentenced unjustly, and now we have been mercilessly driven from Aquilian politics," griped former Senator and Progressive Party leader Gaius Angeloni. "This is all just a plot by the right wing to eradicate all freedoms from society. That's why they've silenced and persecuted us." The Catholic Democrats declined to response, though reports have indicated party frustration over failure to pick up seats in the Progressive Party's wake. The Catholic Democrats, with the addition of former Progressives Senator Nolano and Senator Robbia and the election of two more Senators from Sennia, has made a net gain of three Senators.

Professor Marcus Burnius, and professor of Political Science at the University of Aquila and political correspondent for Aquila Catholica, commented that "It is too early to see, but it seems like this may be a major paradigm shift in Aquilian politics. If the Royalists continue to enjoy support from Aelia, this means that all liberal political parties except the Catholic Democrats will eventually die out. The Progressive Party has been destroyed ad is unlikely to ever recover; the People Party only manged to snag one seat and that is in Aelia. Since the Royalists were able to gain support and not the Catholic Democrats, I believe that this shift will remain- Aelia has become a Conservative region, which is quite remarkable considering for how long it was considered the stronghold of liberalism in Aquila. This is a surprising turn of events, and are probably due to dissatisfaction with the Progressives and a loss of trust in liberalism due to this seeming "betrayal" by the Progressives- to have your ideals shattered like glass by this scandal. They seem to view the Catholic Democrats as too similar to the Progressives, which probably caused them to turn even further."

He would continue, saying, "This election likely marks for the foreseeable future the decline of social liberalism in Aquilian politics, which for years had steadily been on the rise. Even the more politically liberal Catholic Democrats are socially Conservative; now there are only two Senators in the entire Senate which are of a party that considers itself Socially Liberal. Even more interesting, the many-party system of Aquila is dying out. Only four parties have more than two seats in the Senate, of these, three each have over twice as many as the fourth. It will be interesting to see what becomes of this, but this election has definitely marked a significant shift in Aquilian politics."

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by **Black Marshes** » Fri Jun 22, 2018 4:39 pm

SHOTS FIRED IN DÉCOUVERTE SUBURB.
Reports are coming in of a shooting in the capital.

Elise Strause
^{11:48pm, June 22, 2018| Découverte, Sanslumière}

The factory in Troumerde where gunshots were heard.
Photo courtesy of Jacques Saville.

Découverte, Sanslumière -

There have been numerous reports across social media platforms of gunshots being heard in Decouverte’s Troumerde district. The district, an industrial park situated on the outskirts of the city, is known for its warehouses and storage units, and has been the site of several drugs busts in recent years, leading to speculation that this incident may be some sort of gang violence.

The authorities have already arrived on the scene, but have released no official statement as of yet. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the news as it happens!

***Update: 00:13am***

We have now confirmed that Bahiaux rapper Raymond Sentier, popularly known as “Lil Ray”, has been hospitalised at l’Hôpital Saint-Barthélemy following a severe bullet wound. No suspects have been arrested, though sources have confirmed that the weapon was found, and its owner is being traced.
Subscribe to our website for live updates as this story unravels!

***Update: 01:24am***

The Decouverte Police Prefecture have just arrested Gaullois pop star Jean-Marie Cœurn. Although no official reason has been given for this arrest, many are speculating that this may be linked to tonight’s earlier shooting. Stay tuned to L’Île for up-to-date information on this and other stories, both at home and abroad!

***Update: 02:37***

We have just been informed that Mr Sentier’s wounds were too severe, and he has passed away, aged 25. The police investigation is already underway, and a spokesperson has confirmed that “our chief suspect has been located and detained, though the investigation is still underway.” An obituary will follow soon: subscribe to L’Île to get it as soon as its published!

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by **The Kingdom of Glitter** » Fri Jun 22, 2018 9:36 pm

WALKER, EC CONDEMN VIOLENCE USED AGAINST ETRURIAN STUDENT DEMONSTRATORS
EC President Alexis Walker called police tactics "blatantly brutality" and offered words of support to the students

Rory Cork (@rcorkgbf))
^{21 June 2018 | Kesselbourg City, Kesselbourg}

Etrurian police again clashed with protesters as students continue to reject the suppression of academic freedom.

KESSELBOURG CITY – EC President Walker and a number of senior Euclean officials condemned the brutality of Etrurian police and the response of the Etrurian government to widespread student protests over freedom of speech and academic freedom.

Ms. Walker said that the "attacks, both legislatively and physically, on free speech in both the university and the press are fundamentally attacks on democracy and what it means to be a Euclean".

She spoke out against the violent tactics used by Etrurian police, calling them "blatantly brutality" and calling for the Etrurian to let the students demonstrate "peacefully and without interference or provocation".

While she has not directly condemned legislation which outlawed claims of Etrurian war crimes during the Solarian Wars at that is at the center of controversy, the EC President said "historical revision is inherently problematic".

Tensions between Etruria and the Euclean Community have intensified after the Etrurian government moved to sanction Le Monde for posting an article on its Etrurian-based website reporting on Etrurian war crimes. Le Monde refused to take the article down and the Etrurian government swiftly moved to ban the site, causing massive outrage in the EC.

The EC has threatened to retaliate, with President Walker previously calling the ban of Le Monde "an unwarranted and direct provocation against the EC".

The Euclean Commission has said it is "closely working co-operating with the Euclean Council" to draft sanctions and propose further action against Etrurian government officials for "over attempts to both undermine and systematically dismantle the democratic process".

Senior officials have declined to speak on specifics, with one high-ranking commissioner saying the international community will have to "wait and see".

Etrurian students have been protesting against the war crimes allegations ban for weeks. However, after the Etrurian government moved against them, their numbers have dwindled.

President Walker said the students were the "future of Euclea" and had "every right to voice their opinion without fear of reprisal".

The head of the Pan-Euclean Education Network, a consortium of universities throughout the EC and Euclea, said that "students should not fear punishment by the Etrurian government".

Augustus Hanson, who has served as the consortium's director for two years, said that "if they seek to silence you and end your academic career, P-EEN's universities will serve as your adopted home".

He said that Etrurian students who are expelled from universities for demonstrating would be able to "finish their students without interruption" at P-EEN universities elsewhere in Euclea.

"This would include the typical amenities of studying abroad, including free transit, free accommodations, and free textbooks".

The Euclean Academic Society, a pan-Euclean network of university faculty and lecturers, also released a statement that strongly condemned action against Etrurian students and university faculty as "a crime against freedom of speech itself".

Strong criticism has also come from the governments of Gaullica, Estmere, and Werania. The representatives of the three states to the International Council for Democracy issued a joint statement saying that they would move to have the forum debate the Le Monde ban and suppression of student demonstrators.

"It would be a failure on the part of this institution, which actively seeks to safeguard democratic principles, not to address the attempts of the Etrurian government to silence both the domestic and international free press while pursing policies that silence academics and students alike" the statement said.

Students throughout Euclea have demonstrated in support of the Etrurian students. The largest demonstrations were in Florena which several hundred thousand students participating. In Estmere, Estmerish flags were burned in front of the Etrurian embassy in Ashcombe. The Etrurian embassy in Kesselbourg was vandalized by student groups, with the word "functionalists" spray painted on the embassy's walls.

The Euclean Convention will hold an emergency meeting in Kesselbourg in the coming weeks to address the issue. President Walker said she is "optimistic" for a "strong consensus".

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by **Alinora** » Fri Jun 22, 2018 11:26 pm

CITADEL RELEASES NEW UPDATE ON MARIRANA
After months of near-total silence from the Citadel, the headquarters of Asteria's armed forces has released new reports about the conflict in Marirana

James Gehrner (@jamesgehrner)
June 23rd, 2018 | Antona, Federation

Marines from 1st Division, 3rd Battalion advance through the streets of Occhetto with an armored fighting vehicle during a series of raids - 5/24/18
Photo courtesy of Sentinel News

Marirana -

It has been well over two months since the last official update on the Mariranan Insurgency, prompting a great deal of controversy over the progress of the conflict, and the situation the Federation is facing as it battles the various paramilitary and criminal organizations that dominate portions of the country. Some believed that the Citadel had classified most operations, though, the lack of an announcement from the Citadel stating that makes it hard to confirm. Media buzz also explored the idea that the situation had taken a bad turn, but this has also been impossible to confirm. Today, however, these whispers can be silenced, as the Citadel has released a new, beefy report on the situation in Marirana.

The report began: "Over the last two months, the Citadel has been relatively-quiet about current operations in Marirana, and the progress of these operations. The reason for this is quite simple: exhaustion. Over the last two months, Asterian military personnel - both combat and not - have been working tirelessly to end the hostilities as quickly as possible. Since the beginning of April, the Federation has been launching a relentless volley of raids against hostile factions. Asterian forces - primarily Marines and Special Forces units - have conducted more than four-hundred raids since April 1st, making nearly a thousand arrests and tallying at least 400 confirmed kills on enemy fighters."

The Citadel did not release any information on exactly where Asterian forces are active in counter-insurgency operations, but did speak briefly on the political situation. "The Citadel continues to keep communication channels with the current government of Marirana and its military leadership. The diplomacy of the situation, however, is not the responsibility of the military-- rather President Avery and the current administration."

This September will mark the second full year of direct military intervention in Marirana, and it seems very likely that the death toll for Asterian forces could very well reach four-hundred by that time; currently, the death toll is parked at 348, with the last confirmed KIA being Army Corporal Jason A. Beam on June 13th.

Experts were quick to criticize the Citadel's report of that promise "to end the hostilities as quickly as possible." Walter Sharp, a Political Scientist from the University of Freeman, called the report "laughable", saying that "the only - ONLY - end to this horrible and destructive conflict is the inevitable day that the Mariranan government revokes the Federation's right to operate in their country".

For some, that may seem true, but many others suggest that the insurgency is rapidly deteriorating, and it is only a matter of time before the threat is once-again manageable by Marirana alone.

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by **Caltarania** » Sat Jun 23, 2018 7:22 am

Dioclecià Payas - 20 June 2018

Home · Florena · Euclea · International · Politics · Business · Technology and Science · Arts · Education · Health · Sports · Weather · Opinion

ESCUDERO: "OUR HISTORY IS OURS, AND OURS ALONE"

Demora, Florena - In a country battered by anti-Etruriran protests, a previously silent executive has taken to speech. Premier Rosa Escudero spoke to the Corts Populares today, speaking on issues which had recently shook the Floren nation.

She broke the so-called EC policy of the 'Golden Silence', and talked of Etruria, their Tribune-led government and, specifically, the new government policy which criminalises talk of Etrurian war crimes among the media and academia.

"Our history is ours, and ours alone" she told the Generalitat. "We alone bear our own scars, and we alone remember". Her words in clear reference to the ethnic cleansing and war crimes conducted against ethnic Florens in areas occupied by Etrurian forces during the Solarian War. Her use of the word 'remember' echoed the nation-wide protests which had engulfed the nation on the day that the policy was made law in Etruria, and their chants of "Recorda, Recorda, Recorda".

Escudero steered clear from directly mentioning the Etrurian government, in a move likely designed to appease her Euclean allies, and as a lesson learned from her previously-hotheaded approach to the Etrurian issue. She instead focused on her commitment to ensure that "Floren history is not written out of existence" in any shape or form.

In her speech, she also called on the Community of Nations, the International Council for Democracy and the Euclean Community to ensure that war crimes and ethnic cleansings, those to have happened in Florena and those to have happened elsewhere, are never forgotten, so that the victim's families are honoured and so that we can learn from past mistakes.

"Reconciliation is the only way to move forward from tragedy" she had remarked, echoing the wishes of other Euclean Community member states that the crisis reach a peaceful conclusion. She also noted, however, that "the spirit of liberty lives in the heart of every Floren, alongside the will to fight for it", making clear her opposition to a 'sell-out solution'.

Later, in a sly twisting of words parroted by members of the Etrurian establishment in support of the policy, Escudero said "let us not rewrite our history to think better of our country, but, instead, reflect on our history to better think of our country".

"We cannot bring back the dead, but we can honour their names" she said.

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by **Black Marshes** » Sun Jun 24, 2018 12:32 am

JEAN-MARIE CŒURN CHARGED WITH DÉCOUVERTE SHOOTING.
A police spokesperson has confirmed that the pop star’s arrest was linked to last night’s shooting.

Elise Strause
^{05:32pm, June 23, 2018| Découverte, Sanslumière}

Left: Cœurn at a recent concert. Right: The late Raymond Sentier.
Photos courtesy of Jacques Saville.

Découverte, Sanslumière -

A spokesperson for the Découverte Police Prefecture has just confirmed that last night’s arrest of pop star Jean-Marie Cœurn was indeed linked to the shooting of rapper Raymond Sentier.

“Mr Cœurn’s fingerprints were discovered on the gun found at the scene, and since his arrest we have discovered traces of Mr Sentier’s blood and illegal substances on Mr Cœurn’s clothing. We have received no confession from Mr Cœurn, and the investigation is still underway for any potential accomplices, but the evidence so far suggests that he was involved in the incident in some way.”

There has been no official response from Mr Cœurn, but it has been rumoured that both he and Mr Sentier have been involved with Découverte’s criminal underground in the past. Whilst neither of them have been convicted in the past, it would seem that these rumours have been proven correct.

Subscribe to L’Île for up-to-date news on this and many other stories!

NOIRENÈGRE PROPOSES GOVERNMENT REFORM.
President Noirenègre has proposed a new reform for the allocation of senate and parliament seats.

Elise Strause
^{07:45pm, June 23, 2018| Découverte, Sanslumière}

President Noirenègre at a press conference in the Palais National.
Photos courtesy of Jacques Saville.

Découverte, Sanslumière -

At a press conference earlier today, President Noirenègre announced a new proposal to reform the allocation of seats in the Première and Deuxième Chambres for representatives from Trois-Îles.

“The people of Citadelle, Saint Julien and La Roche form an integral part of our island nation, and have long been under-represented in Sanslumièran politics. Falaise and Trois-Îles have been represented in our government since the founding of our great republic as provinces, equal to those on Sanslumière itself. However, this did not take into account the fact that the three islands of Trois-Îles each have their own needs. Therefore, this new proposal aims to give each of the islands of Trois-Îles the same representation in both the Première and Deuxième Chambres as that of Falaise, to better represent the needs and concerns of our minorities.”

There has already been vocal opposition for this new proposal, with Robért Mougâbe, leader of the Bahiaux Workers’ Party, pointing out that Falaise’s population is over double that of the Trois-Îles combined, and so they would be over-represented as a result of this new reform. Mr Mougâbe has also described this reform as a “Gaullois attempt to increase their control of the government”, as the population of Trois-Îles has a significant Gaullois majority, whereas Falaise has a Bahiaux majority.

Others, however, such as Richard Dauphin, leader of the Minority Protection League, have praised the reform as “a step in the right direction for the safeguarding of minority rights.”

Do you agree with the proposal? Let us know in the comments and subscribe to keep updated on all the nation’s news!

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by **Etruria2** » Mon Jun 25, 2018 3:29 pm

BREAKING: Government lifts ban on printed editions of Le Monde
Tribune government in shocking U-turn as it lifts ban on printed editions of Le Monde
Massimo Abate
^{25 June, 2018, 11.00am | Poveglia, Vespasia, Transetruria}

Foreign Minister Adriano Vinci has issued a surprising U-turn in that the ban on Le Monde’s printed editions will be lifted immediately. Speaking at a press conference he said, “it is in the interest of the Etrurian nation in hopes of maintaining cordial relations with neighbours, that the previous punishment against Le Monde be lifted. The ban on printed editions of the paper will cease effectively immediately, however, the website will remain blocked until such time the article in question is removed.”

The shock turnaround by the Tribune government is being attributed to a sizeable and vocal contingent of its Senatorial group, who have reportedly pressured the government to backdown and lift the ban. However, sources close to the government have reported that First Citizen Carcaterra was unwilling to lift the ban completely, opting for allowing just the printed versions. Carcaterra secured cabinet support for the turnaround.

Speaking to reporters Foreign Minister Vinci said, “after much debate and reflection, the Etrurian government has opted in the name of cordial co-existence with neighbours and regional organisations to lift the ban on Le Monde’s printed publications.

“While the printed editions will return, the government will maintain the current ban and blocking of the online publication of Le Monde. We hope that Le Monde will abide by Etrurian law and remove the article in question, the one written with nefarious purpose and the one that has caused this unfortunate disquiet” he said further.

However, it is unlikely that Le Monde will acquiesce to the government, ensuring the continued blocking of Le Monde’s website across all Etruria.

The move is also being interpreted as a pre-emptive move to dissuade a possible harsher response by the Euclean Community, which made clear following the Tribunes’ victory in 2016, that Freedom of the Press would be its ultimate redline.

Leader of the Democratic Alternative, Gianlucca Maniero said as much when addressed reporters outside his home following the announcement.

“It’s clear the government has realised it truly overstepped the line and has immediately backtracked to avoid retaliation for its attacks on our rights and liberty. This is a great victory for all Etrurians and truly humiliating for Carcaterra and his authoritarian cult” he said.

Others are claiming that the backtrack is owing more to the government’s likely realisation that it cannot take on the EC over the matter, owing entirely to the nature of the new crisis.

The Citizens’ Alliance’s Vespasian leader Nicolò Pecorari argued on a livestreaming video, “the government has just realised it can’t do a repeat of the Pietramontecorvino nightmare, that it can’t use a crisis of its own creation to bring down another foreign government, through dirty and malignant deceit.”

Interior Minister, Tullio Quagliariello told ONR 1, “this is not a humiliating U-turn, this is a genuine move to avoid an EC overreaction and to protect Etruria from further aggression and provocation by some Euclean governments, who will use this to attack us further for the people’s victory in the 2016 referendum.”

Asked if the government was influenced by polls showing only 41% of the population supporting the policy, he said, “of course public opinion is a factor, we’re the nation’s servants, not its masters. If they people disapprove then we need to factor that in, but no, it was not the sole, all-encompassing reason, no.”

Yet with the online publication still banned, it is likely that this move will not go far enough to deter an EC response against the Tribune government.

The situation began following the passing of the National Dignity Act which penalises claims of alleged war-crimes committed by Etrurian during the Colonial and Solarian War eras. It primarily focuses upon academia, in the aim of defending “students and national youth from ideas and claims that entice self-loathing and hatred of the nation.” Le Monde posted an op-ed by an Etrurian lecturer in Guallica who offered detailed accounts of alleged war-crimes in Florena during the Solarian War. The paper was ordered to pay the ₣250,000 fine, but it refused, citing freedom of speech and the press, the government promptly responded by banning Le Monde’s printed and online editions from Etruria.

More as the story develops.

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by **Caltarania** » Tue Jun 26, 2018 4:45 am

Lauke Plesger - 26 June 2018

Home · Nimear · Euclea · International · Politics · Business · Technology and Science · Arts · Education · Health · Sports · Weather

CAMPAIGN TRAIL: KOEAARA TARGETS WHITE WORKING CLASS

Sint-Nicolaas, Nimear - Presidential hopeful and Rainbow Coalition leader Mozes Koeaara has been making an effort to connect to what he has described as the "disenfranchised" white working class. The move comes following a recent opinion poll, which showed that Koeaara polled behind presidential rivals Krassenberg, Buitink and Hoofer among white Asterianers.

Mainstream political pundits have focused on Koeaara's status as a member of the Amaru community as the reasoning for his low approval ratings among Asterianers, but some political analysts have disputed this, shaming it as "lazy analysis".

Karlien van Agteren, political editor at independent news site de Canarische, has noted that the mainstream assumption was made with minimal evidence. "If we look closer" she said, "the disparity [in the polls] can be attributed more closely to fears surrounding the Land Reform Bill". The bill, indirectly the reason for this presidential election, is seen as anti-Asterianer in many communities. "If Mozes can re-frame the argument, he can win over the white working class".

Re-framing the argument is certainly what Mr. Koeaara has been attempting recently. Over the weekend, he met with Hermann Schovers - a prominent political activist within poorer white communities - to discuss issues of race, class and land reform.

In the highly publicised meeting-come-interview, Koeaara convincingly told Schovers that "land reform helps the poorer of all colours", signalling to the multicoloured pin on his jacket. When Schovers raised concerns that land reform meant "hardworking white farmers being replaced with entitled non-whites", Koeaara instead countered that "many poorer whites" would be eligble for vast swathes of land, were his dreams of land reform to become political reality. "The problem isn't white farmers", he said, "the problem is that we have giants of agriculture dominating the scene, making land-ownership impossible for most."

By the end of the interview/meeting, Schovers seemed notably convinced. "You may have got yourself another vote", he jokingly told Koeaara. Rainbow Coalition organisers will be hoping that this statement had a basis in reality.

Following the meeting, Koeaara spoke to gathered masses of predominantly white industrial workers, telling them "the fruits of labour belongs to the labourer", to cheers from the crowds gathered, suggesting support.

It seems as though the mainstream analysis of the situation may have slightly missed the mark.

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Etrurian government lifts ban on Le Monde prints. [ 8123 ]
Opinion: Sanslumiere is stuck in the 1800s. [ 3219 ]
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Floren Premier speaks out over National Dignity Act. [ 2471 ]
Analysis: The Federation in Marirana. [ 4591 ]

by **Estmere** » Tue Jun 26, 2018 10:09 am

Marilyn Albridge - 26 June 2018

Home · Estmere · Euclea · International · Politics · Business · Technology and Science · Arts · Education · Health · Sports · Weather

ESTMERE WILL CONTINUE PUSH FOR ACTION AGAINST ETRURIA DESPITE PARTIAL LIFT OF LE MONDE BAN

Ashcombe, Estmere - The Estmerish Government will continue to push for action against Etruria by the Euclean Community and International Council for Democracy despite the lift of a ban on the circulation of Le Monde's Etrurian print edition, Prime Minister Richard Rupertson said.

Le Monde, which was previously barred from distributing its Etrurian-print edition and had its Etrurian-language website blocked by the government of First Citizen Francesco Carcaterra, was given permission to continue circulation of its printed editions yesterday. Etrurian Foreign Minister Adriano Vinci said the ban was lifted in order the "hopes of maintaining cordial relations with neighbours". The Gaullican-based Le Monde, which is partially owned by the Gaullican Government, had its print and online editions banned after it refused to comply with a government request to remove a story reporting on Etrurian war crimes during the Solarian War. War crimes allegations were criminalized by the National Dignity Act, which was passed earlier this month. News outlets that report on war crimes allegations can face a fine and further punishment for reporting on the subject.

The apparent u-turn came after heavy pressure from the Euclean Community, which was quick to defend Le Monde and the right to a free press. EC President Alexis Walker indicated that she had directed the Euclean Commission to work closely with the Euclean Council in order to draft sanctions against Etrurian government officials in response.

However, it seems the Carcaterra Government was unwilling to confront the EC over the issue and has stood down, while moving to save some face by maintaining the ban on Le Monde's website until the article at the center of the dispute is removed. Thus far Le Monde has consistently refused to remove the article.

Prime Minister Rupertson indicated that the Euclean states will continue to seek punishment of Etrurian for the ban.

"While [the lift of the ban on] Le Monde's printed edition is certainty progress and a step in the right direction, the continued policy of blocking Le Monde's website must come to an end" he said.

"So long as this ban remains in place, the EC will pursue reasonable, retaliatory measures against the Etrurian government. The free and fair press is the cornerstone of the democratic process. Not only has the Etrurian government show consistent disregard for the Etrurian free press, it has now waged direct warfare against the Euclean free press. This will not be tolerated in any form".

The delegations of Estmere, Gaullica, and Werania to the ICD are expected to introduce a measure to condemn the Etrurian government for the Le Monde ban.

"Until the ban is fully lifted, we must continue to pursue action against the Etrurian government for its flagrant attempts to undermine the free press" Estmere's permanent representative to the ICD, Simon Carlson, said in a statement jointly issued with the representatives from Gaullica and Werania.

The ICD is also set to debate the Etrurian government's suppression of student demonstrators, which saw several deaths and significant violence.

The Rupertson government has traditionally been hesitant to pursue action against Etruria, opting for a more conciliatory approach. However, it appears the government remains committed to action against Etruria for moving against Le Monde.

The EC has also indicated it intends to proceed with sanctions against Etrurian officials "unless the Le Monde ban is totally lifted", according to High Commissioner Tereza Řezníček. Specifics are expected to be unveiled by the Euclean Council in the coming days.

An emergency meeting of the Euclean Conference that was said to be called by President Walker is also "likely to be cancelled" said one senior commissioner.

Mr. Rupertson is expected to travel to Kesselbourg later this week to meet with Ms. Walker and senior EC officials to discuss the Etrurian situation.

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by **The Ik Ka Ek Akai** » Tue Jun 26, 2018 11:02 am

NORTH VERSUS SOUTH
The stark difference between Ra'ay and Varimi views of the country.

Abdiraxman Dir ( @Abdir )
06 26 2018 12:30 | Maroodi, DAQ

Government workers smooth out a road in rural Varimi territory.

ALAMGWOMGWO, DAAQII- Local Varimi leaders praise the Daaqi government for its continued support for the development of infrastructure and continued prosperity of their home region. Meanwhile, in Maxfadan, Ra'ay separatists grow louder each day, trying to claim a legacy of their own for a stake in the world independent of their vassalage to the queen. How can it be, in these two minority regions of the state, that two entirely different outlooks and experiences are held by the local population? I will seek to answer this for the outsiders looking in, be they Gaullican or Maroodi.

The Varimi are a traditionally Bahian group, which stands in sharp contrast to the more Badawiyan Ra'ay. The Maroodi people lie historically as an intermediary between these two positions, and modern anthropological and genetic analysis has all but confirmed their presence as a mashup of these two. So, it should be all good, right? Well, not quite. The Ra'ay had, once upon a time, rather proud kingdoms and a very distinct culture and history nudging them away from any sort of subjugation, including a unified regional identity which birthed the name Maxfadan for their traditional homeland. The Varimi, likewise, once held powerful kingdoms- but these weren't quite as proud and stubborn as the Ra'ay, and in fact may have contributed the mindset that would allow Daaqii to hold to their territory for so long. This is all in the past, though- we really need to look at the modern situation to see why things are lining up like they are.

Varimi territory is usually considered underdeveloped. They inhabit remote and rural villages, farming communities, with a scant few cities that suffer from the same general decay and disrepair as their rural habitats. The terrain of their land, mountainous and filled with dense jungle, is not particularly conducive to real development- but the Daaqi government tries. Supplies and aid are regularly sent in down crude roads, the Varimi are given access to healthcare and democratic processes, and they're given free access to their own culture and religion. Between the Varimi and their nomadic neighbors, the Habesht, the government seems to take a lot of effort to keep things running as smoothly as it can down south.

The situation is not substantially different to the Ra'ay, with a few key exceptions- the ancient Ra'ay cities are not run down by anyone's definition. The Ra'ay are split between urbanites and nomads, the former of which look to their proud history as an example of what once was and needs to be again, while the Varimi look to their proud history as ongoing under Daaqi leadership. While the Ra'ay have nostalgia, the Varimi view themselves as living history. Most of all, the Ra'ay have the comforts and self-reliance to shout about independence, while the Varimi would be substantially worse off, and under threat from the evangelizing Kigomba, if they made the same moves. It's more than just a culture clash, it's raw pragmatism.

It is the author's humble opinion that the Ra'ay need to lighten up a little. Separatist protests have been increasing in intensity this past month, with some even turning into violent riots. The separatist leadership comes off cultish with their radical promotion of their religion- it really seems less like they're interested in independence, and more interested in a theocratic ethnostate. We'll have to see where this all ultimately leads, but one hopes that the queen isn't too hesitant to stomp where she needs to that she may keep order. We can't deal with extremists agitating and rioting, especially with Kigomba on the border. Plus, with the whole Anglet thing, it looks like Gaullica might come for us too!

We would appreciate any further input from official sources regarding this issue, and will do our best to keep our readers updated on the situation. Until then, Nabadu ha kuu ahaato!

by **Black Marshes** » Tue Jun 26, 2018 2:06 pm

IS IT TOO LATE NOW TO SAY SORRY?
Jean-Marie Cœurn confesses to shooting Raymond Sentier.

Elise Strause
^{12:14pm, June 26, 2018| Découverte, Sanslumière}

Jean-Marie Cœurn, who is to face trial soon.
Photos courtesy of Jacques Saville.

Découverte, Sanslumière -

Pop star Jean-Marie Cœurn, who was arrested last weekend, has just confessed to the shooting of rapper Raymond Sentier, more commonly known as ‘Lil Ray’. Cœurn’s statement, which was made in private last night, has been released by the Découverte Police Prefecture this morning.

“Raymond and I had been friends for some time now, and he was responsible for exposing me to Bahiaux culture. This led to him introducing me to several illegal substances, which is why we were in the Troumerde district in the first place (to try some). Then on Friday night, while I was intoxicated, I accidentally fired the gun at Raymond. Once I saw him bleeding, I panicked and ran home, leaving the gun behind, and waited in my home until the police came to arrest me. I shot Raymond, but it was not intentional. I am truly sorry for what happened, and I regret not having done more to try and save his life.”

The Découverte Police Prefecture have also stated that, due to the evidence gathered so far, and now Cœurn’s confession, the investigation does not need to continue and the trial is set to take place very soon. While the charges have not yet been finalised, Mr Cœurn is expected to face charges of manslaughter and the possession of illegal substances.

There have already been reactions across social media to the confession, with some praising Mr Cœurn for his bravery in admitting his mistake, while others claim he is looking for sympathy. Richard Dauphin, leader of the Minority Protection League, has described Mr Cœurn as “a poor misguided soul, who has been corrupted and led down the crooked path by Bahiaux culture.” Mr Dauphin also said that “we must help this young boy to recover from his traumatic ordeal, not punish him for an accident.”

What do you think of Cœurn’s confession? Let us know in the comments and subscribe to l’Île for more breaking news!

GUÉ AND ÉTALON BACK NOIRENÈGRE.
The Interior and Justice Ministers announce their support for President Noirenègre’s proposed reform.

Elise Strause
^{04:23pm, June 26, 2018| Découverte, Sanslumière}

President Noirenègre (right) with Mr Gué (centre) and Mr Étalon (left) at a private function.
Photos courtesy of Jacques Saville.

Découverte, Sanslumière -

Following President Noirenègre’s announcement of his proposed government reform, many questioned if it had any legal precedent, and if the government was even up to the task of reorganising itself.

It would now seem that the answer to both of these concerns is ‘yes’. Justice Minister Sylvester Étalon has confirmed that the 2nd Sanslumièran Constitution, which gave the islands of Falaise and Trois-Îles their equal representation in government in the first place, left space for further reform of this type. Meanwhile, Interior Minister Henri Gué has verified that both Découverte and Trois-Îles are ready and able to accommodate the increase in political activity.

When asked about the changes to the Première and Deuxième Chambres, Mr Gué said he has “a good feeling about this,” and that he was confident they would have a positive effect on Sanslumière.

The proposal is scheduled to be debated in both Chambres later this week, followed by a vote. Should it pass, the Social Conservative Party and Minority Protection League are expected to benefit from the new representatives from Trois-Îles, further strengthening their coalition’s majority.

Robért Mougâbe, leader of the Bahiaux Workers’ Party, has continued his vocal opposition to the proposal, with rallies to take place in Découverte, Monpain and Marécage tomorrow in protest. Mr Mougâbe maintains his claims of a “Gaullois power grab”, and has encouraged Bahiaux citizens to “resist the proposal at all costs.”

What do you think about the proposal? Let us know in the comments and subscribe to keep updated on all the nation’s news!

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by **Vredlandia** » Tue Jun 26, 2018 3:37 pm

Here stood a story about the Unity Party's new candidate for Party Leader, Eric Töjben. The story highlighted his short tenure as Deputy Seneschal & Minister of Coin, as well as his close relations with Seneschal Treuwegen. Töjben's nomination by both General Secretary Hüld and Seneschal Treuwegen made him the likely candidate for Unity Party Leader, although the story noted he isn't the most exciting candidate. The story was later removed due to technical error.

by **Liecthenbourg** » Tue Jun 26, 2018 3:54 pm

SOCIAL DEMOCRATS BACKED BY COOPERATIVIST COALITION AND PM PUT FORWARD BILL THAT WOULD RE-OPEN ABORTION INVESTIGATION
PM Abdulrashid has backed the motion set forward by members of her party and the Cooperativist Coalition into re-opening the investigation of the Sisters of Charity following an online petition reaching over 8.7 million signatures.

Antoinette Giroud
^{June 27 2018| Verlois, Gaullica}

PM Monique Degar-Abdulrashid, leaving the Senate earlier today.
Photo courtesy of the government.

Verlois, Gaullica -

Shocking the foundations of Gaullica's coalition government, the PM has announced that she supports the cross-party bill that would re-open the investigation commission that dealt with the now termed 'abortiongate'.

The bill has yet to be voted on, but its motion earlier today was carried on the backs of almost all of the Social Democratic Party, the entirety of 'Les Verts' and the entirety of the Cooperativist Coalition. Gaullica's three 'left wing parties' have united behind the call of a large swathe of the general public who took to social media and the government's online petition website to make their voices heard.

On platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook, hundreds of millions of posts were circulating every hour -- both domestic and abroad -- on the horrors of the bias within the government and civil service to sweep the 'crimes' of the Sisters of Charity under the rug.

One user on Facebook commented that "if this were mumin preachers, rather than Catholic sisters, Gaullica would be in an uproar." Others tweeted that this wasn't about the legality of abortion, but rather the 'archaic' preservation of the Clergy at Gaullica's helm.

The motion was heavily contested by the Catholic Labour Union. Their more conservatives members declared that "the investigation is finished, justice is done. You cannot simply seek to re-open an investigation just to get the justice that you deem right."

President Vallette has yet to comment, but political pundits have argued that the workings of the SDs have been against his direct wishes to control the coalition for the benefit of the nation.

Indeed, some insiders have highlighted that Mr. Vallette entered work this afternoon soured and ill-tempered, which is a side that not many see of the Gaullican President.

Leader of the Gaullican Conservatives, Mr. Devereaux, has sided with the CLU members who can be regarded as being 'in open rebellion' of the wishes of the coalition government. He said on the issue that: "Of course, first the waves of progressivism will deprive us of the very good work the clergy does in the civil service, and then will complain when the civil service cannot function anymore. Financial compensation was paid, the commission was satisfied. Justice is done."

With the vote to be held on Friday, political commentators and online algorithims have calculated that unless the Social Democrats decide their coalition is more important than the re-opening of the investigation, it will likely happen.

The effects this will have on the September Senatorial Elections are unknown, but since the closing of the investigation popularity of the government amongst women and men below the age of 24 fell by dramatic margins, a VousGov poll has found.

The leaders of the CC and LV, Renée Lémery and Marie-Justine Tiquet issued a joint statement: "We believe that the Government of Gaullica has treated the women that were subject to ridicule, bullying and threats by the Sisters of Charity with the greatest respect by allowing the commission to let the Sisters get away with a trifle fine. We are imploring our famed president, affectionately termed 'Pere Vallette' to remember that the women of Gaullica are his children too. He shouldn't value the confession box more than the rights, liberties and choices of his daughters."

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Support the Fight for Freedom of Speech and the Freedom of the Press here at www.LeMonde.com [ 36,238 ]
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by **Etruria2** » Tue Jun 26, 2018 4:11 pm

First Citizen Carcaterra arrives in Marirana for two-day trip
First Citizen seeks to restore "close fraternal ties with our long ignored friend".
Mauro Tarantini
^{27 June, 10.30am | Aquinas, Marirana}

First Citizen Francesco Carcaterra has arrived in Aquinas for a high-level visit to Marirana. He was greeted by President Lorenzo Ochetto and Etruria’s ambassador to Marirana on the runway before proceeding to the Presidential residence for in-depth talks. The Foreign Ministry confirmed the meeting had been planned for months and is seen as a key opportunity for “Etruria to restore relations with its brother-nation” according to a statement posted on Twitter.

Upon arrival, First Citizen Carcaterra was given a tour of the Mariranan parliament, where he also had opportunity to meet other parliamentarians and officials. Later he enjoyed a lunch with President Ochetto and Prime Minister Amadeo Tajani at the Presidential Residence. This was followed by extensive talks, regarding bi-lateral trade, education, science and research, visa policies, domestic affairs and possibilities of far greater Etrurian investment in its former colony.

In a statement released by the First Citizens’ Office, his spokesman said, “the First Citizen is currently in Marirana on a high-level and highly anticipated trip to a great nation, one sadly neglected and ignored by the elitist liberal governments of the past. Today, the Tribune government seeks to rectify this dishonour upon our many connections, ties and fraternal commonalities by re-establishing the familial links between Etruria and Marirana.

“The First Citizen is eagerly awaiting the opportunity to seek mutually beneficial agreements with his Mariranan counter-part, no matter the political differences, cooperation between two fraternal nations is always the aim of this government” he said further.

At a joint press-conference following their first day of talks, First Citizen Carcaterra said, “while we may differ politically, we both share a common commitment to serve our peoples and our peoples only. He [Ochetto] is of the left, and I am of the right, but in the middle we find our servitude to the people’s will and not that of foreign interests or big interests. With that we work together.”

“We both wish to expand ties, we both wish to expand trade and we will work to secure that. We’ve already agreed a wide range of moves, including an increase in Etrurian investment in Mariranan infrastructure within its interior and modernisation of its rail network and port facilities. We also seek to assist Marirana in fully exploiting its natural resources, that will be key in its development as a viable economic power in Asteria.

“We’ve both agreed to pursue the means of expanding our cultural exchanges, we share a history, we share a language, we share a faith and we share a commitment to bettering our nations and the world” he said further.

Turning to the Mariranan president he said, “I truly look forward to working closely with you Mr. President across numerous issues, both economic and diplomatic. Let us hope that our efforts succeed beyond expectations and cooperation and fraternal love return between our nations swiftly.”

The trip to Marirana is First Citizen Carcaterra’s first official visit abroad since coming to office in 2016. When asked by a Mariranan reporter why he waited so long he said, “In truth, there was so much to contend with at home, I simply forgot that a world existed beyond Etruria, this may sound concerning, but when you’re so consumed with mending decades of damage as swiftly as possible, as a I am sure President Ochetto may agree, there’s little time for looking beyond one’s borders.”

Marirana has been a firm fixture within the Tribune Movement’s mind since its founding in 2012. Many of its leading figures have criticised the Etrurian establishment for abandoning Marirana for the Euclean Community, especially in light of the Tribunes’ scepticism toward the Federation, in relation to Marirana. This has been reaffirmed by the near-universal lack of concern over the ideological differences between the two governments, with many establishment thinkers denouncing Ochetto as a wannabe left-wing autocrat, an anathema to their equal disdain for the Tribunes, who they haughtily claim is equally autocratic but worse, in that its right-wing. Today’s trip has shown the Tribunes ability to compound the establishment’s narrow-mindedness.

The First Citizen is expected to spend another day in Marirana, where he will tour various regions of the country to better “understand the great growth of our fraternal partner, that we, proudly, founded all those centuries ago.”

More as the story develops.

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by **Marirana** » Wed Jun 27, 2018 7:31 pm

CARCATERRA PROMISES INVESTMENT, COOPERATION IN FOREIGN VISIT
Occhetto's accommodation of controversial Etrurian leader sparks a ripple of disunity amongst the president's left-wing allies

Domenico D'Abbraccio (@DAbbraccio)
28 June 2018 | Aquinas, Marirana

Etrurian First Citizen Francesco Carcaterra
Photo courtesy of RP/Images.

AQUINAS, MARIRANA - In his second day visiting Marirana, the controversial First Citizen of Etruria, Francesco Carcaterra, has promised to increase Eturiran investment from $9,000 million to $12,000 million in Marirana by the end of 2018 in strategic sectors such as agriculture, industry and natural resources. As well as this Carcaterra and Occhetto discussed the possibility of discounted travel and visa costs for travellers from either country, education and healthcare cooperation and the prospect of a trade agreement in the future.

Meeting with president Occhetto and prime minister Tajani the First Citizen stated that "understand the great growth of our fraternal partner, that we, proudly, founded all those centuries ago".

Occhetto stated that Marirana was "willing to cooperate with Etruria in areas that align in our strategic interest. Whilst we remain proud of our separate political and cultural history, we as Mariranans also believe in cooperation with those who share bonds with us from centuries ago."

"We believe that the world will be forged in the future by those who stand up for the people, for the nation against the elite. With Etruria we have an opportunity to begin building an order that whilst being politically diverse is willing to act against the elites and the reactionaries".

Reportedly the two leaders came to quick agreement on cooperation on many issues, but could not come to a consensus over immigration reform with Carcaterra being reluctant to liberalise immigration controls for Mariranans. Etruria is the second largest destination for Mariranan migrants after the Federation, with their remittances being a key source of income for many lower income families.

The "chummy" nature of the two leaders was criticised by some left-wing political commentators as a "betrayal" by Occhetto. Etruria's ruling party, the Tribune Movement led by Carcaterra, is a far-right neo-Functionalist party more in line with Alfonso Hatoyama's United National Party than the Avanti Marirana coalition of Occhetto.

Occhetto has previously defended the Etrurian government on the grounds that "as one of the biggest investors in Marirana, we have to maintain cordial relations to a point...it is not the duty of my government to determine Etruria's internal affairs".

"We will continue to work with all countries to achieve mutual prosperity, cooperation and understanding so we can further the social revolution in Marirana".

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by **Black Marshes** » Thu Jun 28, 2018 7:56 am

PTB RALLIES A SUCCESS.
Yesterday’s rallies prove to be successful.

Elise Strause
^{11:56am, June 28, 2018| Découverte, Sanslumière}

Caïn Ouest, giving his now-famous speech at Marécage.
Photos courtesy of Jacques Saville.

Découverte, Sanslumière -

Last night Robért Mougâbe declared that yesterday’s PTB rallies against President Noirenègre’s proposed reforms were a “resounding success.” Mr Mougâbe attended the Découverte rally himself, describing it as a “wonderful experience, seeing so many young Bahiaux standing up for what they believed in.” He also paid particular attention to the rally at Marécage, saying that “despite its small size, it made a great impact.”

This is in reference to the speech made by Caïn Ouest at the rally, where he said that despite there only being close to 300 people in attendance, they were “a mighty 300, like the Solarians.” This gave rise to yesterday’s popular hashtag, “#300liketheSolarians”, which was seen shared across social media by Bahiaux all over the country.

Mr Ouest, who was previously an unknown Marécage bus driver, has been described as a “champion of the people” by Mougâbe, and has been approached by PTB officials to become a party spokesperson. As a result of yesterday’s successes, Mr Mougâbe has announced that there will be several demonstrations occurring on the day of the proposal’s debate.

Some have already voiced concerns that the demonstrations will not be allowed to occur, and will be forcefully disrupted by the police. When asked about this, Mr Gué replied with “that’s not how the police force works.”

What do you think about the PTB rallies? Let us know in the comments and subscribe to l’Île for more news!

SENTIER INVESTIGATION TAKES UNEXPECTED TURN.
A surprise to be sure, but a welcome one.

Elise Strause
^{01:22pm, June 28, 2018| Découverte, Sanslumière}

Mr Gué announcing the discovery.
Photos courtesy of Jacques Saville.

Découverte, Sanslumière -

Following the death of rapper Raymond Sentier last weekend, a police investigation was launched into his criminal activities due to his possession of illegal substances. So far the investigation has revealed nothing more than recreational use of several illegal substances, including cocaine, but there is nothing yet to implicate Mr Sentier as having been a dealer.

An unexpected consequence of this investigation, however, has been the discovery of various items of contraband, including a marble bust of Pierre Avenard, leader of the Gaullican expedition that discovered Sanslumière. The bust, which was sculpted during Avenard’s lifetime, had resided in the entrance hall of the Palais Nationale, which before Sanslumière’s independence was the residence of the Colonial Governors, for hundreds of years. This ended following the Great War, where the Siege of Sanslumiére saw the partial destruction of the Palais by Allied bombs, and the bust was never recovered and presumed destroyed.

This discovery has prompted a new debate, as while Mr Sentier’s belongings were to be handed over to his mother, the bust technically belongs to the government. When asked how the government would deal with the issue, Interior Minister Henri Gué responded “there is no doubt about it: it belongs in a museum.”

While many academics support Mr Gué’s stance, Robért Mougâbe has described it as “stealing from a woman who is still grieving the loss of her son.” Mrs Sentier has yet to release an official response to this news.

What do you think about the bust? Let us know in the comments and subscribe to l’Île for more news!

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by **Valentir** » Thu Jun 28, 2018 11:10 pm

MARCHAL TO RESIGN AS LEADER OF THE CENTRE DEMS
Olivier Marchal announced that he will resign from the leadership of his party amidst internal party conflicts

(@caitlynk)
^{27 June 2018 | Valeins, Valentir}

Marchal's departure after 8 years as leader of the CDP is seen a major victory for Gaultier Babineaux.

Valeins - At an impromptu press conference Olivier Marchal announced his resignation as leader of the CDP following a series of meetings with members of his party at the Centre Block on Parliament Hill.

Surrounded by a number of parliamentary colleagues, Marchal told reporters that the divisions within his party are "too great" and that the "future of this great party is at risk."

A clearly emotional Marchal, whose most recent attempt to put an end to the rampant factionalism within his party failed, stated that he has "failed to unite the party" and as such is "no longer capable of being its leader."

He indicated that he will step down immediately on 29 June, 8 years to the day that he was chosen as leader of the Centre Democrats.

Bryce Kingston, the MP for Lichfield and the CDP Chief Whip in the Assembly, will serve as leader of the CDP in an interim capacity.

Mr. Marchal's resignation occurs amidst internal conflict that has gripped his party for several months. Centrist and progressive members of the party struggle with one another in an attempt to shape the identity of the party and its future in Valentiri politics.

The party's withdrawal from the coalition government revealed a concerning political rift between members of the party. Since abandoning the coalition the rift has only enlarged as both sides seek to rewrite the party manifesto.

Despite being a self-described moderate, Marchal was ready to make several concessions to the progressive wing in order to maintain party unity. His proposed concessions were rejected by other moderates within the party, however, leaving Marchal without any leverage.

Mr. Marchal's resignation will see the end of a near three decades long career as a dedicated civil servant and politician.

It is currently unknown if he will step down as the MP for Montsimmard East or return to the backbenches of parliament.

The resignation of one of the party's most senior politicians and consequential leaders is set to make the ensuing leadership contest a battle for the ages. Gaultier Babineaux, Mr. Marchal's rebellious deputy and political rival, has long been viewed by pundits as the favourite to either usurp the senior position from Marchal or succeed him after his departure.

While it can be assumed that Mr. Marchal views his resignation as beneficial to his party, he may underestimate the size of the calamity that will engulf his party as the power vacuum left by his absence consumes the entirety of their attention.

According to several sources from within the party's parliamentary staff the party will convene within the month to determine the details regarding the inevitable leadership election. The future of the Centre Democrats as a political organization and third party in federal politics will be determined within the next few months. It remains to be seen which path the members of the CDP will elect, and exactly who will lead them during that transition.

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by **The Ecclesiastical State of Tibernum** » Fri Jun 29, 2018 6:09 pm

HIS HOLINESS CRITICISES ETRURIAN GOVERNMENT'S 'EXTREME RESPONSE' TO 'PEACEFUL, INSPIRING' STUDENT PROTESTS.
"In what world is it in which we live, that it can be seen as acceptable to use the threat of violence on children and teenagers who are voicing their disapproval? For shame, for shame, to claim to be a democracy -- but to strike at your young."

Julio Mendez (@MENDEZJ)
^{30th June, 2018| Tibernum, The Ecclesiastical State}

His Holiness during a speech in Marirana earlier this year, where he brought to light the grave injustices of the war in Marirana in regards to how women -- and especially children -- were on the forefront of the conflict that revolved around narcotics.
Photo courtesy of Enrico Maxwell

Tibernum, The Ecclesiastical State -

On multiple occassions, His Holiness has voiced that the youth are the "spiritual ship of the faith", and that it is they who "will carry its message and banner into the remnants of the 21st century." Often-times he refers to them as "the new faithful" and the "believers of today and tomorrow."

As Euclea -- and the world -- look on at Etruria from the outside, Tibernum has the prospective vantage point of being within. Nestled within the old sections of Solaris, the Catholic enclave stands as a tall reminder to all the faithful in the city and the world. But when the beacon of faith goes silent for sustained periods of time, especially amongst grave injustices, that faith is shook.

Etruria has seen itself at the forefront of controversy given the notions of its government. We are not here to criticise that. Yet, earlier, His Holiness gave several speeches during his sermons -- and even reflected on the scriptures. Specifically, the thematic nature expressed in 1 Timothy 4:12 came amidst his words on the Etrurian government.

"In what world is it in which we live, that it can be seen as acceptable to use the threat of violence, coercion and monetary bribery on children and teenagers who are voicing their disapproval? For shame, for shame, to claim to be a democracy -- but to strike at your young." The Pope proclaimed earlier today. "How can we permit, how can you permit yourselves, to not only conduct the questionable rule of law on your students -- but to threaten their questioning of your set rules and ideas with the totality of takingk knowledge away from them. I tell Mr. Carcaterra, remember 1 Timothy 4:12 and reassess your actions."

"Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity."

His Holiness has championed the rights and opinions of the youth not only in the church -- he is known for meeting with youth leaders when visiting foreign states and at the most recent World Youth Day in Senouillac, championed their views for the economic justices that the church has to continue to focus on.

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by **Traditum** » Fri Jun 29, 2018 9:00 pm

AQUILA SENATE THREATENS SANCTIONS ON ETRURIA
Official Warning issued after the Pope's comments on the Protests in Etruria.

Marcus Troiana (@marcustroiana )
^{JUNE 30 2018 | AQUILA, AQUILA}

Chancellor Prince Ioannes de Aquila after the Senate voted to issue an official warning to Etruria.
Photo courtesy of Maria Bolandi.

AQUILA, AQUILA -

Today, the Senate of Aquila formally issued a warning Etruria of sanctions Aquila would impose unless they turned from their course. The official warning states that the Kingdom of Aquila will levy sanctions with its neighbor. It urges the Etrurian Federation to "cease and desist the extreme attacks on Etruria's youth, as per the Holy Father's recommendation." This is the latest of widespread opposition to the Etrurian Crisis that has been facing the Euclean states for over a month.

The main cause for the warning was the Pope's recent comments on the Etrurian response to student protests. In a press conference on the Commeration day of St. Peter and St. Paul. the day after the ancient and solemn day in the Church, the Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul. Among other things, His Holiness said, "In what world is it in which we live, that it can be seen as acceptable to use the threat of violence, coercion and monetary bribery on children and teenagers who are voicing their disapproval? .... How can we permit, how can you permit yourselves, to not only conduct the questionable rule of law on your students ... Mr. Carcaterra... reassess your actions."

Given Aquila's longstanding history of siding with the Holy Father in these matters, once the matter was made known the Aquilian Senate quickly brought it up for discussion. The Catholic Democrats, under Julius Vendus's prompting, immediately called for action, but the Royalists and the Catholics managed to keep open the discussion to discuss the matter further. The debate quickly became quite combative. "We must act swiftly and quickly," said Senator and leader of the Catholic Democrats Julius Vendus. We must take action now and stop Etruria before it is too late."

Conservatives initially balked at the proposition, calling for careful scrutiny and cautiousness. "Etruria is our partner in the Association of Euclean States, and our neighbor," said Royalist Senator Claudio Gerrara, "any action we take must be carefully thought out." Many Royalists expressed similar concerns, citing political concerns, especially the fact that a standoff between Aquila and Etruria would be suicide. "If this turns ugly, they could overrun the Kingdom in a matter of days," pointed out Senator Philipus de Cornelia. "We don't have the military strength to hold them off." However the Senate eventually agreed that the likelihood of a war breaking out between the two states was very unlikely.

At this point, Chancellor Ioannes noted that that "a public audience or homily has no official teaching authority in the Church, and thus need not be binding on all Catholics; however, traditionally, Aquila has always tried to follow even the Pope's extra-magisteral requests to the best of her ability."

The Catholic Party Senators expanded on this idea. "Because this matter is not of teaching authority, we do not necessarily have to follow it, especially if this decision will be detrimental to the Common Good," remarked Martinus Valus. "After all, His Holiness does not explicitly call for sanctions, nor does he call on others to put sanctions on Etruria. He merely is speaking to Etruria's officials."

After hearing these concerns, the Catholic Democrats still insisted that this was the right thing to do. "In spite of concerns that he was not asking for this, I think the Holy Father's intentions are clear; to get the Etrurians to stop making unnecessary attacks on their youth. We can aide this mission by placing sanctions on Etruria," said Senator Vendus.

A compromise was reached between the two sides- Aquila would not place any official sanctions, but would send an official warning to Etruria instead, giving them a chance to change their course of action before they would place sanctions. However, even this was not a popular decision, due to a great deal of wariness by many in the Senate.

It would be a close vote, 52-48, with the Catholic Democrats, the Progressives, and the People's Party all voting yes, and the Aquilian National Front and the Patrician Party voting no. The vote would split the Catholic Party and Royalist Party, with 16 Catholic Senators voting for and 12 against and 13 Royalist Senators voting for and 25 voting against.

The warning was subsequently drafted, reaffirmed, and published the same day. "I don't like it," quipped Baro Gregorius Carrus, the venerable 97 year old Senator. "But maybe it must be done, for the Faith. We shall simply do what we always do- trust and hope in God, and we shall not be put to shame."

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by **Etruria2** » Sat Jun 30, 2018 7:10 am

First Citizen Carcaterra declares war on organised crime
First Citizen declares "most merciless and expansive anti-organised crime effort in Etrurian history".
Mauro Tarantini
^{29 June, 11.30am | Poveglia, Etruria}

In a major speech to the Chamber of Representatives, First Citizen Carcaterra has effectively declared war upon organised crime in Etruria. Addressing a full session he said, “for decades our nation has languished under the Mafia, for decades the establishment tolerated and cooperated, while they gutted our society and economy, today, that ends.” He further indicated that the government would initiate the most “merciless and expansive anti-organised crime effort in Etrurian history.”

In a widely anticipated speech, the First Citizen was stern and fierce in his condemnation of organised crime. He began his speech by denouncing its pernicious corruption of the country and the cooperation it received from the pro-EC establishment.

“Ever since the collapse of the Social State, the enemies within our midst emerged from the ruins like bacteria and a life-sucking corruption, sapping the people, society, the economy and politics of all that is good. It grew out of our national defeat like a malignant tumour, consuming so much, destroying so much, its origins further back in time, warped into something sinister and pernicious. As it grew, it grew with the aid of weak politicians, often beholden to the infection for influence and position” he told Representatives.

“Today, marks the end of that stain and corruption. This government will be launching the most merciless and expansive anti-organised crime operation in Etrurian history, we will utilise the full power of the federal state to destroy the enemy, we will use legislation and law enforcement to free our great country from their poisonous presence” he said to loud applause from the Chamber.

“Our efforts will not be confined to one state of the Federation, it will not be confined to one or two families, or one strata of the state, it will be confined to all Etruria, at all levels, against all who would partake in this criminality. No one will be safe, from the top to the bottom, we will come for you and destroy your criminal life” he said further.

“Through dedication, focus and ceaseless energy, we will by the grace of God, destroy the Mafia once and for all and purge our fatherland of those who kill from within, with a thousand cuts” he said.

Following his speech to the Chamber, Interior Minister Tullio Quagliariello, took to the podium to announce a raft of government measures aimed at tackling the threat of the Mafia.

“To fully understand the complexity of our mission, we need to understand the expansive nature of the corruption and then destroy it. We are tasking the Civil Security Service, alongside the domestic intelligence services to cooperate fully in confronting the corruption. Through both services we will be able to strike at them free of infiltration and influence, which sadly is the not case for the Federal Police Service.

“Through the CSS and domestic intelligence we will pursue the corruption, we will target their legitimate and illegitimate businesses alike, we will target their foot soldiers, their lieutenants and chiefs, we will dismantle their money-making structures and seize their assets. Through new legislation we will bring into law the government’s right to seize all properties, assets, wealth and shares that these people possess.

“For legitimate businesses held by these people, they will be closed and seized and if permitted, sold on to trusted and patriotic Etrurian entrepreneurs to embolden our economy. We will be clearing out our economy of their presence and returning it to the people.

“As for the law-enforcement side, we will pursue legislation granting to the CSS the right to detain individuals for 72 hours without charge in relation to organised crime, this will enable the CSS to hold in custody key sources of information and allow it to pressure the corruption. And I wish to say, that in light of the Judicial Reform Act’s success in passing, we will be able to apply standardised sentences to all individuals involved in organised crime, while those who constitute the highest-levels of groups or organisations will face capital punishment, while the lower-downs will remain in prison indefinitely” he explained, being interrupted by both applause and boos, the opposition clearly concerned at the government’s plans.

“I should remind the Camera, that our efforts may well bring the CSS into this place and the State Council, we may well see members of this house and the other condemned and shamed for their active cooperation with organised crime and know that the CSS will prosecute, regardless of societal status or position” he said.
General Ercolano Tauriello who heads the Civil Security Service told reporters that “we are ready to prosecute the government’s plans to destroy organised crime in Etruria. The CSS currently holds decades and generations worth of data and information on numerous families and groups across the entire Federation. We are ready.”

The Federal government has reportedly secured the authority to command state-level law enforcement in the operation, with Vespasia, Carinthia and Novalia reportedly issuing ‘Confirmations of Authority’ early this morning. The Federal Autonomous Regions of Ossuccio, Torrazza and San Eugenio have issued the same, however, the Autonomous government in Carvagna has so-far refused to do so.

Carvagna’s First Minister, Annalisa Taddei (CA) has issued a statement saying, “having watched the speeches by the First Citizen and Minister of Internal Affairs, I have opted to refuse issuing a Confirmation of Authority, enabling the Federal government to take command of the Carvagna Civil Guard in lieu of this anti-mafia operation. I have chosen to do so in light of the deeply concerning draconian measures being proposed, I will issue a Confirmation of Authority once the Carvantine administration has received some reassurances regarding rights and liberties of the accused.”

First Minister Taddei’s response has received a backlash, both from Carvantines and federal officials. In a statement released by the Interior Ministry, Minister Quagliariello said, “the decision by the Autonomous Regional Government of Carvagna to block and hinder the Federal government’s efforts is concerning and troubling. For the government to succeed against the entrenched corruption, it will require the cooperation of all administrative levels of the Federation and law-enforcement. We will be taking the necessary steps to secure Carvantine cooperation.”

Second Citizen Vittoria Vasari issued a statement from her office decrying Taddei as a “naïve social justice warrior, who would condemn Carvagna to suffer under the Corruption, in the name of respecting their rights as citizens. These people do not respect the rights of their victims or society, when they rob, murder, torture and destroy.”

More as the story develops.

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by **Vredlandia** » Sun Jul 01, 2018 10:36 am

Minister of Foreign Affairs Brosnic demands "new social order" in Vredlandia

Anton Graf Flottreiter (@grafflottreiter)
1st of July 2018 | Eldburg, Vredlandia

Minister of Foreign Affairs Maggie Brosnic
Photo courtesy of Max Larrk

Eldburg, Vredlandia - Only a few days before the Unity Party Congress, Minister of Foreign Affairs Maggie Brosnic alarms her colleagues with clear words and demands, further legitimizing rumours that she is about to found a new party with a far-left outlook. At a gathering of the newly established Progressive Club of left-leaning Assemblymembers, Brosnic demanded a new social order in Vredlandia and called for extensive secularization. Among the attendees: Minister of Agriculture Johan Radlinger, who recently left the Unity Party.

When the Minister of Foreign Affairs enters a room, she doesn't usually catch attention. She isn't exactly the loudest or most colourful. But now that the Unity Party is in a fight for its very existence, the influential Minister even catches national attention with a more or less ordinary change in clothing. And thus unsurprisingly, when she walked onto the stage in the National Assembly's room 112, a conference room, she was welcomed by the clicking and flashing of cameras. The attendees - ranging from Minister of Agriculture and gay hero Radlinger to senior and junior Assemblymembers alike, all of them considered left wing - met her with thunderous applause.

"This country isn't just or social anymore", Brosnic began. "The leading elites abandoned not only our ideals - which I have often criticized in and out of office. They also abandoned our countrymen and -women. They abandoned the homeless, elderly, fragile. They abandoned young families. Now one Seneschal after another wants to "reform" the system, but that won't suffice. What we need is a revolution! What we need is not less and not more than a new social order in Vredlandia. No more Holy Father, no more poverty, no more support for corrupt foreign leaders. Only our people and their needs. That's what we need for Vredlandia and what the Unity Party needs as its ideals - or else they will fail."

Her statement is an attack on the Unity Party and leads the way for a bigger conflict: Her way, or a way without her.

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by **Estmere** » Mon Jul 02, 2018 12:50 pm

Marilyn Albridge - 2 July 2018

Home · Estmere · Euclea · International · Politics · Business · Technology and Science · Arts · Education · Health · Sports · Weather

EC UNVEILS NEW SANCTIONS FOLLOWING ICD VOTE TO CONDEMN ETRURIA OVER LE MONDE BAN, STUDENT DEMONSTRATIONS

Kesselbourg Kity, Kesselbourg - The Eulcean Council has published a new round of sanctions it is recommending be put in place against Etrurian government officials. The sanctions are in retaliation for the ban of Le Monde's Etrurian language site and violence used against student demonstrators, both in relation to the newly enacted Etrurian law known as the National Dignity Act. The law bans discussion of war crimes allegations made against Etruria during the Solarian War, resulting in consequences for academics and the press alike.

The Chair of the Euclean Council, Alexandru Verean, said the sanctions were "another measure of accountability" and warned that, should the Etruria government continue to "act against democratic principles" or "further antagonize the EC", more sanctions will follow.

The sanctions target government officials, many of which are from the ruling Tribune Movement, for their role in the Le Monde ban or crackdown on students. Among those facing sanctions are Minister of Civil Security General Ercolano Tauriello, Minister of Education Elisabetta Riolo, and Telecoms Minister Fabio Cesare Farfani, and General Vincenzo Medici, who heads the Federal Police Service. In addition, Interior Minister Tullio Quagliariello will see further sanctions placed on him. He was previously sanctioned as part of the EC's response to Tribune-led judicial reform.

The EC's Foreign Director, Toryd Hæsaug, praised the sanctions immediately after they were publicized.

"These sanctions are key to ensuring that the Etrurian government is held accountable for its transgressions against democracy, against free speech" he said.

Hæsaug also issued a warning for the Etrurian government, saying that "the EC will continue to review the possibility of further sanctions against government officials should Etruria continue on its current regressive track".

Shortly after publishing the sanctions, the Euclean Council passed a resolution endorsing the proposed sanctions for a vote in the Euclean Parliament. Support for the sanctions is strong within the Parliament. The three parties in the Grand Coalition have all offerred public support for new sanctions and have backed sanctions in the past. EucloPar Speaker Vivien Vallette said a vote will take place "within the week" and offered strong support for the sanctions, arguing they hold officials who "want to turn Etruria into a police state accountable". After they win the approval of the Parliament, the sanctions will be sent to the Euclean Commission for full implementation.

EC President Alexis Walker declared her support for the sanctions soon after arriving in Florena. "These are a reasonable and leveled response to Etrurian government policy".

Retaliatory sanctions have seen support throughout the EC. Weranian Chancellor Otto von Hößlin said "we hope the sanctions will encourage the Etrurian government to change course and ensure democracy is upheld in southern Euclea". Estmere's own Prime Minister Rupert Richardson praised sanctions, saying they were "essential" following "direct provocations of the EC and attacks on the free speech of Eucleans, not just Etrurians".

"Will we be letting the Etrurian government dictate what our own free press can publish? I certainly do not think so".

Previously, both Werania and Estmere opposed further sanctions against the EC. Dietrich Wittmann, Werania's ex-chancellor, and Richardson initially formed a pact to oppose the efforts of a coalition of EC memberstates to pursue more far-reaching action against Etruria for the passage of the Judical Reform Act. However, Wittman's resignation and replacement by von Hößlin saw Werania move closer to Kesselbourg on the issue. Richardson has previously said Estmere would oppose further sanctions against Etruria. The Richardson government had also strongly rebuked Floren officials over what was then a proposal to ban war crimes allegations in Etruria. Foreign Secretary Anne Buckett went as far as suggesting Floren Premier Rosa Escudero should resign. Richardson had supported a re-conciliatory approach to Etruria, hoping to re-normalize relations. However, the exit of Wittmann weakened Estmere's position on the issue of new sanctions. EC internal politics had also shifted as President Walker moved to restore harmony and create a cohesive approach to Etruria in the wake of the Pietramontecorvino Incident. The botched Glytteronian mission to sneak out high ranking Etrurian ex-officials who were under investigation for corruption and the landslide re-election of the Tribume Movement seemed to end the possibility for reproach.

Richardson confirmed that Estmere would continue pushing for sanctions earlier this week, further walking back his previous promise of no new sanctions. He offered a strong rebuke of the Etrurian government, a sharp departure from his previous stance, and said Estmere will back sanctions "until the continued policy of blocking Le Monde's website" came to an end. He also visited Kesselbourg to meet with Walker and top EC officials, in what was described as "very productive talks" by EC High Commissioner Tereza Řezníček.

The announcement of fresh sanctions follows a vote by the International Council for Democracy to condemn Etruria over the Le Monde Ban and violent tactics used by police against demonstrating students. The vote was dominated by support from EC members and partners. It was brought forward through a joint effort of the Estmerish, Gaullican, and Weranian representatives.

The condemnation upheld the freedom of the press, both domestic and international, and the right to demonstrate.

"The International Council for Democracy continues to support the freedom of the press in all of its forms and the right to peaceful protest. The actions of the Government of the Popular Transetrurian Federation go against these principles, for which they must be swiftly condemned' it read.

The vote followed an hour long debate among representatives from the governments of ICD members.

Satucin was one of the states who backed the measure. In explaining the nation's support for sanctions, Prime Minister, Martin Allaire, said that "in a real democracy those in charge must be prepared to face what they do not agree with, and not to ban it".

However, a number of ICD states opted to abstain or vote against the condemnation. The government of Marirana issued a statement saying: "Whilst we condemn violence by all parties - both government and protesters - we believe that states reserve the right to fight against fake news and its agenda, whatever its source".

The vote came after an hour long debated among the permanent representatives.

Within the EC, the condemnation has won near-universal praise from EC and government officials.

"ICD action represent a long-overdue change in how the world deals with Etruria, and the issues it creates" - Melcion Auleda, First Speaker of the Generalitat of Florena.

Foreign Director Hæsaug said that the "ICD had acted to protect the democratic principles it was founded to safeguard" by issuing the condemnation.

He also said that the condemnation, which was issued before the Euclean Council unveiled new sanctions, provided the EC with a "mandate for action" against Etruria.

Many EC leaders are in the Floren capital of Demora for a remembrance ceremony for victims of war crimes committed against the Floren population by Etruria during the Solarian War. The normally high profile event will see most members of the Euclean Convention, and several high ranking officials within the Euclean Commission have indicated that an "unofficial meeting" of the Convention will be taking place tonight.

President Walker initially planned to call an emergency meeting of the Euclean Convention over the Le Monde ban, but cancelled the efforts after the Etrurian government lifted the ban on Le Monde's print version.

"EC policy on Etruria and its future relationship with Etruria will be discussed tonight. We'll be gauging just how far the member states are willing to take this" one senior official within the Commission said.

A spokesperson for President Walker declined to comment on the prospect of an unofficial meeting of the Convention, but pointed out that "many members will be in Demora tonight".

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by **Black Marshes** » Mon Jul 02, 2018 4:08 pm

DÉCOUVERTE: A COIAN PERSPECTIVE.
A Songhua immigrant tells the story about how his life got flipped and turned upside down.

Jacques Chan
^{02:30pm, July 2, 2018| Découverte, Sanslumière}

Chan Kong-sang, known as Jacques to his friends.
Photos courtesy of Jacques Saville.

Découverte, Sanslumière -

The government of Sanslumière has been receiving a lot of fire recently for the proposed reforms to the Première and Deuxième Chambres. Some people claim that the reforms are race-based, and believe that Sanslumière is an island full of racist white bigots oppressing a disenfranchised black population. I, as someone who is in the unique position where I live in Sanslumière, but am neither a “white bigot” nor “oppressed black man,” would like to set the record straight for anyone who is open-minded enough to listen.

I was born in 1959 in the city of Baishadao, which had been under Songhua control since the end of the Great War. The city had still maintained its strong Gaullican influence, courtesy of its previous status as a Gaullican mandate, and so from a young age I was taught both Songhua and Gaullican both in school and at home by my mother. She was a housewife, taking care of the home and her three sons, of whom I was the eldest, while my father was a civil servant working at the city hall. He was adamant that the three of us needed to graduate from Lafoire University, just as he had, and so in true Songhua fashion we complied with our father’s wishes.

I completed my studies at the age of 22, and my father immediately secured me employment as a customs official in the Baishadao port. It was a stable income, and I enjoyed it well enough, but the long hours left me with little time to seek out a wife and start a family of my own. At the time I resented this of course, but now I realise it was a hidden blessing. I say this because of what happened three years after I started working: the beginning of the Great Purge.

It was a time of political upheaval, where thousands of civil servants across the country were rounded up and executed by the new government of the Interim State Council. Baishadao was particularly vulnerable, as its history as a foreign port meant that the xenophobic elements of the Interior Security Minsitry resented its Gaullican influence. My father had followed the news leading up to the so-called “6-6 Crisis,” and decided it would be prudent to prepare an escape plan in case the situation deteriorated further. We worked together, using his wealth and my position in the port, to plot an escape from Songguo to Verlois, where we would begin a new life. Our preparations, although rapid and ad hoc, went rather smoothly, and we had set a date for our departure, as well as the ship we would leave on.

Unfortunately, life does not always go according to plan: we had underestimated how quickly the situation would deteriorate, and so we were still a few days ahead of our scheduled departure when members of the Internal Security Service arrived at our house. I was working my long shift as usual, but my parents and brothers were at home, undoubtedly beginning to prepare for dinner, which we ate as soon as I arrived home. They were caught completely off guard, with the ISS thugs bursting into the house and executing my family. One of our neighbours, who had been a family friend since before my birth, was brave enough to hurry himself to the docks to tell me the grave news: if it were not for his act of bravery, I would likely not have made it out of Songguo alive.

I was initially frozen in shock and horror, but the friend insisted that I flee Baishadao at once before the ISS came for me. I collected the cache my father and I had prepared for our departure, and headed straight for a freighter that was preparing to leave for Verlois. I was able to bribe the freighter’s captain using most of the money my father and I had prepared, and we set off for Gaullica. I spent most of that voyage alternating between grieving my, staring at the ceiling of my bedroom as I contemplated my future, and struggling to sleep. As a result of my fragile state of mind, I completely lost all track of time and soon found myself at the port of the great city of Verlois.

I had heard many things about Gaullica and its capital both in school and from my mother (she was a vehement Gaullophile), and although my Gaullican was not perfect, it served me well. The captain of the freighter had informed me that there had already been many Songhua refugees seeking sanctuary in Gaullica, and he gave me a brief rundown of the process of securing my entry to the country. However, once I arrived at the city, I realised that seeing the “Queen of Cities” just reminded me of my mother’s infatuation with Verlois; a thought I could not bear. I decided that I could not remain in Gaullica, but nor would I flourish anywhere that was not Gaullican.

That was when I remembered the various countries of Asteria which also spoken Gaullican: Senouillac, Satucin, and the like. They were the ideal combination of having Gaullican culture, whilst not being Gaullica itself. I used the remainder of my money reserves to get myself onto the next ship to Gaullican Asteria, which by some happy accident turned out to be headed to Sanslumière. While the journey across the Vehemens Ocean was not as tear-filled as the last, it was filled with uncertainty and anxiety: while I was taught a lot about Gaullica itself, its colonies were often left unrecognised.

After the long voyage, we eventually arrived at Découverte, capital of the island republic of Sanslumière. I was at first intimidated: whereas I had learnt about Verlois all of my life, I knew nothing about Découverte save its name and where to find it on a map. However, my fears were quickly proven to be unjustified.

I explained my situation to an immigration officer, who immediately contacted his superiors. I was given an audience right away with the chief immigration officer, and I was taken straight to the Ministry of Immigration. There, I was officially documented as a Songhua immigrant, and the ministry provided me with temporary accommodation and work as a low-level civil servant. The ministry did everything in its power to ensure I had a smooth transition into my new life in Sanslumière, and after a few months I was able to move into my own house in a government estate. I was also able to find employment at the Banque Nationale de Sanslumière, where I am now a senior manager.

I met my wife, Claire, during my time at the Ministry of Immigration, and we have now been married for almost 30 years. We have a son in high school and a daughter in university – both subsidised by the Sanslumieran government. Ever since my arrival at Découverte all those years ago, I have received nothing but support and friendship from the people I have met here. I arrived with nothing save the clothes I was wearing, yet the government of Sanlumière gave me a home, employment, and the chance to make my own life here.

Do you people really think this is the behaviour of “racist bigots”? I am a Songhua, yet they treated me with nothing but respect and compassion from the moment I arrived and pleaded for help. Would a racist government help a powerless Coian immigrant to integrate into its society? Would it give the children of a Coian immigrant access to subsidised education and healthcare? The government of Sanslumière does everything in its limited power as a small island nation to help elevate its minorities to heights they would have been otherwise unable to achieve. Where most of the world sees a division based on the colour of one’s skin, I see support given to the weak and vulnerable.

Here is my story; one of a frightened young man who was forced to flee the life and home he knew, and take a leap of faith into a whole new world. Against all odds, I was able to thrive in my new life, and I owe a great deal of that to the government and people of Sanslumière. I thank you for reading this, and hope your eyes have been opened to the truth about my wonderful home in the Arucian Sea.

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by **Etruria2** » Mon Jul 02, 2018 5:01 pm

Etruria announces counter-sactions in wake of fresh EC attack
EC officials and EC-backed NGOs and organisations to be banned
Mauro Tarantini
^{3 June, 11.30am | Poveglia, Etruria}

The government has announced a raft of new counter-measures against the latest Euclean Community action against the democratically elected government of Etruria. In an emergency session of the Chamber of Representatives, the government secured the backing of parliamentarians in issuing sanctions against several EC officials and officials from member-states, while a new list of banned EC-backed NGOs was voted into force. First Citizen Carcaterra told the Chamber, “the struggle resumes, the peace is phoney, the vindictive arrogance appears once more.”

The Euclean Community buoyed by hypocrisy and arrogance issued new sanctions against democratically elected officials of the Etrurian federal government. The bloc supposedly committed the latest attack in response to the National Dignity Act and the government’s response to the violent and destructive student protests.

The EC Council Chairman, Alexandru Verean, said the sanctions were "another measure of accountability" and warned that, should the Etruria government continue to "act against democratic principles" or "further antagonize the EC", more sanctions will follow.

The sanctions target government officials, many of which are from the ruling Tribune Movement, for their role in the Le Monde ban or crackdown on students. Among those facing sanctions are Minister of Civil Security General Ercolano Tauriello, Minister of Education Elisabetta Riolo, and Telecoms Minister Fabio Cesare Farfani, and General Vincenzo Medici, who heads the Federal Police Service. In addition, Interior Minister Tullio Quagliariello will see further sanctions placed on him. He was previously sanctioned as part of the EC's response to Tribune-led judicial reform.

First Citizen Carcaterra informed the emergency session of the sanctions, prompting rapturous cheers and applause from the Tribune benches, who celebrated the news as further vindication of their agenda. Interior Minister Quagliariello was seen lifting a clenched first up into the air, when the First Citizen reported further sanctions on him.

First Citizen Carcaterra said, “we are venturing further into confrontation with the Euclean Community, they’re overreactions, hyper-sensitivities to the domestic affairs of a sovereign nation become tiring, just as they are concerning. Every action such that seen today further pushes the Community into the dark wilderness of hypocritical arrogance. They condemn us for defending our national dignity, yet they ignore the gross violations of democracy and freedom in Carcosa. They pick and choose who is guilty and innocent, but we Etrurians know, the only viable judge of mankind is God almighty.”

“The Community, stung and hurt by our people’s victory in rejecting membership in 2016, now take every action of this government as an attack upon itself, it plays the victim when it is the aggressor, it plays the hapless and distressed damsel when it is the bully, we see through this and we know what the EC is about” he said to loud applause.

“They accuse our domestic actions of being provocations, well I am telling the unelected continentalists, I am telling the elitist nation destroying bureaucrats and I am telling the tawdry Walker woman, if you think we are provoking you, you have no idea what we are capable of” he said further.

Interior Minister Quagliariello took to the speaker’s podium to propose the counter-measures against the EC’s sanctions. After receiving a standing ovation from members of the Tribunes, M26N and even the Workers and Farmers Union, he listed a series of sanctions.

“In response to the nerfarious attack upon our democracy and sovereignty the government has several counter-measures it seeks parliamentary backing for. The first is the sanction following individuals; Alexandru Verean, Toryd Hæsaug, Alexis Walker, Speaker Vivien Vallett and several senior officials in the soulless inner-workings of the Community.

“This will be supported by the banning and eviction of the following EC-backed NGOs, charities and organisations; The Euclean Association for Liberty, the Euclean Network for Journalism, the Euclean Journalistic Standards Group and the Euclean Academic Group.

“And finally, the Foreign Ministry will formally shut down its Euclean Community Affairs Desk. The last vestige of the previous regime’s malign efforts to reform our country to the globalistic and corrupt standards required for EC membership” he said.

“These measures are proposed reluctantly, but our government has forever said it would protect Etrurian dignity and national sovereignty. We will never again be dictated to, we will never again follow the diktats of foreigners who know nothing of our people, our history, our culture and our great society. We promised and vowed to the people of our great nation, to never again allow the power mafia to lead our nation into decline and submission to a soulless and undemocratic Bloc and we keep our promises” he concluded.

The Chamber of Representatives backed the government’s measures 456-224. The government’s counter-measures are set to come into force at midnight tonight.

Further measures were reportedly debated by the Federal Cabinet, including the withdrawal of Etruria’s ambassadors to Estmere, Glytter, Werania and Florena, however, this was ultimately blocked by First Citizen Carcaterra and Foreign Minister Adriano Vinci.

The EC’s abrasive move coincided with a “condemnation” by the so-called International Council for Democracy. The condemnation was pushed through by the sizeable EC contingent and its allies outside Euclea. The Etrurian representative to the ICD, Rosa Ercolani described the condemnation as “utterly devoid of respect and fairness.”

The ICD’s vote was also condemned in the Chamber. M26N leader, Gianfranco Galizia said, “the ICD is a disgrace, hardly democratic when its dominated by the arrogant EC, it is a mere extension of their malicious conspiracy against Etruria, I recommend to the government, that we leave this crippled organisation before its too late.”

Radovan Meric, a senior Tribune also denounced the vote, “the ICD serves no purpose other than to pretty up the EC’s global agenda for domination. The ICD offers Etruria what? What has the ICD done for our people? What does the ICD do to benefit our great country? We don’t need to be part of a theatre for virtue signalling as diplomacy.”

First Citizen Carcaterra told the Chamber that “continued membership of the so-called ICD will be debated and discussed in due-course.”

More as the story develops.

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