Pardesian News Network (Closed; Attn Pardes)

by **Temuair** » Wed Dec 03, 2014 10:55 pm

Fate News
Entertainment News You Want

Actress Antía Vinal, show her being hounded by photographers, is at the center of yet another scandal

Just want you always wanted for Christmas: Actress Antía Vinal's scandalous recordings revealed!

Trouble has, once again, found actress Antía Vinal, well known for her role in Timber!, and her staring role in the brilliant horror movie The 13th Floor, has been caught in the spotlight, again, after video from former lover Ralf Yngvi Arra, who married the starlet in 1999, and left her after a embarrassing break up at an art show in 2006, reportedly shows all that the sexy Antía has to offer.

Though how the video came to the public is unknown, the public is less cornered with where it came from, and more concerned with getting their hands on it, According to Mrs Vinal's atterny, it shows her “engaging in carnal acts with Mr. Arra, something that should never have been recorded and certainly should never have been released to the public.”. Viewers reporters at Fate talked to summed up their thoughts succinctly with “Its fucking hot!”.

Mr. Arra's lawyer denies that his client willfully released this naughty footage to the world, but admit it is possible it was inadvertently thrown away and possibly recovered by “dumpster diving reporters” (Hey! We have feelings too!). Antía, however, doesn't believe a word of it, citing their bad break up and subsequent verbal brawls between the two since their break up as “ample evidence he is out to get me.” Further she claims she never gave Arra permission to record their play time together.

According to Vina's lawyer, she has fled a law suit against the painter, claiming “irreparable damage” to her image and standing in the community. “I'm, like, a woman of the people., a role model for children. That's what I want to be. What I do, or did, with my former husband, in privacy, is no ones concern. It's not immoral, but his showing it to the world is!”

Stay tuned for more!

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by **Estovakiva** » Fri Dec 05, 2014 8:37 am

TVNP Regional

Pardesian-regional news

Estovakiva to Embargo and Size Geannese Assets
"Geanna has failed to forsee that the RCO is like our national animal, we come in a pack but with statures matching bears" Autarch Vladimir Makarov
^{5-December-2014 | Freja Olaffssen (@FrejaOlaffsen) (TVNP)}

Autarch Vladimir Makarov enjoying a cup of Coffee at his private lodge located south of Cinigrad, meanwhile announcing the seizure of Assets and Embargo of Geanna

Outskirts, of Cinigrad - From his private lodge Autarch Vladimir Makarov has applauded the Embargo of Geanesse goods by Rodarion, Tarsas, and Sturmia. Autarch Vladimir Volostov urged more RCO-nations to join the joint-Embargo and has said that, Estovakiva shall join the rest of the RCO (Romulă Cooperation Organization) In its joint embargo and freezing of Geanesse assets. This was approved off after a quick session in the Assembly of Speakers, full permission to seize all vessels, monetary assets, and goods from Geanna had been granted. All private banking accounts owned by Geannese will also be frozen, denying them access to the money inside even those of Geanesse politicians and the Royal Family.

When asked about the RCO`s united front Autarch Vladimir Volostov said the following "this is a sign of the RCO's collective will and power, unmatched anywhere in the world, we are the group of the future"

Estovakiva has also moved to give any Geannese ship a four-hour window to depart port, two hours more then what Tarsas has given Geanesse vessels. Specifically 2300 hours on 12/4 to 0300 on 12/5. It has been confirmed that vessels has been sized about 10-18 freighters. Port Authority officials had the ships forcefully seized and the crews detained in their respective ports. The total value of the goods on board each vessel will be weighed against the docking fee. . Several Geanesse ships quickly departed after receiving notice from their respective Port Authority office`s it is indeed believed that the majority off Estovakivan vessels in Geanna has already left Geanesse ports to hinder such actions to be taken against Estovakivan vessels.

The Imperial Dominion Finance Ministry also announced a ban on export-import bank assistance, prohibition on loans or credits from Imperial Dominion financial institutions of over $5 million in any 12-month period and a complete ban on the purchasing of Geannese shares on stock exchanges. The same steps as taken by fellow RCO nation Rodarion. The Finance Ministry also reported that Estovakiva shall increase its imports from other nations such as Anikatia and Havenwalde in the fields of vehicles and grain among some of the mentioned including RCO-nations.

The Rodarion Ministry of National Energy has reported that it shall increase its levels of imports from Estovakiva most notably oil and natural gas and even biofuel, something which Estovakiva has already shifted towards to cushion the Papal Republic`s prices.

Head speaker of the Assembly of Speakers Sergey Naryshkin were indeed outraged by Geannas move to wage economic war against the Romulă Cooperation Organization. And reaffirms that the Assembly of Speakers are indeed by majority behind the Autarch and the Estovakivan goverment as seen with the quick vote to embargo Geanna.

TVNP`s Oksana Ludiya contributed to this report.

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by **Havenwalde** » Fri Dec 05, 2014 4:36 pm

A port in Rhönstraße which mainly ships goods to Estovakiva.
Federal Republic not to follow suit with RCO financial warfare against Geanna, takes neutrality.

Trade and relations to continue with Geanna in spite of recent RCO actions, Optionary membership questioned.
Martha Welmann
Reporter for Federal Broadcasting Service

Betschstadt, Havenwalde Amidst the recent leaving of the United Federacy of Geanna from the Romulan Cooperation Organization, the two sides have taken on economic warfare against each other. RCO member nations such as Rodarion, Tarsas and Estovakiva have cut trade with Geanna and confiscated Geannese ships. Following such, The UFG did the same and cut trade with several RCO nations and began confiscating ships of RCO nation origin. The Federal Republic of Havenwalde on the other hand has taken a side of neutrality in the RCO v UFG crisis and has stated it does not plan to stop trade and hamper relations with Geanna or member states of the RCO. Havenwalde is currently a "optionary member" of the RCO which has brought some controversy in Havenwalder politics concerning this. It has been tried numerous times to vote in opposition of keeping optionary member status with the RCO, in which all attempts have not been successful.

With The Imperial Dominion of Estovakiva a fellow neighbor on the Southern Continent and it being known that some exports that Geanna exported to Estovakiva have been cancelled. The Federal Republic met with representatives of Estovakiva and worked out a new trade deal which would have Havenwalde a main exporter of vehicles and agriculture such as grain and other vegetables to Estovakiva. Trade representatives from Havenwalde have also met with Rodarion officials to discuss possible future trade deals to replace Geannese exports to the country.

A statement made by the President, Maximilian Benz advocated for peace and an end to the rising tensions between the RCO and the UFG. "With recent events which have led to several economic punishments on the nation of Geanna because of their leaving from the RCO, this should end now before it gets too out of control. This could very well spiral into open armed conflict if one side pushed the other over the edge."

Within Havenwalde, critics have begun to question the country's "optional membership" status within the RCO. Leaving some saying that being connected even if by little to the RCO is a tarnish on the reputation of the country as a democracy. A protest has already started in the capital as they call for a withdrawal of their "optionary membership" from the RCO chanting slogans such as "Havenwalde is associated with a organization of dictators" and "The RCO stands for the Romulan Corrupt Oppressor's". The protest so far has attracted several hundred people and has for the most part been a peaceful one at that. The chancellery has made no statements on weather or not the country's optionary membership will stay or be ended, only that "The Chancellery will look into all options available to us and do what is beneficial and right as a nation"

by **Davisholm** » Fri Dec 05, 2014 6:19 pm

DBN reports
Davisian clerics welcome Romulan Catholic church reforms
Bishop says they "acknowledge" an existing situation

Leadering clerics in the Davisian branch of the Romulan Catholic have welcomed the decision of Pope Constantine XIV to reform the church, delegating power from Romula to local clerics. At the Assembly of Catholic Bishops in Davisholm, a large majority of the bishops and archbishops present endorsed the changes.

James Alexandrescu, the Archbishop of Landsburgh, said that "We welcome the historic announcement from the leader of our church. This is a historic decision and we believe it will change the church for better." Discussing the Davisian church in Davisholm, he said that "This is exactly what we have aske for. For too long, we have often had to consult Romula in order to make decisions which do not affect the church outside of Davisholm. We have been instructed to run the Davisian churches in the way that other countries run them, but each Christian nation has its different spiritual needs." He also insisted that "We do not seek power. If the Pope is to delegate us more power over how to interpret the Gospel, then surely we should delegate it to local priests and deacons?"

Martin Havering, the Bishop of Grimeford, also applauded the church's decision. "The decision of Pope Cosntantine was made at the right time and for the right reasons. This is an excellent start to his Papacy. I have already stated my belief that he will do great things for the church." When asked if he thought that the changes went against the 'universal' ideology of the church, he said that "They don't. Not at all. It was God who made our nations speak different languages. It follows that it was God who made our nations culturally different." He also argued that the move was not radical: "The Pope's reforms do not change the situation of the church, they merely acknowledge it." Havering is the most senior Catholic cleric in Swineland, and was a vocal opponent of the province's decision to legalise same-sex marriage last year.

Religion has been in decline in Davisholm for the last 50 years. This year's census was the first time a majority of Davisians described themselves as being non-religious. The Romulan Catholic Church, once one of the most influential social institutions in Davisholm, was also affected by this secularisation. A pivotal moment in the decline was the 1965 Church crisis, in which the moderate Archbishop of Landsburgh Jack Edwards Connolly was sacked from his post. Edwards Connolly and a few other moderate clerics left to form breakaway churches, taking some of their supporters with them. Havering said that "For too long, the Romulan Catholic Church in Davisholm has had to fight with accusations that it was a foreign-controlled organisation. This was never the case. The Church is controlled by no man, it only exists to do God's will." He said that the growth of irreligion was "lamentable" and that "Our church needs to look at ourselves and think - where can we go from here? How can we grow?"

Alexandrescu was questioned about whether any changes would be made to church teachings in Davisholm. When asked if the church in Davisholm would liberalise its attitudes to homosexuality, he said that "We will continue to favour the Christian family model and the Biblical teachings on the issue. Nonetheless, we have always said that all people should be treated with compassion and respect, even if you disapprove of the moral choices they make." When asked about women's rights, he said that "our church believes that both men and women have a major role to play in the spreading of the Gospel and the running of the church. Making women priests is not going to be on the table, but that does not mean that women are irrelevant to our mission."

Albert Priestley, a Professor of Religious and Cultural Studies at the University of Lynde, has. He said that "This appears to be a sign that within Davisholm, the Romulan Catholic Church will seek to downplay its social conservatism without reversing its policies." He used gay rights as an example to illustrate its effect. "Romulan clerics in Davisholm have long been uncomfortable with the church's opposition to homosexuality. Stories about gays being executed in Rodarion do them little favours in Davisholm. The Archbishop's position is that the church should continue to disapprove of homosexuality, but not homosexual people." He said that similar thinking would be applied to abortion, contraception, divorce and pre-marital sex.

Not all the bishops agreed completely the reforms. Tom Constantinescu, the Bishop of Chelchester, said that "I do worry that this could encourage division, dissent and liberalism within the church. Although I am pleased that my colleagues agree that infighting is bad for the church and that we resist the urge to criticise our colleagues in other countries." However, direct opposition to the reforms has come from fundamentalist Catholic commentators and writers, not from the clergy itself.

The government of Davisholm has declined to comment on the reforms. Chancellor Harriet Deacon said that "Our government does not take stances on religious issues. As long as they abide by the laws of our land, the Romulan Catholic Church is free to govern itself as it pleases and we will not intervene in their internal affairs."

by **Geanna** » Sat Dec 06, 2014 1:47 am

Reinhardt travels to Bedero
As the Economic War looms; Reinhardt travels to Gratislavia to meet Tsar Javor V

^{SHARE THIS:}

Melanie Laveau (@MelveauGBC) and Harrison Konstantinous (@KonstantHarris) (GBC)
^{12/6/2014 | Saxonople, UNITED FEDERACY of GEANNA}

_{T R E N D I N G A R T I C L E S}
:· NEW:Economic War

:·Autumn Republic versus the Papal Republic

:· Geanna expresses interest in joining CDI

:· Belfras begins to move towards Geannese Oil

UFG, Pardes (GBC) — As tensions continue to flare between the RCO and the Federacy, Reinhardt made a special and express visit to Gratislavia today, to meet Tsar Javor V. Expecting to be greeted with Anti-West demonstrations Reinhardt met the Tsar at an estate outside of the nation's capital.

Topics for discussion revolved around several and possible treaty negotiations. Gratislavia accepted to purchase lumps sums of grain for their reserves, and to begin exporting timber to the Federacy to replace the Estovakivan exports. ''I am greatful, and truly thankful that such a deal could have been made with the Gratislavians - They truly are a unique, and resilient people'' Reinhardt stated.

Gratislavia is believed to be the world's #1 Lumber exporter, and following the Economic War that has begun between the Federacy and the RCO, Geanna lost several significant lumber exports. The lumber markets especially reacted badly to the news, however, Reinhardt hopes they'll make a good recovery. ''The Gratislavians will replace Estovakiva as our major and primary exporter of lumber'' he stated.

The lumber markets have reacted kindly to the news, they closed a little higher than expected at 9% today. Once Gratislavian exports of lumber begin, Reinhardt hopes at least in that area of the market, things will restabilise. Geanna also exports large amounts of Electronics to the Tsardom, and with the grain, the deal and talks proved to be fruitful.

There have been rumours here as of late, that Valinor and Anthor may be interested in taking up the bulk and loss of trade with the Federacy to replace exports that were previously run by the RCO. These remain speculation however, as of current.

By GBC's Sarah O'Clowd

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by **Geanna** » Sat Dec 06, 2014 9:36 am

Economic Galore
With Economic War in full swing, Fed and RTC alike embark on the largest fundraising campaign in Geannese History

^{SHARE THIS:}

Melanie Laveau (@MelveauGBC) and Harrison Konstantinous (@KonstantHarris) (GBC)
^{12/6/2014 | Saxonople, UNITED FEDERACY of GEANNA}

_{T R E N D I N G A R T I C L E S}
:· NEW:Economic War

:·Autumn Republic versus the Papal Republic

:· Geanna expresses interest in joining CDI

:· Belfras begins to move towards Geannese Oil

UFG, Pardes (GBC) — Representatives of the Royal Trading Company, along with Prime Minister Reinhardt, spread out across the globe in one of the largest investment campaigns ever conducted. All meetings thus far have proven extremely fruitful and worthwhile, ''We travelled and met with many representatives, and have negotiated deals with investments that far exceeded our expectations. I am greatly thankful, and I can speak on behalf of the Geannese, that there are true friends out there.'' Reinhardt stated.

Reinhardt and RTC Representatives met with Minister of Trade, Bethany Cooper and a group of private businessmen and investors in Anthor where a commodity deal was negotiated and finalised. Anthor would work to replace Pharmaceutical and Textile exports that were lost as a result of the RCO's Economic War. Geanna would also increase shipments of electronics to the country, the biggest deal was the agreement that Anthor would offer $7 Billion URD in investments.

Other RTC representatives and Director of State Victor Lorescue quickly secured a deal in the Kingdom of Belfras. Travelling to Isn Deslen, the Geannese delegation met with Patricia Yates, Secretary of Commerce and Aaron Sentar, Prime Minister and negotiated an equal investment of $7 Billion URD into the Geannese markets.

RTC and Sel representatives met with CEO Rosana Bordeaux and CEO Matthew Gingrich of Breddon and Inwest respectively. Breddon and Inwest are both financial investments firms who agreed to invest $1.8 and $2.4 billion URD respectively. ''We came looking for help, and easily found it - I am amazed'' Victor Lorescu stated. The markets have reacted relatively well, with Geanna actively trying to draw in investors and stabilise her commodity trading, the markets may hold out after-all without plunging.

The Government also announced it would purchase land across the nation and launch the ''Pratt-Reinhardt Plan'' - the investments would be used to divert loss of jobs and unemployment into cultivating the land purchased into factories. United Rail announced it'd give the Federal Government 80,000 acres of land to pay for a Federal loan that was used in 1993. The Federal government has turned around and instated the ''Land for Loan'' act, allowing large companies and businesses that previously had to have federal loans to pay back loans with land. So far, the Federal government has accumulated almost $94 billion URD in land from over 60 companies nationwide and the number continues to grow.

RightsCivility also donated a total of $30 million dollars, and Ilople is planning on holding a series of Gaelic Football games in the upcoming weeks to raise funds. Likewise, Cedardale is launching the ''Blaze across Geanna'' campaign, fundraising campaigns by over 175 Cederdale movie stars. The federal government is also planning on increasing taxes in certain sectors, ''When you are facing an enemy that seeks to destroy your lives, your way of life, when it wants to squash you under its boot because you stood up against Tyranny - it is workers, men and women, the Geannese who must make a sacrifice. A sacrifice so that our children will have a future, a sacrifice so that when they go to put their boot down on us, they don't find roaches willing to flee - No, they find 102 million nails there ready to draw blood.'' Reinhardt stated. So far donations for the Prat-Reinhardt Plan has raised almost $320 million from public donations alone on the last few days.

By GBC's Sarah O'Clowd

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by **Hishkol** » Sat Dec 06, 2014 1:59 pm

Church Burns in Éghoul, Suspected Arsonist; Onlookers Resort to Violence

Voishou, Éghoul District The Romulăn Catholic Church of Voishu caught fire sometime during the night, after the Priest in charge of the Church had left for the night. Someone called the police just before sunrise, after the church had been burning for some time. A small crowd gathered outside the church. Several Ghouls in the crowd were said to have been smiling and covering laughter. One of the church-goers, an elderly Belfrasian man by the name of Jeffery Thompson, shouted at the group about their disrespect. The crowd quickly descended into angry jeers between the Instinctualist and the Catholics, but refrained from coming to blows until the firefighters, who'd experienced a number of inconvenient delays, arrived on the scene.

The firefighters were more concerned with restoring the peace than putting out the fire, pulling the shouting crowd apart. This infuriated the Catholics, causing Mr. Thompson to hit one of the firefighters, Tandir Sérna, across the face with his cane. The crowd descended to blows immediately afterwards. Word began to spread around the small city and soon rioting could be seen in every street.

Order was swiftly restored when the Governor declared a State of Unrest, dismissing schools and inviting the National Guard to restore order to the city. Forty-seven Ghouls were arrested and one-hundred-fifteen Catholics were arrested. All of the Ghoulic rioters were released shortly after their arrest, but only fifty-two of the Catholics were released. Protesters have gathered in Montéru, Tandei, and Seafu declaring the actions of the Guard to be 'biased' and 'corrupt'. King Parvone has not given any stance on the crisis, it is assumed that he is content to let the District Ministry handle the problem, as is part of a trend of delegating task to the Ministries. For his part, Minister Ienoi Aseigh has also refrained from commenting.

by **New Belhavia** » Sat Dec 06, 2014 11:53 pm

Trending Stories -- RCO-Geannese Economic War -- EG3 Meeting Called -- Price of Barrel of Oil -- RCO Economies' Slump -- Geannese Great Recession

Global Markets Jittery Amid Surprising RCO-Geannese Economic War

_{Pictured: A worried trader on the floor of the Provisa Stock Exchange takes note of RCO economies.}

Markets across the world post modest losses as investors worriedly observe escalating trade war
^{December 8th, 2014 | By Moshe Rubinsky (mrubin@aij.org) (AIJ) | 12:33pm EDT}

PROVISA, BELHAVIA — Global markets are reeling from an abrupt economic war that emerged a mere four days ago, and has taken Pardes in a storm of panic, worry, and pessimism. The trade war erupted between the United Federacy of Geanna and the major Romulan Cooperation Organization (RCO) economies, led by the Papal Republic of Rodarion. In recent weeks, Rodarian and Geannese senior officials have had a tit-for-tat war of words that burst into the economic realm when the United Federacy cut diplomatic and economic ties with Rodarion. The move startled political and economic analysts across the globe, and the diplomatic spat has now turned heated political rhetoric into serious economic harm, many market watchers warn.

Global Markets Jittery, Post Modest Losses From Last Week's Trading

Most major exchanges and indices continued their fall from the second part of last week.

The major Pardesi stock exchanges, led by the Western indices - the Franklin Stock Exchange, the SUP500, and Lewis Yorkshire - as well as the flagship Belhavian Provisa Stock Exchange and Emmerian Chaleur Stock Exchange, all saw drops this morning, building on 4% - 6% losses. The Emmerian indices were the most resilient, with each index down slightly under 4% since the trade war crisis started. The Belhavian indices hovered around 6% losses, while Western markets were delayed in reporting but floor investors on the ground phoned in to relay that they, too, saw mild drops from institutional investors. Even minor markets, like the Betschdat Stock Exchange in Havenwalde, took an accumulated 3.5% loss since last week.

The price of a gallon of oil continued to spike, its fifth consecutive day of a steady increase. The price is up 12.3% since the crisis started last week. Mark Baer of the Richman & Gold Group, a vice-president of government relations who specialized in emerging global market trends, commented that "the oil shock is likely a temporary phenomenon as neither the supply or demand has been substantially affected. Geanna continues to pump and export oil, though it has to find new buyers. Still, the withdrawal of the Rodarian ministry's $2.4 billion URD payment is a big sting to the Geannese, and piles on their increasingly unattainable position. The most to gain are major oil & gas exporters, such as Estovakiva or Tippercommon, who have ready buyers and can collect the extra revenues from higher prices without concern for declining supply or demand. Though, as Estovakiva and others up their supply, the price should come back to pre-crisis levels."

In the Far East, markets took a modestly strong hit. The major Anikatia indices continued a steady decline, led by the Stveni Stock Exchange, which is down nearly 8% since mid-last week. Similar, the largest Anikatian index, the Anikatian National Exchange Group (ANEG), posted a 6.4% loss. The Hudson 100, the major Prestonian index, fell 1.07% by midday in trading, building a cumulative 4.3% loss since the crisis took off.

RCO Indices Slump As Trade War, Global Investor Panic Escalate

The Romula Stock Exchange, the RNEX, fell to a cumulative 13.7% loss since last week, while the other major Rodarian index, the VSE, posted losses of 10.8%.

The Tarsan Marvius Stock Exchange has lost about 11.6%, while the EBX, the Estovakivan Stock Index, hit a down of 12.4%.

Gedalia Litt, an industry analyst with the Bank of Provisa, opined in an op-ed posted in the City Journal of Finance & Business this morning that, "[M]ajor institutional investors are fleeing [RCO] markets due to the rising instability from this out-of-nowhere 'economic war'. Global investors have little toleration for crises - even less for conflicts predicated on absurd political cat-fights. Investors are turning their eyes towards safer harbors - Alleghania, Prestonia, Emmeria, Belhavia, Tippercommon - to 'ride out' this economic storm. As things settle, I expect we'll see capital flow back into RCO economies. Rodarion is the world's 3rd largest economy; Estovakiva, its 7th; Ulthrannia, its 10th; Tarsas, its 16th; there is no way these economies will suffer for long, though with investors becoming worried and apprehensive, it's incumbent on the major RCO economic powers to do their part to calm fears and resolve this economic war as soon as possible. Otherwise, the instability in the RCO markets could become prolonged and Rodarion and other RCOers could face an increasingly harsh economic toll."

The United Republic Dollar (URD) has rallied strongly since the crisis started, as RCO currencies slump amid investor fears of the RCO-Geannese economic war escalating. As they often have done in past global economic crises, investors have turned to the URD as a 'safe haven' to park their realized profits and capital funds. The URD has increased by over 9% versus the various RCO currencies.

Analysts, Data: Geannese Economy In Free-Fall

Various reports out of Geanna suggest that as much as $500 to $800 billion URD in financial capital has left the Geannese economy for safer markets, which is nearly 10 - 15% of the United Federacy's economy, whose Gross Domestic Product (GDP) stood at $6.375 trillion URD last week.

As much as 65% of that is due to RCO-related actions, though a significant minority are global investors spanning every major economy pulling out of Geanna out of concerns that the middle-ranked economy would enter a strong recession-bordering-on-depression. Geannese policy announced since the crisis has actualized investors' fears, as the Reinhardt government announced higher energy taxes to fund new anti-recession measures.

Professor Michael Schwartz, a scholar of political economy and public finance, asserted over email that "[t]his latest tax increase is the worst possible move Saxonople could do right now. Tax increases raise unemployment. I haven't seen the latest Geannese unemployment data, but with the RCO fire sales and global firms' retrenchment out of Geanna, I'm sure unemployment rolls will expand rapidly in the coming weeks. The tax also has intensified the Geannese Pound's fast collapse as it slid to double-digit losses against other foreign currencies in the global currency markets this week. Either the Geannese government lacks competent economic advisors, or its purposefully taking a dive into the unknown - either way, the Geannese economy should prepare for a recession-teetering-on-depression shortly."

Analysts note that the new raft of trade deals Geanna announced with other powers will realistically be years away from having any serious impact, as economic ties take years to build. One analyst, rather incredulously, told the Times that "the Geannese are playing long-term trade deals when they should be trying to saving their economy in the short-term. The gross incompetence of their economic management is startling. No wonder everyone with a brain is cashing in their Geannese stocks and fleeing for safer waters."

Jacob Goldhagen, an expert on public finance and public policy at the Global Center for Public Finance in Dakos, Belhavia, noted that "the Geannese are being sandwiched by two intense pressures - one on their private sector and the other on their public sector. Their private sector is in quick decline as RCO and affiliated firms go on fire sales, taking pennies on the [UR] dollar to sell off Geannese properties, fire employees, and pull their capital from Geannese banks and investment funds. Global investors, too, are pulling out their funds - creating a liquidity crisis for Geannese firms, citizens, and authorities seeking new loans. On the public sector side, the government should see broad tax revenues crash as trade - a major source of government revenue - dries up amid global concern and people stop having money to do things that the government taxes, like buy luxury goods, groceries, or a new home. I think its safe to say the Geannese economy is in a tail-spin, and is teetering on depression-level indicators."

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

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Geannese Bond Yield Average Spikes To Over 12% As Liquidity Crisis Erupts Amid Global Capital Out-flow [ 90 ]
Belhavians, Emmerians Agree To Rodarians' Request For EG3 Meeting [ 1022 ]
Oil Spike Benefits Oil & Gas Producers; Hurts Consumers At the Pump As Gas Prices Rise Quickly [ 557 ]
Leading Global Analysts: RCO Instability "Concerning," Could Be Prolonged If Trade War Continues [ 331 ]
Poll: Belhavians Increasingly Worried Over Global Economy As Economic War Heats Up [ 895 ]

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by **Central Prestonia** » Sun Dec 07, 2014 12:07 am

Hudson 100 Down as "Economic War" Intensifies Between Geanna, Papal Republic

Hudson The Hudson 100 stock exchange closed down to end the week Friday, and likely faces a rocky opening tomorrow as economic tensions between Geanna and the Papal Republic have descended into what has been described as "an economic war" by representatives of both parties.

The Hudson 100 closed down nearly 100 points on Friday, with the deepest cut coming to Geannese conglomerate SelCorp as investors reacted sharply to the crisis, which included the cancellation of that country's trade agreements with the Papal Republic. That downturn was followed this weekend by reports from the Centre for Economic Research and Cooperation and credit rating agency Selwyn-Moore downgrading Geannese bonds and sovereign credit. CERC President Leonard Morris told PBC today that the NGO's report reflected "a consensus among the market...of increased toxicity in the Geannese market," following the decision.

"The acts of the Geannese government in the past week are unprecedented in modern global economics and represent a moral hazard for continued trade," Morris told PBC Market Watch. "Our report, issued in conjunction with major credit agencies in this country and elsewhere, is based upon predictions of market behavior if this course is not corrected." PBC Chief Financial Analyst Mark Stuart had a blunter take on the issue this afternoon, referring to the Geannese action as "complete and utter lunacy."

"It really is mindboggling, for us as economists and even as laymen, to try and rationalise how Reinhardt came to this conclusion," Stuart said. "The spat between Reinhardt and the Papal Republic, the Verde Affair, that's one thing. Withdrawing from the RCO, that's one thing. But to cancel treaties of trade, in our global market, and then to declare a trade-war, that is a prime recipe for becoming an economic pariah and right now if I'm Reinhardt's economic advisor I'm shaking him by the lapels and going 'what in God's name are you doing,' because frankly I can't understand it."

Stuart also told PBC Market Watch that the economic standoff could have consequences for the Papal Republic as well, depending on how long the situation lasts.

"Ideally, this ends this week, all there is to show for it is a dip in the market. However I can foresee if this goes a bit deeper, into a few months or more, we can expect to see a contraction in Rodarian markets as the market self-corrects. The Papal Republic is a very heavy export-dependent economy, so the loss of any trade partner hurts, and we'll see this in the short-term as the market readjusts to make up the loss of Geanna. Ultimately though this is going to hurt the Geannese much more than it will the Rodarians."

Emperor, Diet Leadership Urge "Return to Normality"

The developing crisis did not escape the notice of the government, despite the Diet being prorogued until New Year's Day, as the Emperor himself addressed the situation at a press conference this afternoon.

"We--all of us, in the Diet and elsewhere--are deeply concerned for these unprecedented and rash actions undertaken by the Geannese government," the Emperor stated. "We are also deeply concerned for the treatment of Geannese students in the Papal Republic, and encourage all involved parties to resolve their differences in a manner which respects the fundamental rights of all and the economic structures upon which we all rely." The Emperor also stated that there were no plans to halt trade with either party to the conflict on a government level.

"The forces of the market will determine the proper course in the days to come," the Emperor said. "We have discussed this with leadership of all major parties, and upon this point we have full agreement, that there will be no action taken at a governmental level and that any such action betrays the broader goal of a peaceful resolution to the situation."

by **Havenwalde** » Sun Dec 07, 2014 1:03 am

The meeting of Pastor Johannes Friedrich and Pope Constantine XIV.
Protestant leader Pastor Johannes Friedrich visits Romula to meet with Pope Constantine XIV.

Pastor Johannes Friedrich of the Lutheran Evangelical Church of Havenwalde meets Pope Constantine XIV in Romula.
Karl Wiesler.
Reporter for Federal Broadcasting Service

Betschdat, Havenwalde In a historic event in the history of Protestant-Catholic relations, Pastor Johannes Friedrich of the Lutheran Evangelical Church of Havenwalde traveled to Romula in Rodarion to meet Pope Constantine XIV. Pastor Johannes Friedrich is the current Bishop of the Protestant World Alliance and a leading figure in the Lutheran Evangelical Church of Havenwalde. Topics discussed between Pastor Friedrich and Pope Constantine XIV were on Protestant-Catholic relations which were as always normal and friendly at best. Another was on relations between the Federal Republic of Havenwalde and the Papal State of Rodarion which have been mostly neutral as both men spoke on happenings in their respective nations.

When both men discussed happenings in Pardes, the topic of the Ankaran Union conflict against the Eagleland was discussed heavily. The topic was discussed enough by the two that they both kneeled side by side and prayed for the ending of the conflict by peaceful means and for the lives already lost and their families. Concluding talks between the two religious figures, Pastor Friedrich agreed to be invited to a Mass held in the Cathedral of Saint Michael the Archangel in Romula. He attended the mass along with the Pope and took part in it's activities showing the strong bond between Protestant and Catholic.

The mass at The Cathedral of Saint Michael the Archangel was a televised event because of the showing of Pastor Friedrich alongside Pope Constantine XIV. Millions of people across Pardes tuned into the televised mass as they watched the interaction of Pastor Friedrich and the mass its self as he even took part which many say is a historic memorable event in history. During Pastor Friedrich's visit in Romula with the Pope he also met several Cardinals and other important figures within the Romulan Catholic Church. A statement was given by Pastor Friedrich when he returned to Nordesheim on his visit to the Vatican and his meet with Pope Constantine XIV:

"I greatly enjoyed my visit to the Vatican and especially meeting Pope Constantine XIV, a brilliant and holy man , a very humble person and a true man of god."

by **Rodarion** » Sun Dec 07, 2014 1:49 am

By: Professor Isaac Levine, Chair of the University's School of Geopolitics & International Affairs at the Imperial Provisa University.

The National Catholic Party: Authoritarianism through Success

The economic war being waged between Geanna and most of the RCO nations has caused a dramatic shift in not just global markets but also Rodarian politics. As per with Rodarian polling, half say one thing and the other half say another, for example RodarPopuli noted a 10% drop in support for the NCP, 52% from 62%, whereas RodGuv saw a 15% increase to 77%. Whatever the case for support is, it makes little difference to the growing trend within Rodarian politics. Following the NCP’s electoral victory this year, in what was the longest election in human history, let alone the largest with 890 million voters (thanks to mandatory voting), they have begun in their prophesied transition from that typical National Catholic pragmatism, to its hardline form. Yet as ever with Rodarion, its moves towards more open authoritarians is masked with dramatic reform towards a more moderate position, as will be explained.

Consul Octavian Ceausescu is proving quiet a shrewd operator, not only did he secure NCP re-election, he led it in defeating expectations of meagre increases in seats, instead he secured a majority of 118 seats, the highest since 1995 for any Rodarian government. He has been credited with rejuvenating the party since becoming Consul in 2010, replacing Ion Iliescu who treated his NCP government with a technocratic stagnation. The 2010 election saw an NCP increase of just 18 seats, a sign many Rodarian political commentators called the ‘beginning of the end of competitive politics’, yet this year’s one month long election proved those dire ideals wrong, the NCP has been resurrected from eight years in opposition and five years of identity crisis after identity crisis.

First I must stress the success of the National Catholic Party, as a political entity and as one of the greatest contradictions in political history. The National Catholic Party emerged from the violence of the 30s and 40s, with the near collapse of the Papacy in 1937 and the near miss of a communist Rodarion, the people and the elites looked to another source of unifying ideals. Fascism was equally anti-Church as the communists and the communists were ‘devil’s offspring and Satan’s agents’ to use some phrases from the period. Emerging from the chaos and disunity, came three men; Adrian Anontescu, Tiberiu Lupin and Iulian Fradu. These three emerged with the roots of National Catholicism, an anti-liberal Rodarian nationalist ideology that effectively justified Papal domination of the political arena. From 1940 and 1950, they failed to achieve any meaningful breakthrough politically, the Conservatives and Liberals working together to hold back the tidal wave of support for the ideology. However in 1953, the Church broke convention and openly backed the NCP, its priests spreading the NCP manifesto from the pulpit, the greatest electoral tool any party would wish for I suspect.

1955, the NCP secured over 200 million votes, 73% of the vote. Not only did it destroy the Conservative Alliance, it also gained a vast number of left-wing voters, with its National Communion ideal, which demanded the end to class conflict, through the total abolishment of the class system itself, albeit through social thinking rather than total equality. What is ironic, is that National Catholicism is inherently clerical fascist; the Church State had violently fought and destroyed Fascism during the 30s and 40s and yet backed a quasi-fascist entity anyway. What began would transform the Papal Republic indefinitely.

From 1955 to 1968, Consul Adrian Antonescu reformed Rodarion, socially, politically, economically and militarily, no section of society was untouched by the NCP’s agenda. An estimated 300,000 people were killed in the final crackdown on the far-left in Rodarion, those who directly supported and indirectly, were arrested, executed or simply died in prison. No one questioned the murderous rampage, the people simply closed their ears, covered their ears. Homosexuality, was punishable with death, adultery was with public humiliation and floggings, censorship was introduced and the secret police, the Holy Inquisition was granted powers to detain anyone who criticised the political system or the church. What emerged by the 1970s was an authoritarian police state, built on servitude to the Church, the NCP’s success had only begun.
Come the late 1970s, economic reform began, but at a snail’s pace, only some industries were privatised, mostly light goods and textiles, however they proved highly profitable as investors from Free Pardes poured in. The 1980s saw even greater reform, with the Neoliberal Revolution spreading across the globe from Belhavia, Rodarian Consuls Corneliu Dobrițoiu and Nicolae Ponta began the process that would transform Rodarion from a agrarian economy to the 3rd largest economy and the world’s largest manufacturer by the 2000s. I cannot stress the changes in Rodarion as a result of the economic reforms of the 80s, 743 million people were taken out of poverty by 2006, the literacy rate jumped from 31% in 1955 to 93% in 2009, healthcare coverage increased from 82 million in 1955 to 1.1 billion in 2010 and the average life span of both men and women increased from 66 in 1955 to 79 in 2010, this does not even touch upon the geopolitical changes that Rodarion has brought about, but for the sake of this essay, it shall do.

Many argue that the NCP is the most successful democratically elected party in modern history, I myself championed that idea in my book, Rodarion: Land of Faith and Good Contradictions, yet the NCP is also the most contradictory party in modern history. Ideologically, the NCP operates perhaps the most anti-liberal and undemocratic series of ideals for any democratically elected party, “Liberalism turns countries into lands where nothing is true and everything is permitted” is one argument of National Catholicism. The idea of National Communion destroys individualism, as it advocates a mass for the nation, in effect “Unity through Mass”, where every citizen no matter of gender or wealth is united through the link of the Catholic faith. As Consul Nicolae Ponta stated in 1990, “we are one nation, a nation of one, not many, for we are one entity, joined by our faith in the lord and dedication and loyalty to the Mother Church.” Individualism in the Rodarian view is the devil’s weapon crafted to destroy man’s connection to God, for liberalism leads to materialism and that in itself leads to the replacement of God and the rise of money as an idol. How can such anti-liberal and anti-individualist ideology permit elections? When the individual is granted one vote, to vote for the party or individual that they think would best serve them? Well, it’s rather simple to explain actually; the NCP and its ideology do not see elections as actions of individuals, but an action of the one, the majority vote is the voice and will of the National Communion, the communion acts as one and chooses which party will lead the communion on behalf of the Papacy, simple as that. And you see a great contradiction.

From 1955 to 1997, the NCP dominated Rodarian politics, however the discovery of mass corruption and even immoral acts committed by NCP leaders and even Consuls caused the collapse of the Ponta government in 97, a snap election resulted in a National Liberal Party government with a majority of 30 seats, the National Communion was repulsed. However the NLP found itself faced with the reality, that they were merely a mass protest vote, the NCP held enough sway in the Senate to make life hell for NLP ministers and Senators on a personal level. They never had much support of the populace and their weak governance even permeated in the economy, with growth falling from 9.8% in 1995 to 7.1% in 2004, the NLP government was reduced from 30 to just 4 by 2005 due to by-elections and defections. The 2005 election saw the return of the NCP, cleansed of its corrupt and toxic members under Ion Iliescu, he secured a win with a majority of 55, adequate enough. From 2005 and 2010, Iliescu’s government strived to repair the damage done by NLP weakness and saw growth reach 8% in 2008, however it began to decline again as the country suffered blackouts due to overextension of the power grid, the economic woes eventually led to Iliescu’s resignation in 2010. Yet he was vital in the formation of the Romula Cooperation Organisation and expansion of ties with numerous states across the world. Come 2010, he was replaced with Octavian Ceausescu, a former popular minister under the condemned Ponta administration.

Ceausescu presented himself as a National Catholic pragmatist, operating on various levels of NCP positions, his reforms to the agriculture and energy sectors saw growth eventually increase in 2012 after reaching 6.9%, returning to 7.7% in 2014. Unemployment was slashed by 9%, inflation by 11% and manufacturing saw index rates of 65-69 between 2011 and 2014, although it fell to 64.1 in January of this year. He proved popular even among the opposition parties, providing consensus, then came this year’s general election. Upon the campaign trail, it was as if he had a personality transplant, he proved ultra-nationalist, anti-liberal and what he called “anti-cowardice”. Throughout the election, he and his key allies in the cabinet travelled the Papal Republic, calling out for the nation to exercise the powers it holds, to truly act like a major power and to develop a base from which the nation could exert influence and power befitting the nation’s needs. They campaigned like it was 1955, they used the NCP’s propaganda machine and state media to dominate the trail and ballot box. As Consul Ceausescu said in Livada, “we are a nation on the cusp of history, we are the future as we have been the past and the present, we are a constant, and we the people of this great monument to industriousness, diligence and patriotism, must build on and continue constructing this nation of strength and faith in God above.” The truth is, Octavian Ceausescu had always been this way, he just used his first term to secure popular support and fix the issues of the 1997-2005 NLP government, once he felt secure, he called an early election (originally penned for 2015) and secured landslide.
Ceausescu has proved himself a shrewd operation, not only an ultra-nationalist and principlist National Catholic ideologue. However his allies and ministers prove to be entirely the same, the Rodarian executive, is perhaps the most efficient and united in recent Rodarian history, all ministers appear be friends in a private setting and all have respect and total loyalty to the Consul. The Proconsul, Tiberiu Alexandrescu is the Consul’s hitman and right hand man, and confessed oldest friend, yet Ceausescu’s clique is going to get a lot bigger. In early December of this year, Ceausescu successfully received the backing of the Papal Continuing Committee, the one entity in Rodarion that truly holds power, in appointing Radu Hurescu as Director of Papal Republic of Rodarion Broadcasting (PRRB), the state owned television service, the NCP now owns the PRRB news channels. This August, the National Energy Grid’s director was appointed by the PCC, a civilian member of the NCP, in March the heads of the National Coal and Steel Corporation and the National Shipbuilding Consortium were appointed by the PCC, again civilian members of the NCP. Three of the most powerful business positions within the Rodarian economy now stand under the NCP banner, yet Ceausescu plans more.

January 2015 is the set date for his Worker’s Charter to be produced, this piece of legislation was a key source of working class votes in this year’s election, it basically sets out a series of rights workers are entitled to, without question. This includes legal rights in the event of unfair dismissal, right to pay their own private pensions, entitlement to compensation in the event of an accident that causes serious injury if not their fault and reduced working hours, good news for the average Rodarian worker (sarcasm) is that this only applies to workers in services, IT and technology. Manufacturing workers, construction, mining and shipbuilding (most accident prone in Rodarion) have nothing like this and will not for the foreseeable future, miners however have more strictly enforced health and safety rules, but there is little work going into dealing with the estimated 3,000 sweatshops in the Papal Republic, where men and women can work a 24 hour shift for just UR$1.20. Yet in NCP fashion it is done so with obscure wording and positive media coverage. This may cause issue with the privately owned mining companies, which constitutes 14% of the Rodarian economy, as they’ve used the lack of legislation to use their miners for full productive value, however Ceausescu stated in an interview with NRTV, that “if these ‘Ursi Verzi’** choose to oppose the Workers Charter, they will understand that this government reserves the right to renationalise such productive businesses.” Although such a threat would cause major investor scares, the threat alone has silenced the CEOs because they know Ceausescu would do it.
** means Green Bears in Rodarian, a term used for wealthy powerful individuals.

Yet reform to workers rights is not only the thing on the agenda, the NCP plans to reform provincial government, to make Provincial Governors solely appointed by Romula rather than directly elected and the same goes for the mayors of the direct-controlled-municipalities. The aim being, to end opposition from some provincial leaders with regards to further industrialisation of the rural areas and de-forestation, such a reform would dramatically reduce already constrained Rodarian democracy. What is also becoming quiet clear is the rise in cases of the Inquisition dealing with critics of the party itself, historically the deadly and highly efficient secret service served only the Church, since it is only accountable to the Pope and the Papal Continuing Committee by extension, what this means is not that the Inquisition is now answering to the NCP, but rather the Church is using the Inquisition to aid the NCP’s monopoly over Rodarian politics. Several weeks ago, Maria Sollomvici was found shot dead in her apartment after she published a blog connecting senior NCP officials to the Rodarian Mafia, however the police noted her murder as a break-in gone wrong. Sollomvici is one of 13 journalists, netizens and bloggers murdered this year, some openly arrested others simple killed by would-be burglars. If this continues, we may well see the unofficial implementation of a single-party state in Rodarion, because if opposition voices in general civil society are silenced, the parties in opposition may feel the need to play careful in what they say; in effect the death of pluralism in Rodarion. Furthermore the NCP plans to further instigate racialist policies towards the Roma population, with the continued aim of ‘normalisation’, already the gypsies have seen their ability to move around the country impeded, being forced to concentrate in the province of Prahova, yet the NCP now aims to forcible employ them into the manufacturing industry, be removing them from their renowned caravans into worker barracks.

Yet this is all taking place under the sunlit wonders of Pope Constantine, proving himself not only to politically active as the Papal Republic’s sovereign leader, but as a revolutionary reformer, who is moderating the Church’s views and political position, for the Church knows that what it does in Rodarion as the sovereign political entity, effects the world’s view of it as a religious institution. Recently he ordered the closure of the PRR’s infamous repentance camp systems, which are in effect concentration camps for regime opponents, a system developed in response to the communist threat, yet became pointless by the 1970s, then he announced reform of the Catholic Church itself, allowing priests in foreign countries to mould gospel around the nations traditions and values, effectively accepting that some nations tolerate homosexuality, abortion and contraception. Rodarion’s theocratic regime seems to have a natural talent for tandem reforms, insofar that it will reform something to become even more authoritarian, yet simultaneously it reforms another thing, greatly moderating its stance.

Under this cover of Constantine’s reformist plan, the NCP under Ceausescu will simply become more powerful, centralised and authoritarian. As the economy continues to boom, (even with this trade war the Rodarian government will most likely be swift enough and creative enough to deal with the damage head on) it will continue to oppose any reforms of the political system, as such there is a movement within the party itself to begin instigating constitutional reforms aimed at increasing the powers of the elected state, albeit not at the detriment of the church state. Individuals like Senator Octavian Candreva will further come to the fore and present their highly nationalist and fundamentalist ideals and values to the Rodarian public, which are becoming more and more acceptable as the economy stands testament to the NCP’s ability to govern the nation. Furthermore the NCP and the Papacy will continue to stubbornly refuse to reform Rodarion’s economy away from state capitalism to a more free market based system, which focuses on consumer spending over export-led growth, as in their view, it will threaten the National Communion, as the economy would demand the rise of materialism and thus the end of the Church State, however the Pope stresses it is because such a reform would blunt and evaporate the continued rise in living standards and real wages.

In conclusion, it is clear that the NCP is becoming engulfed with its own success and resurgence under Octavian Ceausescu who himself has shown his true principlist side, National Catholicism in its true ideological form is return to prominence. It is also clear that Pope Constantine XIV is becoming more politically active and more than willing to accept a rise in NCP stature and power within the political system as they benefit one another more than ever. As Rodarion continues to rise as a major power, the NCP will also most like become far more assertive on the world stage, this trade war with Geanna has not only shown that Ceausescu will take on any opponent be it domestic or foreign, but will and can enlist the support of the RCO memberstates. Even this month he again declared the ‘Rodarian Century’, yet he stated that the Rodarian Century will see Rodarion’s closest allies rise with them, taking them by the hand and guiding them to prosperity and power. As Bogoria collapses into sectarian chaos once again, we may see a direct Rodarian hand fanning the flames, above that we may even see a more assertive Rodarion with the EG3, promoting direct Rodarian interests across the globe to Belhavia and Emmeria. In short, Rodarion will become more assertive as domestically it becomes more authoritarian despite the reforms towards moderation, which in reality is nothing more than a diversionary veil.

by **Geanna** » Sun Dec 07, 2014 5:01 am

Provincial Defense Force outside of Reinhardt's Aumberly Home

Ministers arrested in National Capitalist raid
Alestei enables Crown Authority Act; Reinhardt, other ministers arrested

^{SHARE THIS:}

Melanie Laveau (@MelveauGBC) and Harrison Konstantinous (@KonstantHarris) (GBC)
^{12/4/2014 | Saxonople, UNITED FEDERACY of GEANNA}

_{T R E N D I N G A R T I C L E S}
:· NEW:''Economic War''

:· The rise of the ''Autumn Republic''

:· BEO formed

:· Belfras begins to move towards Geannese Oil

UFG, Pardes (GBC) — The morning around the nation was abruptly interrupted by the sound of trucks, knocks, and kicked in doors as Provincial Defence Forces launched one of the biggest raids in history. Prime Minister Reinhardt's home in Aumberly was on the list of 16 Ministry officials and numerous other government officials. This morning on his trip home, HM Alestei signed and enabled a Crown Authority Act - essentially an Executive Order to seize and arrest National Capitalist officials.

Raids were conducted by the PDF across the country as NC homes were entered and numerous arrests were made. Reinhardt was reportedly seen being handcuffed and escorted from his Aumberly home early this morning and loaded into the back of a truck. ''We were ordered to arrests these officials - that's all I'm allowed to comment'' Sergeant James Berkly told GBC.

Alestei appeared before the State Committee in an Emergency Meeting, a Committee absent of Reinhardt as they discussed varying issues in relation to the recent crisis. Through the CA Act, all trade embargoes were lifted, and other policies instated by Reinhardt quickly reversed. Tarsan, Estovkivan, and Rodarian assets were no longer frozen, and accounts became readily accessible this morning. Rodarian ships that were seized were also being reloaded with their cargo to be transported back to the Papal Republic.

''I'm annoyed, irritated and disappointed'' Alestei stated, ''To have our own Parliament infiltrated by the NC is an issue that needs to be thoroughly dealt with''. Alestei instated another CA Act that would charge the Ministry officials with treason if found guilty by the Magistrate. The act also allowed the government to seize assets and land, and use the resources to pay for reparations caused by the crisis. Alestei offered no further comment on the situation other then that the NC officials would pay. Alestei did however, offer a meeting with the Papal Republic to be held in Portsdown, Belfras to discuss smoothing ties, and reversing the crisis.

By GBC's Sarah O'Clowd

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by **Davisholm** » Sun Dec 07, 2014 6:28 am

DBN reports
Swineland: What's at stake?
Davisholm's second largest province goes to the polls

Today's provincial election in Swineland will be one of the last before next year's federal election. Many media sources have suggested it could serve as a test for the government's popularity, although local issues are also likely to play a major role.

The Parliament of Swineland has a single 245-seat chamber, the largest of any province. The 49 electoral divisions are the same ones used for federal elections and each elects 5 MPPs [Members of the Provincial Parliament] with the single transferable vote system. This proportional system ensures that no single party dominates the provincial parliament. The incumbent government is a coalition between the Davisian Socialist Workers' Party and the Greens, led by DSWP leader Jeremy Rutherford.

Among the most prominent issues in the campaign have been:
Clyburn Hills motorway
Rutherford caused controversy earlier this year when he suspended plans to build a motorway through the western hills of the Clay Valley. The road would replace a congested dual carriageway running through the Clyburn Pass. This passes straight through the Clyburn Hills, a Provincial Nature Area. However, the new road would involve building an open cutting through another part of the Hills. The Liberals, the Union of the Right and the Davisian People's Movement and the Swineland League support the project. The DSWP and the Greens are opposed.

Education
A 2013 report found that Swineland's education system lagged behind most provinces. The DSWP blame its problems on a lack of funding and propose raising the provincial income tax rate to fund an increase the education budget. The Greens and Swineland League support abolishing tuition fees for university education. The Liberals support introducing charter schools tot provide an alternative to state schools, arguing that Swineland's education system needs more competition.

Railways
The Liberals and the Union propose privatising Swineland Rail and by franchising its operations to private companies. This is opposed by all of the other parties present. The DSWP have however suggested that railway infrastructure should be transferred to a separate state-owned company.

Same-sex marriage
In 2013, Swineland became the second province in Davisholm to legalise same-sex marriage. It was an issue that divided both the DSWP, the Liberals and the Swineland League. The Greens are steadily in favour, as with most other left-wing movements. The Union of the Right opposed the legislation and want it repealed. The Davisian People's Movement opposed the law at the time it was passed, but now opposes repealing it. Public opinion was against same-sex marriage when it was introduced, but the opposite is now true.

Provincial powers
The Swineland League are expected to make gains. The party wants the province to be given special status and autonomy among the provinces, including full control over health and education policy. It considers Swinelandic independence to be a long-term goal, but it not something it would work for in the near-future. The Liberal Party also supports delegating federal powers to Swineland, but this is only as part of its general policy of delegating power to all the provinces.

Local government
Swineland is one of just two provinces (the other being Davisland, the largest) to have a two-tier system of local government. The province is divided into regions which are in turn divided into municipalities. The Liberals want to abolish the regions and reduce the number of municipalities, in order to save money and "reduce conflict". The DSWP, the Greens and Swineland League are opposed to these proposals. The Union of the Right opposes abolishing the regions but supports reducing the number of municipalities.

DBN reports
Inconclusive result in DSWP mayoral primary
Both Stanley Woods and Thomas Kane declare victory

The Davisian Socialist Workers' Party have held an open nominations contest to chose their nominee for the Landsburgh mayoral election, which takes place early next year. The winner will be one of the frontrunners in the race, along with the Liberal incumbent Richard Head. So far, it is not yet clear who has won the DSWP nomination.

The 'primary' contest was open to all registered voters living in Landsburgh and was conducted by postal ballot over the past week. Open voting was also held in a small number of polling stations. Several other parties have also held a similar open contest at the same time. Leonard Howe was elected nominee of the Union of the Right by a landslide, while Silvia Meyer was elected nominee for the Green Party. There was no primary for the Liberal Party. They had already planned to nominate incumbent mayor Richard Head to stand for a third term; he was not met with any serious opposition in his own party.

Most attention was focussed on the DSWP, as it is generally believed that they are the only party with a chance of defeating Head. There were 5 candidates on the ballot, but the real contest was between Stanley Woods and Thomas Kane, the two candidates who gathered the most media attention.

Stanley Woods was the DSWP nominee in the last mayoral election (2011). He presented a serious challenge to Head's re-election bid, but ultimately lost by a 51.5%-48.5% margin. Before then, he was the DSWP's leader on the Landsburgh Metropolitan Council. He later returned to the council in a 2012 by-election. In his campaign, he proposed a few ambitious infrastructure projects, redevelopment of the poorest parts of the cities and weekly collections for recycling bins. However, his campaign focused less on policies and more on Richard Head. He argued that he was the only candidate who stood a viable chance of defeating the incumbent mayor. Despite this, polls show that voters would favour Head over Woods by a 54%-46% margin.

Thomas Kane first came to prominence in 2009 when he led the campaign against university fees. He later joined the DSWP and won a by-election contest in Landsburgh Newtown in 2013. As a federal MP, he has been somewhat critical of Chancellor Harriet Deacon's leadership of the party. He is thus seen as being more left-wing than Woods. His policy proposals include raising the city's property tax on the wealthiest homes, reinstatement of rent controls and retroactive pay hikes for all civic staff. He said he would take a "confrontational approach" if the federal and provincial governments tried to rein in on local spending. Little polling has been done to assess his chances, since he is not widely known to the voters.

The 2011 mayoral election took place at a time when both the country and the province had an unpopular right-wing government. This was the main reason why Richard Head faced a relatively difficult re-election battle. This time, the DSWP is in power on both levels and struggling in the polls. Head enjoys approval ratings of around 55% at the moment, compared to 45% overall in 2010. It looks likely that he will enter the coming mayoral campaign in a much stronger position than he was in four years ago.

The results of the DSWP contest are still not clear. An initial count suggested that Kane had won by a margin of 10 votes, out of nearly 240,000 cast. However, a recount placed Woods ahead by a 51%-49% margin. Before the second recount could be completed, it was then discovered that 1,000 of the earlier ballots had not been counted. The most recent recount gave Kane a 51%-49% margin. Both candidates have been heard declaring victory.

In other news:

Chancellor criticises RCO for "bullying" Geanna
Regional trade war causes drop in stock market and confidence; oil prices lower
'About 40' DSWP backbenchers oppose government's welfare reforms

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