Sunalayan News {SUNALAYA ONLY!}

[The United States Of The Tao]

Tao Times

Referendum Passes, Tao offically enters a state of emergency

With Prime Chancellor Sora Miroyu having been shut down by the house of chancellors in a vote on a bill which would officially put the UST into a state of emergency, a referendum was held yesterday, and the results are in. The referendum passed, the results ending up being approximately: 83% yes - 12% no - 5% - abstain. The actual bill the referendum voted on is a "slightly modified" version of the bill which was shot down in the House of Chancellors.

If you haven't already, you can read the details on the governmental webpage, under recently passed bills. Key parts of the bill include: The UST going into a state of emergency indefinitely, the UST announcing an official condemnation of the Sunrisian government for its recent nuclear policy changes, as well as giving the Prime Chancellor and the Chancellor of Defence the ability to deploy military forces in domestic civilian areas for the duration of the state of emergency, it also added a act which stated that 'should the UST military feel as though the House of Chancellors is threating the nations ability to defend itself during the duration of the state of emergency, the senior staff of the Defence department can issue a vote amongst themselves, along with the approval of the prime chancellor, to grant the prime chancellor supreme authority during the duration of the state of emergency'. It should be noted that this final piece of the bill, does not affect the House of Chancellors ability to vote an end to the state of emergency after the minimum of 30 days.

Domestically, this should mean an end to much of the anarchic behavior being displayed in certain areas in the UST, bringing law and order back. Internationally, this of course means the UST will officially issue a condemnation to the government of Sunrisia.

[The Dictatorship POD]

Brynhild Hulda Missing

~P.O.D. International Broadcasting

An air and sea search is continuing today for possible survivors of the Brynhild Hulda, a one-hundred twenty foot yacht which apparently broke apart and sunk last night off of the coast of Losr. The yacht, owners, and crew vanished in a storm eighty mile per hour winds and wave heights up to twenty-five feet. All that has been found is an oil slick and some debris. The vessel was returning to port in an attempt to get ahead of the storm after the Cynesige Cuthberht celebrated his fortieth birthday with family and friends roughly twenty nautical miles off of the coast. In total, sixty-seven people are missing including Mister Cuthberht, the owner of the yacht and the wealthiest man in the Ochlocracy, and Towns representative Heard Ceolmund. As Navy Sea Patrol continues their search for survivors, both family and friends are losing hope. In the community of Towns, thousands of people are already showing their support to the representative's family by sending letters and cards despite the short amount of time that has passed. Having been missing for less than a full day, Misses Ceolmund has voiced her strong hope in her husband's safe return, stating her confidence in the Navy to return him to her. A representative from the Navy, however, has indicated that, from the debris found so far, including three destroyed life rafts out of the four aboard the vessel, the survival of anyone aboard would be unlikely. The storm reached critical mass in the area that the vessel disappeared and roughly at the same time Navy Sea Patrol lost contact with them. The last person to have contact with the captain of the yacht was Commander Niklaus Fischer, who had this to say.

"I was the last to have contact with him, and that was about nineteen-ten. I asked how he was making out with his problems and he said that he was holding his own, but I lost contact with him after that. We didn't have him visually, we had him on radar, but as the storm picked up in his area, we lost radar contact. I tried again to make contact with the yacht, but there were no responses. We estimate that in that particular area, wave heights reach up to forty feet and wind speeds were up to ninety miles per her. We have little hope for any rescues to be made from that particular vessel. We have not found the vessel yet; she might have split up, capsized, or simply took on water, but we have yet to find it. We're still looking though."

[Edereon]

Ederis go to the polls to vote in the general election

Today is election day in the Kingdom of Edereon. Parties, coalitions and independents have wrapped up their campaigns. They have said everything that could be said and promised everything they could have promised. It is now time for them to see if they have managed to convince the voters. 2 days ago the campaigning has formally stopped. Yesterday was a day of silence and no agitation from the competing political forces fighting for power. The voters had a day to review the campaigns they saw and think about their choice and today is the day they will make that choice. Obviously there were many voters who already had their picks made up from the beginning and backed their choices in the campaign rallies. But for undecided voters yesterday was a good day to finally settle on their choice. All throughout today the voters will be going to the polls to cast their ballots.

The ruling coalition of the Progressives has campaigned hard including Prime Minister Céc Mustigañ. The Progressives are clearly looking forward to get re-elected into a parliamentary majority and have the current government enjoy a second term. The popularity polls leave the chances of the Progressives ambiguous. The questioning polls showed that the Moderate coalition have been enjoying higher popularity numbers in comparison to the last general election. So has the Liberal Democratic Party although it finished second in the last general election so this was only an additional win. With the chances of the Liberal Democrats rising higher than before, the party is now very ambitious to win the higher position in the government. The Moderate coalition is also wishing to finally exit the opposition and lead the next government. The polling numbers have been showing that this year they might get to do so but a similar success of the Liberal Democrats does not promise a clear majority. In fact both the Moderates and the Liberal Democrats may have to consider forming a coalition in case of victory. We cannot write off the governing Progressives who might also end up in the top and might have to be included a possible new coalition. Many experts are simply happy to see that the opposition is going to the top which shows the effectiveness of democracy in Edereon. The Moderates represent more conservative values which has become kind of foreign to today’s Edereon. The cynical argument is that conservatism is seeing a rise because of its temptation towards stronger border control and that is an issue that has seen a rise because of the increased flow of refugees and economic immigrants from Daredland. Those coming from Daredland have been welcomed with open arms but many suggest that the success of the Moderates hints towards a quiet protest vote by a silent majority. The governing Progressives are looking forward to keep the citizens trust because this government has strengthened the military, gave autonomy to the Ocidas region and defeated the recent resurgence of Oculus terrorist group. Opponents, meanwhile, are poking fingers at the government for economic stagnation and for keeping Edereon the third economy in SOWEFTA behind others. Opponents say that the Progressives have been focused too much on other issues and overlooked economic development.

But apart from all these seasoned political forces, the leader in the polls has been an entirely new political force that many see as a new political generation. The New Forces of National Union (NFNU) is whom we are talking about. It is a new opposition coalition that has not specifically labeled itself in its leanings but many call it center-right. NFNU is made up of new parties and young politicians who have instead called themselves a brand new opposition force foreign to all the older parties Edereon has been used to. NFNU has shortly promised to fix all the mistakes that the Progressives have made, finish the work they have not finished and criticized other opponents for their views as well, including the Moderates and the Liberal Democrats. The new kids on the bloc that are NFNU have obviously been called out as populists that use the traditional outside the system label. The race is heating up and we will see who ends up the winner tomorrow after the votes are counted.

[The Dictatorship POD]

Viral Outbreak in Fort Towns

~P.O.D. International Broadcasting

In recent medical news, a seemingly new virus has been discovered in the city of Fort Towns and several of the outlying areas. Airborne transmission of the virus has been confirmed. The new virus has proven difficult to prevent, being quite resistant to most medicines and cleaning materials, even demonstrating the ability to survive outside of a host for a substantial amount of time. At this time there is no vaccination and no effective treatment or cure. The number of people estimated to be carrying this virus is roughly two thousand people. Symptoms are mostly flu-like, though other symptoms include hemophilia, hematemesis, hematochezia, and the rapid formation of ulcers in the stomach lining and intestines. Some cases have resulted in extreme internal bleeding. So far only seventy three deaths have been reported from the virus, though more deaths are expected to occur before any real progress is made on developing a successful treatment or vaccination. The P.O.D. Army Medical Corps is working with local authorities to prevent the further spread of the contagion, with several areas of the city being locked down.

In an attempt to prevent further deaths, hospitals within Fort Towns, and in the surrounding areas, have been increasing the stockpiles of blood and PPE, which is being distributed to the local populace in limited amounts. The General Staff has also adjusted the national budget to allow for more resources to be given to the P.O.D. Army Medical Corps in an attempt to help in this developing situation. While no mutations of this virus have been detected yet, there is great concern as to what a mutation of this already difficult to treat and prevent virus could look like.

In related news, some conspiracy theorists have stated their belief that the virus may have been developed as a weapon and released by one of the many terror organizations in the world, with most such theorists pointing out the Bannerless Brotherhood as the primary suspect, though medical researchers who have studied the virus indicate that there is no indication of artificial creation or modification.

[The Seven United]

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Series of bomb alerts sends Herza Novi into a standstill

Televantus Road leaving the city northbound at 10:36AM, gridlocked.

At peak rush hour this morning, the daily commute began with the usual heavy traffic, with the beeping and the hustle and bustle expected of a large city like Herza Novi. However, at around 8:40AM a bag suspected to be an explosive device was found on the main arterial Televantus road leading through the city. As soon as police arrived on the scene, another suspected device was reported on the other side of the city in the Monrega Barrio on another road leading into the city. At 9:36 and 9:55 respectively another two suspect devices were found left on two main roads severely debilitating city traffic flow. As traffic ground to a halt, in the Delamone Barrio in the north west there was reports of a shooting in which a young man was injured.

The placement of these devices suggests sinister calculation says Herza Novi police. Chief of the Montedoran Police Service Alvaro Pavarotti said today "The hoaxes left on the streets today show the complete disregard these terrorist groups have for the city. Montedoran Police Herza Novi are certain that the reasoning for these sinister and calculated alerts are in order to disrupt the movement of police as they conduct criminal activity in which a young man today was injured from gunshot founds in Delamone. If anybody has any sort of information, footage, even photos, contact the MPS. Any sort of information would be very helpful in catching the terrorists that orchestrated this".

Commiss Army technical officers attended the scenes of all bomb alerts and declared them 'elaborate hoaxes' by 1:00PM this afternoon, long after the damage was done. Even by this stage much of the city remained in gridlock with traffic beginning to flow again in the late afternoon. The Montedoran Police Service opened up numerous checkpoints into and out of the city though the suspects remain at large. Herza Novi is no stranger to bomb alerts, however the elaborate nature of these hoaxes and their strategic placing has worried the city. The amount of disruption caused by four security alerts has made the city ask how much power do these terrorists really have in the city?

Currency: 1 Argent ARG ($A) = NS$0.63.9981.

[ZibolRoakia]

Sunalaya news is SUNALAYA ONLY?? WHY DO I STILL REPLY THO? THIS IS WRONG, GO THIS ON FACTBOOK PLEASE

[Talvistova]

Ministry of War gives green light for raids on known safehouses for Car Bombers

Following several smaller car bombings coming as aftershocks of the March 31st Winter Palace Bombings, War Minister Karl Armfeldt Kushnikov has given the National Police Service and SSK special forces the go ahead to begin raids in an attempt to put an end to the string of car bombings that have claimed so many lives in the past year. An SSK member who wishes to remain anonymous had the following to say about it:

Overall, I'm very glad that we have finally gotten the go ahead to begin these operations. We have allowed such activities to go unpunished for far too long, and the death of the King was the final straw. With all respect to His Majesty King Juren III, may he rest in piece, it is a breath of fresh air to have a monarch who is ready and willing to stand up and put a stop to this, and we shall see to it to the best of our abilities that we end this.

[Edereon]

Opposition comes to power, New Forces of National Union (NFNU) coalition wins the general election

The votes have been counted and the new opposition coalition New Forces of National Union (NFNU) has been declared winner. It does not come as that much of a surprise to many because NFNU was a clear leader in the polls before that. The second place has been won by the Moderates coalition which ended up in the third place in the last general election and in the opposition in this government. The Liberal Democrats have ended up in a third place this time although the percentage they got was still bigger than in the last general election. Both the Moderates and the Liberal Democrats have enjoyed a rapid rise in their percentage in comparison to the last general election and the Moderates could still consider this a day of victory because of how far they have jumped. Even though the Liberal Democrats saw a jump in numbers from the last election, it could still be questioned whether this is a victory for them. They fell from second to third place behind the Moderates.

The ones truly having taken a hit were the government. The ruling Progressives coalition has only won a single eastern-most district of the Ocidas autonomy. Ocidas got its autonomy during the Progressives tenure and is also a home to many Daredi immigrants. The Progressives government in Edereon supported Daredland greatly throughout the neighboring nation’s crisis. The Progressives coalition still ended up in fourth place behind the Liberal Democrats and ahead of other parties and coalitions that ran. Still the numbers that the governing coalition got will automatically put it into the opposition. The question now remains on whether the Progressives coalition will remain united or dissolve so that the parties could work on their own while in the opposition.

At this point it can be agreed that the results of this general election show that a strong protest vote has been made in Edereon. The government has been effectively removed from power. It cannot be said that this election had any surprises in it because the pre-election polls basically suggest these exact results. The success of the Progressives had a very large question mark above it, the NFNU were in the lead, the Moderates were said to expect a big boost and rise in popularity and so were the Liberal Democrats. The Moderates and the Liberal Democrats have definitely experienced a big jump in their success. This puts their future into a bright perspective and they could expect greater success either in a future general election or local-level elections. Still, even with the boost they got the Moderates and the Liberal Democrats did not catch up to NFNU enough for there to be a necessity for a coalition government to be formed out of the three. NFNU got a landslide victory and has won a clear parliamentary majority. This means that the next Prime Minister will be someone from NFNU and the next cabinet will be made up of Ministers from NFNU.

Prime Minister Céc Mustigañ has congratulated the winning NFNU personally and on behalf of the Progressives coalition. The Prime Minister also congratulated the Moderates, the Liberal Democrats and other competitors for the success they made for a good race that was had. He finally thanked those who had voted for the Progressives and promised that his party would do everything it can to be the most effective opposition. Whether this promise hinted at a possible dissolution of the Progressives coalition is early to tell. Nothing has been confirmed yet by anyone officially. At this time PM Céc Mustigañ is getting ready for a replacement by his successor.

[Sunrisia]

Anti-Tobacco Activists Will Get To Testify Before The Convet To Make The Case For Their Cause And Offer An Action Plan

Martial Law: Day 14

With the anti-tobacco conversation in Sunrisia having acquired momentum, the activists for the new “pro-health” cause, as it has been sometimes referred to, have been invited to testify before the Convet to make the case for their cause and also promote/shed light on it, in order to transfer it from the level of street demonstrations and other promotion, to a higher level. It is obvious that the anti-tobacco activists do not need to explain on why their cause would have help benefit for Sunrisians, a nation fortunate enough to already have low tobacco consumption. Nevertheless, as elected representatives, the Members of the Convet are required to address the question on how a transition from tobacco could be made without delivering a huge blow to industry and the economy. In other words, although the activists themselves are not required to come up with policy plans, the MPs will be interested to hear what kind of alternatives would activists have in mind, especially since they have themselves stated that they would like to make suggestions to the Department of Finance and Economic Development, as well as to the Department of Industry, Trade and Commerce. In the end, no matter what specifics the anti-tobacco activists present in terms of their solutions to the problem, it is clear that the government will have to develop the action plan, similar to how it is being done in USWR. Nevertheless, the civil society will always be welcomed to make their input on the highest level, decreasing dependence on the state in terms of how to make life improvements in the country.

One anti-tobacco activist stated:

“I respect this move, because it will show how many of the politicians are bought by the corporations, tobacco in this case, and how many are actually interested in ridding this nation of tobacco. They are putting themselves out there by letting us into the Convet to make our case. It will obviously also give us the greater exposure and give us self-assurance that we have not been engaged in our activities for nothing. We have been heard and the government now wants to hear us directly. It also sets a good precedent that activists for any cause out there can finally reach the level we have. Because of the existing Martial Law, demonstrations have not really sounded like the most “appealing” idea to promote our cause, so we need a different platform and being able to speak right in the government’s face, basically the officials whom we have been trying to reach with our activism, is the best platform we could have asked for. If the government actually needs us to contribute to crafting an action plan for killing tobacco without major hits to industry and the economy, while also opening up new economic sectors as replacements, then we are ready to do everything we can. We will work tirelessly, because we are passionate about the cause and believe that it will lead to a bright future.”

In other news:

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• President Válîd Sâlúbĕr: “I congratulate the New Forces of National Union (NFNU) with victory in the general election in Edereon and also congratulate the people of Edereon with an opportunity at a fresh start. My own party perceives Ederi NFNU as our ideological allies and a representation of a new generation acceding to the government leadership and mainstream politics of Edereon, just like what happened in Sunrisia.”
  
  
• Sunrisia withdraws from trade and defense agreements with Layfet.
  
  
• President Válîd Sâlúbĕr and Minister of Security Vírân Spêctér announce that they will donate their 2019 NMW Stargazer GT automobiles.
  
  
• Minister of Security Vírân Spêctér says that nearby hostile missile defense systems are “at target range”, but will not be struck preemptively. The Minister has also confirmed that the domestic anti-missile shield is activated.

[Daredland]

Personal approval ratings of President Franz Potesinan, Confederal Chancellor Eelco Lechner and the Confederal Cabinet remain high despite backlash against the PLFWCD-led government

Confederal Chancellor Eelco Lechner and President Franz Potesinan have today congratulated the New Forces of National Union (NFNU) for winning the general election in Edereon. Both Daredi government officials have expressed hope for close cooperation with the new government of Edereon which is Daredland’s neighbor, an important strategic ally and the primary sanctuary for Daredi immigrants and refugees from the Hasperan Republic. The campaigning opposition parties in the Daredi Confederation have reacted to these congratulations with skepticism. The skepticism came not because of doubts towards a partnership with the next government of Edereon but because cooperation hopes by the current Daredi government officials whom the opposition thinks will soon be out of power.

The Pro-Liberty Front of a Western Corentian Daredland (PLFWCD) has famously experienced a backlash against its government for what many saw as a failed domestic policy on territorial problems, economy and for alleged corruption of multiple officials. Anti-government protests have forced PLFWCD to agree to snap elections. But even with this the coalition maintained a strong supporter side too. The opposition parties are confident that PLFWCD will lose the snap elections for the unpopularity of its government. The Party for Central Approach (PCA) and the Social Liberal Party (SLP) have found it strange that Confederal Chancellor Eelco Lechner and President Franz Potesinan have expressed hope for cooperation with the next government of Edereon because PLFWCD would be out of power anyway. The opposition concluded that the President and the Confederal Chancellor were referring to the remainder of PLFWCD’s term.

The truth is that even if PLFWCD did not win the snap elections the personal approval ratings of Confederal Chancellor Eelco Lechner, President Franz Potesinan and many Ministers of the Confederal Cabinet remains high. The anti-government protesters have attributed corruption and ineffectiveness mainly to the MPs in the National Council and the Council of States. The Confederal Chancellor meanwhile is credited for a widely popular foreign policy the government has successfully led. No matter the popularity of PLFWCD the Confederal Chancellery and the Confederal Cabinet are in good terms with the population for the most part. President Franz Potesinan saw a jump in the personal approval rating after he denounced alleged corruption of other officials in the current government and agreed that they should be investigated and prosecuted. The President’s personal support for an investigation by the Office of the Attorney General no matter under which majority government, even if the opposition wins, has made many citizens confident that President Franz Potesinan has nothing to hide. Many think that a guilty man would not so calmly embrace those that could expose him.

[Sunrisia]

Superior Court Makes A Second Ruling On Polygamy: Verdict – It Does Not Breach The Constitution

Martial Law: Day 14 (Going Into 15 By CST)

The Superior Court of Sunrisia has made a second ruling on the question of polygamy. The verdict is the same as last time – it does not come into conflict with the Constitution, which defines marriage in particular as – “Union between 2 or more human individuals…” Only the Constitution of the Sunrisian Second Republic or the Sunrisian Nationalist Republic, has marriage defined that way. The previous constitutions in the history of Sunrisia and in other incarnations of Sunrisia, had marriage limited to 2 people. The current Constitution has removed that clearly defined quantity.

The first ruling by the Superior Court in favor of polygamy led to the Convet voting in favor of recognizing polygamous unions in Sunrisia, including civil unions, domestic partnerships, reciprocal beneficiary relationships, cohabitation agreements, etc. This recognition did not lead to the Convet legalizing polygamous marriage in Sunrisia and having it practiced in the country, however, polygamous marriages performed abroad, in case there were cultures practicing this on a legal level, were recognized on the same legal level as other marriages and partnerships. The second ruling by the Superior Court on polygamy, with an identical result, has led to an interpretation that the Superior Court once more wanted to lift any doubts on the issue, otherwise it would have just been redundant. Another theory is that the Superior Court is hinting towards liberty to actually legalize polygamous marriage in Sunrisia by allowing it to be performed in the country.

Studies have not been conducted recently on how many polygamous relationships there are in the Sunrisian society. On the surface and looking at the streets and households, it appears that the majority of the population still prefers 2 people per a romantic relationship, excluding, perhaps, intercourse. Sunrisian national traditions also do not have a clearly-defined stance on polygamy. This lack of a cultural stance leads to an opening for pragmatism on this question and on many other social issues. After the first ruling by the Superior Court on polygamy and the follow-up recognition of polygamous unions, sociologists have asked the population how it felt about it, but did not yet conduct questioning on how many polygamous relationships there in the country, as mentioned before. The public poll showed a majority not having a problem with it, while the remainder was largely undecided.

[Edereon]

Réli Novicãl chosen to be the next Prime Minister

New Forces of National Union (NFNU) have nominated Réli Novicãl to become the next Prime Minister of Edereon. Novicãl would be replacing Céc Mustigañ who is preparing to transfer to the opposition along with fellow members of the Progressives coalition. The victorious NFNU are currently in the process of forming the next government of Edereon. Choosing the Prime Minister was the first step on agenda. Having made that choice, NFNU are now picking cabinet members to serve as various ministers in the next government. PM-designate Réli Novicãl has travelled to meet the Royal Family to get the blessings for personal premiership and for the leadership of NFNU in the government. Novicãl is anticipating to meet His Majesty King Glac Crustal IV, Her Majesty the Queen and personally see the recently born Prince Ais Venta, the Heir to the Throne of the Kingdom of Edereon. PM-designate joked that Prince Ais Venta is whom Novicãl is truly looking for approval and a blessing from. The incoming Prime Minister also made sure to thank the government officials of Sunrisia and Daredland for their congratulations to NFNU on election victory. Novicãl reciprocated the congratulations by saying that NFNU is likewise looking forward to great cooperation.

[Sunrisia]

Majority Of Youth In Sunrisia Identifies As Belonging To A Sub-Culture

Martial Law: Day 15

Surveys conducted over time have shown that the majority of youth in Sunrisia identifies as belong to a sub-culture. A recent survey has reaffirmed these results, even increasing the numbers slightly from past social surveys. In some cases, individuals have even listed themselves in several sub-cultures simultaneously. The results of the surveys did not depend on gender or age, meaning teenagers and young adults did not have a big rift between their results.

When going into specifics, the sub-cultures, that the youth have listed themselves in, have been the usual ones, including those presently-popular, those making a comeback, those rising in popularity, an amalgamation of sub-cultures and new ones being on the rise. For the most part, neither sub-culture has been defined as being in the lead or the most widespread one. It was noted that a sub-culture like punk has been making a comeback in a slightly updated style. Child psychologists and “sub-culture experts” have agreed that the comeback by the punk sub-culture can be explained by a continued wish to protest any status quo, especially in today’s turbulent world. That is what the original punk sub-culture and its’ offshoots have been about in the past.

Those identifying as emos, today claim that for them it is mostly about the clothing, other exterior attributes and the music they listen to, but it does not reflect their emotional or mental state. The emo sub-culture has often been associated with a depressed and suicidal mental state, which is why child psychologists have been especially questioned on whether the emo sub-culture, further evolving alongside other sub-cultures, should cause concern.

Obviously, the hipster sub-culture keeps going strong, however, it remains a question of debate on whether it is an actual sub-culture, since different categorizations have been made. Same goes for the Rastafarians, which has been a social and religious movement, although many of those surveyed have also listed themselves as Rastafarians and those matching the attributes of Rastafarians can indeed be seen in public life frequently. Again, just like with other sub-cultures and certain “layers” they have brought other than clothing and music, there is also a question present on how deep thus the youth actually follow the sub-culture as a lifestyle and how many simply dress accordingly.

However, apart from specific sub-cultures, a popular trend in the moment among the Sunrisian youth, is forming the “amalgamations” of sub-cultures. In other words, as the terms suggests, the youth is mixing the sub-cultures. Child psychologists have said that this mixing of sub-cultures is for better or for worse, because in the case of anxiety by the parents that young people might “fall into” the more frightening parts of a lifestyle associated with a single sub-culture, the youth is mixing them up. This “easy mixing” suggests that young people might not perceive sub-cultures with deadly seriousness in terms of adopting an according lifestyle, but rather look at it as a fashion statement. Meanwhile, those seriously associating themselves with a sub-culture, would remain loyal to a single one and strictly follow the according lifestyle, rather than allowing for their mixing.

Nevertheless, it is not just about the traditional sub-cultures further flowing in the ranks of young people or evolving with slight updates of the time. New sub-cultures have likewise been on the rise, which partially already answers the question on whether the entire ideological and social trend of forming sub-cultures, is fading away. At least in Sunrisia that is definitely not the case. In fact, the results of the surveys about most youth identifying as belonging to a sub-culture, have already been clear answers to that possible hypothesis. The formation of new sub-cultures evolving with new times, also reinforces the argument that the “sub-culture trend” is not going away.

Child psychologists have also been asked if this trend was dangerous after all, even with the reassuring argument that sub-cultures have been changing for the better in their evolution and that the youth of today mostly perceives them as a fashion statement without adopting the according lifestyle, which in some sub-cultures has been a dangerous one. The larger question of concern has been if the division of the youth into sub-cultures also means a divided society and a rivalry between different sub-cultures that either do not interact or interact with according disrespect. Many child psychologists have returned to the fashion statement argument, claiming that the youth does not uphold those previously-held ideological and lifestyle differences that create a natural rivalry or some type of disrespect or hostility among different sub-cultures.

Young people dressed in the exaggerated outfits representing the sub-culture they identify with, can and do walk in front of each other on the streets and frequently interact as friends, which leads to a conclusion that they do not uphold those ideological lifestyle differences. These conclusions were made from the observations by child psychologists on how the youth interacts, no matter how drastically they may look. Same observations were made in probably the most important context for the youth, which were parties and cultural events of various kinds. In them, youth from different sub-cultures have frequently been seen hanging out together without any problems. However, it has been noted that the argument made by the child psychologists about the youth following the fashion and not the lifestyle, comes in contradiction with the argument they have made on the punk sub-culture for example, where they have explained that the punk sub-culture has been making a comeback because of the protest against the status quo in the current world. This rift has been noticed by the investigative journalists on the topic, but the child psychologists claim that exceptions are possible.

[Daredland]

Campaign for snap elections: Legacy Protection Movement coalition leading in the polls

Emblem of the Legacy Protection Movement

Ahead of the snap elections in the Daredi Confederation polls are being made to show the feelings of the voters. It is a partial tradition during election and campaign season. Polls help shape an approximate picture of what the final results might be. Different organizations are holding these polls and compare the results. According to many of them the clear leader at the moment is the Legacy Protection Movement coalition or LPM. This coalition is winning over voters by describing itself as more moderate than other influential political forces while promising to uphold the legacy of the Flaming Revolution. Hence the name the Legacy Protection Movement.

LPM has been saying in its campaigns that its rivals like the Pro-Liberty Front of a Western Corentian Daredland (PLFWCD) which is the current governing coalition or the Germanic Union (GU) which is the largest opposition force, have been tearing the Daredi Confederation up from the inside. LPM blamed both rival coalitions (which have also seen each other as primary adversaries and opposites) for ideologically dividing Daredland up from the inside. LPM pointed out that PLFWCD and GU share several identical flaws among which are radicalism and absence of pragmatism. The government’s PLFWCD was blamed for being too radically nationalist, pro-Western Corentian and anti-Englean. The opposition’s GU was blamed for being too pan-Germanist and putting Daredi independence and sovereignty into question with imperialist ideas of a united Germanic state with the Engleans first of all. LPM has not in its campaign accused GU of being pro-Englean which has been a popular accusation made by GU’s opponents in the past and is still used by many. The government’s PLFWCD still accuses GU of being pro-Englean lobby in Daredland and a Trojan Horse. Since PLFWCD won the elections and came to power GU has been trying to shake the image of being pro-Englean to not be accused of treason under current law. GU now avoids talking about the self-declared Weniges Reich and has distanced itself from the figure of ex-Chancellor Friedrich Schäfer. But GU still upholds the idea of a Daredi–Englean alliance and a pan-Germanic union state. When asked about Schäfer GU ignores the questions. On Weniges Reich GU emphasizes a need for direction negotiations with the Weniges Reich.

Emblem of the Pro-Liberty Front of a Western Corentian
Daredland (PLFWCD), the current governing coalition.

Overall PLFWCD and GU have been dragging Daredland in opposite directions foreign policy-wise. This has strengthened their bitter rivalry and often led to clashes between their supporters on the streets of Daredi cities. Youth groups have been organizing cross-nation public forums between supporters of different political forces and trying to ease tensions inside. LPM compared itself to the government’s PLFWCD and GU in its campaign. LPM has been presenting itself as more moderate political force than both coalitions and having a more pragmatic attitude. LPM promised that it would achieve full membership of Daredland in MDAA and SOWEFTA but would not neglect domestic policy like PLFWCD has had. LPM also promised to appoint a ‘completely independent’ Office of the Attorney General to investigate corruption allegations against the current government. The New Office of the Attorney General would additionally take over the current ongoing investigations against ex-Chancellor Friedrich Schäfer. On domestic policy LPM promised a different, ‘pragmatic’ and ‘varied’ direction but still including reforms. Overall many of LPM’s promises have been very cool-headed. Probably the only radical statements made were by some of its members who said that Daredland should establish a Sunrisian military base or several bases on Daredi territory until Daredland is admitted to MDAA as a full member and not just an associate member. LPM has not carried over that position in its further campaign rallies and stayed focused on its moderate tone of promising to fix the current government’s mistakes.

The success of LPM is being seen in the campaigns for the confederal elections, regional elections and local elections. In the campaign of the confederal elections LPM is presently the clear leader. But in regional and local ones the polls are showing that LPM is seeing tough competition from the governing Pro-Liberty Front of a Western Corentian Daredland (PLFWCD). The governing coalition was described by political scientists to have a larger chance of succeeding at elections of regional and local level. The success of PLFWCD is matching those predictions which were originally not believed in because of PLFWCD’s governing losing the citizens trust for bad domestic policy and alleged corruption. But separate politicians from the government like Confederal Chancellor Eelco Lechner, President Franz Potesinan and many Ministers of the Confederal Cabinet have high personal approval ratings. Even with a bad reputation of PLFWCD or parties in it the individual trust in some of the current government officials has helped create a theory that the government may have more success in regional and local elections if these individual politicians were to run for regional or local office. This might also mean that PLFWCD might keep a tough grip in the upper house Council of States.

During the campaign police has been monitoring the streets to avoid clashes between PLFWCD and GU supporters and supporters of other political forces. Do gather points GU has brought back its tradition of marching in the streets with Germanic emblems and symbols. This was always believed by GU to give them more exposure. Opponents of GU have been holding rival rallies simply to undermine the influence of GU during the campaign period. These have been the most intense moments during election season and have always created potential for more clashes. Things have remained peaceful so far.

Emblem of the Germanic Union (GU) running in the snap
elections. GU will be making another attempt to win
a place in the government. Currently it is in
the opposition.

In the meantime the Party for Central Approach (PCA) and the Social Liberal Party (SLP) have still not formed a coalition because of their different views but have been in an unofficial political alliance. They have been taking several pages from each other’s books as always. PCA and SLP have both been aggressively attacking everybody else in their rallies including the pre-revolution government (which they were part of) and the current government. The government’s PLFWCD traditionally keeps coming under fire for ineffectiveness, GU are being called pro-Englean pan-Germanic radicals, while the rising LPM is being called out for populism and indecisiveness. PCA and SLP are attacking everybody except for each other which only supports the theory of their unofficial political alliance. In their campaign rallies PLFWCD and LPM have both said that it was ‘ironic’ for PCA and SLP to call out anybody as populist because both parties have built their careers or shifting positions to whatever is popular at the time. SLP has been more consistent than PCA in that regard. This firing back was picked up by other opponents of PCA and SLP too. The government’s PLFWCD has always called PCA and SLP out for populism and it seems that others are agreeing with the government on this question. Obviously PCA and SLP also keep getting attacked for having conspired with the Legion of Germanic Daredland (LGD) party in the power grab which led to the Flaming Revolution. PLFWCD outright said that PCA and SLP are ‘hypocritical’ for criticizing the pre-revolution government.

There was one interesting thing that political scientists have noticed in this campaign among all others. PLFWCD does not look like it is devoting so much attention to its campaign like it used to. It almost looks like the government is not looking to get re-elected but is not pulling out of the race either. Experts attribute it to PLFWCD’s lack of self-confidence in winning after the anti-government protests. But foreign policies victories like achieving associate membership in MDAA and SOWEFTA have raised the government’s approval since. This also is coupled with the high personal approval ratings of many government officials including the Confederal Chancellor and the President. All signs say that there might still be a chance for PLFWCD. But GU has its own theory. The opposition coalition says that PLFWCD has now done the job ‘which the Sunrisians have appointed them for, so now they can be dismissed.’ President Franz Potesinan personally fired back at GU for undermining Daredi democratic institutes and suggesting that a foreign state appoints the Daredi government:

“[I] would not react seriously if the Germanic Union (GU) were just a social movement, a bunch of ‘experts’ on a political talk show or just people off the street. But this is a political coalition running in the national elections. GU wants to be in the government and the leadership of this nation. GU has suggested that our government was appointed by the Sunrisians. Well what keeps us from saying that GU’s government (if they were to win) would be appointed by the Engleans? Same thing. But we don’t say that because we are cultured.” – Franz Potesinan (WCND), President of the Daredi Confederation

[The Seven United]

---

Damsmarian Unionist Party launches their electoral campaign named "Demand Better". - We ask, has the 2019 local elections turned into a plebiscite for the state of the nation?

The Damsmarian Unionist Party (DUP) have today launched their official local electoral campaign in Mar Menor, with the launch of their campaign raising a fundamental question about the nature of the upcoming local elections slated for the 21st of June. The DUP launch was ambitious and clearly meant to drive a message to disenfranchised voters from all the main political parties. "Demand Better" being the party slogan, hope being the party message. Anyway, what did party leader Felipe Peña Inés say at the Mar Menor local election campaign launch?

"Damsmar stands at a crossroads. Stagnation, corruption, bureaucracy and deception. We can sit here and proclaim that nothing will change, nothing has changed for so long now. A brand name and the party is still the same as it was before, a new leader and the party is gone as if it wasn't there at all. We are left with a country of inequality and a country of bitterness on all sides. We mustn't be stuck with the attitude that nothing will change if we get out and vote. By voting we are demanding, we are choosing and we are making our voice clear.
The Damsmarian Unionist party sends a clear message. We want a tolerant and free Damsmar of equals, one of fair representation and transparency. A Damsmar that has a democratic system that we can champion throughout Corentia. We should be sitting on the moral high ground, we should be waving our democratic system around like it was nobodies business. Yet we don't, because we can't. An antiquated first past the post system, a government with as many bureaucratic layers you could stack them up and you'll reach into space. A Damsmar that floats in inequality and intolerance, propped up by a Commission that'd seems as if they'd just rather Engleberg relieved them of their governing duties.
On the twenty first of June I have this simple message. Get out and demand better. Even if there isn't a Damsmarian Unionist candidate in your area, just get out and vote for the candidate you think is best for the job. Apathy has helped us get into this mess, it is only the opposite that will get us out. Vote for change, vote for hope, vote for common sense Socialism, vote Damsmarian Unionist. Thank you to my team and thank you to our wonderful candidates and current councillors. Thank you".


Felipe Peña Inés has a bold message and has clearly set his party in the direction of being progressive, as well as Unionist and Socialist. However has the party done enough to sway over voters to their cause? We took a walk around Aayron to find out.

"What do you think about the Damsmarian Unionist Party?"

Middle aged man, speaking French (translated to English)
"I think they have a good message but I know we were sent up this path before. Just like with the Alternate Liberals, they promise change yet when they reach the parliament buildings it all fizzles out. Populism dies there it always has, what will make them change that?"
"Are you satisfied with the direction the country is heading?"
"I seen the change that the Union brought to this country. Peace, growth, prosperty. It all is so distant now. Excuse me, I hate speaking like this. It is true though. We are floating and not swimming. As a country we are now failing. The Damsmarian Unionists need to prove to me they are not like the rest of the politicians".

"What do you think about the Damsmarian Unionist Party?"

Young female student, speaking French (translated to English)
"I like them, I think they represent the hope that came from the creation of the Union. I think though they will find it hard to get peoples trust considering their message of change seems very similar to that of the Alternate Liberals that are just in power now, even then that change is yet to be delivered. If there was a candidate in my local area I would vote for them but sometimes I think of it as more of a protest vote than a vote of total confidence in them".
"Are you satisfied with the direction the country is heading?"
"Umm.. not really, to be perfectly honest. I think it is harder to find jobs now even though Aygon and Aayron seem to be growing as cities. I am worried about the increasing threat of crime as well. A lot to worry about and things just not getting sorted. Like we aren't hearing anything from our own government. My future is very important to me but I don't think it is going to spent in this country. There seems like there is less and less here for us every passing day."

While the message on the streets is mixed, and we aren't quite sure the target audience of the DUP, the party is determined to drive their message of change. Truly, we will only find out when the local election results come in on approximately 24th of June. Starting small, could the party set itself up for future successes in a country that seems increasingly willing to accept differing forms of populism? We will also the reactions of the other main parties (if they even decide its worth it to respond) as they as well launch their local election campaigns in the coming days.

Currency: 1 Argent ARG ($A) = NS$0.63.7375.

[New Vesvai]

NEW VESVAI BROADCASTING

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New Vesvai Is Satisfied With The Mutual Defense Treaty With Sunrisia And Does Not Seek MDAA Membership, Says Government And Citizens’ Surveys

New Vesvai is negotiating an important trade deal with SOWEFTA. The government initiated negotiations under last Prime Minister Kai Placore. But the process has truly taken off under current Prime Minister Matteas Noran. Before his tenure it was mostly just talk but this PM truly took initiative. These talks of a trade deal with SOWEFTA and becoming closer with the trade bloc have now raised a question: Does New Vesvai seek to integrate into Western Corentian organizations? Partially this question has already received a denying answer from the government. The question with SOWEFTA is hanging in the air but the government did address MDAA rumors.

New Vesvai’s Ministry of the Vesvaian Revolutionary Army has confirmed that the nation does not seek to join MDAA. New Vesvai already has a partnership deal with the military bloc on security. The Ministry mentioned that New Vesvai already has a dual Mutual Defense Treaty with Sunrisia and how that benefits New Vesvai best without a need for membership in a military bloc. It appears that New Vesvaians share this sentiment. Surveys showed satisfaction in a personal Mutual Defense Treaty with Sunrisia as being enough of a guarantor for New Vesvai’s national security. Surveys also showed major support for a trade deal with SOWEFTA.

PM Matteas Noran addressed the issue at the Parliament and pretty much repeated the same ideas with a dash of his own comments:

“Membership in an international military bloc would have its benefits but also put a lot of responsibility on a small nation like ours. The primary benefit for a nation when joining a military bloc is protection given by other stronger members. That is the gist of it. The two-sided Mutual Defense Treaty between New Vesvai and Sunrisia is perfectly satisfying that interest for us. It puts almost no pressure or responsibility on New Vesvai that we would have in the case of being an MDAA member as a nation of our size and our potential. We are honestly not sure that New Vesvai would have much to give to other members. Even in our current Mutual Defense Treaty with Sunrisia we are the primary beneficiary because we have an umbrella. The other side is practically not affected by being in an alliance with us in any way. Let’s be honest for a minute and admit that we are a tiny nation military-wise. Individually we can at best only provide for ourselves. People are of course being cynical when it comes to politics. They are asking and saying that there must be something beneficial for the other side which is other than what they openly declare. New Vesvai might be fulfilling a function of a buffer zone of some sort. But do we really care? No. Our vital interest of having security guarantees is fulfilled and this question is something that our very existence depends on. We are lucky to have a guardian angel willing to put up with us even if we do not have much to give back military-wise. We have everything we need right now in that department. Our citizens seem to agree with us because I’m sure you’ve seen the numbers. So now, New Vesvai does not seek military bloc membership.”

[The Dictatorship POD]

Update: Viral Outbreak in Fort Towns

~P.O.D. International Broadcasting

After the recent discovery of the Kelemen Virus, as it is being called now, named after the first doctor to recognize the virus to be something new; the amount of confirmed cases has climbed to nearly thirty-thousand, with the P.O.D.A.M.C. indicating that as many as ten-thousand more cases could be expected by this time tomorrow. Along with the climbing number of cases within Fort Towns, the number of deaths has grown to well over three-thousand. As a result of these climbing numbers and the difficulty of preventing the spread of the virus; the Local Law Enforcement departments of Fort Towns and the effected surrounding areas, emergency fire and medical responders, the P.O.D. Army, and the P.O.D. Army Medical Corps have begun working together to quarantine the entire city and the surrounding areas. Being the capital city of the community of Towns, the P.O.D. Army has secured the government offices and the P.O.D. Air Force has evacuated the primary governing officials to Towns Defense Facility 3, a joint P.O.D. Army-P.O.D. Air Force military installation roughly twenty miles outside of the city.

With the quarantine of Fort Towns, the economic center of The Dictatorship, the economy is expected to take a large hit, as the offices of several large companies, including the Sulzbach Quality Firearms Company, Parsifal and Oskar Developments, Günther & Königsmann Aerospace Technologies, and Völundr & Diethelm; four of the top ten largest companies in the communities. With the offices of these companies being within the quarantine zone, and the CEO's of these companies being forced to remain within the quarantined city, there is increasing concern among those employed by them and stock values within the companies are diminishing, with S.Q.F.C. and V&D freezing their stock exchanges to prevent the companies from folding. There is reason to believe that other companies will follow this example to prevent substantial losses despite the inability to gain new investors. One company within the quarantine zone, however, has seen a surge in revenue and a drastic increase in stock values, despite being a smaller company. So far the only company to see such a surge despite the situation at hand is Dateipunkt Foundation, which specializes in the development of medical technologies. Despite the Dateipunkt Foundation being one of the smaller companies specializing in medical research and development, with the entirety of the company being located within the quarantine zone, it will be the only such company with nearly unrestricted access to both the virus and its victims, as the Army Medical Corps' quarantine efforts have restricted all outbound transportation, regardless of its nature.

The General Staff has revealed that this situation may require outside assistance and is "considering military options despite the city's importance".

Further updates to come at as information is revealed.

[Daredland]

Youth organizations hold more nationwide public forums between rivaling groups ahead of snap elections

The election and campaign season is a tough time in the Daredi Confederation these days. It is an expression of a healthy democracy that the Daredi people fought for but also a time of uncertainty and confrontation in this revolutionary period. The elections and a constitutional referendum that happened after the Flaming Revolution was a tense time and now it’s no different. The past tensions were mainly between pro-Western Corentian and pan-Germanist forces. The Flaming Revolution itself and the voting results showed that the pro-Western Corentian sentiment greatly outnumbered the pan-Germanist one. The latter group became marginalized and developed a feeling like the revolution was against them which many claim it was. But now the confrontation is present not just between them.

The rivalry between the pro-Western Corentian and pan-Germanist sides is still present and shows itself in this campaign and election season. But now the confrontation is also happening between those supporting these snap elections and being against the current government while the other side is pro-government and opposes snap elections. The pro-government side fears that these snap elections will ruin the revolution because opponents simply could not wait and let the government finish its job. The governing Pro-Liberty Front of a Western Corentian Daredland (PLFWCD) has already done enough and is at peace with successors taking over if PLFWCD does not get re-elected. Many noticed that the governing coalition does not even appear to campaign for re-election that passionately. The pro-government fears that a succeeding political force in the government might reverse course brought about by the revolution. In that case they promise to take to the streets. Daredi nationalists associated with PLFWCD threaten a ‘Second Flaming Revolution’ if the next government makes any drifts towards ACCS. Currently Legacy Protection Movement coalition (LPM) coalition is leading in the polls during the campaign. LPM promises to continue the course towards MDAA and SOWEFTA but the pro-government side is apparently not convinced. LPM is currently seen as ‘weak.’

Riot police is forced to work overtime in many Daredi cities to make sure that rival demonstrations do not lead to clashes. Because of the tension in the air various youth organizations have brought back the public forums between rivaling political groups. This format was put together by youth organizations and held nationwide before. It greatly helped reduce tensions within Daredland. Those same organizations and their new colleagues are helping hold this event again. The youth organizations decided that it would be a good initiative to bring back the forum in this tense elections season. Once again the turnout is high and the ‘enemies’ are talking peacefully. President Franz Potesinan suggested that the youth organizations should be rewarded for their work and this suggestion has so far received positive response from the population.

[Edereon]

Réli Novicãl adjusting to the position of Prime Minister after being sworn in

Réli Novicãl was recently sworn into the position of Prime Minister of Edereon, replacing outgoing Céc Mustigañ who is going into the opposition with the rest of the Progressives. The victorious New Forces of National Union (NFNU) nominated Novicãl to be the Prime Minister and head of the new government. PM Réli Novicãl already had time to make the first address at the House of Representatives as head of government. By tradition the new PM would go and visit the Royal Family but Novicãl had already done that while the position of PM-designate. NFNU has been pretty much ahead of things since getting elected but the coalition is still busy with forming a new government, primarily the cabinet. Since being sworn in, PM Réli Novicãl has been using the time to adjust to the position and the responsibility now on the shoulders. The Prime Minister now awaits for the rest of the government to be formed but is now also free to begin working at the new position as government leader.

[New Vesvai]

NEW VESVAI BROADCASTING

---

Prime Minister Matteas Noran Has A Phone Conversation With Vesvai’s Prime Minister Jonathan Mollisal Concerning The Border Wall

PM Matteas Noran has confirmed that he had an unlikely phone conversation with Vesvai’s PM Jonathan Mollisal. PM Noran said that the tone of the conversation was cold and strictly formal. The exchange was initiated by New Vesvai. Vesvai’s government was warned to order its troops in the Royal Vesvaian Security Forces not to target the border wall that New Vesvai is building between itself and Vesvai. In case of an attack on the construction the Vesvaian Revolutionary Army would retaliate by striking the weapons systems and Vesvai’s troops.

Such a warning might seem like it comes out of nowhere and New Vesvai is just provoking. But New Vesvai’s government has reason to believe that Vesvai had such intensions because the Dominion is not thrilled with New Vesvai’s independence and knows that a border wall would solidify that separation. Vesvai has kept its troops on the border with New Vesvai and VRA was forces to remain deployed there too. New Vesvai’s armed forces have been deployed on the border with Vesvai before New Vesvai even declared its independence. The Vesvaian Revolutionary Army was deployed at the border when New Vesvai still was a self-governing territory within the same state as Vesvai under the One State, Two Systems policy. VRA remained deployed on what went from a demarcation line to an international border with Vesvai. VRA remains deployed there to this day.

The military’s job on the border is to deter Vesvai’s aggression that the neighbor might launch to pursue a forced reunification. A second objective added with time is now to watch over a successful construction of a border wall without Vesvai’s sabotage against the project. The Vesvaian Revolutionary Army has also been fulfilling some of the functions of the border police and allowing immigrants from Vesvai to cross over into New Vesvai.

[Vesvai]

VNNHD

---

Prime Minister Jonathan Mollisal Meets With Members Of The Former AIT Opposition Coalition

It has been a while since the AIT opposition coalition dissolved. There is a wing of AIT governing New Vesvai now but AIT wing in Vesvai has collapsed. The former coalition now functions as a collection of separate parties that originally made up AIT. Those members that have not defected to New Vesvai and stayed at home have been thanked by the government for patriotic loyalty. For the first time in a while the VHU-led government and members of the former AIT have decided to bury the hatchet. Prime Minister Jonathan Mollisal has organized a meeting between himself and members of the opposition parties. The Prime Minister wants this meeting to symbolize and end to war between the government and the opposition which led to many clashes, a national division and the break-away of New Vesvai.

After meeting opposition members himself PM Mollisal encouraged Vesvai’s government ministers and MPs to follow his example. He felt it would be better for the government-opposition rapprochement that just him meeting the opposition politicians. The Prime Minister asked that the opposition meet top officers and soldiers of the Royal Vesvaian Security Forces and of Vesvai’s police. He also asked that these meetings be made as public as possible to show that the opposition trusts and celebrates Vesvai’s military and police. The Prime Minister wants the opposition to bury the myth it perpetuated about the military and the police being the enemy of the people instead of the guardian of the people.

Obviously there have already been members of the opposition who have criticized their former colleagues of selling out. They accused former colleagues of turning Vesvai’s opposition from actual opposition into systematic opposition. Fortunately a lot of these critics of their colleagues are now defectors and expats living in New Vesvai so their marginal opinion will not sabotage this government-opposition reconciliation.

[Daredland]

Daredland takes precautions to protect snap elections from foreign and separatist meddling

Confederal Chancellor Eelco Lechner and President Franz Potesinan have confirmed that the special services and intelligence agencies of the Daredi Confederation are activating precautions to protect Daredi snap elections from foreign interference. These precautions were taken to defend the national elections and constitutional referendum during the interim period. The defensive measures were successful the first time around and must be identically successful now because how decisive the snap elections will be. Daredland has been stabilizing since the Flaming Revolution but the nation still walks a slippery slope and remains a confrontational ground for rival political forces.

According to Daredi intelligence the primary dangers of influencing the snap elections are social media campaigns and actual cyber attacks to alter the electronic vote counting process. There was a proposal to reject the digital vote counting to minimize cyber attack risks but it was instead suggested to keep digital counting as an option while increasing cyber security. The Daredi government recognizes that there is a risk of state and non-state actors that might try to interfere in the elections. Daredland is a subject of dispute between rival powers and the Confederation has been at odds with a number of nations since the Flaming Revolution. There are also actors trying to destabilize Corentia from inside and out. All of this supports the risk of foreign nations trying to meddle in the Daredi snap elections as an epicenter of regional conflict. But there is also a risk of non-state actors. The non-state actors could be ‘hacktivists’ hired by hostile governments or ideological fanatics not associated with any political force.

The intelligence agents say that interference campaigns could also be launched not only from abroad but from the self-declared Hasperan Republic and the Weniges Reich occupying separate parts of the Daredi Confederation. The meddling could be orchestrated by foreign actors from those territories or by the illegitimate separatist regimes themselves. Both could act alongside each other at the same time. Hasperan and Weniges election influence would not be classified as foreign meddling but potential attacks on the snap elections from the Weniges Reich would be closer to it because of WR being backed by the Engleans. Most of what the Weniges separatist leadership does is perceived as being by Englean orders because of WR being an Englean proxy. The Hasperan separatist leadership has rejected foreign alignment so possible Hasperan election attacks would be a domestic terrorist action.

The risks have been recognized but the priority is now to keep the snap elections secured from meddling. President Franz Potesinan personally promised that the Daredi intelligence will do everything to protect the democratic process from unlawful influence. The President discussed this with the Confederal Cabinet and also plans to address both chambers of the United Confederal Assembly on the issue.

[The Dictatorship POD]

General Staff Moves Forward with A.S.N.

~P.O.D. International Broadcasting

In a recent statement released by the General Staff, it was announced that The Dictatorship was preparing to move forward with the Assembly of Sovereign Nations, an international organization being developed in the interest of ensuring the sovereignty of nations around the world and promoting global peace. Even with this announcement, there was voiced concern as to whether or not The Dictatorship's economy would be sustainable enough for the Ochlocracy to head the formation of the international organization under the threat of a stock market crash. The threat of a stock market crash is being considered in light of the new and relatively mysterious virus in Fort Towns. The General Staff has indicated that several specific nations hold the credibility necessary to head the formation of the organization if the Fully Militarized Nation of the Provincial Ochlocracy of Denmytire is unable to do so for economic reasons.

As stated, the nations suitable to take The Dictatorship's place at the forefront are "those who already respect the four basic human rights as outlined in the A.S.N.'s constitution. Nations that hold freedom of speech, freedom to peaceably assemble, the right to remain silent, and the right to own personal property. A nation such as the United Queendoms of Belantica, the United States of Pantorrum, the Federal Republic of Aznazia, the Fiefdom of Philomachus, the United Democratic Republic of Smoya, and certainly others."

With the particularly uneasy relations between The Dictatorship and Aznazia, it came as a surprise to many that the nation was one of the several stated to hold the credibility needed to lead the formation of the organization. When questioned on the matter, the GS spokesman had this to say; "what people, and leaders, need to understand is that there can be no favoritism here. This is not about our past political quarrels, this is about the future of mankind itself, and we cannot allow our past to get in the way of that. Certainly we have had our disagreements with the Federal Republic before, but they have always had the best interest of their people, not the politicians, in mind, and as such have always had our respect."

[South Baggnagia]

Chairman Gustav Feldt addresses silence regarding updates on talks with North Baggnagia

JUGAC, SOUTH BAGGNAGIA – Chairman of the Presidium of Congress of National Sovereignty of South Baggnagia Gustav Feldt had to address the question that has been trending among the South Baggnagian populace recently: where are the updates on talks with North Baggnagia? We remind that South Baggnagia has recently experienced a cyber attack where the North Baggnagian leadership was immediately accused as the perpetrator. In response Sunrisia, the ally of South Baggnagia, promoted its individual sanctions against the North Baggnagian leadership to sanctions against the state of North Baggnagia. Soon after this the North Baggnagian leadership reached out to the South Baggnagian government and agreed to hold border talks. It was later announced that talks would be held on the inter-Baggnagian border with South Baggnagian and Sunrisian representatives attending on one side and North Baggnagian ones on the other.

Since that announcement no new updates have been given. What was said was that the sides would meet at a convenient time for all but nothing new was said since. The South Baggnagian citizens are now questioning if North Baggnagia did not plan to drop out of the talks again. South Baggnagia and North Baggnagia had already agreed to hold border talks in the past. That agreement was reached following a series of border incidents and even a short border war where South Baggnagia, with Sunrisian help, fought off a North Baggnagian invasion attempt. This was the moment when the North Baggnagian leadership agreed to border talks but nothing came of it. What followed was a series of border incidents as well. Citizens have become concerned that North Baggnagia is simply keeping quiet and waiting for the whole thing to be forgotten before it will start its new wave of border provocations.

Chairman Gustav Feldt has finally addressed the question to calm the populace down. The Chairman said that the South Baggnagian government has been talking and continues to talk with the North Baggnagian leadership on border talks. This time North Baggnagia is facing an increased sanctions pressure against it which it did not face during and after its past provocations, even after killing a Sunrisian soldier on the border. This time the North Baggnagian leadership will not be able to use its strategy of waiting for things to calm down before it could get back to its old antics. During this period of inter-Baggnagian dialogue in planning the border talks, all has been quiet on the border between South and North Baggnagia. The soldiers have reported that no movements have been detected on the North Baggnagian side. That is a good sign.

The Congress of National Sovereignty and subsequently the South Baggnagian citizens were informed by Chairman Gustav Feldt that he still cannot confirm a precise date of the talks but that North Baggnagia cannot pull out this time. It is linked to the increased sanctions pressure and also to the North Baggnagian leadership being more responsive to the South Baggnagian government than ever before whenever contacted. This shows that there is a bilateral interest in dialogue and an agreement to cooperate. The border talks would end up benefiting both sides. Chairman Gustav Feldt said he also plans to call Sunrisian President Válîd Sâlúbĕr soon after having already had several conversations on the topic of border talks before.

[West Zilveren Berg]

Parliamentary Legislative Assembly Discusses Elections

The Parliamentary Legislative Assembly of West Zilveren Berg has once again discussed elections today at a session specifically dedicated to the topic. The session was presided over by Chairman Shou Vedder. The Assembly recognized that it has been in power ever since West Zilveren Berg proclaimed statehood and longer than a transitional government should be. The Council of Zilveren Berg transferred power in a decent amount of time, while the Parliamentary Legislative Assembly gathered to draft the Basic Law and adopt it just as West Zilveren Berg was about to proclaim statehood, and thus stayed in power ever since. The Parliamentary Legislative Assembly has come to terms that it is now time to organize elections in West Zilveren Berg.

Not only has the Parliamentary Legislative Assembly discussed elections a number of times, but it was also recently brought up by a foreign guest. Sunrisian Minister of International Relations Edén Sȏlítûdá also brought up necessity for elections in a recent visit to West Zilveren Berg. Chairman Shou Vedder stated that the infrastructure and the conditions were not making elections a possibility in the past in war-torn West Zilveren Berg. However, ACREFOR peacekeepers have greatly helped put the country in shape since and West Zilveren Berg now has conditions to hold elections. Chairman Shou Vedder said that parties repressed during the dictatorial rule of Supreme Leader Rhul Gorm will now have a chance to run in free elections again, including new parties. Chairman Vedder or anyone from the Parliamentary Legislative Assembly have said if they would run in the elections. The campaigning period is yet to begin and has to be determined by the way it is written in the Basic Law.