The Democritus Times (Democritus Only)

[Arecla]

WAR PLANNING

The National Industrial Board has just been ordered by the government, a very rare event, to accept a team of military advisors and to switch the FSR to a war economy. This means that the NIB’s long-term plans are being put on hold, and current plans are being adjusted to favor the war effort. Light industrial production is likely to be cut in favor of the development and modernization of heavy industry and weapons production. The People’s Assembly voted to raise the military budget, taking money from various other government agencies. In addition, the Assembly also voted to increase taxes for the duration of the war. The government will soon also begin issuing Victory Bonds and state-sanctioned lotteries in order to raise additional money for the war effort.

Our reporters in an Orostani industrial region tell us that factories are already being retooled. Many formerly civilian factories will now be producing weaponry. Automobile factories, in particular, will all be converting toward military production, producing stuff such as planes, tanks, munitions, and other military products. In Andea, economic planning has been introduced. As the NIB's economic plan goes into effect, Andean raw materials industries may face some of the harshest demands of the war. The military is also starting a massive recruitment drive, especially for the Air Force. The Air Force is expected to be the most rapidly growing branch of the FSR's military as the war progresses.

As production starts to ramp up, factories that produce tanks and fighters will tend to cater to two new products. As for factories which will be producing tanks, the T-20 will become the FSR's main battle tank in the future. The tank, which has been developed by the FSR and Puertollano is rumored to have several key innovations, such as an unmanned turret and ai assistance. That being said, not much is known about the tank. On the other hand, new fighter jet production will cater to the EE-3A, a slightly improved version of the EE-3 mostly featuring slightly more modern electronic weaponry.

Since the start of the war, oil and food imports to the FSR have increased drastically. This food and oil are being stockpiled at locations the NIB would rather not make public in the event of a long war. However, by now with the war continuing to escalate, the FSR has mandated that all civilian vessels adopt convoy tactics. Trade has largely switched to happening within the Americas, with the FSR preferring to secure supply lines.

Due to the war, sales of automobiles have been suspended with the last civilian cars rolling off the assembly lines. From now on till the end of the war, only select people such as doctors, police and fire departments, and critical war workers would be allowed to acquire cars. In addition, rationing on gas has been introduced. A tier based system is being used, in order to distribute gas according to need, with public services having no restrictions on gas use. In addition, the sale of automobiles has been suspended, with the last civilian cars rolling off the assembly lines. Similar restrictions were placed on tires. "Ration cards" reportedly will be distributed electronically, though preparations have been made to switch to a paper-based production if necessary. With the restrictions on gas placed, the government has begun a campaign on promoting the use of public transport, which the FSR has an extensive system of. While other forms of rationing haven't been introduced, public campaigns have started to urge people to conserve materials, recycle, and to grow their own food, or "victory gardens" as its dubbed.

In related news, the Federation Navy has announced that any civilian ships may leave Magellan waters freely for the next twenty-four hours, but that there will be no change on the policy of ships entering Magella.

Other news
_______________________________________
- Man abolishes value form in garage, economists mystified
- Health Act partially suspended in Andea; couch potatoes rejoice
- Enviormentalists protest industrializition of central Orostan
- Self-driving trucks become increasingly common place as the military modernizes

[Puertollano]

Director of TeleSUR accuses Italian Gov. of 'censorship'

Reacting to the remarks made by the President of Italy, the Director of TeleSUR International, Andres Izarra refuting the claims that the Latin American station was broadcasting 'slander'. He's even gone far enough to accuse the Italian President of censorship against TeleSUR.

TeleSUR has recently been attacked by the President of Italy Gelmini. After we aired a segment about the drowning of the Nigerian refugees off the coast of Italy, we've been the subject of attack and censorship. Yes, that's right, President Gelmini took measures to censor the voice of the South, the voice of the people. We were accused of slander and attempting to influence the people of the Federation of Nativist Islands. However, more concerning than mere grandstanding, she has put restrictions on the freedom of TeleSUR. We, not only in TeleSUR, but in South America, see this as a denigration of the freedom of the press. For now on, all TeleSUR segments will be forced to state that we are 'fictitious' and we will be prohibited from advertising our brand or name. I would like to challenge the President to prove where we have lied about the circumstances? We were only covering the opinions of many of the people in the Federation of Nativist Islands that feel that your exclusion of Nigerians are a racist policy. It is not our fault that you take offence from that; moreover, you cannot restrict freedom of speech because your feeling were hurt. Our company's stunning reputation is our ability to provide an alternative from the mass media indoctrination. That is what we pride ourselves on, hence when we are labelled as a 'misogynistic' network, it is deeply troubling. No, we did not criticise the immigration policies of the Italian Government because we hate women. When we criticise the hateful imperialist policies of the Germanic Union, does that makes us anti-men? No. President Gelmini, you are not free from criticism because you are female. Now, you should restore the freedom of the press in Italy before your nation goes backwards from everyone else.

[Grandes Terres]

THE UNITED ROMAN TRIUMVIRATE

26th January 2020

Senate passes 'Diesel Car Act 2020' banning production and sale of new diesel cars, with total ban in 2024

Today Roman Senator Antonis Samaras/Αντώνης Σαμαράς announced the passing of the Diesel Car Act 2020 after a vote in the Curia Julia was won by his committee, The Senatorial Committee on Air Pollution Prevention, putting the act into URT law, having effect across all URT countries and territories.

The act bans the production and sale of new diesel cars throughout the URT and overseas territories and completely bans diesel cars from the road in 2024 (in line with the plans of the City of Rome), which the committee confirmed will have a slight negative impact on the revenue of URT and international car manufacturers, however, the committee also recognises the ability for URT-based automobile companies to focus only on petrol, electric and bio-fuel vehicles allowing for greater efficiency and streamlining giving them an opportunity to outperform their international competitors.

The committee also says that the URT will have the ability to become an international hub for electric vehicle and bio-fuel innovations and technology, securing the URT as one of if not the dominant car manufacturer in the future once combustion vehicles become obsolete.

As The Senatorial Committee on Air Pollution Prevention's task is to improve the environment quality, the committee informed the senate of the great air quality benefits of the act, stating that air quality across the URT will dramatically improve without the mass release of diesel particulates and toxic gases such as NOx which contributes towards tens-of-thousands of premature deaths annually in the URT alone, as well as contributing toward the formation of smog and acid rain. It is clear that in the long-term, both economically and environmentally, that this will be a positive and beneficial move for the URT.

The committee has also urged representatives in the DEU Assembly to encourage the formation of Europe-wide regulations on diesel vehicles, noting that over 200,000 people die prematurely every year in Europe due to air pollution.

Senator Antonis Samaras/Αντώνης Σαμαράς addressing the Senate on the new legislation:

[Zackaroth]

Zackarothian ships allowed to leave port, High Leader meets in teleconference with President Castillo.

Today, it was annouced the merchant fleet currently stuck in South America would resume it's journey back home to Zackaroth after the FSR agreed to allow neutral civilian ships to clear the area. The High Leader has thanked the FSR for letting clear heads prevail in the situation and allowing the merchant fleet home without incident. The High Leader also thanked President Castillo of Puterollano for his role in helping with peaceful negations.

In new also involving Puterollano, a new deal has been announced between the two countries over oil. The deal is simple but has important implications. First, both Zackaroth and Puterollano will match each other's oil prices according to the world market, avoiding undercutting each other. Second, both Zackaroth and Puertollano will not sell in each other's zones of influence so that both countries can maximize profits. Zackaroth mostly sells to the European and Asian Market while Puertollano most sells to the North American market. This deal can be renegotiated in two years when it expires.

There was mixed news to this among the people. Some people are accusing the High Leader of getting in bed with Zackaroth's enemies as some view Puertollano in the same bed as the FSR and have not forgotten the war a few years ago that leveled Toss. Others are saying that Puertollano is not the FSR and should be treated as such. They never really attacked Zackaroth and should be treated as an ally rather then an enemy. This comes from a base that is getting increasingly anti-European as the war in Nigeria drags onwards. Some are viewing the supposed war crimes by German and Italian forces no different then the crimes Zackaroth was accused of but only being covered up the French controlled CSN. These feelings will play a big role in the upcoming elections later this year.

[New Metropolitan France]

NIGERIA UPDATE: French Confederation given operational control over Western Front

The French Confederation military has today been given command of 90,000 'multinational allied' troops along the Benin-Nigeria border. Supported by modern European armored vehicles and aircraft, the Office of the President said in a statement that "they form a new front which the ICN regime will need to defend against in order to preserve their crumbling empire of evil. They now face invasion from the North and West, and a brick wall of impasse in the South." Following this announcement Conservative leader Philippe Noir held a rally outside the the Presidential Palace, declaring that President Dutoit is acting "without the support of the people of this Republic, and is utilizing executive powers in an illegitimate manner worthy of impeachment."

Sixth Republic joins the underwater arms race

The French Confederation has reportedly finalized their order for a new branch of the nation's navy; a subfighter corps. While the details of the order have not been revealed officially, and leaks from the Defense Ministry have only been vague on specifics, construction equipment has been seen at the submarine bases in Europe as well as diving teams across the coast of Algeria and Corsica. While military analysts have called the move "completely expected, and unavoidable for a World Policeman," it has caused controversy as some public education facilities have faced budget cuts in recent years due to the government's fiscal inflexibility. Two hundred students and teachers took to the streets of the capitol to attack the coalition government's spending priorities, causing traffic delays for several hours.

Political Polls, January 2020

Parliamentary

Ruling Coalition:

Republic Party: 26% (36% at previous election)
Liberty Party: 20% (17% at previous election)
Total: 46%

Opposition and other parties

Conservative Party: 41% (34% at previous election)
Prosperity Party: 12% (8% at previous election)
Continental Party: 1% (5% at previous election)
Total: 54%

Result if Parliamentary election were held today: Conservative-Prosperity Coalition victory, change in legislative government, Continental Party loses all seats.

Presidential Approval Ratings

Positive: 34%
Negative: 48%
Unsure: 18%

[Puertollano]

Reconstruction making progress on the FNI, says President

President Castillo commended the recent progression in the efforts of reconstruction on the Federation of Nativist Islands (previously Il Deserido). Since its 'liberation' or 'occupation' (depending on who's word you believe), the Puertollanoan Government has begun a policy of reconstruction and development on the island. Major pieces of infrastructure on the island was destroyed at the beginning of the Caribbean War, but recent projects sponsored by Puertollano have seen much improvement in the quality of life of the people. This includes roads, the singular port and other important amenities. Most importantly, however, was the rebuilt broadcasting station, that broadcasts to the people of the Federation. The Puertollanoan Government has said due to technical difficulties, only TeleSUR is being streamed live into the Federation of Nativist Islands. Due to their reliance on the program for their day-to-day life, TeleSUR has accommodated to the needs of the people, with their own local TeleSUR broadcast. For this to function with ease, a TeleSUR broadcasting centre was established on the island, hiring many unemployed citizens. Some of the segments on the FNI TeleSUR program include; President Castillo's weekly national address, The Federation Today (news station) and Liberation! (an investigative journalist series about the quest for anti-imperialism in the Caribbean.)

[New Metropolitan France]

French Confederation destroys all nuclear sites in ICN territory

Following reports of a large explosion in Onishta, the French Confederation fleet has launched a large salvo of cruise missiles against targets across Nigeria. President Dutoit made an appearance to the media outside the defense ministry, where the decision to launch the attack was made.

We have yet to determine the nature of the Onishta detonation, however as soon as we have that information it shall be made public. However, this incident nevertheless highlighted the need to ensure that all nuclear materials are denied to the ICN. While previously intelligence reports had stated that the ICN was incapable of weaponizing these resources, after today the decision was made to destroy these facilities to ensure that that possibility is even more remote. 80 missiles were fired in total by our naval forces, however the number that hit successfully is also unknown at this time.

Dutoit then faced a blistering series of questions regarding reports that Confederation personnel had been killed by a dam rupture in ICN territory. He declined to comment past a brief statement that 300 were currently missing in action during the Nigerian campaign to date.

[Puertollano]

Former Pres Jetil confirms intention to run for President

Former President of the 'Multi-Party Republic' of Puertollano (prior to the name change) Isabella Jetil confirmed to the media that she intends to contest the upcoming Puertollanoan Presidential Election against incumbent President Castillo. President Castillo defeated Ms. Jetil in a vote of no-confidence inside the party, in which President Jetil lost and Castillo replaced her. She failed to succumb to the growing anti-establishment populism sweeping across the nation and party, and the previous Parliamentary election saw the majority of the pro-Jetil members of parliament defeated in pre-selection. Ms. Jetil is going to run on the 'New Social Party' ticket, a party she created for her endeavours towards returning to Puertollanoan politics. She is not without her own controversies, Jetil was accused of having sexual relations with the King of Akksum, and although never denying it, she claims it shouldn't interfere in her race for President in 2020. The New Social Party's major platform is to relax relations with Europe and seek closer bilateral relations with New Metropolitan France. Domestically, Jetil has promised to scale back some of Castillo's more ambitious social programs, but she still claims she is vehemently in favour of the majority. TeleSUR Polling has released its new polling on the intentions of voters in 2020.

Movement Towards Socialism (MTS) - 53.4%
National Conservative Roundtable (NCRT) - 27%
New Social Party - 19.6%

Note: TeleSUR did not question whether they would vote for minor parties, such as the Puertollanoan Communist Party, the Hyper Democratic Party or the Farmers Party.

[Orbanis]

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ASD International Announces New Subyards

Following the Submarine Exhibition and the reveal of a plethora of new craft, ASD International along with the rest of the designers received a mountain of orders for new craft. However, unlike the last few submarine rushes, this one would be international. France, Germany, and the Magellan Republic all sent orders in to Japanese shipyards, factories, and subyards to begin construction on a large number of subfighters and subcarriers. With the Japanese Fleet order currently taking up half of the submarine construction sites and a quarter of them pumping out civilian vessels, only a total of five submarine drydocks are currently free for use. With this demand for new submarines and not enough dry-docks to build them, ASD International has begun construction on a new surface-based submarine construction facility in Kyoto that will consist of three subfighter production faculties, a nuclear reactor development facility, and a large scale R&D Lab that will work in tangent with their sister lab in Yokohama. The capstone of this project is twelve new dry dock slips, each capable of building submarines of 70,000 tons. These dry-docks can be segmented to allow the building of multiple small submarines, but this site intends to be used to build submarine carriers and battlcruisers.The project is expected to be concluded by 2023 with the dry-docks coming into service in early 2022.

[United Democratic Christian States]

Germanic Times

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- 2021 Elections - Bismarck Doctrine - Internal Policy - Foreign Affairs - Education - DEU - - GUAF Central - 

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Bereisen Sie die Welt - Moskau

Today Ben Müller took his government jet to the Soviet Capital, the first stop on his "Tour of the World".

During the day he sat with Soviet officials before giving a speech.

"Firstly I would like to thank Dzheyn Vostok for having me in Moscow today. I had a wonderful time and we further improved the relations between our nations.

Now I know our two countries had rocky at best relations during the Cold War with the split of East and West Germany. However I commend the efforts of both nations to put the past behind us and pave way for a new direction.

That being said today I am happy to announce that German-Soviet relations reached a new high today as both nations have agreed to work together to combat South American influence in Eastern Europe.

If we are to win this neo cold war that is hearing up daily. We as a Europe must work together and united."

Obviously Ben Müllers words were met with praise from a majority of Germans who still approve of the Minister at a whopping 78%.

These words might also spell doom for South American and Polish ties as well as South American and Ukranian ties as both nations and their ties will almost certainly be looked at with interest.

Next stop Tokyo, Japan.

[Grandes Terres]

14th February 2020

Italian Airforce sells 100 used Eurofighter Typhoon's to the Magellan republic and orders 50 F/A-19S's from Australia

Today the Ministry of Defence announced that it has sold 100 of its Eurofighter Typhoons to the Magellan armed forces for NAF$4 billion in response to the decision by the MoD to purchase 50 F/A-19S's from Australia. The MoD says that the 4 billion received from the Magellan republic will cover over 65% of the cost for the new F/A-19S's ensuring that the MoD doesn't overspend as it admits it has in recent years, however the government has said that economic prosperity combined with falling national debt means that in the next budget the MoD will not have to worry as much about its spending along with many other departments.

With the reduction of the Eurofighter fleet by 100, the number of Eurofighter's being used by the Italian military is now 350 while the 50 F/A-19S's will increase the total number of F/A-19S's used by the Italian military to 140. The MoD says that the overall reduction of 5o aircraft will reduce maintenance and fuel costs while increasing the power of the Aeronautica Militare by having less of a more advanced plane.

Two Aeronautica Militare F/A-19S's practicing a combat take off at Ghedi Air Base near Brescia, Lombardy:

[Greater Persian State]

Tehran Daily Mail

Jubilant Esteghial players
Esteghlal F.C. wins Iranian Super Cup!

After a brutal final match with Persepolis F.C. Esteghlal F.C. claimed victory in extra time. The match ran 1-1 into the second half, until Ali Karimi of Esteghial struck a ball from behind the penalty box all the way into the top corner. Goal keeper Alireza Beiranvand reached out but barely missed it as it floated into the net. However, in injury time Mehdi Sharifi of Persepolis got a fortunate deflection of his knee on a ball in front of the net that seemed to dash Esteghial's hopes again, as the defending champion Persepolis tied it at 2-2. In extra time there was a lot of back and forth but as penalties seemed inevitable. Morteza Aghakhan of Esteghial got a pass that floated by Persepolis defenders, and took it all the way to the goal, he popped it by Beinranvand into the back of the net, and when time expired, the team went crazy. A brief scuffle broke out outside after fans exited the arena, however it was calmed before anything violent occurred. But one thing is for sure, Esteghial fans are thrilled at the 3-2 win!

[Grandes Terres]

22nd February 2020

COC opens new facility in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines to facilitate expanding operations

Today the COC confirmed that it has officially opened a new operating building in a remote part of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, a mountainous region around the border of the Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna regions. The new facility is over 350 miles north-west of the COC headquarters on the Gargano Peninsula, the reason for its distance is unknown but is likely simply that it was the only area of government land that the COC was permitted to build on.

The new facility will serve a similar purpose to the COC headquarters, providing room for COC servers and space for COC staff to operate. Exactly what COC staff do is still largely unknown due to the clandestine nature of the COC but its presumed that it is mainly Signals Communication and cyber warfare and defence preparation. The most publicly known-about entity related to the COC is Argus CyberSecurity, an Australian company with an operations centre in San Pancrazio Salentino, Puglia, contracted to assist the government and the COC in safeguarding internet and cyber connections throughout Italy, mainly focusing on the privacy and security of private citizens and businesses.

The cost of the new facility is completely unknown as the COC's budget and spending is completely classified, and is not even added to the annual budget, instead coming under the 'black budget' which is all of the government's undocumented and classified spending on projects and operations, estimated to be roughly NAF$50 billion every year, with the COC estimated to take up about NAF$13.2 billion of this budget. However these numbers are completely speculative and neither the government or the COC will confirm or deny any inquiries regarding the 'black budget'.

A close-up image of the new facility tweeted by the COC with the caption "Extra space for our expanding operations!":

[Puertollano]

Castillo holds rally in Grande Anse, FNI

President Nicolo Castillo recently visited the largest city on the ex-Italian island of Il Deserido. He, amongst supporters of him and his government, organised and held a rally in the largest town on Il Deserido; Grande Anse. This is a short clipping of what he said to the enthusiastic crowd:

[Castillo brought a hand full of soil up to the stage, cupped in his hands]

Only today, could another South American reach down and touch the soil of the Federation. What we have achieved is beyond the imagination of our ancestors, Simon Bolivar, Che Guevara, this is the stuff of their dreams. Some don't quite understand the importance of our actions in the Caribbean today, but in the future, they sure will. Operation Anti-Colonialismo secured the safety, stability and security of our Bolivarian Republic and the people of the Caribbean. We are only steps away from validating your sovereignty! Your sovereignty to rule your nation, your borders, and decide your policy. Do not let the imperial ambitions of Europe stifle your free-thinking. The soil I touch today, is your soil. That is our gift, to you. The Bolivarian Republic has given you, the people of the Federation of Nativist Islands, the power to make political change.

We are all brothers of South America and the Caribbean. We, Puertollano and the FSR are your brothers in the on-going battle for freedom and self-determination. We are also brothers in a more internationalist sense; the bulwark against imperialism and western neoliberalism. We cannot ever forget that, and the foes will never cease to undermine our peaceful and useful co-operation. When I speak of the foe, I speak of the Germanic Union. Its' national sport is the killing of the African people. I also speak of Italy, who attempted to lord over you for a few long and desperate years. I'll always put peace in the Caribbean first, but we must remember, even when we lay down our weapons, they will continue their crusade to undermine the Federation, and to undermine our Bolivarian Republic! Solidarity forever - do not give up the good fight. Viva Puertollano, Viva FNI!

Castillo greeting supporters in Grande Anse.

[NPC Controller of Zackaroth]

Nigerian Socialist Party wins presidential election and House vote while NPP wins Senate in close contest all across the NSRA.

Adebayo Ali has won the election in the socialist NSRA. The election was approved with a 3 month extension after a bombing by the ICN killed several other NSRA candidates. The main opposition, the NPP(Nigerian People Party ) was able to field a new candidate but was unable to secure leadership. Despite that however, the race was extremely close, with the NPP candidate almost beating out Adebayo Ali. Ali's party, the NSP(Nigerian Socialist Party) also won a majority of the House, with a 4-2 lead over the NPP. However the NPP was able to secure the Senate with their own 4-2 lead.

Ali spoke last night, affirming his decision to build closer ties with the FSR and Puertollano. This may come as a disappointment to the Australians, as Ali and his party are extremely wary of them. However, they are assisting the war torn cities and regions that seek to join the NSRA so his comments have remained cordial with them. Due to the circumstances, Ali was immediately sworn in as President but will have a ceremonial inauguration sometime next month.

In regards to the territory that seeks to the join the NSRA, Ali immediately signed into law, recognize that area as official NSRA territory after the votes came calling for overwhelming support to join the NSRA. He called upon the CSN and European countries to recognize those claims as legitimate as they are the will of the people and they caused most of the damage that led to this. It is unknown how the CSN will respond to this or if they even will.


The Nigerian Map as is. While the NSRA's claims haven't been settled they are treating it like their territory. Everything above the green line and outside the purple line is ICN territory. Everything below the Green Line and outside the purple line is CSN territory.

[Puertollano]

Puertollano invests in Zackarothian ‘Project Mogadishu’

After high-level negotiations between Zackaroth and the Bolivarian Republic of Puertollano, the Chairman of the National Petroleum Corporation of Puertollano has announced that the nation will be play a crucial role in the humanitarian cause to improve the lives of people in Africa. Project Mogadishu is a combined goal to improve the economies of countries under the ZAC (Zackarothian African Commonwealth), and after approachment by the High Leader, Puertollano has happily contributed. The National Petroleum Corporation, allied with the Bolivarian Socialista Petro Worker’s Union (BSPWU) will be a major part of Puertollano’s efforts in the region. They will be involved in surveying for possible oil reserves in Eritrea, Ethiopia and possibly elsewhere. If found, the National Petroluem Corporation will work, in part with the Zackarothian authorities, to establish the extraction of it. The National Petroleum Corporation of Puertollano is one of the highest trained and professional oil extraction company in the world, but it has promised to employ the local people of Africa. The nationalised mining company is seeking to do the same thing, throughout the Commonwealth, depending on the richness of natural resources. While these operations are occurring, the Puertollanoan worker’s will live in residential buildings currently being constructed, as to not raise the housing prices for the local people. To make them feel more at home, there has been another agreement to establish a TeleSUR station in Kenya. This will be able to broadcast to not only ZAC, but beyond to the rest of Africa.


General-Secretary of the BSPWU talks with workers as they prepare to arrive in the ZAC.

[Fregantes Empire]

SENATORIAL NEWS
Trade-Legislation-Diplomacy-Conflicts-Projects-Speculations
Free for every Fregantese Citizen
05/02/2020

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The Athenian Winter Masquerade

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Scheduled to be held on 5th of February, 2020, the Athenian Winter Masquerade was expected to attract many people around the world, also drawing the attention of many more. It is more than pleasing to say that the masquerade has lived up to these expectations.

So, what is the Athenian Winter Masquerade?

When the meteorology data showed something unbelievable, the Fregantese government decided to use this once-in-a-lifetime-chance. The chance indicated by the data? A snowy February, something very unusual for the hot Mediterranean climate. The government decided to organise a city-wide Masquerade with a winter theme, and tasked the Metropolitan Municipality of Athens to handle the preparations. Multiple deals with various companies were made, and a negotiation with the Confederation of Fregantese Syndicates ensured a solid quantity and quality for staff.

During the preparations, the Fregantese government was contacted by its Austro-Danubian counterpart, which proposed the inclusion of the marriage of His Majesty the Emperor of Austro-Danubian Empire, Martin von Habsburg, and Her Majesty the Princess of Bulgaria, Anastasia von Saxe-Coburg. The proposal was accepted, and the preparations of city centre commenced.

All the necessary preparations were complete around 16:00, on the day of the masquerade.

The Opening, 19:00

The opening part of the masquerade started with a series of white and cyan fireworks, flickering through the sky. After the fireworks and a brief introduction speech, the central podium of the city centre was left to the Empress Léone Martine Fregantes, who delivered the official opening speech;

Athenians, citizens, and many other esteemed peoples of the world, I sincerely thank you for participating in this cultural festival, in this city-wide masquerade! I hope that you will enjoy dancing, and trying out the Fregantese cuisine. We are also deeply honoured to be hosting the royal marriage between the Austro-Danubian and Bulgarian royalties. But most of all, we wish that the youth, the main group that this masquerade is dedicated to, will be pleased.

Now, I declare that the Athenian Winter Masquerade has begun!

As the Empress finished delivering her speech, the podium was transformed into the grand platform of the marriage. The opening was also announced in the other parts of the city, and it was greeted with smiling faces.

The Masquerade 19:00-02:00

The masquerade lasted for seven hours, during which all restaurants introduced a 50% discount, so that the Fregantese cuisine would be known better amongst the foreign participants. In one occasion, a pond in a little square was filled with pink wine, with glaces submerged within the pond for people to take.

During the masquerade, many danced, and a 20m high human pyramid was formed, alongside a dancing queue of 1.7 km. Otherwise, the masquerade passed without any problems or surprises, and the whole festival continued on and on. Interestingly, there was a surge in the museum and art gallery visits during the masquerade, alongside a funny phenomenon in which a part of the city ran out of alcohol based drinks.

Expect for minor details, the masquerade ended at 02:00,with a second volley of fireworks. The royal marriage is to be covered by the Austro-Danubian press.


The Attica Trade League

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A collection of Fregantese companies, corporations and private entrepreneurs were gathered for a conference in the Mediterranean Commerce Guild headquarters, the old palace of the Mediterranean Trade Center. They were invited by the MCG, alongside the Ministry of Trade, to be presented with the offer of being a part of a new commercial initiative: The Attica Trade League.

The details of the ATL remain confidential up until now, with only information available to the press being the conference itself and the superficial data regarding its topic.

Speculations indicate that the ATL will be a society of businesses, which will be closely aligned with the MCG. It will be the organ that will discuss the trade policies of the MCG, help test the projects of the MCG, and ultimately, ensure the proper usage of the MCG Trade Embassies Network. However, the ATL will only hold importance in Athens and its surrounding territories, the Attica region, and will not interfere with the MCG’s URT and foreign commerce policies. However, nothing is certain, as these are nothing more than speculations, despite being the ones of the experts.

[Orostan]

ELECTIONS CALLED

The People’s Congress voted on a resolution today which approved a plan for elections to take place next year. Magella leaving the Federation has rendered the last elections results void, and a new legislature is required. Julio Higashi has announced his intent to run for the Executive council, and announced a platform including key points from the Marxist-Leninist wing of the Communist party. His platform calls for;

-The establishment of a single person leader of the executive branch of government

-The reformation of The People’s Congress into one population based assembly, where the minority will be given special privileges.

-The institution of mandatory conscription for a random 35% of all citizens 18 years of age.

-Increases to the military budget to fund expansion and modernization.

-A more aggressive foreign policy.

-A renewed nuclear weapons program.

-The continued modernization of Federation industry, which is mostly concentrated in Orostan.

-The expansion of Federation agriculture and food self sufficiency by 2030.

-An increased Federation presence in space.

-Continuation of the Federation policy not to recognize foreign copyrights on any technology or media.

-Raise to the NIB surplus tax.

-Reduction in income taxes.

-The taxation of all goods produced by the NIB, abolition of sales tax.

-A NIB based pension system.

-A change to the Federation flag.


Higashi’s closest challengers outside he CPFSR are from the (market) socialist party and the Social Democratic Party, the latter of which is viewed as the farthest right wing option and also the smallest party, with membership only being at 1.5 percent of the FSR’s population, as compared to the 55% CPFSR membership and the 14% Socialist party membership. The National Party, a well known ‘kulak’ party in favor of capitalism, was unable to run a candidate due to their party leader being imprisoned along with other prominent members of the NP for running an illegal steel mill which did not accept NIB requests and requisitioned large amounts of raw materials to sell to foreign companies instead of use.

Lula has stated will not be running for election again. The series of wars during his term and political instability have greatly weakened his political standing among the CPFSR party congress, and the population at large.

Other news
_______________________________________
- Former military officer found dead in car after claiming that he had evidence proving the existence of a Federation nuclear missile silo.

-High School physics club builds 50 kiloton atomic bomb only lacking plutonium core, physics students and teachers being questioned.

-Steel mill shut down after bizarre accident involving horse operated crane.

[Puertollano]

Castillo celebrates victory in NSRA at 'Solidarity Summit'

As part of his larger Caribbean-Federation of Nativist Islands tour, President Castillo of Puertollano has held a 'Solidarity Summit' between the people of the Caribbean and South America with the people's of Africa. It was held in the previously Germanic ABC island of Bonaire. As emerging to the stage, the Spanish-version of the Internationale began playing. The Solidarity Summit was attended by Castillo (of course), union leaders in Puertollano, union leaders in the Caribbean, union leaders in the Federation of Nativist Islands and representatives from the NSRA. There, the President congratulated the astounding electoral victory of Adebayo Ali, where he received a very healthy victory. The Solidarity Summit has described these recent weeks: "some of the greatest days in leftist history", and the impending socialist landslide in Puertollano is true of that. Using the event to speak to the public and the media, Castillo threatened to to intervene against the Islamic Caliphate of Nigeria if they attempt to 'attack the legitimate NSRA state'. This comes after Puertollanoan soldiers in the ground fought off a skirmish on the border, where the ICN was trying to annex the borderlands. Castillo said: "We will not leave our comrades in Africa to face attacks from extremism. This is a warning to the ICN: if you attack the NSRA again, you will have the brotherhood of the international left against you. I will eliminate you."

[Bylugaria]

Military unveils Modernized Equipment

His Majesty's Royal Land Forces unveiled their new equipment recently purchased from ADE and Germany. With the attendance of the Tsar, the 10,000 Personnel participating in the Sofia Activities put on quite an unveiling. Honor Guard came up marching first, triumphantly bearing the Flag of the Nation before the Flag of the Tsar. Up next were the Formation Battalions, ranging from WW2 Uniforms and Equipment to Modernized Uniforms and Equipment.

The Main Event was the passing of the Armored Battalions, showcasing the Leopard Tanks from Germany and ADE. The Rocket Defence Mechanized Battalions showcasing the Mobile SAMs and MLRS Vehicles. The Older Equipment of the Armed Forces followed suit. The Tsar announced in the speech before the ending of the parade that "Today dawns a new day of power for our Nation. Our men and women in the armed forces will help us secure Peace and Prosperity in what we call now our Golden Era."

In other News:
- HRH Anastasia, the Duchess of Plovdiv announces engagement to Emperor Martin von Habsburg-Lorraine of the Austro-Danubian Empire[/quote]

[Grandes Terres]

4th February 2020

Atlantia begins construction of 130km $3.25 billion high-speed rail connection between Cape Thetis and Magellan high-speed rail network

Today Atlantia, Italy's largest infrastructure building company, announced that it is constructing a 130km-long high-speed rail link from Cape Thetis to the nearest part of the Magellan high-speed rail network, which covers major parts of the country and was constructed when Magella was part of the FSR.

Atlantia CEO, Giovanni Castellucci, said that "Atlantia is extremely excited and proud to be connecting Cape Thetis to the Magellan high-speed rail network. We will be spending NAF$3.25 billion on the project, and will be making money by giving out operating permits to use the rail which will be renewed every financial quarter, allowing train companies to flexibly utilise this line."

Italy's two main train companies, Trenitalia and Italo, have announced their plans to operate permanently on the line once it is completed, using their Frecciarossa 1000 and Alstom AGV 575 trains which are the fastest and second-fastest operating trains in Europe respectively. Atlantia have also said that they are open to Magellan train companies applying to operate on the line, but insist that their trains meet a minimum speed requirement to maintain the high-speed and efficiency of the line.

The Italian government has said that it is to invest in constructing a 'grand central station' for Nuovo Milano to serve the new high-speed rail line as well as older low-speed connections to areas near Cape Thetis such as Ushaia.

Construction of elevated sections needed for the new line have already begun in Magella:

[Grandes Terres]

5th February 2020

Ministry of Defence test fires thermobaric ICBM 6,250km from Tigres island to Sardinia

After successfully developing a powerful thermobaric bomb in 2017, Alfa Romeo Avio was quietly selected to begin development of a powerful thermobaric warhead to be equipped to a TORINO-3 ICBM, which are also built by Alfa Romeo Avio. With a max range of 12,000km and MIRV system the design is looking to equip multiple thermobaric warheads to the ICBM, however todays test only contained a single warhead as future tests will carry up to 6 warheads.

at 03:20 on 5th February 2020, after 3 years of development, the warhead was finally tested when it was installed into a TORINO-3 ICBM and fired from Tigres island. At 750 miles above the earth the MIRV system targeted the single warhead loaded onto the ICBM at Salto di Quirra restricted weapons testing range near the small town of Perdasdefogu on the island of Sardinia. The warhead detonated 2 metres above ground level as intended, incinerating everything within a 300 metre radius in a fireball, flattening mock-buildings within a 1 km radius of its shockwave and smashing windows further-afield.

The total distance the warhead travelled from Tigres island to Sardinia was approximately 6,250km, just over half of the full range of the TORINO-3 ICBM. Future tests will include firing at the full 12,000km, firing with 6 warheads installed at 6 different targets, firing the warhead into the ocean and many other tests. After these tests are completed the Ministry of Defence will start receiving the new warheads and additional TORINO-3 ICBM's for them and they will officially enter service.

Before the test the Ministry of Defence contacted governments of countries with ABM systems to inform them of the test launch to ensure that the ICBM was not mistaken for an attack and shot down.

An image of the explosion taken by an air force surveillance drone monitoring the test:
The TORINO-3 ICBM carrying the test warhead pictured launching from Tigres island in Africa:

[NPC Controller of Zackaroth]

NSRA, FSR and Puertollano forces foil ICN terror plot

The NSRA today announced that thanks to the security forces of the nation and its allies, they where able to stop a massive ICN plot before it got off the ground. Fighting broke out in Ibadan today that resulted in 1 death of a NSRA security officer and the deaths of all the ICN terrorists. The vehicle they where driving was flagged at a check point for suspicious activity. That is when the terrorists attacked, resulting in an exchange of deadly gunfire.

However the vehicles cargo was the most disturbing thing as inside was a 50 ton Thermobaric warhead, the same time used in Onitsha just a few weeks ago. The fact it made it so close to Lagos and so close to the inauguration of the the new President is disturbing. No word on how the ICN had gotten it hands on such a weapon but the NSRA did announce they where keeping the weapon to study and figure out more information. When asked what they would do afterwards, the spokes person said it would remain with the NSRA indefinitely.

[Orostan]

ZACKAROTH: WHAT THEY SAID AND WHAT THEY DID

The "Republic" of Zackaroth today has been revealed to have likely supplied thermobaric weapons to ICN militants in Nigeria. As published in the official outlet of the Communist Party of Nigeria and the outlet of the Nigerian Socialist-Republican Army, the bomb was discovered when an ICN terror attack was foiled. The weapon was carefully taken apart by the NSRA and Federation specialists. Early analysis indicates the weapon was manufactured in Zackaroth. All writing on the weapon is in Arabic, and Federation Special Services reports that the weapon matches designs of thermobaric bomb manufactured in Zackaroth during the Arab Civil War period. The weapon was likely transported to Nigeria either during the first civil conflict or the second via convoy. These are the same convoys that Orostan bombed, and it is now revealed that the Orostani actions were one hundred percent justified. The Federation of Socialist Republics has released a statement condemning Zackaroth for supplying the ICN. It was noted by Federation news outlets that the current leader of Zackaroth is the man who lead that country against Islamist rebels in its founding years, and that the sending of this bomb to the ICN was likely in opposition to the NSRA.

The CSN has been criticized intensely in Federation and especially in Orostan for allowing this to happen. The CSN has been called a "giant sham" by the Communist leaning Consolidated Presses. The CSN has also been criticized by the more moderate Brasilia Post for violating its own blockade. A poll conducted by Brasilia People's College by phone has shown that as few as 15% of the population in Orostan thinks the CSN can do good internationally. The government seems to think the same thing, and in the same document where they condemned Zackaroth they announced that the FSR was sending more aircraft and warships to Nigeria to assist the NSRA. The Army Logistics Division approved the sale of twenty EE-1 aircraft to the NSRA at 10% of the production cost. The Federation will also expand the training of NSRA troops and the supplying of them with modern weapons and equipment. Not all this aid is military though, as doctors and construction workers have been recruited to help the victims of German bombings and to help fix the damage. Steel and building materials are part of this effort, as are high quality medical supplies.

Other news
_______________________________________
- Higashi polling at 60% popularity in major industrial regions
- Farm Commission reports more area under plow than ever before
- Unusual activity at Atomic Complex

[Zackaroth]

Zackaroth Responds to FSR claims. High Leader launches investigation.

High Leader Akram spoke today on the subject of the FSR claims of Zackaroth supplying the Islamist Militant group. "These claims are not only ridiculous but non nonsensical. My history on extremism in the Muslim faith is well know. Everyone knows it was Zackaroth who wiped out the dredge that was Wahhabism. Who, along with Persia, eventually cut down on monster using my God's names to commit atrocities. Why would one of the very founding fathers of a secular Arab Republic, founded on the values of destroying extremism. Furthermore I contend, why would we support a group that has called for the death of Zackaroth for its secular ways. And even beyond that, if our goal was to destroy the NSRA why would be allowing our Puertollano friends access to our African market as well as restore diplomatic relations with them? Finally, how would Zackaroth be supplying the ICN if our ally of France controls all the entrances into their territory? Is the FSR paranoid enough to believe the entire CSN is funding an Islamist group just to destroy the NSRA? The same group that killed hundreds of French soliders by blowing up a dam?

On a whole it makes no sense. It seems the FSR has been waiting for a chance to attack Zackaroth in a war it wants no part in. I will be launching an independent investigation into whether or not those are Zackarothian thermobaric weapons. But understand this, selling Thermobaric weapons is not against any regulatory rule within Zackaroth or international law. If these bombs where sold to the old Nigerian government, it would under my predecessor's watch. If any blame should be leveled it should towards the old Nigerian government itself for allowing these weapons to be so easily stolen from secure faculties"

This sparked a response from 2020 opponent, former High Leader Shepard Abdullah.

"This entire situation is exactly why I do not believe in peace with South America. Have we forgotten the calls of genocide by the Orostani people after they attacked our city and our sacred place? Have we forgotten that Puertollano tried to do the same? High Leader Akram is a by product of an age long gone by. He ignores our allies in Europe, allows South American propganda into our air waves and wishes to play neutral when many want the country dead. I reiterate my statement, if I am elected High Leader once more I will remove all South American influence in Zackaroth and the ZAC, regrow the ties with Europe Akram has ripped apart and not allow this Orostani menace to plague us or the world any longer should they keep going down this path.

The two men are currently neck in neck with each other in the polls after this latest issue. Akram still has a 4 point lead but Abdullah has made come backs before. The election is set for November 2020.