The Democritus Times (Democritus Only)

[Grandes Terres]

26th April 2026

Edifice Global Investments (now EDI) announces large resort project for Bengals Cox's Bazar

Today the globally renowned EDI (formerly Edifice Global Investments) announced its latest large development project in the hotel industry, announcing the beginning of construction on three resorts that will sit adjacent to each other along Cox's Bazar's famous beachfront.

The Bengali government has approved of the project, which aims to attract more Italian tourists to Bengal by creating resorts specifically tailored to Italian all-inclusive tourists as well European holidaymakers in general. It is hoped that Cox's Bazar, already one of Bengals most popular tourist spots, will become a tourism hub for Italians and other Europeans who wish to make a long-haul holiday to a tropical climate, offering an alternative to typical spots such as Thailand and Bali.

€200 million will be spent by EDI to build the three resorts, which will each have a distinctive feature separating them apart. One resort will be a golf resort catering mostly to golfing enthusiasts and their families. The next resort will be family orientated, offering family apartments as well as normal hotel suites. The final resort will be a spa resorts catering more towards adults and couples rather than families, with state-of-art indoor and outdoor spa facilities.

Flights from Italy and the rest of Europe will arrive at Queen Elizabeth Airport, the airport of Bengals capital city, where a 1.5 hour coach ride will deliver tourists to the resorts. Once at the resorts tourists will be able to take organised day trips to local towns, the capital of Bengal as well as to cultural and heritage sites and will have access to taxi's and car hire at the resort entrance to allow for more independent travel and exploration.

Plan for Golf Resort:

Plan for Family Resort:

Plan for Spa Resort:

[Grandes Terres]

26th April 2026

Cape Thetis passes controversial liberalisation legislation, paving way for new 'casino city', legal prostitution, decriminalisation of drug possession and polyamorous marriage

Today the government of Cape Thetis passed one of its most controversial bills into law, a giant legislation deregulating the gambling industry to allow less regulated casinos and other gambling establishments to freely throughout Cape Thetis, with plans to build what the government describes as a new 'casino city', which is to be built off of the Port of Luigi Binelli Mantelli, with land reclamation to take place to accommodate the new gambling mecca, which aims to be the 'Macau of South America'.

The project will see giant international casinos and clubs flock to Cape Thetis in order to gain a slice of gambling mecca, which will also contain hotels, luxury apartments and other leisure facilties such as indoor pools and entertainment venues to create a new tourist hub within Cape Thetis. €20 billion in funding has been pooled by the government of Cape Thetis, with most of the money coming from private investors such as Italian property developers EDI and global casino operators such as Las Vegas Sands Corporation, MGM Resorts International and Galaxy Entertainment Group. As well as being host to world famous casinos, Casino City will also allow smaller gambling premises to open, promoting local business owners to move into the industry.

Additional funding has been allocated to the Cape Thetis' police forces in order to appropriately monitor and crack down on any illegal forms of gambling that may crop up after the legalisation, such as any form of animal fighting, including cockfighting and dog fighting, which the government says it 'will not tolerate under any circumstances.'

Moving away from the gambling industry, the bill has also lead to the decriminalisation of illegal drug possession in an effort to take a more rehabilitative approach to drug addiction as well as lessening the strain on police forces of arresting and prosecuting those who are caught in possession of illegal drugs. Moving away from drugs, the bill also legalises prostitution across Cape Thetis, in an attempt to encourage prostitutes to seek better sanitary care without fear of being found out and prosecuted. Finally, the bill legalises polyamorous marriage of 3 or 4 people, with no regard taken towards the sex or gender of those getting married. The reasoning behind this was to make Cape Thetis a 'more inclusive society, who accept everyone no matter their preferences'.

Some in the catholic church have criticised the government of Cape Thetis for its actions, claiming that the Cape will become 'a land of sin and greed', however, having the highest rate of irreligion anywhere in Italy at over 85%, the government has said that it is 'not concerned with the words of the catholic church' and reiterate that they 'have a strong commitment to separation of church and state.'

Rendered plans for 'Casino City', which is to be built on reclaimed land off the Port of Luigi Binelli Mantelli:

[Lusophone]

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With the Galician front over, Taliscas must now win the homefront

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Before she took office in 2025, Oluwakemi Taliscas vowed to end Portugal’s grueling conflict in Galicia. When she was inaugurated, she pledged to take the country off what she called an "irresponsible war footing."

It has been nearly a year since Oluwakemi Taliscas became Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Portuguese Armed Forces, yet not once did she request any Parliamentary approval for her military action in Galicia, as required by the War Powers Act.

The legal machinations Ms. Taliscas has used to justify war without Parliamentary consent continues a troubling precedent set by her predecessor, Sara Palveiro, that could allow future administrations to wage war at their convenience — free of legislative checks and balances.

Portuguese military forces have been at war prior to Taliscas’ tenure, and has made her the first president with a distinction to lead a conflict from day one. She has engaged in military action with at least five different countries: Galicia, the FSR, Puertollano, Spain and Lebanon.

Taliscas has managed to cement Portugal's DEU-alignment, slash Defense spending and has also engaged in more diplomacy with allies and adversaries than her predecessor. Yet Portugal faces more threats in more places than at any point in its modern history, according to Portuguese intelligence. For the first time in decades, there is a potential of growing armed clashes with newly made adversaries.

When Ms. Taliscas first announced extensive Portuguese operations in Galicia, she notified Parliament within 48 hours, as prescribed by the War Powers Act. This initiated a 60-day period, during which she was required to obtain approval from Parliament; if she failed to do so, the act gave her at most 30 days to halt all “hostilities.”

But President Taliscas passed her deadlines and armed with dubious legal opinions, refused to stop Portugal’s military engagement. Her Belem Palace counsel has declared that, despite the War Powers Act, the president can continue the Galicia campaign indefinitely without legislative support. This conclusion lacks a solid legal foundation. And by adopting it, Belem Palace shattered the traditional legal process the executive branch has developed to sustain the rule of law over the past 75 years.

Ms. Taliscas is continuing a decisive and dangerous precedent for the next commander in chief, who is unlikely to understand legal acrobatics like she does.

From a moral perspective, there is a significant difference between authorizing a bombing campaign that destroyed civilian infrastructure and targeting military assets. But from a legal viewpoint, Ms. Taliscas is setting an even worse precedent. Ms. Taliscas' decision to disregard the Office of Legal Counsel's opinion and embrace the Belem Palace counsel’s view is undermining a key legal check on arbitrary presidential power.

Since Taliscas took command of the Galician, talk of impeachment has steadily brewed. Less than two months before the Lisboa Declaration was made public, right-wing radio host Michael Selvagem declared, “I think it is time to start talking about impeachment.” He was angry about Taliscas’s use of executive action in Galicia, and he called the Portuguese people “a bunch of schmucks” for sitting idly as they were “watching a dictatorship emerge in front of their eyes.”

It has mostly been foreign policy maneuvers that have led to impeachment talk. After the administration began bombing infrastrucutre, Joao Sampaio wrote in The Portuguese Conservative, “The time has come to begin impeachment proceedings against President Oluwakemi Taliscas for high crimes and misdemeanors.”

With the Second Fantastic War over, the administration must now weather the political ramifications of their actions, on top of the new challenge of rebuilding Galicia.

Read more

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Fillipe: Taliscas ‘lawless’ with executive action in Galicia

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According to Carin Fillipe, not only has President Taliscas' executive action in Galicia been misguided and reckless, it is also blatantly unconstitutional.

President Taliscas has been a lawless president in her use of executive action, the victory she declared in Galicia is no victory. It is a disgrace to our constitution and our service members

the Conservadores leader said Sunday.

The former business executive encouraged Parliament to hold the President accountable and launch an inquiry into the administration related to executive action in Galicia.

Only a few hawkish Conservatives supported the president’s unilateral action. Most Conservative MPs criticized the move and decried Taliscas’ actions as unconstitutional, claiming she had encroached on legislators’ war powers.

Some members of the Left Bloc also criticized Taliscas’ action. Tulsi Gama MP and other liberals went so far as to threatening to file a lawsuit against the President, objecting to the use of military force without congressional approval.

The Foreign Office, Ministry of Defense and other ministries coordinated with each other and DEU allies to organize operations, but the operations took time. As the airstrikes passed the 90-day mark, Taliscas didn’t follow the War Powers Resolution’s requirement to pull operations. Instead, she sent a Foreign Office lawyer to Parliament to explain that their military actions didn’t actually amount to the sort of “hostilities” defined by the law.

The testimony took a certain amount of criticism, but beyond wagging their fingers, MPs did nothing to impede or authorize Taliscas’ actions. Parliament chastised Taliscas for failing to notify them, but a motion to pull all Portuguese operations in Galicia failed – with most Left Bloc MPs choosing not to limit Taliscas’ unilateral action, even though it encroached on their legislative powers.

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Left Bloc establishment is reaching its boiling point with Tulsi Gama

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Read it here

TAG(S): PORTUGAL, PORTUGUESE REPUBLIC, LUSOPHONE

[Puertollano]

Portugese MP Tulsi Gama awarded with Award of Simon Bolivar

Upon invitation of the Bolivarian Republic of Puertollano, Portugese MP Tulsi Gama has been awarded with the Award of Simon Bolivar by President Castillo in Bogota. Very few individuals have been awarded with the Award of Simon Bolivar, with the last recipient being the President of the Federation of Socialist Republics. Mrs Gama will be the first non-South American to receive the prestigious state award. President Nicolo Castillo was there for the presentation of the Award to MP Gama, for her work in promoting peace and attempting to end the illegal war on Galicia. "The dead children of Galicia, at the hands of the murderous Prime Minister of Portugal, would be grateful for your work in promoting peace during a time of war," Castillo said after presenting the award to her. "Tulsi Gama will always be welcome in the Bolivarian Republic," President Castillo further said. As the war draws to a close, this may be very controversial for the Portuguese MP, with anonymous sources from the Bolivarian Foreign Ministry describing their shock that she accepted the invitation to visit. Nevertheless, Tulsi Gama has earned a glowing reputation among pro-government media in Puertollano.

[Lusophone]

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As one third of Portuguese agree, Oluwakemi Taliscas faces calls for impeachment

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One third of Portuguese think President Oluwakemi Taliscas should be impeached, a new poll says.

According to a LusoPolls poll released two days ago, 33% of Portuguese think the president should be impeached and removed from office, compared with 65% who say they don’t support impeachment. 57% of CHEGA! voters say they support impeaching Taliscas, compared with just 35% of Conservatives and 13 percent of the Left Bloc.

When asked about when the National Assembly should attempt to impeach a president, 79% of Portuguese said it should be used only if there is evidence of a serious crime — such as treason or bribery. 18% said impeachment could appropriately be used to registered dissatisfaction with administration policies.

A plurality of Portuguese — 45% — believe Taliscas has gone too far in using presidential powers, especially in the Galician conflict. 30% said the president has been about right in terms of presidential powers, while 22% she has not gone far enough. The numbers generally fall in line with results from her predecessor — 30% of Portuguese supported impeachment for former President Sara Palveiro in 2024.

The recent poll has emboldened a number of MPs seeking to impeach President Oluwakemi Taliscas using Parliamentary law introduced in 2014.

The move, which has cross-party support, could be launched in the aftermath of the Second Fantastic War, as the legality of the President's executive action is questioned. MPs believe Ms. Taliscas should be impeached for breaching her constitutional duties and taking the country into further conflict.

Only a few hawkish Conservatives supported the president’s unilateral action. Most Conservative MPs criticized the move and decried Taliscas’ actions as unconstitutional, claiming she had encroached on legislators’ war powers.

Some members of the Left Bloc have also criticized Taliscas’ action, including Tulsi Gama MP and other liberals who went as far as to threaten to file a lawsuit against the President, objecting to the use of military force without parliamentary approval.

The Defense Ministry issued a statement Thursday arguing that the Portuguese military operations in Galicia were an act of self-defense, though it doesn’t explicitly use that term.

The Galician state was actively developing plans to attack Portugal that has resulted in the death of a Foreign Secretary and our service members,

the statement asserts.

Portugal's military strikes were aimed at deterring future attack plans and pragmatically ending the conflict.

Dante Agostinho MP, who leads the 10 member anti-war caucus stated

With regard to the war waged in Galicia, we believe that the law was violated. We will propose the motion to impeach the President to protect the Portuguese people from the dangerous precedent set by these illegal policies.

Triggering the process simply requires an MP to propose a motion and provide supporting evidence as part of a document called the "Article(s) of Impeachment" which has no time limit placed upon it. If the impeachment attempt is approved by MPs, the defendant will be set to appear before the National Assembly for a trial. A simple majority is required to convict, at which point a sentence can be passed which could, in theory, involve Taliscas being removed from office.

In order for impeachment to be a real possibility however, it would need support from both opposition parties and the Left Bloc for the motion to pass — but this support just doesn’t exist.

The Left Bloc leadership said the recent polling results show that Portuguese are against impeachment and see it as a "distraction."

As the LusoPolls poll finds, the majority of Portuguese support the President taking action if Parliament will not and they oppose the right's talk of impeachment,

said the Left Bloc national press secretary in an email to Diario de Noticias.

The Portuguese people want the President, and Parliament, to tackle important issues, like taking down the National Definition, equal pay and raising the minimum wage – so while Conservatives and CHEGA! waste time on political stunts, those are the issues the President and the Left Bloc will continue to fight for.

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In a continued act of defiance, Tulsi Gama receives the Award of Simon Bolivar

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Left Bloc members were silent as Tulsi Gama, one of the coalition’s sitting lawmakers in Parliament, appeared in the Bolivarian Republic.

Tulsi Gama disclosed her invitation to receive the Award of Simon Bolivar on Tuesday, during what her office called a "relations-building" mission in the South American country.

Initially I hadn’t sought to engage with the Bolivarian Republic at all

Gama said in an interview.

When the opportunity arose though, I did so, because I felt it’s important that if we profess to truly care about diplomacy, about rebuilding trust, then we’ve got to be able to meet with anyone that we need to if there is a possibility that we could achieve peace. And that’s exactly what I came to Puertollano to do.

Left Bloc leaders were mum on the decision by one of their sitting lawmakers to receive an award from a country whom two successive Portuguese government have engaged in conflict with. Portugal currently has no diplomatic relations with Puertollano nor the FSR.

The offices of Hildred Cardoso, the Prime Minister nor senior Left Bloc leadership did not respond to requests for comment when reached by the reporters. Belem Palace did not immediately return an email inquiry, nor did a spokeswoman for President Oluwakemi Taliscas.

Prime Minister Cardoso told reporters on Wednesday that she had no knowledge of Gama’s unannounced trip, which drew scrutiny over who arranged and paid for the travel.

She hasn’t reported or brought anything to our office as far as I know,

Cardoso said at a press conference held before Gama’s revelation about her Award of Simon Bolivar.

While Gama did not travel in her official capacity as a representative of the Portuguese government, she is the first sitting Portuguese lawmaker to meet with Puertollano leadership since the start of the Galician conflict. She is also a member of the Parliament committee on foreign relations. The committee was not made aware of Gama’s trip beforehand as it was not official travel.

Gama is framing her trip as part of a necessary dialogue in order to rebuild relations with South America but the timing couldn't have been worse as it was only recently that a leak audio recording found Prime Minister Hildred Carodoso suggesting that Tulsi Gama MP was aligned with South American interests.

Prior to her trip, Tulsi Gama trashed the Left Bloc in a podcast interview as “not the party that is of, by and for the people,” accused President Oluwakemi Taliscas of war crimes and attacked Partido Progressista MPs as puppets.

Gama continues to clash with party officials and her award from the Bolivarian Republic adds salt to injury. Her presence has increasingly becoming a headache for the coalition as she uses the platform to appeal to isolationists, dissatisfied liberals and even the far-right.

TAG(S): PORTUGAL, PORTUGUESE REPUBLIC, LUSOPHONE

[Saif Fara]

L E B A N E W S أخبار لبنان

LEBANON'S HOPE

She was born Amal Alamuddin in Beirut, Lebanon. In Arabic, her name "amal,'"( أمل ) means "hope." She's the daughter of the late General Saddam Omar Aladeen, the eldest among his children.

Growing up wanting nothing to do with her father's dictatorship, in 1991 she fled Lebanon with her mother and settled in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire. Amal Alamuddin attended Dr Challoner's High School, a girls' grammar school located in Little Chalfont, Buckinghamshire. Then studied at St Hugh's College, Oxford, where she received an Exhibition and the Shrigley Award. In 2000, she graduated with a BA degree in Jurisprudence.

For the next 19 years, Amal lived her private life and was a lawyer highly educated in international law and human rights. Her mother's death would changed all of that. Bariaa's dying wish was to be buried back in Lebanon, her homeland. Convinced by her mother to make Lebanon a better place by any means necessary, what was meant to just be a funeral visit turned into a full time stay, with a full time job. She adopted her father's last name, became Amal Aladeen and was given the position "Chief Counsel to the President."

As Chief Counsel to the President, she was key to softening her dictator father's rhetoric and policies. It was Amal who convinced her father to sign the Puertollano-Lebanon Petroleum Agreement. She was responsible for Lebanon's deals with Canada and Portugal. She pushed her father to open the country to the West. For many ministers in her father's government and for the Lebanese people, she was the one who would improve Lebanon's way of life.

Her father's death created a power vacuum in the country and it would've resulted in a bloody revolution if it weren't for her leadership. As the de facto head of government, she managed to keep the transitional government intact, keep her brother Admiral General Aladeen Aladeen from starting a civil war, usher in a constitution that would turn Lebanon into a Republic, and beat her brother in an election that would make or break Lebanon's struggle for democracy.

On the morning of May 4 2025, President-Elect Amal Aladeen spoke to the country live on television. She said: "I am so proud to be Lebanese right now. Our fight is not over. Yes, we won the struggle, but the real work starts now! The work to secure human rights and equal rights for all, the work to build homes, the work to make sure no child ever starves, the work to make sure our democracy prevails so that we will never ever have to deal with the worry that another dictator will hurt our people ever again! I am so proud of you. I am thankful for your vote. I am thankful for your dedication to our country. And I am thankful to the brave soldiers who finally said enough and realized that the military's job is not to oppress our people, it is to protect our people! Thank you Lebanon! Long live democracy! Long Live Lebanon!"

Since her first televised speech to the country, she's kept her promise:

• The first year of her presidency was marked by a GDP growth rate of 5.1%, growing Lebanon's GDP to $50.5 billion
• This growth is thanks to higher government spending in economic and social fields as well as by an increase in infrastructure spending to 5.6% of GDP, as compared with less than 3% under her father
• Poverty is now reported to be slightly reduced at 21.6%. Much of the poverty in rural areas is because of low productivity and large families
• Inflation has been estimated at 1%. Fuel and food prices are increasing with the exception of rice due to the liberalization of imports. While external factors may also increase inflation, authorities are capping the inflation rate at 4% until 2029.

New reforms meant to facilitate private-sector growth have not been approved by Parliament however. Other laws such as the code of commerce and the law on judicial inter-mediation are yet implemented. The government’s economic policy is concentrated on improving fiscal management and strengthening foreign investor confidence, but implementation of reforms have been slow and the results have been mixed.

ONE YEAR LATER

Today marks one year of Lebanon's democracy and the first year of Amal's presidency. Speaking to the thousands of patriots in Beirut, President Amal: "You did this! You did this! It's because of you, thousands of us today, OUR WHOLE COUNTRY today, can celebrate democracy and freedom! We are securing human rights and equal rights for all! We are building homes! We are giving families the economic power to make sure that no child ever starves! As long as we are dedicated to justice, freedom and democracy, as long as we stand together, not as Christians, not as Muslims, not as Druze, but as LEBANESE, no dictator will ever harm us again! Long live democracy! Long Live Lebanon!"

President Amal also introduced the new state flag of Lebanon. The tricolor flag features 3 vertical bands colored black, white, and red. The new flag pays homage to the flag of Greater Lebanon, the predecessor of modern Lebanon and a former mandate of France. The black on the flag represents Lebanon's dark history which must "never be forgotten," serving as a lesson for future generations, the white represents peace, the snow of the mountains and purity and the red represents the blood shed for democracy. The green cedar tree is the symbol of Lebanon and represents eternity, steadiness, happiness, and prosperity. The red bands symbolize blood shed.

Lebanon's old flag is of cultural significance and will not go away. It has been classified as a civil flag, a version of the national flag that is flown by civilians.

[Bengal and Assam]

PM‌ ‌Phillips‌ ‌meets‌ ‌with‌ ‌Canadian‌ ‌diplomats.‌ ‌FIghter‌ ‌jet‌ ‌deal‌ ‌agreed‌ ‌upon‌ ‌
as‌ ‌a‌ ‌stepping‌ ‌stone‌ ‌for‌ ‌future‌ ‌Kawa-Canadian‌ ‌relationships.‌


Foreign‌ ‌Correspondent,,‌ ‌Daniel‌ ‌Kazakiri‌


Prime Minister Phillips with Ambassador Aloysius Pierce

Ambassador Aloysius Pierce and Canadian diplomats today were welcomed to Government House to discuss the future for relationships between Bengal and Canada. As part of the campaign promise by Prime Minister Phillips known as the Basic National Policy, the Phillips administration aims to fix relations with North American countries, mainly Canada, and cement itself as an pro-Western ally to Europe and Australia in the East.

After an hour of talks between the PM and Canadian Ambassador Aloysius Pierce, a dinner, and another hour of negotiations, it was agreed that a defence sale would be a decent stepping stone for a closer Kawanese-Canadian relationship.

According to insiders within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government will conduct further negotiations with Canada over a trade deal, as well the price for the fighter aircrafts, namely 3 squadrons of F-20 Tigersharks, and an unspecified number of UI-51"Phantom" Multiroles

AD by British Telecom

[Lusophone]

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Oluwakemi Taliscas: National Assembly votes to impeach president

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President Oluwakemi Taliscas and her government suffered a crushing defeat on Tuesday as a coalition rebels and opposition voted to impeach her.

In a rowdy session of the Assembly presided over by Speaker Naomi Pereyra, voting ended late on Tuesday evening with 160 of the 230 MPs backing impeachment – comfortably beyond the majority needed to advance to an impeachment trial.

As the outcome became clear, Prime Minister Hildred Cardoso conceded defeat with more than 80 votes still to be counted. “The fight is now in the trial.” she said.

Watched by millions at home and in the streets, the vote – which was announced MP by MP – saw opposition and Left Bloc rebels secure its motion to impeach the President.

The President's Chief of Staff said the government was confident that her impeachment will be dismissed in trial, insisting the vote was a setback for democracy and was “orchestrated” by the opponents who were in the "pockets of foreign influence" and seeking to promote "partisan politics."

But Taliscas' chances of survival look slim. Portugal dramatically turned against the country's first female president by not re-electing Sara Palveiro. Now, it seems the country's second female president is suffering the same faith.

Once the most popular leader in the country, with approval ratings of 92%, Taliscas has since seen her support plunge as a result of the economy, political turmoil and the Second Fantastic War.

President Oluwakemi Talicas' duties will be suspended once the impeachment trial begins and for its duration.


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The Left Bloc is in open rebellion

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Hildred Cardoso has expelled 12 Left Bloc MPs after they helped inflict a major defeat on the government in the impeachment motion.

The Prime Minister was defeated on Tuesday evening by a coalition of opposition parties and Left Bloc rebels, many of whom were newly elected and outspoken against the coalition establishment, on a motion that would trigger the impeachment trial of President Oluwakemi Taliscas.

In the aftermath of the vote, a senior government source confirmed that all 12 MPs, including freshman socialist MP Alexandria Ocasio-Cortes and Tulsi Gama, would lose the Left Bloc whip.

The Chief Whip is speaking to Left Bloc MPs who did not vote with the government this evening,

the source said.

They will have the Left Bloc whip removed.

Marianne Veloso, who is the leader of Os Verdes, accused Cardoso of destroying the coalition.

I can't believe this. This isn't Partido Progressista [Cardoso's party]. The Prime Minister is acting like a dictator.

she told repoters.

There's no more collective decision making in the coalition. It's been taken over by Partido Progressista, led by Hildred and her allies, who by the way, have created the most right-wing government any left wing party has ever produced.

Tulsi Gama has vowed to challenge her expulsion and promised Cardoso "the fight of a lifetime."

Tuesday's vote allows the National Assembly to move forward with the impeachment trial of President Oluwakemi Taliscas. The Articles of Impeachment, primarily based on the President's violations of the War Powers Act, could be approved by the Supreme Court by next week.

Cardoso had spent the last year initially trying to prevent the simmering rebellion. She's accommodated their demands on legislation and coalition leaders were given a seat at government meetings. But as Tulsi Gama began injecting chaos into the coalition and members grew to dislike Cardoso's power consolidation, the Prime Minister's deterrent to further intra-party feuds was to expel members who voted against her from the Left Bloc. As it turned out however, the threat of expulsion ended up being more of a catalyst to vote against her than a deterrent.

If anything, those threats have made it more difficult for MPs to back down, because if you decide to back the government in that circumstance, you are effectively saying you value your career over your principles,

one M.P. told Publico.

In the end, Cardoso ended up making good on her threat—and obliterated the Left Bloc coalition's working majority in Parliament in the process. The P.M. removed the whip—which effectively expels an MP from the party—from the 12 MPs who voted for impeachment, including long-serving and prominent members, eight freshmen, and Tulsi Gama.

Tonight’s decisive result is the first step in a process to avert an undemocratic and damaging leadership

a source close to the rebel Left Bloc members said.

The decision means Cardoso is now the leader of a minority government in Parliament. It is not known whether the Prime Minister will seek an approval from MPs to hold an early general election.

In the meantime, Cardoso has insisted that her government is pressing forward with governing, as well as the Galician Reconstruction—though there's little sign the government actually made any significant progress.

All this is to say: The issue of Galicia is still as much of a mess as ever—but this time, it's Cardoso and Taliscas, not their predecessors Palveiro and Lacerda, who's in the crosshairs. (A fact Sara Palveiro seems to be thoroughly enjoying.)

TAG(S): PORTUGAL, PORTUGUESE REPUBLIC, LUSOPHONE

[Anxiety Cafe]

4 May 2026

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ECONOMY AND BUSINESS | ARTS AND LETTERS | GOVERNMENT | SPORTS | SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY | MILITARY | INTERNATIONAL

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Magdalena Canal: A Reality (Again)

After months of delay on the Magdalena Canal project due to disputes between the FSR and San Martinia, work once again began this morning to complete the ambitious project.

Shortly after the initial announcement, port workers from Montevideo rented a ship to block dredging progress, and canal workers in response sent a boat to block the Montevideo Access Canal. After an FSR container ship split apart the counter-protesters' boat, progress on the canal froze as negotiations began.

FSR port worker concerns' focused on the fact that the canal allowed boats to bypass Montevideo, encouraged by its larger depth and the cessation of San Martinia's dredging of the Punta Indio Canal, which had previously been the only input into the Rio de la Plata and connected Buenos Aires and Montevideo. As such, the port of Montevideo was set to lose millions in profit. Meanwhile, the Magdalena Canal would have further increased the importance of the various ports of Buenos Aires and La Plata, establishing them as the main connection between the Rio de la Plata basin (south-central to south FSR and northeastern San Martinia) and the outside world. At stake was the trade between productive agricultural and industrial zones of the interior of South America and the lucrative markets of Europe and the Asia-Pacific.

The governments of the FSR and San Martinia luckily came to a compromise, which is set to mitigate negative effects on the port of Montevideo while still encouraging increased importance of the ports of Buenos Aires and La Plata. The Magdalena Canal will only be dredged to 36 feet, rather than the initial 45, which is only a slight increased over the Punta Indio Canal's 34 feet depth. Additionally, San Martinia will temporarily continue the dredging of the Punta Indio Canal pending an FSR takeover. As such, trade with European and North American nations is encouraged to use the Punta Indio Canal, making an intermediate stop at Montevideo, due to proximity, while trade with Cape Thetis, Asia-Pacific, the Indian Ocean, and through the Strait of Magellan is encouraged to use the Magdalena Canal.

Many port workers were unhappy with this development, especially since the reduction of the depth of the Magdalena Canal essentially forced the rejection of the La Plata deepwater port project, which was set to dredge La Plata's port to 45 feet as well. Paula Ramos, head of the Magdalena Canal Committee, called the compromise "a disgrace to San Martinia," claiming that "the FSR used violence and illegal incursions into territorial waters to force us to cater to their needs on something they had no authority over." President Sanchez, on the other hand, immediately instituted a new policy on trespassing ships. Any and all boats, no matter what flag they fly, will be immediately sunk should they be found illegally in San Martinian waters and do not respond to communications.

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In Other News: Galician San Martinians call Portuguese politician Tulsi Gama "a traitor"; Former presidential candidate and current Senator Martinez proposes repeal of refugee restrictions in wake of new African conflict; Religious leaders condemn Cape Thetis as "the new Sodom and Gomorrah"; Updates on Portuguese President Taliscas' ongoing impeachment; A Buenos Aires man was arrested by police after allegedly physically accosting a Nigerian refugee while yelling "go back to Africa"

[Lusophone]

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Hildred Cardoso calls for snap election to strengthen mandate, save Taliscas

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LISBON — Prime Minister Hildred Cardoso on Thursday called for an early election, clearly anxious that her thinning coalition in Parliament would paralyze her government.

Mrs. Cardoso’s proposal for a snap election demonstrates how the Left Bloc coalition has collapsed and is aimed at exploiting her popularity to gain more parliamentary seats and strengthen her political backing, currently in limbo.

But it also provides a new opportunity for Portugal's anti-impeachment voices to be heard, potentially continuing the bitter disagreements that polarized Portuguese over their nation’s actions in Galicia. The National Assembly decided last Tuesday to impeach President Oluwakemi Taliscas for her violations of the War Powers Act.

Nobody expects the new election to undo that decision. Yet depending on how well Mrs. Cardoso’s gamble does, it could dismiss the impeachment trial and exonerate Oluwakemi Taliscas.

The country is coming together, but Parliament is not,

Mrs. Cardoso said in a sudden appearance outside the prime minister’s office, adding that she had

only recently and reluctantly come to this conclusion.

Having been engulfed in ideological and policy feuds with coalition members and expelling 12 MPs for voting against the government in the impeachment motion, Prime Minister Hildred Cardoso is already facing divisions within Portugal's left. She is clearly counting on a strong performance in the snap election — before the impeachment trial goes to a vote, before the Galician Reconstruction starts and before critical legislation needs to be passed.

The financial markets bid down the escudos (Portugal's currency) on the news, apparently anticipating a Conservative sweep that would deny Mrs. Cardoso the mandate to override hard-liners in her own coalition.

Certainly, the Conservatives’ election prospects look promising. They are riding high in the opinion polls, with Os Conservadores under Carin Fillipe's leadership. Fillipe's strategic rebranding has left Sara Palveiro's CHEGA! (formerly the Frente Nacional) sluggish. Meanwhile, the Left Bloc under Hildred Cardoso is in disarray, centrists are weak and the coalition's more progressive left are in open rebellion.

Although the margins are sure to tighten, the Left Bloc still holds a narrow double-digit lead over Os Conservadores, which, if it holds up, would translate into a working majority in Parliament.

But the decision does carry political risks for Mrs. Cardoso. For a politician who has cultivated a reputation as a straight shooter who puts country before politics, the about-face on early elections could smack of opportunism. And in a era of political surprises, embittered but highly motivated voters from the far-left camp could coalesce against Left Bloc establishment to register their anger over fracturing the bloc.

Hildred Cardoso took office less than a year ago. Chosen by the Left Bloc to become prime minister for her pragmatim, Mrs. Cardoso is now seeking an electoral mandate of her own to deal with her real danger: an unhappy group of rebellious Left Bloc legislators who are opposed to anything that may not satisfy their ideology.

Supporters of the prime minister said she would use the election to crush dissent, with one projection suggesting she could secure a majority of 140 on the basis of current polls.

Under the Fixed-term Assembly Act, Cardoso cannot call an election directly but will lay down a motion in the National Assembly requiring two-thirds of MPs to back it. Os Conservadores, CHEGA! and Left Bloc rebel MPs all promised not to stand in her way, allowing for the National Assembly to be dissolved. MPs will vote on whether to dissolve parliament after a 90-minute debate.

Read more

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Tulsi Gama launches 'Alternative for Portugal'

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Five hours after Prime Minister Hildred Cardoso announced her proposal to seek a snap election, Tulsi Gama, a member of parliament who's been removed from the Left Bloc whip, emerged before a crowd of supporters in Lisboa and announced her own political movement "Alternative for Portugal."

Defining itself as ‘anti-partisanship’, and ‘pro-multipolarity,' Alternative for Portugal is a new coalition formed by Movimento Popular, Livre, rebel Democratic Socialists and Os Verdes who have broken away from the Left Bloc.

Marianne Veloso argued that the broad nature of its support base has the potential to be a ‘game changer’ in Portuguese politics.

Tulsi Gama had previously vowed not to start her own political party but in her speech, she said that “the stakes are too high” to "play along."

Gama, a war veteran, said she knows the cost of war firsthand.

I know how important it is that our commander-in-chief and our government has the sound judgment required to know when to use Portugal’s military power—and when not to use that power.

Popular with the right-wing and the far-left, Gama has criticized President Oluwakemi Taliscas and her judgement on matters of war, distancing herself from the party line.

Just recently, she accused President Taliscas of war crimes and called Prime Minister Hildred Cardoso

the queen of warmongers, embodiment of corruption, and personification of the rot that has sickened the Portuguese left for so long.

On 4 May 2026, she took a very unpopular position, accepting the Award of Simon Bolivar and meeting with President Castillo of the Bolivarian Republic. In Puertollano, she called Portugal's action in Galicia “illegal” and “counter-productive.” Just days later, she voted in favor of impeaching President Oluwakemi Taliscas.

In her announcement speech, she said Portugal needs a government that

will not waste precious lives and money on interventionist wars of regime change,

presumably referring to the war in Galicia and strategy in Lebanon. Although generally hawkish in her foreign policy views, she is presenting herself as someone who

will usher in a new era of peace and prosperity.

Gama's rebranding profile goes in tandem with her rebellion against the Left Bloc.

TAG(S): PORTUGAL, PORTUGUESE REPUBLIC, LUSOPHONE

[Grandes Terres]

4th May 2026

Cape Thetis elections 2026: Meet the candidates

Forza Italia
Francesco Cardinale

Francesco Cardinale has a large weight on his shoulders, campaigning to represent Forza Italia after 20 years (4 terms) of Luigi Binelli Mantelli, the most successful governor in the history of Forza Italia in Cape Thetis. Cardinale plans to continue Cape Thetis on its current path, with more liberalisation on the agenda and even greater support for multinationals looking to register and set up on the cape.

Born in New York to Italian parents, Cardinale moved back to Italy at the age of 14, his father taking on a leading role for Italian oil and gas giant Eni. Cardinale grew to follow in his fathers footsteps, taking on board member roles in several multinational companies across Europe and North America, eventually moving to Cape Thetis whilst working for Assicurazioni Generali and deciding to leave the corporate world to enter local politics.

Partito Democratico
Rafael Bienvenida

With the potential to be the first San Martinian governor of Cape Thetis, Rafael Bienvenida is an ambitious individual, looking to overthrow Forza Italia's hegemony in Cape Thetis. Under Bienvenida the party has managed to significantly increase the parties influence and representation in Cape Thetis' government chamber, making it a true opposition to Forza Italia.

Partito Democratico plans to increase Cape Thetis' integration with San Martinia economically and socially, with plans for more San Martinian history education in the Cape Thetis curriculum and further cooperation between the two in areas of infrastructure, foreign policy and defence.

Liberi e Uguali
Marcella De Nucci

Marcella De Nucci of Liberi e Uguali, Italy's third establishment party, has a steep hill to climb. In the 2021 elections her party achieved the least representatives of the establishment parties and if often cited as being more of a minor party than a major one like Forza Italia and Partito Democratico.

Liberi e Uguali has a radical plan to bring Cape Thetis in line with all DEU regulations, meaning the implementation of a corporation tax in Cape Thetis as well as other regulations that would been seen unfavourably by the large corporations that call Cape Thetis home who would most likely leave the territory for elsewhere. Eventually the party would hope that Cape Thetis would be able to join the EIM and be as integrated as metropolitan Italy is with the DEU.

[Lusophone]

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Portugal's snap election set for 8 June

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In an unexpected statement delivered last Thursday, Prime Minister Hildred Cardoso announced that the government would seek to hold a snap election on June 8. MPs have since then overwhelmingly voted to approve the Prime Minister's proposal.

Cardoso’s proposal for a snap election comes after an open rebellion that has collapsed the Left Bloc's original coalition. The Prime Minister's gamble is aimed at exploiting her popularity to gain more parliamentary seats. The snap election could also dismiss the impeachment of President Oluwakemi Taliscas, whom the National Assembly decided last Tuesday for her violations of the War Powers Act.

Governments generally last for five years, and the Left Bloc administration was elected in 2024. The next election was not due to take place until 2029. By gaining a fresh five-year term, the Prime Minister could be looking forward to an end to factionalism within the Left Bloc coalition.

It could also strengthen her political backing before the impeachment trial goes to a vote, before the Galician Reconstruction starts and before critical legislation needs to be passed.

With the vote just weeks away, here's how Portugal's party leaders are planning to win support:

Hildred Cardoso, Left Bloc

Current Prime Minister Hildred Cardoso hopes her plans for a “strong and stable government will prove popular with voters, which, in turn, will give her a stronger majority in parliament.

The Left Bloc, now just made up of Partido Progressista, Democratic Socialists and Labor, currently hold 110 of a total 230 parliamentary seats. Cardoso lost her working majority when she expelled 12 MPs for rebelling against the government in the impeachment motion.

Cardoso enjoyed a head start in campaigning following her surprise election announcement, and was quick to place her government priorities front and center of her campaign. This includes a pledge to phase out the Escudos, Portugal's currency in favor of the DEU Euro and improving workers rights. This includes increasing the national living wage in line with earnings until the end of parliament, introducing new protections for ‘gig’ economy workers, and enforcing worker representation on company boards.

The Left Bloc has also pledged to secure more funding for mental health care, a cap on gas and electricity bills and a “new generation” of social housing.

Despite the party’s spending proposals, Cardoso has maintained that there will be "no new taxes" though it has stepped back from plans to clear the deficit by the end of parliament due to the costs of the Second Fantastic War.

Elsewhere, the party has attempted to woo younger voters with a policy which would allow them to erase social media messages posted before the age of 18.

Carin Fillipe, Os Conservadores

Since Carin Fillipe took over leadership of Os Conservadores, she's been working to heal fractures within her own party in order to carve a path back to victory.

Fillipe's work seems to be paying off, having seen a recent surge in membership and funding following since she became party leader. Her leadership has doubled party membership and collected more than $2.04 million in donations.

Fillipe will have a fight on her hands, however, to convince both dissidents within her party and members of the public that the Conservatives have changed. The party had previously suffered a fall from grace under an election alliance with the CHEGA! in 2024 and was criticized for embracing Sara Palveiro and the far-right.

Fillipe has since renewed the party platform to accommodate centrists and independents. Currently, the party holds 61 seats in Parliament.

Tulsi Gama, Alternative for Portugal

Tulsi Gama is leader of the Alternative for Portugal movement, a breakaway coalition made up of the 12 expelled MPs from the Left Bloc. The alliance is formed by Movimento Popular, Livre, rebel Democratic Socialists and Os Verdes who have broken away from the Left Bloc.

Gama has become a strong adversary to Cardoso’s governing approach. She has continually criticized the Left Bloc establishment for "undermining democracy" and reducing parliamentary accountability under new plans to increase the Left Bloc majority.

Gama has vowed to “overturn the rigged system” and return power from the establishment to the hands of the Portuguese people.

A virtual one-party Left Bloc state is a horrifying prospect, we cannot afford the failures of Hildred Cardoso and her government’s failure on the issues that affect people’s lives every day,

Gama said, speaking in central Lisbon on her first day of campaigning.

Alternative for Portugal's policies focus on increased spending and labor reforms. Portugal's national health service, which has long been central to progressive policies, will be one of several public services to receive extra funding. The alliance is proposing more than $37.2 billion in extra funding for healthcare, scrapping higher education tuition fees and a new $12.88 an hour minimum living wage. They also intend to re-nationalize several public services, including water, railways and the Royal Mail.

Alternative for Portugal also seeks to redistribute wealth by increasing taxes for the wealthy. Gama has proposed a $62.61 billion tax plan to pay for her spending plan.

Sara Palveiro, CHEGA!

Formerly the Frente Nacional, CHEGA!'s progress in the election will be interesting. The party lost the presidency and it's parliamentary majority in 2024. With the Conservatives on the comeback and a rising hyper federalist swing, it is unclear whether it will have continued relevance.

The party has already decided not to field candidates in just under half of all constituencies, meaning that would-be right-wing voters may opt for either a Conservative or Hyper Federalist alternative.

Former President Sara Palveiro, who was instrumental in the party's rise, has touted new plans for an “integration agenda” promoting “Portuguese law and a Portuguese way of life.” This includes proposals to ban Sharia law, the principles underpinning Islam, and full face veils.

CHEGA!'s platform proposes reducing illegal immigration, a complete overhaul of Portugal's legal immigration system and more cuts to regulations and lowering individual and corporate taxes.

Calahan Chaves, Hyper Federalist Party

The Portuguese Hyper Federalist Party currently holds just one seat in parliament but hopes to capitalize on uncertainty and political disillusion to increase its standing.

Party leader Calahan Chaves called for talks with Fillipe and Palveiro in the hope of founding a "right-wing alliance” to compete with the Left Bloc’s stronghold. Although the party has positioned itself as an alternative to disillusioned Conservatives who do not want to associate with CHEGA!.

It aims to regulate the economy, and supports​ ​increased​ sovereignty ​and​ ​cooperation​ ​with​ ​other​ ​nations while maintaining Portuguese militarism and nationalism.

Portuguese Hyper Federalists are regarded as the perfect hybrid child of Portuguese conservatism and far right politics. The party was founded as a result of Sara Palveiro's close relationship with Canada's hyper federalists.

TAG(S): PORTUGAL, PORTUGUESE REPUBLIC, LUSOPHONE

[Bengal and Assam]

Q&A with Carter Phillips, Prime Minister of Bengal. Reporters from different international news outlets, as well as private citizens and representatives of certain missions were welcomed to Government House to take part in the Q&A on various topics.

Q. From the French Continental Standard:
Will there ever be a memorial for the French casualties of World War Two who (presumably) fought in Bengal as part of the Franco-British Union forces deployed against Japan?

"As of now we are memorializing all of Bengal’s War Dead, including soldiers from France who have fought alongside their fellow Commonwealth and American counterparts with monuments and memorials all across the country. We don’t have any plans as of now to create separate memorials for French troops. However, we are very open to the idea."

Q.From a private citizen, Ms. Emily Lau:
The sudden increase of Australian presence in the country is making me citizens nervous and anxious. How will the government address such concerns?

"Well, as far as I see it, Australians may have also seen an increase of the Kawanese presence in their country as well. Regarding your question, the government has basic measures in place. For example, Australians currently inside Bengal are judged using Kawanese laws, and anyone who commits serious crimes other than being involved in any incident where the safety of human life comes into question, are deported and are put on a No-Entry List. And, of course, regarding the opening of flats and social services to Former-Commonwealth Citizens, due to recent governments’ over-expenditure of public funds we are running on an excess as of now. For example, I am sure that you’ve heard of the Ghost HDB flats that have no occupants.
Opening up the country will reduce waste and excess within the public services, and will increase investment in Bengal, which will make more jobs, and cause an increase in income for your average Kawanese."

Q.From the French:
Is the government supporting its veterans of the Mauritanian war?

"Well, we are reviewing the needs of the veterans on a case-by-case basis. For example, we are looking out for veterans with a background of weak financial stability, and are providing injured veterans with the best care with the NHS. We are also providing all of them free psychological evaluation and care."

Q.From the Canadians:
Will Bengal respect the integrity and mission of Canadian Christian Missionaries?

"Well, we are a secular country which is tolerant to all sorts of beliefs as long as they do not threaten human lives or private property. As a Canadian-Kawanese myself who was, for a decade of my life, a member of the Church of Canada, I will personally, and will ensure that my government, respect what the Church of Canada stands for, as long as the Church of Canada respects the core Kawanese ideals of tolerance towards their fellow human being."

Q.From Giovanna Bonifacio of Rai News, Italy:
Why does the Bengali government discriminate against Italians and others by giving benefits only to immigrants of certain national origins, which all happen to be Anglo-majority nations?

"Well, we provide benefits to citizens of Former Commonwealth countries with linguistic and cultural ties with Bengal, that too to those who are residents. Italians and people of other nationalities are also entitled to these benefits if they become residents of Bengal. But I would say that the treatment between citizens Former Commonwealth countries and Non Commonwealth differs in the Residency process.
For example, Former Commonwealth citizens can apply for residency within a year of staying in Bengal, while people from other countries have to wait for three to seven years. There is no systematic discrimination in the providing of benefits, if you become a resident, you are somewhat fully entitled to it, although you have to wait longer to get the said residency permit. However, regarding housing, Commonwealth-origin residents are entitled to buy more than one flat or house, while people from other countries are allowed only one until they become full citizens. But basic services, such as the NHS are for everyone who is making Bengal their home."

Q.From the World Workers, Orostan
Why has the traditionally British influenced government of Bengal been hostile to various minorities and why has this been slow to change?

“I am assuming you’re talking about illegal immigrants from India and Burma, given that you’ve got hostile and minority in one sentence. First off, I would like to reaffirm, as I did before in my answer to the good gentlemen from Italy that at present, the Kawanese government has no policy for systematic discrimination towards minorities or migrants, nor do we encourage such behaviour. Yes, we did treat them brutally in the past, as unarmed immigrants from India trying to jump the fence before 1993 were shot by border law enforcement. However, as of now, we treat such cases as humanely as individual situations allow us to, and in line with post-1993 Kawanese laws and regulations regarding the arrest and deportation of such immigrants. A rapid change if you ask me. However, the story is different for migrants who come through legal means.
I would like to say again, as long as such migrants know English or Kawanese, have no criminal record, and have a work visa approved by the Immigration Office of the Ministry of Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, they are always welcome to earn a living here, as they have been for the past 100 years.”

Q. From the Puertollannallos,
Why are the leaders of Bengal bootlickers to the European imperialist global order?

“Well, as I’ve interpreted your question, I guess you’re asking in simpler terms, why the Kawanese government is pro-Europe. Well, I am going to answer this in simpler terms if you don’t mind.
Bengal has historical links with Europe, initially Britain, and later during the Second World War, France, which is the world’s most prominent country as of now, and one of our close allies. We also have cultural, linguistic and economic ties with Europe. And also, our people have a long standing loyalty towards Britain in particular, and a sense of gratitude towards France for its support in the Burma Campaign during World War 2, as well as Europe’s support in the YOLO Revolution of 1981, that saw the end of 10 years of tyranny in Bengal and the restoration of democracy and liberties in this country. It is these longstanding ancient ties that make the Kawanese-European relationship very strong, and painful to cut off.
And as for the “globalist order” part, the Kawanese government is responsible and beholden to its people first, not to Europe or to any other powers. And it is beneficial for our country and its people to have even closer ties with Europe.”

Q. Paul Hunter of the Blusen Human Rights Commision
Hello Prime Minister, I've recently read that you were going to hold a Q&A. I'll like to share the commission's most intriguing question I'll like you to answer for their behalf.
What are the current administration's plans involving the future of Rohingya refugees within Bengal?
It's been noted that some within the Blusen government and public have some concerns over conditions inside the refugee camp on Soryuujima Island outside Funamori along with reports of violence toward Rohingyas. I expect conditions aren't as inhumane as some fanatics at home would claim it to be but it has me worried about what future the Rohingya would have within your country, even after the horrific events you and everyone you know and love are still recovering from. My deepest prayers go to your nation's healing from it an unfortunate tragedy. Despite what has happened, the question of what your planning for the Rohingya people still remains.
If the situation ever worsens within Bengal to the point where Rohingyas are no longer wanted, would they be able to be brought to Bluquse so as to lighten your burden and for their very safety?

“Well that is an interesting and thought-provoking question Commissioner Hunter, and I would like to thank you for it.
Well, as of now, our people expect us to negotiate a deal with Burma that will ensure that the Rohingyas can go back home, and live a life in peace. However, as I see it, if such a deal is struck, the Government of Burma may not live upto its words, and an even bigger exodus of refugees from Burma may end up in our doorstep, and after the tragic events that happened a few months ago, I fear that the Kawanese people in the future might not let them in out of fear of further such attacks.
Regarding the refugee camp at Soryujima Island, I can assure you, that everyone there is being fed, kids are being sent to school, and the government is ensuring decent conditions for the refugees, for example we’ve established 7 clinics and a hospital about 6 months ago, all run and staffed by the NHS, letting NGOs focus on more pressing affairs while leaving their health with us. But we are being stretched thin as of now, as NGOs are pulling out after the LegCo bombings. Then there’s the extremely high birth rate among the refugees in the camps. Ever since they arrived, the Government, NGOs that stood with us all these years, and the NHS have tried their utmost to give them education regarding birth control. But our efforts are falling onto deaf ears due to socio-religious reasons that exists among the refugees. The result is an uncontrollable increase in birth rate, and we fear that eventually, demand may outstrip supply and we will not be able to provide anymore ourselves. The worst will come when space within the camps run out.
And yes, outside the camps, there were 3000 refugees, educated ones with college degrees or particular skills, working in various professions, and also are on the Permanent Residency Roll. Although we did not get any reports of physical violence after the attack other than a few scuffles here and there, or any form of mob reprisals, we did see approximately 500 refugees becoming unemployed virtually overnight. As of this moment, we are cracking down on general workplace bullying anyway, so the remaining 2500 are getting all the support we can give them.
Regarding your proposal to take some of the refugees if we come under too much strain, we welcome that. Maybe if things do get out of hand God forbid, we will reach out to Bluquse and our fellow allies for help. Once again Commissioner Hunter, thank you for the question. And also, thank you for standing by with us in one of our most troubling times.”

[Anxiety Cafe]

Your Weekly Update:

Ti vogliamo bene, Italia: According to new Ministry of Education curriculum, the new main foreign language to be taught in primary and secondary schools is Italian, replacing earlier directives which instead encouraged the use of English and Portuguese. Ministry officials said the update "reflected modern changes in the world." With the breakup of the NAF and establishment of Interlingua in the FSR, there is little incentive to continue the teaching of those languages. Other languages considered were French and German, but Italian was instead chosen due to "San Martinia's unique cultural heritage." With a majority of San Martinians having some Italian ancestry, including President Sánchez, the Italian languages and culture have long played a role in San Martinia. Rioplatense Spanish differs from other Spanish dialects, in part, due to its unique intonation, said to resemble Neapolitan, of Southern Italy. Additionally, close Italo-San Martinian relations and the continued growth of Cape Thetis and its commuter belt influenced the decision.

Start-Up San Martinia's 7th Demo: Start-Up San Martinia had it's first demo seven years ago, and today it hosts its seventh. This innovative program encourages innovators and businesspersons from around the world to start and continue on their projects, gaining funding, education, and experiences with a variety of domestic and foreign sponsors. The program has greatly increased San Martinia's tech scene, turning Ancud into a hub of sorts, seeing as how many program graduates set up office in the southern city, which is the main branch of the initiative.

Conflicts Brew in Africa: The EAC currently wages war against revolutionary forces across the entire continent, which, based on previous African conflicts, will lead to widespread destruction. In preparation for this, Senator Martínez and allies from the Radical Civic Union narrowly passed a new African Conflict Refugees Bill in the Senate, with a 44-41 vote. This new bill reopens the refugee program, with a new cap of 500k, to be directed to southern areas in conjunction with Project: Frontier. However, the bill faces an uphill battle in the Chamber of Deputies, where President Sánchez's Alliance for Change holds the largest voting bloc. They're hoping to convince some Party for Democracy voters to vote against the bill, due to its scrapping of all assimilation programs. If they're able to, they will ensure the bill's demise. President Sánchez called the bill "ridiculous" and "unsustainable", but did not answer whether he would veto the bill should it reach his desk.

Artear Orders New Show: Artear, San Martinia's largest media company, recently ordered a new show, Los Libertadores, after viewing the pilot. This show is to be set during San Martinia's independence and civil wars, taking the form of a historical drama. Executives said they were "pleasantly surprised by ... its wit and accuracy" and said they had no doubts about the show succeeding. Once ready to air, it can be watched domestically on Artear's channels, like El Trece in the state of Río de la Plata.

[Greater Persian State]

The Office of the Prime Minister: Official Press Conference

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PM Shahram Khoroushi quietly approaches the podium and opens an official leather bound folder. The International Press conference has begun.


-What is the first priority of the Khoroushi government?
We aim to make government and society more modern, more advanced, more efficient. We're looking to expand the digitalization of our economy, and make sure that these calculations and decisions needed in the quickly moving modern economy can be made in a split second. We're making sure that people in the far flung rural corners of the Republic have the same internet access as the people in our more busy cities. We're trying to once again make sure basic needs are available for all, clean water, abundant food, adequate medical care. While we're certainly in a good place in regards to that, we need to make sure we're always staying ahead. This government will move Persia into the future with a strong emphasis on the home.

-What is the influence of former Prime Minister Akbar on this government?
Davud Akbar has been my political mentor for years, he has been my teacher and the teacher of the nation for over a decade. He is the One Leader because he was instrumental to the construction of a strong democratic system, a profitable and just economy, and a powerful military. He has worked tirelessly his entire life to defend the Republic and the ideals of democracy it was founded on it. He is no longer a member of government and will not return to the frontbenchers, but his teaching influences the governing style of us all. We may be moving beyond the Akbar government, but hopefully we will never abandon Akbarism.

- What is the current government's view of the French Confederation in terms of economy and diplomacy?
The French Confederation is a longtime ally and partner of the Persian Republic. We commit entirely the continued closeness and friendship of our two countries. The Franco-Persian relationship is something we treasure and respect, and while there is some skepticism on French international monetary policy in our politics, that doesn't change the respectful and spirit of comradeship we hold with the French nation. Moreover, we are always interested in new ways to continue commerce and trade between our nations which has resulted in immense profits for both nations, and at least in Persia has contributed to vast growth of public infrastructure and the betterment of the nation.

- Are relations with Russia considered stable - if not, are they likely to improve or deteriorate?
Russia has been a historical antagonist of the Persian people, this is undeniable. However, in recent days we have realized the benefit of cordial relations and trade. The rail developments, as well as the growth of commerce and connectedness amongst our two peoples has been a positive good that this government would like to continue. The only ruptures in these relations occur when the Russian government believes that they can interfere in Persian or regional affairs. In order for strong relations and positive growth to occur in culture, trade, and regional development and mediation, Russia must realize that their time of Empire and domination is long past. The Near East is not a playground for any foreign power, and their interferences into the internal affairs of Persia was the answer to why they were so denounced in the Persian press and the people furious at the delusions of Tsardom and Empire in Moscow. If Russia wants to pursue amicable and peaceful relations, nurturing mutual benefit and interconnectedness however, we are more that happy to do so.

- What is considered the top priority of Persian foreign policy over the next three years?
The top priority of foreign policy has always been the promotion of global human rights, individual liberty, commerce, and democracy. I am tremendously optimistic of the great possibilities in this world, where democracy is on the front foot and despots are in retreat. We saw this in Persia when the tyrants fell by will of the people, I was in the crowds when they marched on the fortresses and palaces of tyranny, and saw the banners and symbols of dictatorship crash onto the ground. We will work with our international partners to realize the goals of free peoples everywhere, and to promote international development and commerce. On a local level the doctrine Set out by One Leader Davud Akbar is quite clear and must not be deviated from lest we leave ourselves exposed, the Neo-Ottoman threat is more real than ever. The reactionary regime is Turkey is entirely committed to expansion and violence, no matter the name it goes under, Republic, Empire, of some military regime, it is a reactionary ideology that has dominated the country with only some interruption in the early to mid 20th century since it's inception as the Sultanate of Rum. I look forward to the day when the Turkish people tear down this reactionary state with the force only a revolutionary people can muster, and establish a government accountable to the people that doesn't seek an expansionist war with its neighbors. But until that day Persia will remain ever vigilant, and we will never lay down our weapons in the defense of the Republic and the people who love it so.

-Will we be seeing more diplomatic and economic agreements between Australia and Persia? Is that good for Persia?
Partnership with Australia has fortunately become a cornerstone of our foreign policy. The interconnectedness with our peoples and nations has become very important. With appropriate negotiation and with agreed upon terms for future development we can pursue future agreements, assuming they are in the best interests of the Persian people.

-The recent agreement with Australia saw that country gaining exclusive territorial rights on a lease of the island of Kharg. Should there be concerns for the Persian people?
The Kharg lease is a symbol of a friendship that will surely last for many decades and more. It is among the greatest symbols of friendship and cooperation in the world today. That decision was the right one. Now, for Persians there many do live there but most are there for work related reasons. I assure all that the opportunities for Persian employment will only grow, horizontal economic growth will only continue in Persia. Now if there are legitimate security concerns or attacks against Persian citizens, this government will respond with immense political and economic pressure, and if necessary a calculated and overwhelming military response. But given the great friendship we have with Australia, we find not reason why this would occur unless there was a hostile takeover of the island, or a radical change of government in Australia.

-What is your stance on Australia and Persia possibly signing a military defense agreement in the near future?
If that can be arranged I think it would be a positive step forward. We have many similar goals and common interests, and I think we share the foreign policy goals I outlined previously in regards to global democracy, trade, and human rights. If formal negotiations would be the interest of the Australian governments, we'd be happy to begin those negotiations.

-Is the One Thousand-Lilies Program a deviation from social democratic ideology?
Certainly not. It is in fact fundamentally socially democratic and Akbarist. We need the government to regulate markets, protect the public interest, and we need worker cooperatives and strong labor unions to govern much of these markets. But it's not an abolition of markets, when state programs have been ineffective they must be reformed or eliminated to suit the public good. Social Democracy is really the public good being the first priority of the society, and the worker's livelihood being crucial to any healthy society. This is not changed by the pruning of some of the branches of the tree of state.

[Grandes Terres]

28th May 2026

Innovation City green lighted for major expansion over the next decade

Today Innovation City, which is currently on phase 2 of its 4 phase initial development plan, was given the green light by the government and local authorities in Piedmont and Novara for a 'grand expansion' phase which will begin in 2030 whilst the final phase of the schemes initial development is still ongoing. The grand expansion will see the construction of 2 new superstrada's which will add new connections from the A4 and A26 highways into Novara, passing through the new grand expansion area and offering connections to multiple areas within the zone.

The grand expansion zone will cover just under 60 km2 (23 mi2), making it over half the size of the Comune of Novara itself. This has raised concern among some local residents who claim that their city will be 'swallowed' by Innovation City, eventually becoming no more than a residential suburb of the high tech district. Authorities have assured that the benefits of Innovation City being adjacent to Novara will bring far more benefits than costs, with thousands of new high-skilled jobs as well as low-skilled jobs that come with maintaining and building such a large technology district.

As well as the economic benefits of new jobs and infrastructure, authorities say that Novara residents will see more opportunities in education as many of Italy's top technology and engineering universities and institutes plan to open branches within Innovation City, giving bright prospects for the future of young people in Novara without them having to move to major cities, a problem which has plagued small Italian towns and cities for decades.

Map showing plan for the grand expansion of Innovation City alongside the 4 existing zones under development:

[Lusophone]

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Conservadores emerge as Left Bloc lead steadily narrows

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With polling day nearing, the Left Bloc's lead over its rivals has been steadily narrowing.

The Left Bloc's lead over the Conservatives has fallen by several points in the last few weeks, but the party retains a commanding advantage in the latest LusoPolls poll.

Hildred Cardoso’s Left Bloc still commands a 7-point lead over the Conservatives, with a 44% share of the vote.

However, Conservatives have increased its poll share to 37%, up by 7 points. Alternative for Portugal remains in third place at 8% of the vote, with CHEGA! at 3% and Hyper Federalists at 2%.

The steady rise of the Conservatives poll share comes with some pollsters believing that some voters who backed Sara Palveiro's Frente Nacional (now CHEGA!) in 2024 are now returning to the Conservatives.

The LusoPolls poll was taken before the Left Bloc coalition announced its manifesto last Thursday. Manifestos tend to provide parties with a poll bounce, but the manifesto conference turned sour when the Prime Minister was busted for citing inaccurate data.

Prime Minister Hildred Cardoso would only have herself to blame if an awful election campaign results in embarrassment, political analysts have told Diario de Noticias.

When Cardoso called the June 8 snap election after the impeachment motion, the Left Bloc boasted a seemingly unassailable lead over its rivals. However, Conservatives have since soared into contention, putting Cardoso's election gamble in doubt.

Cardoso has come under intense scrutiny over concerns about her leadership style, especially after 12 MPs were expelled from the Left Bloc for favoring the impeachment of President Taliscas.

The decline in support for the Left Bloc has coincided with an unexpectedly strong performance from the Conservatives and the surprise creation of Alternative for Portugal, a new left-wing coalition led by Tulsi Gama and other breakaway rebel members of the Left Bloc, dividing the left-wing vote.

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Leaders debate: Cardoso gutted as 'elusive,' 'spineless'

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Hildred Cardoso's political rivals lined up to criticize her for not taking part in a five-way general election debate.

She was accused of being "elusive" and of "running away from the debate" during the 90 minute TV event.

The Prime Minister declined to take part in the five-way head-to-head debate broadcast, sending Secretary of State for Culture and Society Kirsten Guardado, in her place.

Cardoso has denied that she is not attending because she is “frightened” of losing on live television, instead saying her time is better served on the campaign trail.

She said on Wednesday that she preferred "taking questions and meeting people" on the campaign trail rather than "squabbling" with other politicians.

But Hyper Federalist leader Calahan Chaves condemned the decision, saying: “Good leaders don’t run away from a debate.”

He said:

I don't trust Cardoso. She's spineless. How dare you call a general election then run away from the debate.

During his final pitch to the nation at the end of the program, he even advised views to flip the channel to watch the reality show 'Lisbon Shore' rather than listen to the Left Bloc’s pitch.

Kirsten Guardado is up next. She's not the Prime Minister. The PM is not here she can’t be bothered so why should you. In fact Lisbon Shore is on next hour, why not switch to that? You are not worth Hildred Cardoso’s time don’t give her yours,

he said.

Conservadores leader Carin Fillipe piled in on the Prime Minsiter's absence by adding:

I know the first rule of leadership is to show up. You don’t call an election and say it's important then not even bother to debate the issues at hand.

Continuing the closing statements, CHEGA! leader and former President Sara Palveiro sought to hammer home her party’s credibility, saying: "We have been proven right because we actually know how to lead, lead on immigration, lead on free markets, and lead on protecting our police and security services."

In her closing remarks, Alternative for Portugal leader Tulsi Gama said Portugal was at a crossroads between tolerance and openness or turning inwards towards "isolation and hate".

She said:

One more MP for the other parties makes no real difference but more AfP MPs will be truly transformative.

TAG(S): PORTUGAL, PORTUGUESE REPUBLIC, LUSOPHONE

[Puertollano]

Castillo Q&A

The World Worker: Puertollano and the FSR consider each other allies, does this mean Puertollano will support the FSR in Africa with its own military and will continue to cooperate with the FSR’s military ventures after Galicia?

President Castillo: Let me clarify something. The Federation of Socialist Republics did not support the Bolivarian Republic in Galicia because of a feeling of contractual obligation, the Federation joined our forces in the Socialist Federal Republic of Galicia to support the anti-imperialist struggle of the anti-fascist units in Galicia fighting against the European behemoth. That same logic can be extended to Africa. The Bolivarian Republic does not commit itself only in support of the Federation, a key and strong ally of our nation, but it does so out of an ideological and moral imperative to do something to take a sledgehammer to the imperialist world order. Take for example the Caribbean, you have the French and the Brits shaking in their boots after Operation Anti-Colonialismo, trust me, I know. It's about cutting some of the most powerful people back down to size. So, obviously, if there are revolutionary movements on the African Continent, they will receive our full-support and they will receive the full-support of the Federation of Socialist Republics.

The World Worker: Orostan has traditionally put the interests of economic development over the interests of native groups whose land Orostan has built infrastructure and industry over. Do you or the government of Puertollano believe that Orostan and now the FSR owes reparations to native groups for this?

President Castillo: When I speak to my comrades across the southern border, I always approach the subject of indigenous rights like this; they were the first victims of European colonialism and imperialism. When the Spanish and Portuguese crossed the Atlantic to our people they engaged in the systematic elimination of the native people of South America, this was replicated in North America, Oceania and so on and so forth. By simply observing developmental politics, our people have suffered a great deal at the hands of the Europeans. I don't listen to Wilbur Rostow, a paid CIA-hack, I listen to our native people, who I am one of myself. The Bolivarian Republic has extensively improved the conditions of our native and indigenous populations through our Missions, through the Indigenous National Assembly. The Federation of Socialist Republics could learn a great deal from the work and effort we have put here in the Bolivarian Republic. In that sense, I encourage the FSR to adopt our policies on indigenous people and of course, unending economic growth is not more important than the land and culture of your First Nations people. That is the socialist way.

The Continental Standard: What is your government doing in order to meet the requirements outlined by the Reykjavík Convention on Climate Change, and why aren't you doing more, faster?

President Castillo: Typical of a European journalist. Let me educate you. The Bolivarian Republic of Puertollano was on its' way to reach the expectations of the Convention maybe five years ago, we have surpassed any of your own goals. Renewable energy is at the core of our energy production now, our sustainable Missions have implemented solar farms and individual-family self-sustainability. So, the issue is not Puertollano, Puertollano is years ahead of many European nations. The problem, as we see it, is the lack of fundamental guidelines on the rights of the Earth. That is why the diplomatic corp of the Bolivarian Republic will soon issue the Rights of Mother Earth that will define the given rights of the Earth as unalienable and certain.

[Lusophone]

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2026 Election: Fillipe declares Conservadores as the 'main opposition'

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Carin Fillipe's Conservadores took just 35% of parliament seats against its rivals in the 2026 General Election, but it didn't stop her from claiming the 'opposition' mantle despite her party's failure to capture a majority. Fillipe pointed out that the 80 seats the Conservatives gained in the snap election was the best showing the party’s had since 2019.

The Conservadores party chair took up the the idea of "victory" when she addressed supporters.

We are now the main opposition party in Portugal,

she said to the crowd.

We are now the second party in the country,

Fillipe continued.

It is up to us to confront the dangerous agenda of the Left Bloc.

She also urged CHEGA! and Hyper Federalists to work with Conservatives in the National Assembly.

I'm calling on all patriots to join us in taking our country back. We can't let the Portuguese way of life erode. Together, if we resist, we will persist!

Conservative officials, milling around the post-election party, have said that an alliance with other right-wing parties, like CHEGA! and the Hyper Federalists could be a possibility. CHEGA!, Hyper-Federalists and Conservative senior leaders have reportedly been having growing discussions since Hyper Federalist leader Calahan Chaves first pointed out the idea on the campaign trail.

The 2026 General Election is a Left Bloc gamble that has shockingly, badly backfired.The deep underlying irony of the 2026 General Election is that it didn't have to happen. Assembly elections were not scheduled until 2029.

Prime Minister Hildred Cardoso called an early election on April, because she had good reason to believe she’d win by a massive margin. It was a chance for her no longer be an embattled Prime Minister with her own coalition, suffering a party rebellion and the impeachment of President Oluwakemi Taliscas.

Cardoso's gamble failed, the 2026 election resulted in the Left Bloc actually losing seats, and it’s mostly her own fault. The Left Bloc's campaign centered around Cardoso and her "cult of personality," but she was horribly wooden on the campaign trail.

The word “robotic” was commonly used in the press to describe her performance. She didn’t really speak to large audiences and rallies, and refused to participate in a debate among leadership candidates.

Cardoso gives an elitist, snobby impression... that she’s taking voters for granted

said a senior adviser to the LusoPolls polling group.

Carin Fillipe (Conservadores), Calahan Chaves (Hyper Federalists), Tulsi Gama (Alternative for Portugal), and especially Sara Palveiro (CHEGA!) all held big rallies showcasing their abilities to connect with the electorate. Steady performances in the face of the Left Bloc's blunders made rival parties seem like a fresher choices than most people thought.

The Left Bloc took 45% of National Assembly seats, followed by the Conservadores with 35%, according to near total results released by the Interior Ministry early today. These results mean that the Left Bloc, a coalition of left-wing parties which has governed for the past two years, will have 103 seats in the 230-seat parliament, down 7 seats and just 13 seats short of an outright majority.

Campaigning on increasing public spending and accusing Cardoso of veering to the right, Alternative for Portugal, a coalition of smaller hard-left parties that rebelled against the Left Bloc won 11 seats, 5% of parliamentary seats. Prime Minister Hildred Cardoso has already ruled out forming a new coalition with Alternative for Portugal, but said in her election night speech that she will seek to form a minority government.

Election turnout was at 54.5%, the lowest in a general election since Portugal's carnation revolution in 1974.

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Prime Minister Hildred Cardoso suffers major setback in the aftermath of 2026 Election

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LISBON — Prime Minister Hildred Cardoso suffered a major setback in a tumultuous election yesterday, losing her overall majority in Parliament and leaving her with fewer seats than she already had. The Left Bloc leader called the snap election three years early, expecting to cruise to a smashing victory that would win her a mandate to see Portugal through the next few years without resistance from her own ranks.

With all but one of the 230 seats in the National Assembly accounted for, Diario de Noticias reported that the Left Bloc would remain the largest party. But they only won 103 and are 13 seats short of a majority.

Portuguese are already wondering whether Mrs. Cardoso would have to resign.

One Left Bloc lawmaker said on national television that it had been a “dreadful campaign” and would force the prime minister to “consider her position.”

The right-wing Os Conservadores, led by Carin Fillipe, was projected to be on track for 80 seats, up 19 seats from 2024, significantly elevating Fillipe’s standing after predictions that her party would be further weakened.

Far-right party CHEGA!, led by former President Sara Palveiro, fell to 21 seats from 46, while the Hyper Federalists were projected to win 14 seats, up 13 seats from 2024.

This election's wildcard, Alternative for Portugal,a newly formed electoral alliance between smaller hard-left parties led by Tulsi Gama, also won 11 seats. Prime Minister Hildred Cardoso has already ruled out forming a new coalition with Alternative for Portugal, stating that she will seek to form a minority government instead.

Full Results of the 2026 General Election

Left Bloc: 103 seats Partido Progressista: 76 Democratic Socialists: 22 Labor: 5

Os Conservadores: 80 seats Os Conservadores: 79 Liberal Initiative: 1 (confidence and supply)

CHEGA!: 21 seats

Hyper Federalists: 14 seats

Alternative for Portugal: 12 seats Movimento Popular: 5 Os Verdes: 4 Communist Party: 1 LIVRE: 1

TAG(S): PORTUGAL, PORTUGUESE REPUBLIC, LUSOPHONE

[Lusophone]

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Oluwakemi Taliscas resigns

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Oluwakemi 'Kemi' Taliscas announced last night that she will resign as the 32th President of the Portuguese Republic at noon today.

National Assembly Speaker Naomi Pereyra will take the oath as Acting-President at noon to assume the presidency until a new president is elected in 50 days, as the constitution outlines.

After two years of bitter public debate over the Second Fantastic War and her subsequent impeachment, President Taliscas bowed to pressures from the public and the opposition to become the first President in Portuguese history to resign.

By taking this action,

she said in a subdued yet dramatic television address from Belem Palace,

I hope that I will have hastened the start of the process of healing which is so desperately needed in Portugal.

Speaker Pereyra, who spoke a short time later at São Bento Palace, the seat of the National Assembly, announced that she will observe her constitutional duty to assumes office with restricted powers until a new president can be inaugurated following an election. The Speaker praised Taliscas' sacrifice for the country and called it "one of the saddest incidents that I've ever witnessed."

The march of events that brought about the President's downfall reached its peak with Hildred Cardoso's botched snap election gamble.

President Taliscas said she decided she must resign when she concluded that it was impossible to govern since the

the opposition is hell-bent on obstructing the government at every point.

The results of the snap election weakened the Left Bloc and put opposition parties back on the rise, turning Oluwakemi Taliscas' conviction in her impeachment trial into just a matter of time.

The President acknowledged that some of her judgments "were wrong" in the televised address, but she made no confession of violating the War Powers Act which the National Assembly had impeached her for. In her admission of error, the outgoing President said:

I deeply regret any injuries that may have been done in the course of the events that led to this decision.

As for her sharpest critics, the President said,

I leave with no bitterness toward those who have opposed me.

She called on all Portuguese to

join together . . . in helping our country move forward.

President Oluwakemi Taliscas' brief speech was delivered in firm tones and she appeared to be complete control of her emotions. An hour before the speech, however, the President broke down during a meeting with old Assembly friends and had to leave the room. She had invited 46 MPs and colleagues for a farewell meeting at Belem Palace. Later, Cory Brandao MP, one of those present, said "she just told us that the country couldn't operate with a half-time President."

Oluakemi Taliscas has served more than 730 days as the 22nd President of the Portuguese Republic. She leaves office with 2 1/2 years of her first term remaining to be carried out by whoever will be elected President in 50 days.

TAG(S): PORTUGAL, PORTUGUESE REPUBLIC, LUSOPHONE

[Puertollano]

Puertollano to conduct 'seabed research' for secretive 2040 Plan

The Bolivarian Navy has announced that will be conducting a series of seabed research missions in the territorial waters of the Bolivarian Republic has part of a broader project called the 2040 Plan. The 2040 Plan was initiated by President Castillo nearly six months ago, but work has only recently begun. As part of the so-called 'seabed research', large equipment has seen being transported to the territorial waters of the Bolivarian Republic and Federation of Nativist Islands in the Caribbean. Similar work is being conducted in the Pacific, off the coast of the state of Ecuador and around the Galapogas Islands. The National Bolivarian Armed Forces of Puertollano have not given any more clarification on the matter other than it being part of the 2040 Plan, a confidential state secret.

[Bengal and Assam]

Identification Centralisation Act passes Legislative Council. Residents of Foreign Origin to be included.

Staff Correspondent, Mayuri Shin

Today the Legislative Council has passed the Identification Centralisation Initiative, a piece of legislation that has gathered both support and controversy around it.

The Identification Centralisation Initiative is a megaproject by the government to bring all sorts of identification and information certain branches of the government holds about individual citizens into one single highly secured system. According to Government House this will streamline Inter-Departmental/Ministerial communications and reduce bureaucratic delay in government, and also “reduce the weight of wallets” of individuals by bringing together all forms of identification, i.e Military Service Identifier, Drivers License, National Identification/HomeReturn Card, Welfare Recipent Card into one single piece of documentation, in the form of a smartcard.

On the other hand, regarding inter-departmental communications. For example, an individual is renting a place to live or work from; the property-owner/renter is suspicious and wants to see the said individual’s criminal history. The Property-Owner can contact the housing department, and the Housing Department can look up the individual’s criminal record themselves, only the things that they need to see, and pass it onto the homeowner. In our current system, which involves a lot of email and paperwork between the Housing Department and the Constabulary (or foreign governments in case the said individual came from outside the country), the entire process takes up to a week, sometimes even more. Once the proposed system is implemented, it will take only a couple of hours due to the entire process being semi-automatic.

According to the Immigration Office, residents of foreign/Commonwealth origin will be involved in the Identification Centralisation Initiative.
However, it also faces a lot of controversy, primarily related to so much information being centralised into the hands of the government, just a few keystrokes away, as well as concerns regarding hacking and data breaches. As of now, if a government department or private entity faces hacking, the hackers only obtain information relevant to that particular entity. However, in this case, hackers would obtain a huge haul of information according to certain specialists.

AD by the Ministry of National Defence

[The East African Commonwealth]

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The Afrika Times

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Amity Fleet Prepares for Expansion

Over the last two years the Amity Fleet has been quietly building itself up and establishing itself across the world in the shadow of the EAC's military build up, leading to the organization often losing funding to more pressing projects. However, even with reduced staff, resources, and funding the organization has still completed construction of Amity R&D in Vancouver, Amity Academy in Paris, and Amity Shipbuilding and Repairs in Hobart. This is in addition to the expansion of Amity Command in Zanzibar and the construction of four new Amity Frigates. Internally, the organization has been picky with its staff due to budget cuts leading to an increase in performance and ability of the staff of both the ship crews and the land-side personnel. With new infrastructure, modern ships, and reliable crews the Amity Fleet has been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to show its effectiveness and now it appears it will have the chance. Early last week, Rais Nuru announced that military funding will be receiving a cut and a portion of that spending, 3.2 Billion, will be given to the Amity Fleet to resume its stalled operations. The head of the fleet, Admiral Kutoa, stated that the news "Was later then he had liked, but welcomed nonetheless." Shortly after this announcement by the Rais the Fleet made the following statement:

....The Amity Fleet will now begin operations from both our vessels home ports and the headquarters for each of our department headquarters around the world. We are excited to once again be in full operation and extend an olive branch to the international community. The Fleet will also begin continued funding of the International Medical Exchange and the Global Education Initiative which had fallen to the wayside due to budget concerns. We will begin looking for nations willing to host the headquarters for our Mapping and Medical departments and offer home ports for the CV Enterprise, CV Horizon, and the CV Pathfinder. The Fleet has also begun reviewing missions for our ships and will be reaching out to allies and begin making plans for the future on deployments and outreach efforts. The Fleet is considering designs for the expansion of new ships to incorporate into our operations, including the establishment of a flagship for the Amity Fleet. Lastly, the fleet will be looking to establish warehouse to house emergency medical equipment and supplies in international locations in order to have a rapid restock operation in the case of a medical emergency. We look forward to severing not just the EAC but the international community in the coming years.

Admiral Kutoa
Commanding Officer of Amity Fleet
Zanzibar, EAC

CV Enterprise undergoing Sea Trials off Hobart

The Fleet itself appears to be taking their CO's words to heart as today the CV Venture, the Fleet's de-facto flagship, departed Syracuse to mount an archeology expedition off the coast of Egypt, something that had been shelved due to low funding. The ships which had been sitting in Zanzibar without home ports are now being cleaned and prepared for operations as well, signaling the Fleet itself is expecting to be in full operation soon. We have also heard reports from Hobart that the Amity Shipbuilding is draining its three dry-docks in preparation for construction of new vessels. It seems that the Fleet is anticipating that its return will be a more permanent one this time, but no one can be sure that the organization will remain funded for the following year. Regardless, Admiral Kutoa and the Fleet appear willing to do what they can with this opportunity.

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| Military Drills Ending, Forces Stand Down | EAC Government Calls for Meeting Amid Scandal in Madagascar | Amity Academy Prepares for Second Year|

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[Anxiety Cafe]

11 July 2026

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ECONOMY AND BUSINESS | ARTS AND LETTERS | GOVERNMENT | SPORTS | SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY | MILITARY | INTERNATIONAL

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Cows, Soy, and Now Corn: GMO's

Rachel Chan is San Martinia's premier research on genetically modified crops, and that doesn't appear to be changing any time soon. As a biologist at the National Scientific and Technical Research Council and a professor at the National University of Litoral, she and her team created a drought- and salt-tolerant soybean, which began commercial growth in 2019. To do this, she used a gene from sunflowers, which are for more hardy plants. But she didn't stop there. Her lab released a paper claiming to have had a breakthrough on a similar process with maize, another of San Martinia's key crops. And San Martinia is ready to put the fruits of her labor, and the labor of many other scientists, to work.

San Martinia has long been a proponent of genetically modified agriculture; it first grew GM soybeans in 1996, and has since become one of the world's premier growers of GM crops. Additionally, the nation is one of the world's largest producers and exporters of transgenic seeds. Genetically modified crops normally do not need to be differentially labelled and only regulates them on a case-by-case basis.

Genetic modification is not limited to plants, however. Scientists from Bio Sidus, a San Martinian biotechnology company, have led the field in genetically modified cows. So far, they've been able to make cows with increased milk production, with human proteins as found in breast milk, and with insulin, which can be purified and used by diabetics.

Biotechnology research in San Martinia doesn't seem to be stopping soon. There is continued interest in using such techniques to increase food supply, as in with agriculture or farm animals. But there are also endeavors into using the techniques to improve aquaculture, and even conservation efforts. And minimal restrictions on the research has encouraged many to conduct their experiments in the country.

The efforts are not without their critics, however. As in other nations, many fear genetically-modified food for perceived "health effects." However, no scientific evidence supports such false claims; in fact, there is a consensus among the scientific community against it. Others are more concerned about the potential environmental effects. They worry about these genes entering populations beyond their intended usage, affecting wild ecosystems. While preventative measures have been taken, difficulties remain for gentically-modified crops, which remains an issue today.

However, the benefits of such work clearly outweigh the risks. Since the introduction of Dr. Chan's genetically-modified soybean, soybean production has increased 30%. This is only set to become more important as climate change continues to wreak havoc on the world's environments; such research will be of dire importance to maintain and improve the world's food supply.

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In Other News: Politicians "concerned" about usefulness of the CSN as Puertollanoan delegation proposes bills and mocks others, but still refuses to follow international law; President Sánchez faces criticism for halting African refugees but encouraging Galicians; Los Libertadores historical drama gains record high viewings; Introduction of non-native predators into Tierra del Fuego to eradicate the invasive North American beaver being considered; Ancud's first skyscraper could arrive within as little as five years as office space becomes increasingly scarce

[Lusophone]

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Naomi Pereyra takes over as Acting-President

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In her first address to the nation as Acting President, Speaker Naomi Pereyra donned a black dress to mark the "somber" moment in the Portuguese Republic's history.

I am acutely aware that you have not elected me as your President by your ballots, and so I ask you to confirm me as your President with your prayers. And I hope that such prayers will also be the first of many.

My fellow patriots, our long national nightmare is over, our constitution works, our great Republic continues and our government's work for equality and justice goes on.

Pereyra's televised address aimed to calm a politically divided Portugal and to clarify the country's path to political stability and prevent gridlock.

Following Oluwakemi Taliscas' resignation, Naomi Pereyra, the Speaker of the National Assembly, will constitutionally assume the presidency with restricted powers until a new president can be inaugurated following a new election.

The Speaker announced that the date for the special presidential election will be set for 27 August, with a run off scheduled two weeks later if no candidate wins at least 50% of the vote or secures at least 40% with a 10-point margin over the closest competitor.

Pereyra also announced that she would not stand in the election, as doing so would be “dishonest,” and vowed that her main priority as President is to facilitate a clean process. She stated that she intends to return to the National Assembly as Speaker after she's fulfilled her role as the caretaker of Portugal's democratic transition of power.

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Cardoso fumbles cabinet reshuffle

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Oluwakemi Taliscas' final act as president was to accept Hildred Cardoso's proposal to form a minority government. But when the time came for a government reshuffle, with ministers not budging and getting their own way, Hildred Cardoso seemed like a pushover.

Far from asserting her authority, the cosmetic changes to the Prime Minister's cabinet she unveiled on Monday highlighted her failure to wield her political power.

Hamstrung by her inability to move leverage key figures and constrained by the need to preserve the fragile balance of power around her Cabinet table, the Prime Minister largely stuck to the status quo.

In a sign of just how fragile Cardoso's authority has become, an attempt to move her former ally, Sheryl Saraiva, from Science, Technology and Higher Education (Innovation) to Culture and Society ended with Saraiva refusing to take the new job and leaving government altogether.

Apart from Saraiva's resignation, Cardoso's reshuffle also saw the resignations of Secretary of State for Defense Michelle Fortes and Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Pramila Janota.

Secretary of State for the Interior Cierra Marcelino got her requested assignment to Defense and so did Secretary of State for Justice and Public Ministry Amy Linhares, reassigned to Interior. Secretary of State for Culture and Society Kirsten Guardado was moved to Justice and Public Ministry as well.

Cardoso's most eye-catching move was the revamp of the personnel at Left Bloc Campaign Coalition. The multi-party machine did not just fail to deliver a hoped-for hefty National Assembly margin in the snap election, but lost the Left Bloc their working majority.

Outflanked by an army of enthusiastic right wing grassroots supporters, Cardoso's promotion of a younger, more diverse crowd to the party leadership reflects widespread concern that the party failed to appeal to younger voters. The party chairman has also been replaced by Tomas Eduardo Perez, the former Labor Secretary for late former President Marcelo de Sousa.

TAG(S): PORTUGAL, PORTUGUESE REPUBLIC, LUSOPHONE