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PostPosted: Sun Sep 03, 2017 11:33 am
by Afalia
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Conservatives Dismiss Claims of Internal Fights Over Belisarian Free Trade Deal Policy
Liberals Warn Afalia's International Influence and Position Will Fall with a Lucas Win
Latin Politicians Amongst International Figures To Criticise Lucas Free Trade Deal Policy
3rd September-Last Updated 18:40 AST-For facts and truth in a dangerous world

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Roger Lucas left his family home in Blackdon this morning amid reports of internal fights over his BC free trade policy.


THE CONSERVATIVES HAVE dismissed reports of internal fights and disagreements between the traditionalist and moderate factions over party leader Roger Lucas' Belisarian free trade deal policy. Mr Lucas' criticism and promise to re-negotiate the trade deal, signed between Afalia and the Belisarian community in 2000, has become an unlikely political issue in the last days of the campaign. Mr Lucas, a firm supporter of the Traditionalist Coalition, adopted their skeptical attitude towards the BC deal as part of the Conservative manifesto, a move that took many by surprise, especially members of the party's moderate Centrist Alliance faction. Reports first outlined in the Blackdon Daily Journal have shown that prominent members of the Centrist Alliance are attempting to either remove or tone down Mr Lucas' rhetoric on the BC trade deal ahead of polling day on Thursday.

The reports of internal disputes come as politicians from the international community have expressed skepticism and disquiet at the Conservatives' free trade policy. Speaking off the cuff to journalists on Saturday the Belisarian High Commissioner Florentine Verruscosi, from Latium, expressed surprise at Mr Lucas' and the Conservative position on the trade deal, 'I see very little to gain in tearing up the agreement,' he said, 'Would we be open to renegotiation? Well, if things play out in Mr. Lucas's favor, I can't say that what I've seen gives me much hope. But we'll see.' Mr Verruscosi was joined by the Latin consul Alexander Pompilius, a member of the centre-right United Latium, in criticising the Conservative policy, 'Latins, and by extension all Belisarians, have benefited from this agreement. Afalians have benefited from this agreement. What is the issue? It is my hope, regardless of the election results, that the agreement remains in its current form.'

The Liberals have seized on the comments suggesting in a press release late on Friday that a 'Conservative election win would result in a fall of international influence and respect for Afalia, alongside the dangers of tearing up an agreement that has brought us prosperity.' Treasurer of Afalia Eleanor Dawkins, speaking to the public on the campaign trial answered a question from a floating voter with regards to the Conservative policy, saying 'All the economic indicators and all the economists have shown and agreed that the trade deal has increased our prosperity, increased Afalian businesses' trade with the BC and increased the stability of our economic standing.'

Privately Liberals have also said that the reported splits within the party show the weakness of the Conservative position. One unnamed Liberal cabinet minister told the Journal that, 'the fact that you have a centre-right party in Latium criticising the Tories on this one, and Roger Lucas in particular, shows how far off he seems to be.' Commentators believe that part of Mr Lucas' policy has been his attempt to draw away right wing voters from National Afalia where, in rural areas, they are doing well. 'National Afalia's economic isolationism and protectionism certainly seems to be a motivation for Lucas' policy. He's trying to, possibly unsuccessful, steal back this constituency,' Dominique Bellows, a political scientist from the Institute of Afalian Government said in response to this paper's questions today.

Analysts however say that the chances of Mr Lucas reversing his position are unlikely given the solid polling lead the Conservatives are enjoying and the dominance of his right wing Traditionalist Coalition faction. Ms Bellows added, 'Currently we're looking at Lucas and the Conservatives winning with 170 seats in the Commons, a very large majority. While the Centrist Alliance may cause some problems for Lucas overall he will have a good grip if our predictions are right.'

The comments from two senior Latin politicians on the international stage are two clear examples from what many foreign policy analysts have identified as a worry over the free trade deal policy. While most politicians will not express official views most commentators believe that Mr Lucas' policy of re-negotiating the trade deal or withdrawing would be largely unwelcome, especially amongst Belisarian Community members, as a needlessly destructive and risky enterprise. Markets reacted poorly to the reveal of the policy by Mr Lucas and while they have recovered have seen jitters across the election campaign.

Polls will open on Thursday for election day between 7AM and 10PM across Afalia's time zones. A record 18 million people are registered to vote in the elections with turnout expected to be high. In the last week both the Liberal and Conservative campaigns are expected to return to their broadly central themes, the Liberals promising continued stability and prosperity with radical social and political reforms while the Conservatives will make restoring a strong, growing economy their central plank and appeal to value voters against 'Liberal university style experiments,' opposing their social reform policies.

In a special ecumenical service in Blackdon today the Prime Minister Jessica Shaw, Roger Lucas, Martin Jones and Robert Ziimtoo, joined the Archbishop of Cantwell and Archbishop of Kingwalk, heads of the Church of Afalia and Catholic Church in Afalia, for a prayer for 'peace, fairness, justice and decency as the campaign draws to a close and polling takes place.' Afterwards the four party leaders took part in a Traditional Aafaliiaan blessing ceremony in central Blackdon.

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PostPosted: Thu Sep 07, 2017 9:16 am
by Afalia
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Afalia Heads to the Polls
Final AfPoll Prediction Puts Conservatives Ahead 5%
Lucas Expected To Become PM With Sizeable 36 Seat Majority
Very High Turnout Expected As Record 18 Million Voters Register
First Senate Elections in History with voters electing an upper house for the first time
7th September-Last Updated 17:00 AST-For facts and truth in a dangerous world

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18 million people are entitled to vote across 300 Commons constituencies and 112 senate seats with approximately 3,500 polling stations across Afalia


VERY HIGH TURNOUT is expected in the Afalian general election where voters from across the country have been voting for their MPs and up to 4 senators from each of Afalia's 28 counties. The final AfPoll for the Blackdon Daily Journal put the Conservatives ahead of the Liberals by 5% on the eve of the election with both Labour and the Traditional Aafaliiaans likely to see losses. The polls suggests that Roger Lucas will become Prime Minister and lead a Conservative government, returning the party to Fairfax House after eight years in opposition under the Liberal ministries of Christopher Kelly and Jessica Shaw. Meanwhile the Conservatives are also expected to be the largest party in the brand new Senate with far right, anti-immigrant party National Afalia also expected to win up to ten seats in the new upper elected house.

Ahead of the poll Mr Lucas expressed 'quiet confidence' at the outcome of today's election saying, 'I am confident the Afalian people will choose change and vote for a Conservative government to lead themselves out of the Liberal mess and into a brighter future.' Jessica Shaw told journalists she was not nervous saying, 'I'm glad the campaign's over. I won't second guess Afalians. The polls will say what they'll say. We'll see what happens after they're closed but I'd like to thank everyone in the Liberal Party for their work and wish everyone the best of luck.' Privately Liberal party insiders have conceded that the uniformity of the polls suggest a Conservative victory is 'extremely likely.'

Insiders from the Labour and Traditional Aafaliiaan parties have also admitted that 'the polls don't look good for us. But I hope we'll surprise the pollsters.' National Afalia's leader Henry Rollings said the 'consistent polls ratings' his party had received proved that 'ordinary, real Afalians were responding to our message against these establishment traitors in Blackdon.' Predictions of the standings in the House of Commons based on yesterday's AfPoll have given the Conservatives an easy victory and predict that the Lucas ministry would have a sizeable 36 seat majority in the Commons:

House of Commons Prediction (From AfPoll 6th September 2017)
300 Seats
151 Needed for a Majority
Conservatives 168
Liberals 100
Labour 18
Traditional Aafaliiaans 7
National Afalia 4
Others and Speaker 3

The prediction would also see National Afalia jump from one seat to four in the Commons and see losses for both members of the Coalition, Labour and Traditional Aafaliiaans.

The Afalian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) will have live, continuing coverage from the close of polls at ten tonight throughout the night. An exit poll will be broadcast by the ABC shortly after the close of exit polls. The first key results will be known from midnight onwards. If polls are right a Conservative victory will be confirmed from approximately one or two o'clock onwards. Polls are open across Afalia until 10:00PM with eastern time zones closing first until Afalian Western Time Zone closes two hours later.

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PostPosted: Thu Sep 07, 2017 1:33 pm
by Lacus Magni
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Latium | International | Local | Sport | Faith | Economy | Culture | Science | Opinion
Senate Rejects ‘Regions’ Proposed Devolution Bills
City of Castellum, Castellum ab Alba, Latium
By: John Afinius (@RALPolitics)


Castellum: A week’s long debate regarding the proposed devolution of municipalities and cultural centers took a sharp turn today, when the Senate voted to reject three bills proposed by the EEK and Voice for Gelonia senators. The measures failed to gain widespread support among Senators across nearly all party lines, in a rare show of bipartisanship. The three bills, Gelonia Act, Latium Act, and Byzantion Act, were rejected by a 550 to 123 vote, with 4 abstentions. All but 3 of the 19 senators from Gelonian majority constituencies voted for the measure. The bill also saw little support from present life senators, only gaining 2 of the possible 54 life senators – only 7 life senators were present for the vote.

The three EEK and Voice for Gelonia backed bills would have seen a dramatic shift in Latium’s long-standing government structure from a strong centralized, unitary government to a federal system in all but name. EEK leader, Senator Anna Kinnmos said that she was, ‘disappointed in the refusal of [her] proposal, but [she’s] not deterred.’ The sole Voice for Gelonia senator, Arthur Lagadec, echoed Kinnamos’s statement, but added that, ‘the time for an autonomous Gelonian government is long overdue’ and ‘and given the Emperor’s and Consul’s recent blunders, I’d say they each owe our people this much.’ Citizens–Popular Alternitive leader Felix Procilius recently announced his party’s support for successful devolution.

The Emperor, and by extension, the Imperial Offices refused to comment on Senator Lagadec’s comments that Emperor Constantine ‘owes the people,’ but Imperial Offices again stated that the Emperor remains supportive of devolved governments and ‘is diligently working with His Ministers and Councillors on a workable solution.’ Consul Pompilius, however, was quick to shoot back by calling Senator Lagadec ‘entitled’ and ‘delirious if he thought that monstrosity of a bill’ would ever gain enough support. Pompilius’s own party, United Latium, soundly rejected the recent measure, with 411 of the party’s 416 Senators voting against.

After the failure of the minority’s attempt to institute it’s version of local and regional government reform, speculation has begun to mount as to whether we will see Emperor Constantine directly involve himself with the promised bill from United Latium. In the past, it has not been unusual for an Emperor to be heavily involved in the writing, drafting and support of a strong legislative agenda. Reports from close to the Emperor suggest that he intends on working with the Consul on a solution, with an anonymous source from within the Imperial Offices saying that “[Emperor Constantine] would very much like to see some meaningful reform…and not simply the empty promises we’ve all come to see from the Senate.” As to whether or not those comments indicate that the Emperor would eventually present his own plan to the Senate is unknown. However, the Private Senatorial Secretary to the Consul, Senator John Daedalus, recently confirmed that a devolution bill ‘is currently being drafted’ by United Latium senators.




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    © 2017 RAL, Conlegium Corona

PostPosted: Fri Sep 08, 2017 4:29 am
by Afalia
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Afalia Wakes Up To a Hung Parliament
Conservatives Largest Party But 4 Short of a Majority
Liberal Losses Offset By Gains against Labour and Trad. Aafaaliiaans in Disastrous Night for Coalition
Labour leader Martin Jones loses his seat
National Afalia Gain 2 Seats
Senate Split With No Party in Command of a Majority
First Hung Parliament in Afalia since independence and first for 82 Years
8th September-Last Updated 09:00 AST-For facts and truth in a dangerous world

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Election counting continued throughout the night with neither major party emerging as the winner with 151 seats.


AFALIA HAS WOKEN up to its first hung Parliament in 82 years with no party having overall control of the House of Commons. The Conservatives are the largest party in the Commons with 147 seats, 4 short of the required 151 for a majority. The Liberals lost seats to the Conservatives in eastern areas but gained a number of shock wins against traditionally safe Labour and Traditional Aafaliiaan seats. Overall their net loss of seats was only 9 leaving them with 144, just 3 behind their Conservative rivals.

A disastrous night for the coalition of Labour and Traditional Aafaliiaans saw their seats decimated. Labour lost 24 seats with party leader Martin Jones losing his Port Wright North constituency to his Liberal challenger. The Traditional Aafaliiaans lost 8 of their 11 seats. The far right National Afalia party saw a five percent swing and gained two seats to make them equal in seats as Labour and ahead, by 1, of the Traditional Aafaliiaans. All other minor parties, including the Harling Independence Party, lost their seats.

The results have been a major shock with most polls predicting an easy and sizeable Conservative victory. Markets have dipped dramatically upon opening this morning with uncertainty over the next government. Both the Prime Minister Jessica Shaw and Conservative leader Roger Lucas are due to make statements shortly before or after lunchtime. Mrs Shaw visited the Blackdonian Palace early this morning for a meeting with the Queen and it is thought Mrs Shaw will continue in her role as Prime Minister until the Queen invites either her or Mr Lucas to form a government. Such a government will have to show it can command the confidence of the House of Commons.

The Conservatives fell 4 seats short of the required number for a majority despite all opinion polls predicting a sizeable majority. The exit poll broadcast by the ABC upon the close of polls at ten gave the Conservatives 160, a smaller but still considerable lead over the Liberals. The exit poll also greatly overestimated Labour and Traditional seats.

The New House of Commons
300 Seats
151 Needed for a Majority
Conservatives 147 (+44)
Liberals 144 (-9)
Labour 3 (-24)
Traditional Aafaliiaans 2 (-9)
National Afalia 3 (+2)
Speaker 1

On 147 seats the Conservatives require 4 more seats to reach 151, a majority of 1 in the 300 seat Commons. In reality the Speaker’s usual non-interference and principle of never voting except to break ties means that 150 would give the Conservatives and a coalition or supply and confidence partner a majority of just 1. Discussion about the prospect of a supply and confidence deal began on ABC in the early hours of the morning with a number of options available to the Conservatives though none of them an ideological fit.

A coalition or supply and confidence deal with both Labour and the Traditional Aafaliiaans would give the Conservatives 152 seats in the Commons, a majority of 2, though in reality a working majority of 3 excluding the speaker. But the Traditional Aafaliiaans, in a press release early this morning, said they will not work to support a Conservative government suggesting a possible break in the usually uniform coalition of Labour and Traditionals for the first time since 1952.

In contrast Labour, under defeated leader Martin Jones, told reporters this morning outside his house in Port Wright that ‘I would be happy for Labour to support a Conservative government in confidence and supply matters provided there were some basic ground rules, principles and deals worked out.’ Mr Jones also ruled out resignation. The ideological gap between the left wing Labour party and the Conservatives is large and a number of senior Labour officials have privately expressed ‘extreme skepticism’ at the possibility of a confidence and supply deal with the centre-right Conservatives.

A deal between the two would give a Roger Lucas ministry a majority of 1, excluding the Speaker, making it possible to form a government. The Conservatives have said in a press statement that they have the ‘moral right to govern’ but popular vote results have shown that the Liberals are actually ahead of the Conservatives in terms of numbers of votes, a situation not seen since 1969.

The prospect of the Liberals continuing in government has been largely dismissed by commentators. While both Labour and the Traditional Aafaaliiaans would seem like more natural fits with the Liberals such an arrangement would give a Liberal government only 149 seats, at least 1 short of a majority and open the government up to defeat in a confidence vote. Despite likely losing government the results of the election have been hailed as a ‘remarkable turnaround,’ for the 8 year term Liberal party. Party insiders however have suggested that Jessica Shaw will likely resign as party leader after the election defeat.

Henry Rollings, the leader of the far right National Afalia party, has congratulated his party for their results which saw the single seat, held by Rollings, increased to 3, equal to Labour and 1 seat above the Traditional Aafaliiaans. Mr Rollings’ party gained in western, rural areas in seats previously held by Labour and the Conservatives. Speaking to the Journal former Liberal Prime Minister Patrick Collins warned of the ‘now very real danger of the far right, racist, nasty nationalist National Afalia party essentially running the government.’ Mr Rollings told reporters this morning he was willing to work with the Conservatives to secure a government as long as ‘they respect our victories and the ordinary people of Afalia who want change on immigration and other areas immediately.’

A coalition of the Conservatives and National Afalia has been ruled out by members of the Conservatives already, especially among the moderate Centrist Alliance faction. However some factions of the Traditionalist Coalition party faction, of which Roger Lucas is a member, have said that they ‘could work with them on a supply and confidence basis and some of their immigration policies.’ A deal with National Afalia would see the Conservatives, once again, on 150, a practical majority of 1.

In the new Senate full results are not yet known but no party is anywhere near the 57 seats needed for a majority in the proportional chamber. The Conservatives are currently the largest party with the Liberals not far behind. Despite losing badly in the Commons both Labour and the Traditional Aafaliiaans have done well in the Senate while National Afalia has won nearly 10 seats from a variety of counties in the west and north. Full results of the Senate will not be known until later today.

Analysis
This was the one result nobody expected. Not since 1935 and never since independence in 1952 has Afalia produced a hung Parliament. For the Liberals the results will be comforting. Expected to lose 50 to 70 seats they managed a net loss of only 9 and gained, dramatically, in areas they'd never played before. Despite this their time in government looks set to end. For the Conservatives meanwhile serious questions will need to be asked. In August when the campaign begin Conservatives and neutral commentators alike touted this as the 'unloseable election' for the Tories. Today Roger Lucas will be attempting to form a supply and confidence deal with either the left wing Labour party or far right National Afalia, neither options appealing. Labour and the Traditional Aafaliiaans have nothing to do but lick their wounds with the final insult of the night being Martin Jones loss to his Liberal challenger by 1,000 votes.

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PostPosted: Fri Sep 08, 2017 9:17 am
by The Demphorian Kingdoms
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Buchanan crime family busted in largest Demphorian crime bust of the century
231 arrests conducted on the East Side Mob

Ormania, Demphor – A major mob bust in Westingham has led to the arrest of 231 members and associates of the Buchanan crime family, including many high-ranking members.

The mob figures are scheduled to be indicted Friday by the Westingham Marshal Attorney's Office on royal charges including racketeering, wire fraud, narcotics selling and murder, according to the Westingham Times. The defendants include head boss Hugh "The Count" Buchanan and the entire entourage of his underbosses, including his sons James "The Punisher" Buchanan and Bill Buchanan.

The charges make reference to the East Side Mob's attempts to influence the local gas market, with the Royal Security Bureau for Westingham stating that they possessed video and audio recordings of members of the family conspiring to racketeering, as well as to admitting their role in the local narcotics trade in Westingham. Meetings were conducted in small groups, and messages constantly going out via a "deep web" communication site used by the family, which was hacked by the Royal Security Bureau. The Westingham Marshal Attorney's Office also charged 12 police officers with conspiracy related to the case.

PostPosted: Fri Sep 08, 2017 12:44 pm
by Sydalon
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Sydalon | Global | Local | Sport | Faith | Economy | Culture | Opinion
King Jordan IX Suffers Stroke
Ostracine, Sydalon
By: Didon Aedu (@AeduDi)


Ostracine: As all Sydalonians have come to know, The King has continued to suffer from declining health. And today, when there were numerous reports of on-site and even additional medical personnel being called to Palis du Aultaville, rumors of King Jordan’s health were again becoming topic of discussion and were trending on Sydalonian social media. But tonight, a spokesperson from the Royal Chamberlain's Office confirming that King Jordan IX has suffered a stroke.

‘At 8:42 this morning, His Royal Majesty suffered a stroke. His Majesty promptly received medical attention and remains in critical condition,’ announced Adeodat d’Rossu from the Royal Chamberlain Office. Mr. d’Rossu was joined by the King’s physician, Dr. Didon Oda and outlined what steps were being taken to make the King comfortable and improve his condition. However, Dr. Oda added that the survival following a stroke of this nature ‘could go either way, but [the medical team] is doing all [they] can for His Royal Majesty.’

When answering questions during the brief time allotted to the media, Mr. d’Rossu confirmed that Crown Princess Melisende was on hand at the palace and had been working with the cabinet and attending to King Jordan throughout the day. It is not expected that The Crown Princess will make a public statement regarding the King's health. Prime Minister The Lord of Ibelina issued a statement that he has arrived at the royal residence to see the King and Crown Prince. Prime Minister Ibelina has asked that 'every Sydalonian pray for the King's health.'

King Jordan, already suffering from dementia, has been under the regency of his granddaughter and heir, Crown Princess Melisende, since news of his initial diagnosis came to light in September 2014. The King, age 79, has made few public appearances since 2014, but due to house law has been unable to formally abdicate.




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    © 2017 Verruscosi Media Corp.

PostPosted: Sun Sep 10, 2017 2:02 pm
by Sydalon
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Sydalon | Global | Local | Sport | Faith | Economy | Culture | Opinion
The King is Dead, Long Live the Queen
Ostracine, Sydalon
By: Didon Aedu (@AeduDi)


Ostracine: This morning the Royal Household announced that of King Jordan IX had passed away at approximately 10:32 this morning. King Jordan had been in poor health since his was diagnosed with dementia in 2014, and had been under a regency since then; he recently suffered a severe stroke early Friday morning, which left him bedridden. The King was reportedly with his wife, Queen Dido, and his children and grandchildren when he passed. King Jordan was 79 years old.

King Jordan IX was born on 29 June 1938, and was the eldest child of Queen Dido IV and Prince consort Alaric Balthig. The King’s reign first began in August 2000, lasing for 17 years of peace and prosperity for the Sydalonian people. The King was served by three First Secretaries over the course of his reign, and sought stronger ties economic ties with the powers of Belisaria, as the Sydalonian-Belisarian Trade Agreement. The King was married twice and is survived by his wife Queen consort Dido, his four children Princes Francis, Jordan, and Alexander, and Princess Rhea; and his four grandchildren.

The King was succeeded by his granddaughter and regent, Crown Princess Melisende, who immediately assumed the responsibilities of Monarch after the King’s passing. Crown Princess Melisende had been speculated to assume the regnal name ‘Dido’ in memory of her great-grandmother, the most recent Queen regnant of Sydalon. It was announced by the Lord Chamberlain that the Queen had elected to retain her Christian name as her regnal name, making her Queen Melisende III. The Queen announced a mourning period of two weeks in memory of the late King, after which it is expected she will be coronated.




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    © 2017 Verruscosi Media Corp.

PostPosted: Mon Sep 11, 2017 8:05 pm
by The Demphorian Kingdoms
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Demphorian population predicted to increase by 2027
Experts say the increase will be smaller, but outliers suggest otherwise

Ormania, Demphor – Demphor's population grew by 5.6% in a period between 2004 and 2017, which is the largest in it's modern history. To put that in perspective, between 1994 and 2004 Demphor's population grew by 5.6%.

Now, National Census workers are set to make a bold prediction, anticipating that by 2027, Demphor's population will grow by 4.5%, hitting over 70 million people. The rapid expansion is nothing new: The Demphorian population entered a period of rapid expansion in recent years, in lieu of an expanding economy of the 1990s and 2000s. Now, members of that boomer generation of the 90s are entering their 30s and 40s and growth would be expected for years to come, with some predicting a 12% increase in population, or around 75 million citizens.

However, one huge event has put a dent in that growth: The Great Revolution. The 3-year political turmoil that plagued Demphor in recent years might hinder Demphor's future population growth in addition to it's economic strengths. While ideally, experts say, the generation of 90s boomers may be a strong, potential generation for population growth, they're warier of getting married. The economy, while good, is also growing slowly and recovering at a reserved pace from the civil war. More realistic predicts indicate that the population will increase by about 3 million, or a 4.5% growth over the next ten years. Demphor's population as a result will be 70 million strong.


Demphor to review sanctions against Estoni, Rietumimark
State Department vows sanctions may get 'tougher' and 'more efficient'
Ormania, Demphor - The Demphorian State Department on Monday announced plans to ratchet up sanctions yet again against ozoliņšist Rietumimark and the People's Republic of Estoni, planning on exploring farther reaching penalties then previously instated by the Demphor in 2003.

While the sanctions being planned in Ormania are described the most extensive yet, the President will have to review and approve the sanctions. The sanctions are reported to win backing from all the members of the National Defense Council, but President Eibhlín has allegedly objected to the original language calling for a total energy embargo and other severe penalties — with member of her staff suggesting last week that such additional sanctions would be counterproductive and possibly destabilizing.

President Eibhlín is set to make a decision on Thursday night.

PostPosted: Thu Sep 14, 2017 2:27 pm
by Lacus Magni
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Latium | International | Local | Sport | Faith | Economy | Culture | Science | Opinion
Senate Committee Supports ‘Devolution Acts’
City of Castellum, Castellum ab Alba, Latium
By: John Afinius (@RALPolitics)


Castellum: The first hurdle in the creation of devolved local governments for Gelonia and Byzantion have finally been reached, after what are colloquially being called the ‘Devolution Acts’ have passed the Senate Committee on Oversight and Reform by a 7 to 4 vote, and soon after received approval from the standing committee on public laws. The proposed legislation, officially named individually as the Gelonian Government Act and Byzantion Government Act, had both entered committee simultaneously on 7 September. Before the two proposed acts were brought to committee, Consul Alexander Pompilius offered his support, stating that, ‘these bills reaching committee is a big step for Latium.’ The Consul also stated that he was proud of the work United Latium senators and staff members put into these two bills.

The Devolution Acts, if passed in their current form, would see the creation of a local senate for the regions Gelonia and Byzantion. Each act allows county level governments to opt-out of joining or falling under the jurisdiction of the proposed sub-national, devolved governments. The proposed governments would be similar to the capital region government first formed in the 1970s, and the creation of the Greater Alba government. Unlike the Castellum Local Government Act of 1974, there will be no elected executive, such as the Mayor of Castellum in the case of Greater Alba. Executive authority in the proposed devolved governments would remain to be exercised by the Emperor, though allows for a representative of the Crown to be appointed for each government in the future should the Emperor wish. The local senates, named the Gelonian National Assembly and the Byzantion Senate will be similar in form to the national Senate, as unicameral legislatures with an Exarch serving as the head of government, similar to that of Consul, or a prime minister in other national systems. Each Exarch will be ‘appointed by’ and ‘serve at the Emperor’s pleasure.’

Each Act will lay out the powers of each sub-national government, and remain subject to change by the Senate or Monarch with the required legislative approval. The acts provide that only the powers specifically delineated within the acts are provided to the sub-national governments, with Senator, and Senatorial Private Secretary to the Consul, John Daedalus stating that, ‘all those powers not provided in the acts will remain in Castellum [with the Senate].’ Those delineated powers have not yet been provided to the public and are expected to be announced some time before the Senate vote. Should the Senate pass each devolution act, the proposed laws required that the matter be then brought to citizens residing in Gelonian and Hellene majority counties. This differs from the rejected Party of Regions proposal, which would have seen citizens of Gelonian and Hellene ancestry eligible to vote, provided their parents were born in Gelonian or Hellene majority counties. Belisarian citizens living within the area will not be eligible to vote.

Lord Speaker The Lord Anemas of Sicinia has scheduled the Gelonian Government Act for a vote on 25 September at 1:00 pm, and Hellene Government Act for 3:00 pm. Most experts believe each will pass, with strong bipartisan support, even if there is some push back from more conservative senators within United Latium.




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    © 2017 RAL, Conlegium Corona

PostPosted: Wed Sep 20, 2017 11:58 am
by Lacus Magni
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Latium | International | Local | Sport | Faith | Economy | Culture | Science | Opinion
Seven Dead, Thirty Wounded as Terror Strikes Oxonia
Laetoria Aedificium, Oxonia, Canirbri, Latium
By: Maria Turasia (@M_TurasiaRAL)

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Local authorities and Praetorian gendarmerie elements assess the damage in Oxonia, 20 September, 11:19 am



Oxonia: Local authorities in Oxonia responded to an explosion this morning at Laetoria Aedificium. It wasn’t until Praetorian armed police and officers arrived that the incident was first discussed as a terrorist related incident. Deputy Director John Peducaei of the Frumentarii office in Gelonia first made mention that the explosion was being investigated as a terrorist attack this afternoon. The explosion rocked the 200 to 300 block of Via Devana at 10:23 am BST. Witnesses stated that a white, windowless work van circled the government building at least three times before later parking in front of the facility. CCTV footage from the surrounding area corroborated these witness reports.

A second explosion was heard at approximately 10:30 am BST, this time on the west end of the building. Police were quickly alerted to the attack, and later announced a death toll of seven with over thirty individuals, mostly pedestrians, wounded. At 1:41 pm, Deputy Director Peducaei announced the explosions as a terrorist attack.

The Gelonian National Front (GSB) claimed responsibility for the explosions, and the attack over social media at 12:02 pm. The GSB cited the increasing talk of devolution and lack of discussion on independence as the primary reasons for the attack, stating that “Latin promises of devolution will fill patriotic Gelonians with a false sense of importance and meaning. The only true way to achieve this is through the immediate secession and independence of a sovereign Geloinian nation.” The GSB threatened to attack Castellum to prevent the vote on the Devolution Acts, and reiterated that the attacks will “become more violent and more frequent” unless their demands for independence were met and demanded a boycott of the devolution referendum. The GSB has been designated as a terrorist organization since 1972.

Emperor Constantine was quick to respond to the attack, calling them “barbaric” and that “attacks against innocent civilians have no place in a civilized society.” The Emperor announced he would visit Oxonia this week. In the Senate, Consul Pompilius responded to the attacks by offering his deepest sympathies to those that lost loved ones, and heralded local and Praetorian officials for their rapid response. Consul Pompilius also stated that the Devolution Acts vote “will go on as planned…we will not be deterred by thugs who hide in the shadows.




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    © 2017 RAL, Conlegium Corona

PostPosted: Wed Sep 20, 2017 12:54 pm
by Rietumimark
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Rietumish Tautas Jaunumi Aģentūra
Rietumish People's News Agency

Rietumimark Condemns Demphor’s Aggression

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Demonstrators in the Autonomous People’s Republic of Deweden, filling up the streets of Deroburg in protest against Demphor.


by Laimdota Rinkēvičs - 20 September, 2017
SLAPJSZEMESGRAD, RIETUMIMARK - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has harshly lambasted the rogue and reckless actions undertaken by the Kingdom of Demphor, Élbannin and Duís theocratic imperialist regime and open support its illegal occupation of the northern half of the Autonomous People’s Republic of Deweden, and the fascist thug, the so-called 'President’ Eibhlín, support of the trumped-up allegations of abuse by Rietumish Security forces against the Dewedish majority in the region and its plans to act further sanctions against not only Rietumimark, but also our brave, comrades in Estoni. Only adding, to the growing mountain of evidence, of the Gentrys' intention of attacking and/or destabilising Rietumimark and the entire continent of Belisaria in the process through the spread of lies and propaganda.

The Ministry of Media & Telecommunications has released footage of tens of thousands of ordinary Deroburgian assembling in Nessa Square, in the centre of the city, to protest the Demphor’s imperialistic agenda to spread its fascist yoke to the Autonomous People’s Republic overwhelmingly irreligious population. "This is only further proof of what the Rietumish government has been saying along," said Ilze Lavroviš, the wife of activist Edgars Lavroviš, a proud Catholic his entire life, who working to enlighten Catholics abroad of the misinformation being propagated by the likes of the Ghantar. “All we Dewedish want to do is live in peace and harmony. And yet, in spite of all the facts, the Gentry imperialistic and expansionist dream to unite all of Belisaria under their hegemonic, indirect rule via vassals, continues to push the world closer and closer to war. Please, if you have any hearts, the so-called freedom loving people of Ajax would live up to their beliefs and end the mercilessly push, by the Ghantar and their puppets, to go to war with Rietumimark. Anything you hear about ‘Christian oppression’ in Rietumimark is false and if you don’t believe me, get off your high horse and come to Rietumimark to see for yourself.”

First Secretary of the Dewedish Front for Prosperity, the leading party for Ozoliņš thought in the Autonomous People’s Republic, has called for a day of rage against Gentries, their client states, and the Ecclesiastical State following the news made by so-called ‘President’ Eibhlín further sanctions against the Ozoliņšist Republic. Close to 50 thousand people took to the streets of the Autonomous People’s Republic of Deweden calling the immediate withdrawal of all foreign forces from the Dewedish Authority. "This is yet another example of the Gentries acting with impunity and pulling more their puppet strings," said singer/songwriter and Paramount Leader Janis Ozoliņš' eldest daughter, Emily Ozoliņš, during a rally in the capital of the APRD. “They think they can bully the Rietumish people into submitting to their rule, forcing us to follow their policies, unlawfully occupying our people, make blatantly false allegations that we persuade our fellow comrades in arms. No, it is the time we show them that Rietumimark will be bullied around by foreign powers no longer, it's time to show the imperialists Deweden and Belisaria are their's to plunder no longer!”


"The independence of Rietumimark and Deweden is at stake, whether Rietumimark will be ruled by corrupt Catholic zealots with their pockets with the Gentries imperialists or the free people of Rietumimark will be decided over the coming days," said First Secretary of the Dewedish Front for Prosperity told the crowd during a rally in Deroburg. "I wholeheartedly condemn the rash actions of the Demhpor and its abrupt escalation of tensions in Belisaria; all in the name of expanding Ghantar influence and commend the actions of the people of Deweden, whether they be Christian or Atheist, in supporting the government in this trying time. I call on all those who in Ajax want to perceive the people, to implement a complete economic against zealots. Furthermore, I urge the regime to immediately release our citizens and turn around the arms shipments in the name of maintaining regional stability.”

The Central Military Commission has approved the deployment of some mobilisation 5,500 reservists combat troops from the Autonomous People’s Republic Dewedish Protection Corp, with additional support personnel. “This news coming out of the Demphor is threatening the very existence of Rietumimark and the Dewedish Protection Corps need all the manpower they and get to defend the APRD from foreign aggression.” said a spokesman for the Central Military Commission. In addition, the Ministry of Defence has ordered the mobilisation of 100 thousand additional reservists and is expected to accelerate the mobilisation of the Rietumish Revolutionary Armed Forces so that all military formations are at wartime strength, with this news.

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PostPosted: Fri Sep 22, 2017 9:41 am
by Afalia
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Lucas Sets Out "Radical" Government Agenda Ahead of State Opening
First Priority "Repeal and Restore Afalian Values", Belisarian Free Trade Deal and New Budget Also Highlighted
22nd September-Last Updated 17:00 AST-For facts and truth in a dangerous world


THE NEW PRIME MINISTER Roger Lucas has outlined his plans for government one week after his appointment to the office. Mr Lucas became Prime Minister after a week of negotiations between the Conservatives and 3 seat Labour party saw the two parties form a supply and confidence deal that gives Mr Lucas an effective majority of 1. Despite losing his seat and widely opposed by senior party members Labour leader Martin Jones negotiated support for the Conservatives by his 3 Labour MPs, a decision opposed by their coalition partners the Traditional Aafaliiaans who split with Labour for the first time in 65 years. Mr Lucas' Conservatives, who were 4 seats short of an overall majority, were forced to negotiate after the first hung Parliament in Afalia in 82 years.

Speaking to journalists outside Fairfax House, where the final items from Mr Lucas' former home are being transferred to, the Prime Minister said he was unveiling a 'radical plan for Afalia which will restore us economically, socially and internationally.' In his short ten minute speech Mr Lucas heavily criticised the former Prime Minister Jessica Shaw and her Liberal party for 'taking Afalia for granted' and said that 'eight years of Liberal mismanagement has been ended.' Despite his confidence Mr Lucas admitted that he was 'disappointed by the election results' but said that his party had won 'the moral right and now the actual right to govern,' despite Mr Lucas' Conservatives actually coming nearly 50,000 votes behind their Liberal opponents.

Mr Lucas said his deal with Labour proved that 'ideological beliefs can be put aside for the good of the country and its stability,' and that, 'now we have stability we will begin to dramatically improve things for the better.' The Prime Minister said his top priority would be the 'repeal of Liberal radical social agenda and the restoration of true Afalian values,' resurrecting a phrase that caused controversy in the campaign. He promised his party would immediately repeal key social reform legislation, including the soft drug legalisation act, no fault divorce reform, Traditional Aafaliiaan land councils and Supreme Court powers.

Other key areas Mr Lucas highlighted was the prospect of a new budget to implement his long promised corporate tax cuts and tax reform, income tax cuts for the lowest and highest earners and a new flat rate of inheritance tax. He said that the budget from May, overseen by the former Liberal treasurer Simon Hue was 'bad economics' and promised a new budget by the end of the year, suggesting early December as a possible date. Mr Lucas also spoke briefly about re-negotiation for the Afalia-Belisarian Free Trade Deal of 2000, a significant and unexpected campaign plank not shared by many Conservative MPs. Although Mr Lucas said no concrete meetings or deals had been proposed he said he was 'studying the opportunities a re-negotiation or withdrawal would bring ordinary Afalians.' A late Fairfax House statement clarified no formal moves towards re-negotiation had been issued.

Despite setting out an ambitious agenda the new Prime Minister is likely to face a series of hurdles. His party, with support from Labour, has only 150 seats in the Commons, which technically falls short of the 151 needed for a majority. Despite this, the principle of the independent Speaker's job of not voting except to break ties means the new Lucas ministry has an effective majority of 1. In the Senate too Mr Lucas will have to negotiate with both the centre and the right as his Conservatives are far from the 57 needed for a majority there. The far right National Afalia, who won 3 seats in the Commons, have indicated they will support the Conservatives new proposed December budget if it meets certain conditions on immigration but Conservatives on the moderate Centrist Alliance faction of the party have urged Mr Lucas to promise to not negotiate with National Afalia.

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PostPosted: Sat Sep 23, 2017 6:11 am
by Afalia
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Queen Gives Birth to Baby Girl, Royal Proclamation Names Her Princess Lucia
23rd September-Last Updated 14:00 ACST-For facts and truth in a dangerous world


HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN has given birth to a baby girl, the Blackdonian Palace has announced. Queen Amelia was taken to hospital in the early hours of the morning and had a 'safe and normal delivery,' the Queen's private physician announced. A royal proclamation issued outside the Blackdonian Palace at half past one said that a baby girl had been born to the Queen and Prince Frederick at approximately six o'clock this morning and named the child as Lucia, Princess of Verena. The new princess is second in line to the throne after her older brother, Prince George, who was born in 2015.

Speaking to journalists outside the Blackdonian Palace the Queen and Prince Frederick's press secretary confirmed the royal couple were 'resting at St Thomas' Hospital in central Blackdon and will return home this evening with the new Princess.' The press secretary said that the Queen and Prince Frederick were 'overwhelmed with joy once more at the birth of their second child.' He also asked journalists to 'continue to respect the privacy of the royal couple and household, particularly during this period.'

The full name of Princess Lucia was revealed as Lucia Emily Allora Laura Anetnfoi-Blackdon. Although the reasons for the names have not been revealed Lucia is likely to be a reference to Amelia's grandmother, the Queen grandmother Lucia Chanders who was married to King George I from 1948 to his death in 2013. Emily is likely an anglicised version of Prince Frederick's mother Emílíe and Princess Lucia's own new granddaughter, Allora in reference to Allora of Ghant, Lucia's great grandmother and Frederick's grandmother and Laura possibly a reference to the Queen's sister Empress Laura of Valyria.

The birth of Princess Lucia means that the Queen is likely to miss the State Opening of Parliament on Monday, which would have included a speech read by Her Majesty from the new Senate instead of the House of Peers, for the first time in Afalian history. It is possible a fellow royal or senior member of the Queen's council will read the speech in her place.

It is expected that the Queen and Prince Frederick will present the baby to members of the public from the balcony of the Blackdonian Palace at some point tomorrow. The Prime Minister Roger Lucas told journalists this afternoon that he was 'overjoyed at the announcement of the new baby. It's like having a baby yourself.' The leader of the opposition Jessica Shaw and party leaders Martin Jones, Robert Ziimtoo and Henry Rollings all congratulated the royal couple via twitter. The Archbishop of Cantwell, who is expected to baptise the baby in the near future, said he would ask all members of the Church of Afalia and 'everyone else' to pray for the best for the new baby and its family.

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PostPosted: Sun Sep 24, 2017 7:05 pm
by The Demphorian Kingdoms
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Demphorian representatives on N.E.C.C. Board introduce new sanctions bill
Demphorian Defense Forces call up reserves

[blocktext]Ormania, Demphor – The Demphorian representatives to the Northern Economic Cooperation Council introduced a proposal in a closed door session early on Monday morning on new sanctions against the Rietumish government in Slapjšzemesgrad, diplomatic sources told Ormania Daily Herald-Tribune, as the international community steps up efforts to punish the pariah state as tensions increase in the Dewedish crisis. The Demphorian proposal puts forth a new package of measures, including a ban on investments in the Ozoliņšist regime and on NECC exports of oil, food and foreign aid.

Demphor wants NECC members also want to blacklist more Ozoliņšist individuals and entities, a move that would freeze their assets in the Cooperation Council and ban them from entering its territory. "We hope that these new measures will be approved in full by the Board," said a statement from the Demphorian State Department. "We desire that the NECC maintains a strong position on the matter in any way it can." Demphorian representatives hope the move will be formally approved by a meeting of the Northern representatives next month. Demphor hopes that economic sanctions will deprive the Ozoliņšist regime of the resources it needs to pursue its interests in the Dewedish crisis.

The move suggests that for now, at least, the Demphorian government is still committed to applying economic pressure rather than military action, despite Demphor's two military divisions in Deweden being placed on alert. This comes as well as the Demphorian Defense Forces have issued a general order to call up two more divisions to be combat ready in the next month, and new military exercises will take place in the first two weeks in December. Initial numbers suggest that the exercise will consist of 30,000 troops and include simulated marine landings, vertical envelopments and tank battles. It will be known as Operation Shimuteir Fall.

PostPosted: Mon Sep 25, 2017 6:43 pm
by Lacus Magni
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Latium | International | Local | Sport | Faith | Economy | Culture | Science | Opinion
Senate Passes 'Devolution Acts'; Holds Moment of Silence
City of Castellum, Castellum ab Alba, Latium
By: John Afinius (@RALPolitics)


Castellum: The Senate carried on with it plans to vote on the two bills that have been dubbed the ‘Devolution Acts.’ The two separate pieces of legislation were similar in all ways, except for the territory that is proposed to fall within the jurisdiction of the planned sub-national governments. The vote was slated to be held at 1:00 pm, ignoring claims of the GSB that they were ‘ready to carry out an attack against’ Castellum and the Senate if a vote was held. Before Lord Speaker Anemas opened the Gelonia Act — first of the bills to be voted on — for voting, Emperor Constantine XX was present was for a moment of silence and prayer led by Auxiliary Bishop Theodorus Afinius. The Emperor would meet with families of the victims at the Palace of Augustus afterward, while the Senate began voting.

Voting on Gelonian Government Act began as scheduled, with the final vote tally seeing the measure pass, 439 for and 230 against and no-votes. Twelve life senators voted in support, with 18 against. The bill was expected to pass by a wider margin, but lacked support from more conservative members of United Latium and most surprisingly over 20 members of the Hellenic National Party, who touted both ‘Devolution Acts’ as not wide-reaching enough in the powers delegated to the proposed sub-national governments. The Hellene Government Act would also pass two hours later, at the scheduled vote time, by a vote of 473 in favor and 192 against, with 8 no-votes or abstentions. The Hellene Government Act saw a greater number of EEK support for the bill, as was the same for United Latium with all Hellenic constituencies in favor. However, the bill lacked widespread support of the ethnically Hellenic life senators, with 9 of the present 13 voting against the legislation.

Both Devolution Acts are expected to obtain Imperial assent as early as this Friday, as Emperor Constantine has repeatedly expressed his support for the legislation. Once the legislation is enacted, two popular referendums will scheduled to take place before the end of 2017, announced Senatorial Private Secretary to the Consul and Senator John Daedalus (UL). Senator Daedalus hinted that it was possible each referendum could be held simultaneously with local elections, which are slated to be held in November. The referendum language, which has not yet been released, has been confirmed to be presented on ballots in Latin and either Gelonian or Hellenic based on the county.




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  • Emperor congratulates Queen Amelia of Afalia and The Duke of Blartleo on the birth of their second child. [ 11982 ]


    © 2017 RAL, Conlegium Corona

PostPosted: Sat Sep 30, 2017 5:09 am
by -Elerrina-
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BREAKING: PM Echanar Narathon Resigns in Feud with Emperor!
PM Narathon announced early this morning he would be resigning after talks with Emperor Tindómon failed

Minion Tyelima (@MTyelimaNews) (Information Publications Commission)
June 6, 2022 12:15 PM | Iscaost, Elerrina





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The PM's resignation comes after weeks of feuds with the White Throne over foreign policy RNC photo


Iscaost — In an early morning address outside the steps of the Samarad, with only a few minutes of warning to the press, the Prime Minister, Echanar Narathon, has announced that he resigns as Prime Minister of Elerrina, effective immediately, just one year before the next general elections, and after three years in office as Prime Minister.

The now former Prime Minister stated that he resigned due to "an inability to work and function alongside the Monarch in a role that has become expected and necessary in the past decades. The White Throne does not wish to cooperate with my government, and thus, I tender my resignation as the leader of it, effective immediately."

This shocking announcement comes as a high point in the very public tensions between the Prime Minister and Emperor Tindómon which all began approximately four weeks into summer, around the middle of June,when Prime Minister Narathon announced that he and his government were planning on introducing a number of economic reform laws, aimed at modifying, lowering or removing a number of economic barriers that they deemed were harming both the Imperial economy and any future prosperity - the reforms were understood to be the first step towards the Prime Minister's eventual goal with securing expanded trade with other countries, specifically ones in Belisaria or Oxidentale, whom he and a large number of both representatives, and the public, claim will help to expand the Imperial economy and to encourage rapid, and or widespread growth as well, as they believe merging domestic and foreign markets will offer robust diversity for which the economy to thrive in. This sentiment has been around for decades, it gained a large amount of traction beginning in the 1980s with the government's National Academics policy which saw an introduction of a number of laws and policy initiatives across all Imperial ministries that encouraged and offered ways and incentives for Imperial citizens to attend educational institutions for longer, and to increase the quality of said institutions to ensure a highly educated, and prepared, Imperial populace. The policy of course was one part of the two stage plan that also saw the Government encouraging citizens to employ this new education towards better paying careers in more sophisticated industries that were at the time, small or under-developed within the Empire, such as financial services, Information Technology, software and hardware development and production, so called "luxury" industries, as well as many more, hoping to funnel citizens into careers in these fields rather then traditional ones such as heavy industry and agriculture. Of course, the Government hoped to take success from this and export it, increasing a large volume of trade with foreign markets but that has yet to see large scale fruition outside of the Lólindir Compact - a trade deal with Afalia that was a initiative of the Emperor's late father, Ondindo the Younger, and has been the sole example for proponents of increased interaction with foreigners as evidence that it works, though to which degree is still a topic of sore contention.

Emperor Tindómon has historically rarely gotten along with the reformers, despite the fact that they have more or less been in power for the last four decades, the party name changed and internal campaign promises varied but all but two of them have included expanded foreign relations as a goal, and the closer to this year you got, the more of a cornerstone that particular item was on the campaign trails. The White Throne was initially very receptive to reforms, and indeed it was His Imperial Majesty's father and predecessor Ondindo the Younger that initiated a large set of reforms that paved the way for these, but the current Emperor does not seem as inclined as his father to support this progressive minded legislations and reform packages; he's been rated, and known for, being the most conservative Emperor in the last century, which is ironic seeing as his house began as the main inventors of this wave of reform.

With the Prime Minister's resignation, the Diatad Party, as it controls a majority in the Dalathri by seventeen seats, has the next week to chose their new party leader through their own internal rules and mechanisms, at which point the new leader will go through the traditional ceremony of being invited to the Azure Palace to be asked to form a government in His Imperial Majesty's name, however there have been some rumors for the past month that they would have a hard time selecting someone who could convince the Emperor to collaborate on this political issue, and that they may even decline to select a new leader, though that has no historic precedent and is considered unlikely, just as much as the rumors of the White Throne refusing to invite the Leader if and when one was selected to form a government; even for a conservative Emperor, that would be extraordinary and unprecedented.

Needless to say, the next week will be highly interesting as the Opposition looks to respond to this; in the pact the two sides, both Government and Opposition, had their dividing lines clearly drawn but this past year as seen a great deal of inter-party support to ensure legislation is passed through swiftly, and with the financial year set to end in the next month, a new budget discussion is looming around the corner, as well as the fight with the eastern provinces over increased devolution powers, so whomever that is going to assume the Premiership is going to have some large tasks to knock out first.



Minion Tyelima contributed to this report.



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PostPosted: Sun Oct 01, 2017 9:23 pm
by Ghant
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| NATIONAL NEWS | LOCAL NEWS | ECONOMICS | WORLD |
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2017-2018 GHL season set to begin
A review of the offseason's expansion, draft, trades and more
By John Igara | GHISH
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(Ghish, Ghant)- The GHL has awarded the coveted 32nd club to the old northern city of Jehenna.

Commissioner Marco Beduma announced that the League has granted an expansion franchise to Jehenna that will start playing as its 32nd team in the 2017-18 season. The Jehenna franchise was approved in a by a vote of 30-1conducted during a recent Board of Governors meeting (with the lone dissenting vote coming from nearby Gauekoizarra).

The Jehenna franchise will be the city’s first in the GHL, having last fielded a professional club in 1930 as the “Jehenna Wildcats” which participated in the Northern Hockey Association. When the NHA folded after the 1929 season, the Wildcats were not one of the clubs absorbed into the GHL (those being the Arrautsa Flames, Dakar Royals, Gauekoizarra Gazers and Goeporta Gulls). This will be the GHL's first expansion team since the Moro Salamanders (named after another former NHA club) came into the League in the 2015-2016 season.

The League will receive a $460 million expansion fee from the Jehenna Sports and Entertainment Organization, comprised of local businessmen and lords who pooled together and spearheaded the Jehenna expansion bid and will be the franchise's principal ownership group. The $460 million will be distributed equally among the existing 31 teams.

The approval of the Jehenna franchise comes on the three-year anniversary of the GHL announcing the Board of Governors authorized a formal expansion process. A year after that announcement, Moro was awarded the 31st franchise, while a 32nd was “anticipated,” while “other bids were being more carefully considered.”

Dabri Olumboru, spokesmen for the Jehenna ownership group, said that they hope to have the name of the team and its logo in place by the start of the 2017-18 season so they can start selling merchandise. He said that they are currently conducting polls and surveys in the Jehenna Salia, and that the current overwhelming favorite is “Wildcats,” due in large part to the NHA club that played under that name.

Jehenna will be the eighth team in the Arctic Division and the 16th in the Northern Conference. The GHL has 16 teams in both the Northern and Southern Conference for the first time. Commissioner Beduma stressed the importance for balance within the conferences.

The Jehenna franchise will play its home games at the presently named Jehenna Arena, which is located in the downtown business district of the northern city. "It is a great venue and it was built with hockey in mind," Commissioner Beduma said. Olumboru proclaimed that the club was sold out of season tickets and has sold all of the luxury seats in Jehenna Arena, reflecting demand for hockey in the crazed northern market, which beat out bids from several southern cities, including Onmutu for a second club.

The GHL announced an expansion draft that will take place during the offseason to build the Jehenna franchise. The goal for the expansion draft is to give the franchise a viable opportunity to be competitive right away while also respecting the existing clubs. Like with the Moro Salamanders expansion draft in the 2015 offseason, the Jehenna franchise must select one player from each of the existing 30 teams, including at least 14 forwards, nine defensemen and three goalies. It must select a minimum of 20 players who have existing contracts that carry through the 2017-18 season and the average annual value of the total contracts it takes on must be at least 60 percent of the league average salary, 68 million.

The soonest that Jehenna can buy out any of the contracts it takes on is July 2018. The existing 30 teams will have the option to protect seven forwards, three defensemen and one goalie, or eight skaters regardless of position and one goalie, from the expansion draft. Any player with a "no movement" clause in his contract at the time of the expansion draft must be protected and will count toward his team's protection limits unless the player agrees to waive his no-movement clause.

All forwards and defensemen exposed for the draft must be under contract for the 2017-18 season. Teams must expose a minimum of one defenseman and two forwards who played 40 or more games in the 2016-17 season, or 70 or more games in the previous two seasons.

Goalies exposed for the draft can either be under contract for the 2017-18 season or scheduled to become a restricted free agent in the summer of 2017. In order to expose a goalie entering RFA status, the team must extend him his qualifying offer before submitting its protection list. All first- and second-year pros and all unsigned draft picks are exempt from the expansion draft and will not have to be protected.

Jehenna will be inserted into the 2017 GHL Draft Lottery with the same odds as the team that finishes with the third fewest points in the 2016-17 season. It will be guaranteed to have no lower than the No. 6 pick in the 2017 GHL Draft and will own the third pick in each subsequent round.



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The Jehenna Wildcats logo bears a strong resemblance
to the one used by the NHA club of old.

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Home uniforms

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Road uniforms

UPDATE:
JEHENNA -- The Jehenna Wildcats unveiled the name, logo and inaugural jerseys they will use as the 32nd team in the GHL.

The Wildcats largely based their logo, colors and jerseys on the previous Jehenna Wildcats that played in the Northern Hockey Association, which folded in 1930 after its most successful clubs joined the GHL. The team’s colors -- grey, gold and black – reflect the colors of the Kingdom of Jehenna’s flag and the ruling house, House Jehan.

Olumboru said other names were considered, but that in the end, “Wildcats” seemed like the obvious choice, based on the history of the name in Jehenna. The original NHA club was so named after the Wildcats that inhabit the wilderness in the Kingdom.




Notable Offseaon Draft moves and Trades:

After over a decade of being the perennial basement dweller of the GHL (much like the defending Vikandi Cup champion Gadea Carp were in the 90s), the Manatu Trunkos may have finally caught their big break.

With the first overall pick for the second time in three seasons, the Trunkos selected highly touted center Nolan Hardenguy. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound center is considered to be the best prospect of the past decade. Hardenguy, 18, has been in the spotlight since 2012, when Hockey Ghant granted him exceptional-player status to enter the Southern Junior Hockey League draft as a 15-year-old, one year earlier than usual, while going on to win the SJHL Rookie of the Year Award in 2015, then played for his native Gahen at the 2016 Ghant Junior Championship as a 16-year-old, one of seven players to do that.

Hardenguy's journey toward widely expected GHL superstardom officially began when the much maligned Manatu Trunkos selected him with the top overall selection in the draft. No player has entered the league with such hype since Olio Belagorri nearly a decade ago, and Hardenguy's level of celebrity within the game already may rival what Belagorri was dealing with when he joined the GHL in 2010.

Elsewhere in the draft, the Lianu Reds took a big risk with the 30th overall pick when they selected Prince Peter of Latium, son of the Latin Emperor Jason Augustus and the Ghantish noblewoman Marsella Atmos. The highly touted Latin junior league player was said to be a risky pick because, like most Latin junior league players, would be highly unlikely to leave Latium to play in Ghant.

Future Hall of Fame coach Tubbi Campo disregarded the risk, and selected Prince Peter in spite of that. “In my mind, he was the best player on the board at the time we picked,” Campo said after the pick in an interview. “And if he’s going to come and play in Ghant, then it’s going to be for the Reds.” The two time Vikandi Cup winning coach of the Reds has come under fire in recent years for a lack of playoff success and questionable personnel decisions, and is entering the 2017-2018 season at the end of his contract and with his future with the club in doubt. The pick has been highly criticized by Reds fans and by league followers across Ghant as a “reach” and a “publicity stunt.”

The big trade of the offseason was the one made between the Mondyn Rangers and the Ghish Imperials.

Ghish Imperials Receive:
Tancred Roalda
Ulf Jajaro
Doogi Arruzazabala

Mondyn Rangers Receive:
Ander Maxila
Alex Zarley
Geoff Boras

The Imperials have been lost in disappointing playoff exits since their last trip to the Finals in 2012, where they lost to the Dakar Royals in six games. While they have stars like Olio Belagorri and John Manura there still had a couple of big holes -- notably a No. 2 center and a shutdown defenseman.

What the Imperials did have were Ander Maxila, who had stepped up when Belagorri was hurt and piled up points, and Alex Zarley, a good defenseman. With Belagorri getting healthy again, Imperials GM Bermudo Casares did what all good GMs do -- he traded from his excess to fill his needs. Casares sent Maxila, Zarley and prospect Geoff Boras to Mondyn for a package that included Tancred Roalda and Ulf “the Gunslinger” Jajaro, who's hockey profile reads:

"Jajaro possesses a high level of puck skills, broad rink vision and sense, and smooth skating skills. Rink vision and passing skills are critical to breaking the puck out of the defensive zone, and that's what Jajaro does best. It’s his ability to complete the first pass successfully that leads to the second, third and fourth passes up ice. Jajaro can quarterback an entire game through puck distribution decisions, and he can literally dictate which zone the game will be played in by his decisions and successful execution of plays, and can generate many scoring chances through transition and offensive zone blue line play."

With Tancred Roalda projected to serve as the No. 2 center behind Belagorri and Jajaro providing the kind of crease-clearing help the Imperials haven’t had in over a decade since their run of three straight championships from 2001-2003, the Imperials may have the missing links they need to return to the Finals and win.

As for the Rangers, not having made the playoffs in recent years and facing a closing window on a good return for Roalda and Jajaro, they did get a good return with players that are under contract and can receive more considerable playing time and opportunities in a weaker Northern Conference. Boras has a lot of upside as a young player that could grow into something special for the Rangers over time.

PostPosted: Mon Oct 02, 2017 2:45 pm
by Leasath
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Vannois | international | locale | sport | religion | économie | divertissement | alimentaire | opinion
Imperial Palace reportedly open to Constitutional Referendum
2 October 2017
Saint-Nazaire, the Vannoisian Empire
By Jérémy Mignard, Political Corespondent (@LeCitpolitique)

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The Prime Minister, who was reportedly left out of the loop on word from the Office of the Emperor

SAINT-NAZAIRE - His Imperial Majesty the Emperor has reportedly signaled that he will allow a constitutional referendum to go forward at the request of opposition MP Élaine Vaillancourt and her party. The decision, which has not yet been confirmed by any party including the Palace, Vaillancourt's inner circle, or in fact the Office of the Prime Minister, comes after months of protests and agitation across the nation by primarily young students. Traditionally a major support demographic for the Emperor and his wing of parliament, these youth feel as though they themselves are under attack by modern conservatism in a way unheard of since the late 1970s, when they stood with the now-Dowager Empress Teresa and Pascal Robichaud in fighting for a democratic Vannois.

After widespread discontent was made known to the general public during the visit of the Prime Minister to Arthurista for talks with other heads of government, there were talks throughout summer between members of Vannois First -- namely leader Élaine Vaillancourt and her first lieutenant, shadow Interior Secretary Joseph Lemaire -- and the Imperial Palace, who maintained a delegation of nobility and at times even the Emperor himself according to various leaks over the past months. Though little was though of the meetings -- they had neither the participation nor even the most tacit of support from the incumbent conservative Government -- it is now apparent that much was hashed out between the two present sides. With the supposed consent of the Emperor and the obvious enthusiasm shown by Vannois First and their membership, it is now only a question of "when" rather than "if" Vannois will see the chance for a constitution encoding the laws of the Empire in stone.

The date of any referendum is not yet known, though it is assumed that the leftist opposition VdA will push for an early vote prior to the scheduled general elections in May of 2018 in order to capitalize on boosting party memberships and excitement over the referendum; they will surely hope to translate this to the general election if they are able. As for the apparently blindsided Union for a Popular Movement and their leader, Prime Minister the Duke of Périnesse-Toucourt will assuredly get behind a late referendum date, preferably in the middle or end of 2018 in order to avoid any groundswell in opposition support affecting the uncontested hold on power currently enjoyed by the UMP in Parliament. While ultimately the date is up to the choice of His Imperial Majesty when taking into account the fact that this will affect the future of the office of the Emperor of Vannois, it is now up for interpretation whether he will agree with his long-time (former?) ally the Duke in allowing the vote after the general elections, or if he will surprise the nation yet again in aligning with the liberal Vannois First.

In Other News
*Prime Minister, Cabinet reportedly in emergency strategy meetings
*Opposition to hold internal talks over possible response to awaited referendum announcement
*Emperor, family to holiday for three weeks at secluded Antolles Castle

PostPosted: Tue Oct 03, 2017 12:13 pm
by Liothidia
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Erster Kaiser pledges Liothidia's support for Deweden against "Satanic Cult" regime of Rietumark
Erster Kaiser Heinrich I's speech has been followed by a major sanctions package being presented to the Versammlung.
Peter Kaufmann
18.07.17 | Vechta, Imperial State of Liothidia




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His Imperial Majesty made the remarks in a speech at the Imperial College Vechta.


Vechta, Liothidia, Imperial State of Liothidia — His Imperial Majesty, Erster Kaiser Heinrich has declared that “in Rietumark we find a regime bereft of humanity, any sense of morality and any sense of civilisation. It is a regime dedicated to obliterating every aspect of humanity that defines its separation from primates in the jungle. Rietumark is a stain upon Belisaria, it is a stain upon humanity, it is a stain upon the North and its time of reckoning nears.” State Minister Viktoria von Carstein has put to the Assembly of State, the most severe sanctions package in the nation’s history.

Speaking at the Imperial College Vechta to over 1,000 students, the Erster Kaiser issued his most withering attack upon the totalitarian regime of Rietumark. He compared the regime to a “Satanic cult imbued with false senses of security, one that believes that it is immune to fury, to justice and Godly reckoning. One that is a stain upon Belisaria, it is a stain upon humanity, it is a stain upon the North and its time of reckoning nears.”
“We will have to ask ourselves, how long can all God-fearing people continue to permit the crimes committed daily by the Rietumish? How long can all God-fearing people continue to turn the other way, for what? Peace? Prosperity? Harmony? These nothings are nothing, if they’re built upon inaction towards evil, and that is what marks the regime of Rietumark. Evil. Liothidia is and always will be a noble nation, one built upon the Catholic Faith, patriotism, honour and respect and ignoring evil is something that is anathema to Liothidia’s very soul” he said further, receiving applause from the students.

He used his speech to address Queen Annabelle of Deweden directly, “to her majesty, Queen Annabelle I say this, we stand with you, the Liothidic nation stands with you, I stand with you, my family stands with you and your people. You are not alone, you will never walk alone, you will not face Rietumish evil alone, your peril is our peril, your suffering is our suffering and together I am certain, Deweden will be one again and you Queen of all free Dewedish.”

His Imperial Majesty’s speech was followed, perhaps coordinated, by State Minister Viktoria von Carstein’s announcement of a new sanctions package against Rietumark. This includes a complete ban on all Rietumish goods entering the Imperial State, while all Rietumish owned or run businesses in Liothidia being given 24 hours to shut down. She also announced a complete ban on all remittance payments made by Rietumish workers in Liothdia, while all Rietumish assets owned by the communist regime will be frozen.

All Liothidian companies currently engaged in business with Rietumark will have 72 hours to sever those ties, while serious financial punishments will be handed out to any further effort to do business in Rietumark.
In her address to the Versammlung she said, “we have here before you, the most powerful and indicative sanctions package ever produced by His Majesty’s Government. We have here, a clear declaration of the Imperial State’s intention. We are to cease all economic activity with Rietumark, we are to cease all civilised interaction, we are to cease treating them as if they were equal to us.

“We know, as does every other good Liothidian, that they are not equal to us. They are not equal to any Catholic, they are equal to a malignant mass, sucking the life out of innocents. To treat them as equal, to do civilised business, is to lie to ourselves and a disgrace to our good nation’s name. The Liothidic Realm, is greater than that. We are greater than all that would call themselves noble. It is our responsibility, as the protectors, custodians and leaders of Belisarian civilisation to stand upon against evil, be it in the form of a socialist, a republican, a subservient and morally deviant. It is our responsibility as the First Nation to confront all threats to Belisaria and that forms in Rietumark.

“I ask the Chamber to support this sanctions bill, support the Erster Kaiser is his call for the Realm to stand firm against Rietumish socialism and bring about the reckoning, that God will surely bless with the liberation of all Dewedish under Rietumish oppression” she said.

According to sources in the Versammlung, the bill will likely pass with a landslide, with the governing National People’s Party, the Liberal Democratic Alliance and National Action expected to fully back sanctions.

The leader of National Action, Manfred Fehrenbach called for military action in his address saying, “we have at our disposal the Imperial Forces, the mightiest fighting force of this century and the previous. We have at our disposal the leadership of the Erster Kaiser, a man blessed with the heritage of the House of Hechenreyt. We are Liothidia, we are Rietumark’s nightmare and we should use that to not only free all Dewedish, but all Rietumish who seek the light of freedom and liberty. I call upon the State Minister to institute military action against a regime which has no equal in the depths of its depravity.

“Let us march across the border, torching the socialist regime alight, proving not only to ourselves but the world, once again, our military might. Let’s do it knowing we have God’s blessing and a righteous cause of freedom, civilisation and dignity” he said, to some applause from the NPP.

State Minister von Carstein replied, “military action is the responsibility of His Imperial Majesty, if he believes that military action is necessary, then the Imperial State and its brave fighting men will answer his call. But I believe, from my discussions with his Imperial Majesty that so far, such action is unnecessary.”

More as the story develops.





MORE IN LIOTHIDIA
  • Investigation begins in the Socialist Future Party for corruption [ 1119 ]
  • Poll: 48% support military action against Rietumark [ 1137 ]
  • Rietumish asylum seekers reveal tales of death camps and mass murder [ 1172 ]


    © Imperial Ministry of Public Information 2016

PostPosted: Tue Oct 03, 2017 5:21 pm
by First Valerian Empire
RBC
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Foreign Ministry: ''Sanctions against Rietumark soon''



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3 October 2017 | Avalon, Principality of Valyria
0900 Hours | Joseph Rouletabille


Foreign Minister Charles de Talleyrand-Périgord calls for serious sanctions against the regime in Rietumark and announced plans underway by the Royal government to levy sanctions against that country soon.

In a special press conference this morning, Royal Minister of Foreign Affairs Charles de Talleyrand-Perigord echoed the calls of Liothidia's monarch, Erster Kaiser Heinrich for extensive sanctions against the government of Rietumimark in response to that regime's international belligerence, specifically against the nation of Deweden which is also it's Northwestern neighbor.

Liothidian sanctions include a ''complete ban on all remittance payments made by Rietumish workers in Liothdia'' and the freezing of all civil Rietumish assets owned by the regime in Liothidia.

It is unclear whether or not the Liothidian government intends to shutter it's embassy in communist Rietumark in addition to it's formal economic sanctions but experts say that such a step is not too far off with the levying of comprehensive sanctions against the government.

Minister de Talleyrand-Perigord has reportedly been campaigning privately in the Senate for more overt action against the Rietumish with sources saying that military action in defense of Deweden has been brought up in the discussion.

Deweden's Plight

The Kingdom of Deweden has been a nation in turmoil for some time no and almost constantly under threat of the aggressive communist regime in Rietumimark with the country being partitioned into the Kingdom of Deweden and the Autonomous People's Republic of Deweden with the latter being nothing more than a client state of the brutal communist regime which has consistently been charged with human rights violations ranging from extrajudicial killings to pervasive ethnic and religious discrimination.

In response to increasingly vocal calls for sanctions against the regime, Rietumimark has announced it's intention to mobilize several thousand reserve combat troops from the Autonomous People's Republic of Deweden this is along side the perhaps knee-jerk decision to active more than one hundred thousand additional reservists from Rietumimark proper by the country's Central Military Commission to ''bring all military formations up to wartime strength.''

Prime Minister Sarveaux Silent

The Principality's head of government, Prime Minister Sarveaux has been notably silent on the rapidly escalating situation north of Valyria, categorically refusing the comment on any questions regarding the Rietumimark's astounding use of brinkmanship or the reports of civil demonstrations against the communist regime in the Autonomous Republic in Early October.

Sources close to the Prime Minister have alleged that the Sarveaux is seriously considering obtaining the Prince's blessing to mobilize military forces to counter potentially threatening maneuvers by Rietumimark and Deweden which have stoked fears among some of a possible war along Valyria's northern border and the accompanying flood of displaced peoples southward into the Principality.

A civil petition which has so far gathered more than six thousand signatures, urging the government to open the country' s doors to refugees fleeing the Autonomous People's Republic of Deweden. So far the petition is nine thousand signatures short of the fifteen thousand it needs to be brought to parliamentary attention while it is in session.


Related Topics


Deweden's Humanitarian Crisis

PostPosted: Wed Oct 04, 2017 7:50 pm
by Rabinovska
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Maklakov to stand again in 2020 General Elections, say early reports from Voropol
The Prime Minister will be 72 years old by the planned time of the election
4 October 2017
Volagrad, Empire of Rabinovska
As written by Anton Tarasovich Boytsov
(@ATBoytsov)

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Volagrad - Reports from the Building of the State Duma today have indicated that Prime Minister Nicholas Maklakov, leader of the Conservatives and Prime Minister of Rabinovska since 2005, has decided to remain as head of his party and as the elected leader of the Empire heading in to the next general elections, scheduled to be held in 2020. Maklakov, who has been a stalwart of Rabinovskan politics since his initial election as a deputy of the Duma in 1988, will be 72 by the time of the next election. Due to his advancing age and what many have deemed a diminishing appetite for "deep politicking" -- that is, the Rabinovskan practice of heavy bipartisanship in order to appease minority and majority views -- these reports come as a surprise to many both within the Conservative Party and in the opposition.

"To say this would be unexpected, would be an understatement," says Liberal deputy and adviser to its leadership Anton Uspensky. "He [Maklakov] is already the oldest Prime Minister and head of government this nation has ever seen -- regardless of what he believes his health to be, and what he believes it shall be in three years -- is that not a great risk to his party and, in fact, to the nation as a whole?"

Uspensky's misgivings are a feeling common amongst opposition and similarly aligned deputies, and it is reported that even within Maklakov's own government there is now unrest where there had been none before; both Interior Secretary Jaromir Poltanov and Defence Secretary Veronika Tseydlits are said to be questioning the venerable Prime Minister's willpower to reach 2020 and wish to continue on, though their quarrels are interestingly not thought to involve his actual age or the trials that could bring upon him. In particular, Tseydlits, who has been pointed to as the natural successor to her mentor and friend Maklakov, is thought to have been blindsided by the sudden decision so early in to the third term of the current Conservative government. Questions are now arising over whether she will ever get her chance at leading her party into an election, and if in fact Maklakov trusts her to do so -- obviously, his choice to remain in his position as leader brings great doubt into the equation, and as such those who otherwise might have backed the long-time Defence minister are wondering just what direction the party will take in life "post-Nikolay."

In any event, it is safe to say that the down-trodden and once-rudderless opposition is in some ways reinvigorated by this news, though they will have a great hill to climb even against an aged Maklakov considering their record in the past three general elections in which they have faced him. Though it may seem now that the Prime Minister could be weakened by his possible alienation of his closest ally in Tseydlits, there is every chance that he will carry on "as he always has," as put by an unnamed source close to the Office of the Prime Minister in Tsarskoye Selo. It leaves much up to chance -- certainly not one of Maklakov's favorite past times; the nation will simply have to decide when the time comes whether his gamble is and was worth taking.



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© ИAP, 2017

PostPosted: Thu Oct 05, 2017 12:13 pm
by Lacus Magni
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Latium | International | Local | Sport | Faith | Economy | Culture | Science | Opinion
Devolution Referendum Day, and Ballot Language Announced
City of Castellum, Castellum ab Alba, Latium
By: John Afinius (@RALPolitics)


Castellum: This morning Imperial Offices announced that Imperial assent had been afforded to the recent Acts of the Senate that are popularly referred to as the ‘Devolution Acts.’ In the announcement, a spokesperson of Emperor Constantine XX announced that before the Emperor provided assent, he worked with Cabinet and the Consul in moving up the referendum date to coincide with the special Castellum mayoral election and local election in November instead of the original date in January 2018 that Cabinet had proposed. “The Acts, as passed by the Senate, left any referendum date as to be determined, His Imperial Majesty has exercising his Imperial prerogative, and amended both Devolution Acts to reflect the new referendum date,” said Press Secretary Ionna Orfidia at this mornings Imperial Offices announcement.

With local and special elections set to be held November 9, it was announced that the Emperor has instructed Director Theodorus Numonius of the Imperial Electoral Commission (IEC) to open the referendum campaign immediately. Moments following the announcement, the IEC issued a statement that campaigning for the referendums could officially begin, along with fundraising limits that matched normal guidelines of the IEC.

Press Secretary Orfidia also announced the referendum language for each vote. Referendum ballots in the Gelonian and Hellenic counties are similar in structure, only varying in reference to territorial designation. Each ballot will read as follows in either both Latin and Gelonian or Latin and Hellenic:

Gelonia: Do you agree that there should be a sub-national Gelonian assembly and sub-national government in the counties designated by the Gelonia Act?

Byzantion: Do you agree that there should be a Hellenic assembly and a sub-national government in the counties designated by the Hellene Government Act?

With referendum ballots only being distributed to the 3 Gelonian majority counties and 15 Hellene majority counties, only residents of those designated counties are eligible to participate in the referendum.

With expectations high that the Emperor would assent to the measures, informal campaigns had been in the process of forming since the Senate first passed the Devolution Acts. The Party of the Regions electoral alliance, with consists of the EEK, Voice for Gelonia and Federalist party have come out as major supporters of the “Yes” vote, along with seeing major support from the Progressive Party and Leader of the Opposition Manuel Batziolas. United Latium and Consul Alexander Pompilius have surprisingly taken no stance on the referendums, with Pompilius announcing that he will accept the popular will of both the Gelonians and Hellenes “on this electoral matter.” No major faction within United Latium had yet to take control of the party on this issues, with a near even split following Pompilius’s stance, the “Yes vote” and the “No vote.” Interestingly, Citizens – Popular Alternative has come out against the referendums, joining the Catholic Democratic Alliance, Liberty Union Party and far-right parties such as the Popular League. C–PA leader Felix Procilius announced that his support of the “No vote” was based on the proposed devolution not going far enough, equating a vote for yes to “a hollow shell of a victory that only serves to set back true reform.” Procilius has urged all Gelonians and Hellenes to vote against the measure.





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  • “They like to puff their chest,” remarks anonymous source from Latin Consul’s office on Liothidia. [ 13917 ]
  • Imperial Offices denies report that Prince Peter is seeking to forfeit his succession rights. [ 10284 ]


    © RAL, Conlegium Corona

PostPosted: Thu Oct 05, 2017 1:09 pm
by -Elerrina-
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Diatad selects Sairalindë Lissësúl as new Leader and PM-appointee
Party leadership announced the results of the internal election early morning
Minion Tyelima (@MTyelimaNews) (Information Publications Commission)
October 5, 2017 12:15 PM | Iscaost, Elerrina





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Sairalindë Lissësúl's profile picture from her campaigning website, founded originally when she ran for Dalathri seat RNC photo


Iscaost — Inside the rather large press wing at Diatad's official headquarters, which is the rather famous grey and red-stone manse along Tirgaer Avenue, just fifteen minutes from the Samarad, the Party Whip and Treasurer announced before a full press release crowd, which nearly every major media outlet attended, that the internal election on a new Party leader, and thus a new designate for Prime Minister, had been concluded. After three days of voting, apparently one round each day since Tuesday whereas Monday was used as debate and discussion amongst the members of the party, a final, clear vote has been achieved, with Sairalindë Lissësúl, the Member of Dalathri for Mitham, winning on the third round with approximately sixty percent of the vote.

Ms.Lissësúl has served as an ND amongst her fellow peers for the last seven years, originally elected to represent Mitham back in 2010 where she won in a near landslide vote of 70% in favor of her against the opposition at the time, which was a candidate dedicated to an industrial expansion policy, something that felt out of touch with the residents of the city of Mitham, which is known for being a "city of the future", a number of highly innovative companies have their headquarters or sites there, and the city's university is among the top five for best within the Empire. During her time in the Dalathri, Ms.Lissësúl has been known mostly for aiding in expanding the reforms package that Diatad has overseen during the last few years of it's leadership, namely with her being one of the co-authors on a piece of legislation that eventually passed that eliminated the "feudal tax", which was a controversial tax that residents would pay to the nobleman/woman whose title encompassed their place of residence. The bill received widespread media coverage as the Taenrind rejected it twice before it forced through by a slim majority and then it was veto'd by the Emperor, which was later overturned allowing the bill to become law. She is also well known for a number of high-coverage debates last year when the annual budget discussion came around, as she argued for a 2% increase of funding for infrastructure to enable an expansion program to cover all provinces of the Empire; it faced hard opposition, especially from fellow Party members who were seeking increased defense funding, but she ultimately managed to convince them of a 3% increase over the next ten years, which allowed the Government to enact the "Yellow Stone" program, which is the expansion of the Imperial highway scheme to every province in the Empire, and the expansion of the highways to eight-lanes, where as they were previously six in a large number of locations.

Ms.Lissësúl held a smaller press release with only minor questions taken after the party's announcement, stating that she would ensure that both her and the Government would continue their work of ensuring an enlightened future for all children, and citizens, of the Empire and that they would continue their reforms package that "is absolutely vital to the Empire's continued prosperity, and success." In an odd break of tradition, Emperor Tindómon did not extend the traditional invitation to travel to the Azure Palace and be invited to form a government in his name - a number of pundits are wondering if this snub was the result of Lissësúl stating that reforms would continue, which presumably also includes the reforms that Tindómon was so opposed to. Regardless, Lissësúl will submit a petition to the Imperial Office this afternoon asking the Emperor to form an Government in his name, following the protocol dictated in the Winge Convention, and presumably he will accept the petition and the Empire will have a new leader come sunrise tomorrow morning.



Minion Tyelima contributed to this report.



MORE IN ELERRINA
  • Inside Report: Lissësúl the Great Reformer? [ 234971 ]
  • Senior members of Diatad criticize Emperor for snub over Lissësúl's invitation [ 129391 ]
  • Opinion: Now is the time for the Darathi to show their true power against the White Throne [ 563874 ]
MORE FROM IPC
  • Devolution referendum voting day announced in Latium [ 82371 ]
  • Rabinovskan PM reported to plan to stand for re-election in 2020 elections [ 8291 ]
  • Liothidia, Valyria, announcing bans on Riuentenmark and further economic sanctions [ 3417621 ]
  • Vannosian Emperor announces his favor for constitutional reforms [ 98381 ]
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    © Information Publications Commission 2017




345897 comments
STAR THIS DISCUSSION




NiennaLossë34 · 15 minutes ago
Unsurprising that Diatad went with a "Grand Reformer", she's been known for her increasingly large progressive streak. I am however disappointed one of the more well known diplomats within the party wasn't selected; I mean, this to me seems like they plan on bringing a hammer to just hit the Emperor in the head instead of actually trying to win anything through dialogue.

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Líndal Narmolanya · 22 minutes ago
Lissësúl was a god-send for our city, she's worked so much with local politicians to help open up the city and county to allow for increased reforms, her Premiership will bring a new dawn for the Empire, I can just feel it!!

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GilraenP · 1 hour ago
Still think the Opposition should have challenged them for fresh elections, I think it's silly that Narathon can just resign and Diatad gets to stay in power. What happened to the Emperor being the Voice of the People?

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PostPosted: Thu Oct 05, 2017 1:48 pm
by Rabinovska
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Alexander IV: 13 years later, and we still know nothing
The official cause of death of Emperor Alexander IV Rostov remains a mystery to the general public, 13 years subsequent to his sudden death
5 October 2017, 1:55 P.M.
Tsarskoye Selo, Empire of Rabinovska
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As written by Alina Larionovna Ukhova
(@AlinaAlina07)

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Tsarskoye Selo - Well over a decade has passed since the ascension of Tsar and Emperor Michael II Alexandrovich Rostov; over a decade since the sudden (and supposedly unexpected even by his closest family members) death of the father of our now-Sovereign, Alexander IV Mikhailovich. For Christmas of 2004, Rabinovska celebrated the short reign and life of its late ruler, and upon the 1st of January 2005 seemed to move on in mind and in spirit from the troubled monarch who helmed the Empire for less than five years. There has been little interest in the actual cause of death of Alexander IV since the event itself, and it is only now, some 13 years on, that we wonder: why? How? How could this happen, without warning and without notice? How did the supreme Ruler of Rabinovska simply die, without any information reaching the world before nor after of his status.

The closest that the people and the globe came to fully understanding the death of Alexander IV was in the short weeks immediately following his death, when he lay in state at the Palace of Peter II; at least, this would have been the closest we might have come to understanding the nature of his passing, for there were many complications to his status. For three weeks the body of the Tsar lay in state, and for 17 of those 21 days a member of the Rostov family was present in guard over his remains; as such, no member of the general public could access the rooms in which the late Majesty was held. For 3 of the remaining 4 days in which members of the public could conceivably visit the body of the Tsar, his casket remained closed, and guards stood fanned out before it; flowers and baubles were set all across the floor around the perimeter created, and none were able to actually view the body of Alexander IV. Finally, for the single day left of those three weeks, coincidentally the last day that his body would remain in state before his internment in the Crypt of God and Emperor, the casket in which his body lay stood open; no member of the Royal Family visited the remains until the dying hours of that 21st night, in order to escort the body of the Emperor to the Crypt. The guards, while remaining centered on the casket, did not force away well-wishers and mourners as they had those previous three days. In fact, those who would visit the Emperor were given almost free reign to view the remains of the Emperor.

It was during this sole day that those who wished to know, were given their opportunity to learn. Alexander IV's body lay before any who would go to view it that day, and from observations made then we can gather a few mentions of note:

•One, His Imperial Majesty had been well cared for, and his body remained in almost lifelike shape thanks to workers aiming to preserve his body for the length of those three weeks.
•Two, His Imperial Majesty was dressed finely, in the garb of the Tsar of Rabinovska, and armed not with a firearm but with a thin sword favored by mid-19th century cavalrymen in the service of the Empire.
•Three, though His Imperial Majesty wore a thin gold crown throughout his laying in state and into his funeral, his head lay upon a large, puffed papakha, or astrakhan hat as also was favored by mid-19th century cavalrymen. This in particular is not traditional when involving the burial of Rabinovskan Tsars, and must be noted, as much of Alexander IV's head was therefore obscured from view barring his face.

Not much can be elicited from this information, though it must be noted that both the well-puffed papakha as well as the heavy military garb in which the Tsar was buried obscured many areas of the body that might have hinted at his cause of death. As has been said, it is not traditional that a Rabinovskan sovereign is buried with his head resting upon a papakha, and in most known instances of a State Funeral and burial he is in fact rested upon a flat pillow; this, for no reason other than past tradition and ease. His lengthy term lying in state, and comparably short actual appearance during that term, brings up many suspicions likely obvious to the reader. Why was the relatively small Rostov family rotating together for over two weeks in standing beside the coffin of their short-lived patriarch? It is said that of the entire family, only Grand Duke Yevgeny Mikhailovich and Princess Praskovya Yevgenievna (the brother and niece of Alexander IV, respectively) stood together with the Tsar's remains for more than two nights. Both the future Michael II and his sister, Grand Duchess Natalia Alexandrovna, stayed instead in the de facto capital of Voropol for the entirety of the exercise but one night each. The children of Michael II, it is thought, never even visited the room in which the Emperor's body was held.

While this reporter and in fact this publication allege nothing but curiosity regarding the death of the once-leader of Rabinovska, it must be asked what happened to the supposed Father of the Nation. As the sons and daughters of the Tsar and Emperor, is it not our prerogative and in fact our duty to ask such questions, and to have answers to them? Alexander IV was the Tsar; let him not become anything less due to some worry over his manner of death, as has become of him under the rule of his good son Michael II and the Prime Minister whom he was known to have quarrel with.



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© ИAP, 2017

PostPosted: Mon Oct 09, 2017 1:20 pm
by Mutul
The Shining Moon :

The College of the Twelve Priests banish VIH infected peoples from making blood offerings


Image
The Yuknoom Chamber, where the College of the Twelve spent the thee last days debating the question, among others.


After years of demands and petitions from the medical community, the College of the Twelve Priests, the highest religious authority in the Mutul behind the K'uhul Ajaw Himself, signed a Pious Order which forbid peoples known to be infected with the AIDS virus to participate in religious ceremonies where bloods offerings are required. It also forbid them from offering their blood to public idols even if they're alone.

"The impure blood must not corrupt the other fidels or worst, to defile what is due to the gods." Proclaimed the High Priest Yich'aak Kan to a selection of journalists who were allowed an interview with the highest ranking member of the sacerdoce to be considered "Ultra-conservative" by the majority of the political analysts. A denomination the interested never denied.

"We must not forget what we try to achieve through these sacrifices, offering and rituals. With them, we show or gratitude to our lords and protectors, and we cannot allow our gifts to be tarnished, otherwise they may retake their own gifts to the World."

But despite these comments by His Holiness, his words are contested by groups of civil rights advocates. Wamaw, leader of an association to raise awarness to the problem of STDs in the Mutul, critize the Pious Order.

"It was made for the wrong reasons." She say. "While it is true that certain rituals, such as multiple people offering their blood using only one blade, are dangerous for the fidels, I fear that it is only the first stage in a greater plan to officialy push back victims of STDs away from the Community. It would be an harsh step back to 20 years ago, when infected had to hide their condition or where unaware of it because nobody wanted to know, and a grave health hazard. If we do what ammount to criminalize the awarness of his condition, people will stop going to the doctor to be checked for STDs. Unaware of their condition, they will spread the virus and we will be back to the pre-2000s levels of infection rate.

It is our fear, to my colleagues and I, that the religious class only care for a superfluous sense of purity that won't matter if the VIH become a pandemy. Our nation, by its culture where blood hold such an importance, is weak against this kind of contamination and must not transform its pity to those who are victims of AIDS into hate and fear. This would be a threat to us all."

Some of these associations, even if some like Wamaw's refused to join, even wrote an open letter to his Majesty the K'uhul Ajaw to demand that he take the matter in his own hands and examine, as the true bearer of the gods' will, the Pious Order to see if it was trully made under Divine Inspiration. For the moment, His Majesty and his Government refused to comment on the situation.