Byzan Local News

[Namwenia]

Welcome to the Byzan News Network (BNN) - Local news for the Byzan area which is a small area in The North Pacific that covers the two nations of Byzanewmium and Namwenia.

OOC: Thread for news between the two nations. Will be IC going forward. Local national affiliates of BNN that may join the local RP feel free to add in local news stories about politics, celebrities, or other national events as they happen. You can do so in the following format:

Code: Select all

[i]Date[/i]
[u]Story Title[/u]
[b]CITY, NATION[/b] - Text of Article

[Namwenia]

Friday, 12 August 2022, 6:00 pm
Tronald Calls for Investigation into WWP
Independent City of Byzantia, Confederacy of Byzanewmium

Capitalist Party Leader John Tronald has called upon Prime Minister Matisyahu Newman (L) to begin a federal investigation into Karl Mei and the Workers of the World Party. Tronald claims to have evidence that those outside of the Confederacy of Byzanewmium are attempting to influence the nation's elections and push socialist policies on the overwhelmingly capitalist nation.

Tronald said, "We all know Mei and people like him. They hate Byzanewmium. They hate money. I've heard bad things, the worst things, about such people. Would I support them? I don't think so. Mei just got back from a trip to Namwenia. Why do we have such relations with the Namwenians? They're all lazy communists. Bad stuff. Bad things come from there."

Mei (WWP) recently returned back to Byzanewmium from a family trip to the Wandor shore in the United Socialist States of Namwenia (USSN). Photos have surfaced showing him meeting with USSN Communist Party Leader Carlita Nom while in Wandor. Mei says that the visit was purely social and that he and Nom had known each other for years. "Carlita [Nom] and I are friends for years having known each other since our college days. This was purely a social meeting and we are not seeking USSN involvement in supporting candidates in Byzanewmium elections. Mr. Tronald is creating dangerous speculation with such demagoguery." Nom was reached to for comment and her press secretary released the following statement, "Ms. Nom and Mr. Mei have known each other for a long time and support restoring power to the people all over the world. However, there was no discussions of USSN involvement in candidates for office in Byzanewmium."

Prime Minister Newman has said that he takes such claims seriously and that if evidence is presented, he will direct investigations. However, thus far he said that Tronald and the Capitalist Party have not provided any evidence of the alleged collaboration between the two.

While foreign endorsements are allowed and non-citizens are allowed to campaign in elections in Byzanewmium, foreign investment / donations to campaigns is strictly prohibited in Byzanewmium. However, certain non-candidate specific political action committees are allowed donations from foreign nationals.

[Byzanewmium]

Tuesday, 16 August 2022, 2:00 pm
Terrorist Attack Strikes Byzanewmium Capital
Independent City of Byzantia, Confederacy of Byzanewmium

A terrorist attack recently attached the Capital City of Byzantia. A van armed with explosives was driven into the Stock Exchange building in the center of Byzantia leading to 200 deaths and 1,800 wounded. The driver of the vehicle also died on impact. Following the incident, Byzantia was on lockdown for approximately 8 hours before resuming life as normal.

Prime Minister Newman (L) said, "We cannot allow the terrorists to control our lives. We will continue to live as normal. We will not surrender to their bitterness, resentment, and anger directed at our people. We believe in freedom and has served us well these many years. We will not allow our freedom to be stifled by the evil acts of an extreme few. I am directing law enforcement throughout the nation to be prepared and to invest in personnel who excel in de-escalation of criminal activities. What we do not need is cowboy cops rushing into things creating more problems in our neighborhoods than we already have. We must be supportive and demilitarize our police so that the people will trust them more."

Mayor of Byzantia Ginny Cheong (L) stood with the Prime Minister supporting his call for increased alert for law enforcement, but echoed his support of redirecting police funds to social workers and personnel who will assist in de-escalation.

Workers of the World Party Leader and Primer of Murnia Karl Mei said of the move by Newman, "...it's about time. Our draconian laws have overwhelmingly harmed the poor and minority groups in this nation. This leads to resentment and anger in various communities which could have led to the attack on our capital. It is a shame that this happened, but may it serve as a wake up call to the evils of the worship of capital."

Capitalist Party Leader John Tronald called the move a sign of weakness from Newman. Tronald said, "We were attacked, you don't get to be a huge p****y in the face of an attack. Baby Matty needs to grow a pair and sack up. Strengthen the police force. Be ready at a moment's notice. Call back all our national guards. Also, we need to build a wall at the border to stop any foreigner terrorists from coming in." While the northern border of Byzanewmium lines up with the ocean, the national border lines up with the United Socialist States of Namwenia (USSN) and Tronald has long believed that communists from the USSN are trying to infiltrate Byzanewmium.

Confederate Party Leader Roberta Lee said, "While I understand where Newman is coming from, I cannot and will not support these measures. If Prime Minister Newman is unable or unwilling to tackle the issues facing us from this unknown terrorist threat, I will direct the Confederate Party to cease its cooperation with the Libertarians." Following the last Parliamentary elections in 2020, the Libertarian and Confederate Party currently lead with a joint coalition in Parliament.

Investigators are unsure of the cause of the attack, but information leaked to the news indicates that the attack was the work of anti-capitalist extremists. A note found at the scene of the crime said, "Capital is the enemy of the people and must be stopped." No other information is currently available.

This is a developing story.

OOC: This is following the news articles from the terrorist attack Issues

[Byzanewmium]

Friday, 19 August 2022, 6:00 pm
Terror in Byzantia: Stock Exchange to be Rebuiltl
Independent City of Byzantia, Confederacy of Byzanewmium

Terror recently struck the Capital City of Byzantia as a van armed with explosive devices was driven into the Stock Exchange building leading to 200 deaths and 1,722 wounded. The driver of the vehicle died on impact. Investigators found that the incident was led by a Communist Separatist group based in Murnia. The two other members of the group have been arrested and are awaiting trial according to investigators.

The Prime Minister (Matisyahu Newman) and the Libertarian party pushed for a sweeping Protect Byzantia Package (PBP) which included funds to rebuild the Stock Exchange, aggressive changes in the law to demilitarize federal and provincial police forces, as well as funds to replace up to 50% of the nations police with social workers, crisis response personnel, and hostage negotiators.

Workers of the World Party (WWP) Chair and Murnian Premier Karl Mei said, "It is about time for this type of radical change-up. We need to move forward by protecting the people, not demonizing them. We need to weaken capital and the police state, not strengthen it." The WWP has vowed to stand up in support of the Libertarian Party's passage.

Leader of the Byzanewmium Police Union (BPU) and Capitalist Party MP Jamie Cruz said, "This is preposterous. We need more police, not fewer police. We need a stronger force, not a weaker force. Removing cops off the street will only create more crime in Byzanewmium." Capitalist Party Leader Tronald said, "Weak Matty is trying to weaken our nation further by ignoring the terrorists. We ignore the commie scum, we fail. I would never fail. We should remove Wussy Matty with a man who will stand up for us all. We need strength. We need real men." The BPU and Capitalist Party

Following the release of the details of the PBP, there was obvious and strong division amongst members of the Confederate Party. A number of Confederate MPs proudly stated they would support the package. However, Confederate Party Leader Roberta Lee had stronger words to say. She said, "This is outrageous and is not going to truly solve the crisis. I never expected the Libertarian Party to surrender so quickly and to weaken our nation so truly."

An overnight poll of Byzanewmium citizens found that 40% support the Prime Minister's proposal, 35% oppose it, with the remaining percentage uncertain. However, when asked if they had confidence in Newman, 48% polled said they would support a swift Parliamentary election to allow for a change in power. 15% were uncertain and 37% were opposed.

This is a developing story.

[Namwenia]

Saturday, 20 August 2022, 10:00 am
Terror in Byzantia: Namwenian Response
Onaw, Westor, United Socialist States of Namwenia


Following a horrific attack on the Capital City of Byzantia, a vigil was held for the people of Byzanewmium by Namwenian citizens in the Capital City of Onaw. Numerous Byzanewmium ex-patriots who worship the Magi faith were among those involved in the vigil.

Leaders from around the USSN came to show solidarity with the people of Byzanewmium and for a safe future. Head Minister Nathaniel Majorton spoke at the event saying, "It is a sad day for our neighbors to the north. While we may not agree with their views on capital, we stand in firm opposition to violence against unarmed civilians. We offer our deepest condolences and hope for a future free of violence, free of capital, and free of unnecessary civilian deaths. We stand with you and offer financial assistance to aid in any medical needs of your citizens harmed by this heinous attack." When asked after the speech, Majorton said he was generally in support of Prime Minister Newman (L) and his push to demilitarize the police. Majorton further said, "The demilitarization of the police is a critical part of any policies to strengthen the person freedoms of the people."

Communist Party Leader Carlita Nom spoke too saying, "I agree with their motives, but not their methods. Revolution for the people of Byzanewmium may be necessary to free them of the bonds of the tyranny of capitalism. While we stand firmly in solidarity of the union of toilers of all nations ready to fight the bourgeoisie of any nation, we do not stand in support of attacks on civilians. May this serve as a wake-up call to the capitalist-oppressors of Byzanewmium to see the evils of their deeds and change course for the nation." Nom is known to be a personal friend of Byzanewmium Workers of the World Party (WWP) Chair and Murnian Premier Karl Mei.

This is a developing story.

[Namwenia]

Tuesday, 23 August 2022, 10:00 am
In Memorium: Former Head Minister Ryun Georgia (1952-2022)
Odey, Doe, United Socialist States of Namwenia

Ryun Simpson Georgia, the union leader turned politician who served 10 years as Head Minister of the United Socialist States of Namwenia died Tuesday, 23 August 2022. He was 70 years old.

According to a statement by the Georgia family, he died peacefully in his sleep and was found unresponsive by his wife, Deborah, in the morning. He leaves behind his loving wife, Deborah and three children, Thom, Francis, and Poe.

Born in the small mining village of Longstreet, located about 10 kilometers south of Odey in the State of Doe, Georgia was born into a family of mine workers. His father, grandfather, and mother all worked tirelessly in coal mines. At age 14, Georgia became a mine worker himself and was deep in the mines working grueling hours. At 17, Georgia formed a local miners union and pushed the Doe legislature to prohibit children from working in the mines. Doe allowed for those over the age of 13 to begin working in mines. This "Free the Teenagers" movement led to a nationwide ban on all child labor that remains to this day.

Georgia was elected to Parliament from the People's Party in 1972 at age 20. He served faithfully and dutifully, tirelessly pushing for the people. His most influential piece of legislation was the Worker's Protection Act of 1980 which strengthened the Federal Health and Safety Administration and established the first Environmental Protection Ministry.

Nathaniel Majorton, who immediately followed Georgia as Head Minister, attended the funeral. Majorton said, "Georgia will be sorely missed. He was a champion for the working class and deserved far more credit than he ever received." His funeral was held at the Temple to Ferrix in Odey, Doe.

Prime Minister Georgia will later lay in state later this week at the Capitol in Onaw.

All flags are to be set at half mast for the next two months in honor of the fallen Prime Minister.

[Byzanewmium]

Monday, 29 August 2022, 6:00 pm
Terror in Byzantia: Demilitarize Police Package Passed
Independent City of Byzantia, Confederacy of Byzanewmium

Following the recent terror attack in the Capital City of Byzantia, Newman and the Libertarian Party's signature legislation to demilitarize the police passed by a 2 vote margin (51 to 49) as the Workers of the World Party (WWP) and Libertarian Parties found themselves at odds with the Devout Democrats, Confederate, and Capitalist Parties in a party line vote.

Immediately following the vote, a number of Confederate and Capitalist Members of Parliament (MPs) reported anonymously that they considered supporting the package, but felt pressured into opposing in by party leadership. A number of Libertarian MPs also anonymously told BNN the opposite, that they privately opposed the measure but voted in favor due to strict support from party leadership.

Former Confederate Party MP Espio Rodriguez has called for both a vote of no confidence in the Prime Minister as well as the establishment of a new, aggressively capitalist, aggressively anti-terror party that would re-establish some of the previous power of Byzanewmium's police force. Referring to themselves as the new party as the Industrial Nationalist Party (INP), Rodriguez has claimed that privately various members of the Libertarian, Capitalist, and Confederate Parties have all stated they support the new party venture as well as the vote of no confidence. To date, no MPs have publicly joined the party apart from Rodriguez, making him the sole member of the party in Parliament.

Roberta Lee, leader of the Confederate Party, and Jonathan Tronald, leader of the Capitalist Party, have not released a comment on the proposed new party.

This is a developing story.

[Byzanewmium]

Tuesday, 30 August 2022, 2:00 pm
Murnian Independence Referendum
Magi City, Murnia, Confederacy of Byzanewmium

Murnian Premier and Workers of the World Party Leader Karl Mei brought forward a proposal this week to Parliament to allow for Murnia to vote on independence from Byzanewmium. Surprisingly, the vote passed with all Libertarians and many members of the Confederate and Capitalist Party voting in favor. The final vote tally was 66 in favor to 34 against.

Pundits believe that due to the large socialist presence in Murnia, the Capitalist and Confederate members of Parliament voted in favor hoping that it will lead to one of their parties leading the next parliamentary election following secession. It will also remove the majority of the Workers of the World Party members who voted in favor of the Prime Minister's large demilitarization package.

Following the approval in Parliament, a referendum will be held in Murnia to allow for the region to become an entirely autonomous region and separate from Byzanewmium proper.

The election will be held within a week.

This is a developing story.

[Namwenia]

Tuesday, 30 August 2022, 6:00 am
Murnian Independence Referendum - Response in Namwenia
Onaw, Westor, United Socialist States of Namwenia

Following the announcement of a secession referrendum in the State of Murnia in Byzanewmium, views were mostly optimistic in Namwenia. Head Minister Nathaniel Majorton gave a very optimistic response saying, "Socialist movements across the globe will only thrive if given true freedom from capital. If Murnia wishes to secede from Byzanewmium, let them. We would welcome them into our revolutionary arms and support any decision they may make on the matter."

Communist Party Leader Carlita Nom released the following statement: "I agree with the Head Minister that secessions and revolutions may be necessary for the people of Byzanewmium to free them of the bonds of the tyranny of capitalism. The Communist Party supports Murnian secession."

A snap poll in Namwenia on Murnian secession revealed the following:

• 80% of Namwenians support Murnian secession
• 70% support Murnia having full independence as a new nation separate from Byzanewmium
• 70% also support Murnia joining Namwenia as a northern, physically disconnected state

The people of Murnia have made no indication that they are considering joining the United Socialist States of Namwenia.

This is a developing story.

[Byzanewmium]

Tuesday, 6 September 2022, 1:00 pm
Murnian Independence Referendum - Polling
Magi City, Murnia, Confederacy of Byzanewmium

Recent polling of the Murnian Independence Referendum have been released by BNN and the results are surprising. Of the 1,000 adults polled, 75% of Murnians support secession from Byzanewmium with 15% opposed and the remaining undecided. Additionally, across all regions of Byzanewmium, of the 10,000 adults polled 52% support Murnian independence. The strongest support outside of Murnia came from voters in the State of Southernly with 65% of adults supporting the secession of Murnia from Byzanewmium.

Murnia has long had a very different culture than the remainder of Byzanewmium. Largely occupied by religious socialists, Murnia felt like an oddity in the aggressively capitalist, secular nation. However, Murnia had remained a significant source of cultural and religious ideas which spread throughout the nation.

More information on the poll to follow:
Do you support Murnia seceding from Byzanewmium?

• Byzantia - Support 50%, Opposed 40%, Undecided 10%
• Murnia - Support 75%, Opposed 15%, Undecided 10%
• Nary - Support 55%, Opposed 35%, Undecided 10%
• Newmium - Support 48%, Opposed 47%, Undecided 5%
• Southernly - Support 65%, Opposed 25%, Undecided 10%
• Zanz - Support 30%, Opposed 30%, Undecided 40%

[Namwenia]

Wednesday, 7 September 2022, 6:00 am
BREAKING - Murnia to Join Namwenia?
Magi City, Murnia, Confederacy of Byzanewmium

In a BREAKING news bulletin, a copy of the referendum ballot has been leaked to the press and the following two choices are included in the ballot - 1. Voting for or against Murnian independence; 2. Voting for or against Murnia formally requesting to become a part of Namwenia.

When approached on the topic, Murnian Premier Karl Mei said, "Yes, this was the decision of the Murnian people. If we are to secede and continue the great history of socialist strength in Murnia, we may need guidance and support. The United Socialist States of Namwenia (USSN) are a powerful, regional ally and would be a logical union for us to join." Mei and the Premier's office released a number of local, parliamentary notes for Murnia and it shows that the Murnian local parliament voted overwhelmingly to include formally requesting to join Namwenia on the ballot.

Head Minister of Namwenia, Nathaniel Majorton (People's Party) said, "We support the people of Murnia continuing the history of socialist revolution we have seen across the globe. If they wish to join our united socialist states, we will hear their petition and consider it." The Communist and Socialist Labor Party leaders both released statements saying they were open to hearing the application of Murnia to join the USSN following secession.