Peace in Blomburg; Coalition Government Forms
Neo-Neiderists rally near the Parliament Building
New Government Faces Challenges
By Stephan Dettering (sdettering@sva.org)
Donierstrom, Saxe-Missern-Blomburg - A month ago fascist militants and government forces were locked in a violent struggle over the Kingdom's destiny. Many experts speculated as to who, if anyone, could come out on top. Some suggested the conflict could continue for several years, possibly stretching on into decades. Kristaan, the missing ex-emperor, established a policy of unconditional support for the Ascelonian-friendly Blomburger government. However, his plan to radically realign the country's cultural and economic norms along Ascelonian lines was met with much opposition within the country.
Billions of dollars in spending and investment have done little to revitalize an economy shattered by war and internal conflict. Upon Caroline's ascension to the Ascelonian throne, she immediately pushed for negotiations with the Fifth Column, the leading fascist organization in the civil war. Prior to the Wend Ceasefire, the fascists had lost several key cities next to Vonderborn in a joint operation with Cukarican forces. Despite the government's nominal control over the vast majority of the country, many semi-autonomous authorities and citizens alike detest the administration in Donierstrom. The absence of the Queen accelerated the efforts by many cities and regions to push for more devolution.
The Black Compromise
The Rudelberg Accords has preserved the monarchy in Saxe-Missern-Blomburg, forcing Queen Caroline's abdication in favor of her 8 year old nephew, Prince Harald. The new government, an odd fusion of Neider's old cronies, gentlemen turned fascist, hardline monarchists, and Ascelonian-style republicans held together by duct tape, ended a civil war spanning the better half of last year. Regent Oliver Stromd, a bold mustachioed statesman, stood alongside General turned Chancellor Nikodemus Thiele in inaugurating the new government, which excludes many troublesome parties that brokered deals with the royal government after the Ascelonian invasion.
"Today, we mend wounds and restore order," Thiele declared in his speech. "Tomorrow, we build a stronger and more powerful Blomburg." The new government faces difficulties integrating fascist militias into the army and reconstruction in wartorn cities across the country has been stalled by Reichmark shortages. Many contractors refused to accept government issued IOUs. Tax increases are expected in the coming months. Prominent economists suggest the situation could be eased if Blomburg created its own currency since the high value of Reichmarks is hurting domestic manufacturing. Ascelonian Credits continue to prop up the economy in several regions where heavy investment has established "Kleines Azkelonisch," enclaves ruled de facto by Ascelonian busnissmen.
In accordance with the Accords, these enclaves among an assortment of other ports and cities have been declared autonomous free trade zones in which the new government will keep free of taxes and regulations for the next fifty years. In return, the Caroline Administration has agreed to continue funding Blomburger rearmament and signed a long term military pact with the fascist-led government in Donierstrom. Thousands have fled to these zones and to neighboring Salitz and Hechingen, fearing reprisals from the Thiele government.
Consolidation and Control
A large public works project has begun around the borders with the laying the groundwork for a series of large ditches and fortifications. Fortress Blomburg, a plan imagined by von Neider and started under Caroline now continues under Thiele, who publicly denourced the taxes implemented by the Viceroy and declared his intention to prevent its enforcement as well as to limit the growth of the Viceroy's forces. In the first session of parliament, Thiele passed a strong flight tax and an international tax enforced through the intimidation of relatives of expatriates which will likely deter anymore would-be emigrants.
Elements from the right and the left still threaten the new regime, though Thiele has taken measures to crackdown on his opposition. Several hardline fascist leaders were arrested last week in an effort to restore unity within the post-Neider movement. Fascist paramilitary units, supported by the Blomburger Army and by Carolers, have moved against radical leftists and independent towns rebelling against the new government.
Radio Free Blomburg and the Radio Free Paloni, which were previously government-funded independent stations, were merged with several Fifth Column broadcasting networks. KISS, an intelligence agency set up by the Ascelonian Central Intelligence Service to manage operations in Blomburg and Paloni, and the Knights Cecillia, a military order brought back to restore peace in Zeltz, have fallen under Thiele's control whose own agents within the Fifth Column managed to outfox veteran spymasters in the service of Her Royal (now Imperial) Majesty.
Going Forward
Experts are uncertain of Thiele's long term goals. Since his ascension to the 12 Langstrasse, Ascelonian investors have been bearish on Blomburger markets. The interest rates on government bonds have risen to an unprecedented 9.27% on 2 year bonds, which some economists believe might escalate into a crisis if speculation continues. Others believe that Blomburg is incapable of paying the massive reconstruction debt back. The national deficit, which has climbed into the trillions since the invasion, may stall growth and recovery.
Thiele's aggressive stance against the Viceroy and his allies may also hurt the nation's return to normalcy. However, Eisenbach, under the Ascelonian-friendly Diadokhoi Confederation, and Vonderborn, under the Cukaricans directly allied to Ascelonia, form a solid buffer against any potential conflict. On the other hand, Ubershau may be a staging point for a strike against the new Blomburg and Thiele has kept a close eye on its movements and activities. Under normal circumstances, Ubershau, a powerful merchant state, could provide the Reichmark loans necessary for revitalizing the Blomburger economy. However, Thiele's tough stance on the issue has led to the passage of a medley of sanctions against the mercantile state and its leading families, preventing them from operating within Blomburg and the free trade enclaves.
Political analysts believe the free trade zones are established under the Rudelberg Accords are a thinly veiled attempt dig against Ubershau. While the future is uncertain, especially with the 8 year old prince far away from asserting his authority, it will definitely be one defined by Chancellor Nikodemus and his relationship with Empress Caroline. One thing is certain. There is a storm brewing around the country. Thunder echoes from the cloudy skies above Donierstrom and rain washes away the old. Silver linings are all around if we look hard enough, but who and what will remain when the gale breaks?
Billions of dollars in spending and investment have done little to revitalize an economy shattered by war and internal conflict. Upon Caroline's ascension to the Ascelonian throne, she immediately pushed for negotiations with the Fifth Column, the leading fascist organization in the civil war. Prior to the Wend Ceasefire, the fascists had lost several key cities next to Vonderborn in a joint operation with Cukarican forces. Despite the government's nominal control over the vast majority of the country, many semi-autonomous authorities and citizens alike detest the administration in Donierstrom. The absence of the Queen accelerated the efforts by many cities and regions to push for more devolution.
The Black Compromise
The Rudelberg Accords has preserved the monarchy in Saxe-Missern-Blomburg, forcing Queen Caroline's abdication in favor of her 8 year old nephew, Prince Harald. The new government, an odd fusion of Neider's old cronies, gentlemen turned fascist, hardline monarchists, and Ascelonian-style republicans held together by duct tape, ended a civil war spanning the better half of last year. Regent Oliver Stromd, a bold mustachioed statesman, stood alongside General turned Chancellor Nikodemus Thiele in inaugurating the new government, which excludes many troublesome parties that brokered deals with the royal government after the Ascelonian invasion.
"Today, we mend wounds and restore order," Thiele declared in his speech. "Tomorrow, we build a stronger and more powerful Blomburg." The new government faces difficulties integrating fascist militias into the army and reconstruction in wartorn cities across the country has been stalled by Reichmark shortages. Many contractors refused to accept government issued IOUs. Tax increases are expected in the coming months. Prominent economists suggest the situation could be eased if Blomburg created its own currency since the high value of Reichmarks is hurting domestic manufacturing. Ascelonian Credits continue to prop up the economy in several regions where heavy investment has established "Kleines Azkelonisch," enclaves ruled de facto by Ascelonian busnissmen.
In accordance with the Accords, these enclaves among an assortment of other ports and cities have been declared autonomous free trade zones in which the new government will keep free of taxes and regulations for the next fifty years. In return, the Caroline Administration has agreed to continue funding Blomburger rearmament and signed a long term military pact with the fascist-led government in Donierstrom. Thousands have fled to these zones and to neighboring Salitz and Hechingen, fearing reprisals from the Thiele government.
Consolidation and Control
A large public works project has begun around the borders with the laying the groundwork for a series of large ditches and fortifications. Fortress Blomburg, a plan imagined by von Neider and started under Caroline now continues under Thiele, who publicly denourced the taxes implemented by the Viceroy and declared his intention to prevent its enforcement as well as to limit the growth of the Viceroy's forces. In the first session of parliament, Thiele passed a strong flight tax and an international tax enforced through the intimidation of relatives of expatriates which will likely deter anymore would-be emigrants.
Elements from the right and the left still threaten the new regime, though Thiele has taken measures to crackdown on his opposition. Several hardline fascist leaders were arrested last week in an effort to restore unity within the post-Neider movement. Fascist paramilitary units, supported by the Blomburger Army and by Carolers, have moved against radical leftists and independent towns rebelling against the new government.
Radio Free Blomburg and the Radio Free Paloni, which were previously government-funded independent stations, were merged with several Fifth Column broadcasting networks. KISS, an intelligence agency set up by the Ascelonian Central Intelligence Service to manage operations in Blomburg and Paloni, and the Knights Cecillia, a military order brought back to restore peace in Zeltz, have fallen under Thiele's control whose own agents within the Fifth Column managed to outfox veteran spymasters in the service of Her Royal (now Imperial) Majesty.
Going Forward
Experts are uncertain of Thiele's long term goals. Since his ascension to the 12 Langstrasse, Ascelonian investors have been bearish on Blomburger markets. The interest rates on government bonds have risen to an unprecedented 9.27% on 2 year bonds, which some economists believe might escalate into a crisis if speculation continues. Others believe that Blomburg is incapable of paying the massive reconstruction debt back. The national deficit, which has climbed into the trillions since the invasion, may stall growth and recovery.
Thiele's aggressive stance against the Viceroy and his allies may also hurt the nation's return to normalcy. However, Eisenbach, under the Ascelonian-friendly Diadokhoi Confederation, and Vonderborn, under the Cukaricans directly allied to Ascelonia, form a solid buffer against any potential conflict. On the other hand, Ubershau may be a staging point for a strike against the new Blomburg and Thiele has kept a close eye on its movements and activities. Under normal circumstances, Ubershau, a powerful merchant state, could provide the Reichmark loans necessary for revitalizing the Blomburger economy. However, Thiele's tough stance on the issue has led to the passage of a medley of sanctions against the mercantile state and its leading families, preventing them from operating within Blomburg and the free trade enclaves.
Political analysts believe the free trade zones are established under the Rudelberg Accords are a thinly veiled attempt dig against Ubershau. While the future is uncertain, especially with the 8 year old prince far away from asserting his authority, it will definitely be one defined by Chancellor Nikodemus and his relationship with Empress Caroline. One thing is certain. There is a storm brewing around the country. Thunder echoes from the cloudy skies above Donierstrom and rain washes away the old. Silver linings are all around if we look hard enough, but who and what will remain when the gale breaks?
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