MNews: Noticios di Mastralos
BREAKING NEWS: GENERAL TOMAS BUSTAMANTE TO STEP DOWN
In breaking news, General Tomas Bustamante has announced his intention to step down from his role as Interim President of the Republic and transition the country back to civilian rule. A new Democratic Transitional Council (DTC) will take on executive and legislative powers with the mandate to draft a new constitution and announce new elections within two years.
Though the exact composition of the DTC is not yet entirely known, inside sources hint that General Bustamante will have a role and that Dante Ferrero, son of deceased President Domenico Ferrero, is shortlisted for a prominent position within the DTC. In exile since the “summer coup” of 2016, Justice Department officials have confirmed that charges of sedition against him have been dropped and arrest warrants cancelled. It is unclear if former Vice President and Acting President Isabelle Martinez has been released from house arrest.
General Bustamante has held the post of Interim President since August 2016, when a military coup under his command ousted Acting President Isabelle Martinez and other foreign puppets. Elections scheduled for later in 2016 to both La Congrezza and the Presidency were suspended under emergency decree. Constitutional rights and civilian courts were suspended in order to root out those responsible for the terrorism afflicting the early 2016 election cycle.
General Bustamante is expected to make a brief announcement later this evening.
Impera, Mastralos
A warm westerly wind blew through the large courtyard of the Presidential Palace as the sun began to set on what was perhaps one of the last pleasant days before the wet winter weather arrived. It was shortly before dinner, so timed for the evening news cycle to pick up and to ensure the General’s brief speech could reach those at home.
The courtyard was filled with a large but orderly crowd of citizens deemed friendly towards the regime – all attendees were pre-screened before admittance. Some supporters were even bussed in from beyond the city to ensure adequate support and crowd size. A small cadre of photographers and journalists from outlets deemed friendly to, or at least uncritical of, General Bustamante was placed to the right of the courtyard in order to capture the General’s “good side.” No room for dissidents here.
Just beyond the palace grounds, protesters demonstrated and shouted, but in relatively small numbers and in an otherwise peaceful manner. They knew all too well what brutality the police and militias would lay upon them if they left the designated zone or strayed from the agreed-upon behaviours. In any case, their cries would fall on deaf ears – no journalists or unapproved recording devices were allowed near the zone. Of course, cameras and microphones were used by the police and propaganda bureau to potentially harass or denigrate protesting individuals in the future. Just to be safe, public loudspeakers played the national anthem and other patriotic music to drown out any stray voices.
Finally, the courtyard clock tower rang six, and the gilded motorized doors to the balcony of the Presidential Office gently swung open. A brief form of the national anthem played as General Bustamante sauntered to the prepared podium, his white ceremonial uniform gently reflecting the glows of the evening sun, one soldier from the Presidential Guard walking either side of him in their ceremonial marine blue uniforms. Upon approaching the podium, the General stopped and saluted the standing crowd, his salute ending with the music. He placed a hand on either side of the podium and spoke into the waiting microphone.
“Each morning, I look over this beautiful land and I think of you, the people of Mastralos, and all that we have accomplished in these two brief years," his speech began with a sentimental tone in his voice.
"And each day, through hard work and sacrifice, we rebuild our nation anew, we cleanse it of the corruption and weaknesses of the past, and we lay our lives for order and stability. And no more,” he pounded the podium for emphasis as he spoke, “do we bow and cower in the face of outside aggressors and instigators!”
“No doubt, much work remains to be done in rebuilding from the wounds of the past, but you, the people, make this land strong and mighty," his voice wavered as he looked down at the black top of the podium in false humility, "Every day, I strive to earn your respect,”
After a brief pause and looking up and out at the crowd, the General continued, “And to prove I have earned it, to prove I am a man who keeps his promises, I come to you with an announcement. Though the revolution is far from complete, it is time for you, the people, to take an even greater role. After consulting with many of you and your countrymen, I am determined the time is right to resign my role as Interim President and hand executive powers to a new Democratic Transitional Council!”
The general stopped and nodded for the crowd as the courtyard was filled with gasps and cheers, some rehearsed and some genuine. Camera flashbulbs went off, their light bouncing off the pale sandstone walls as the General maintained a stoic face. After a moment, he leaned back towards the microphone and extended his arm, holding his palm out at the crowd as if to shake a hand.
“This council will be formed from you and your neighbours, from members of the military and security forces, academics and journalists, labour leaders and political party members, industry representatives and others. But rest assured,” he bent his elbow and pointed a finger to the air above him, “I am not abandoning you, for I will be one of many members of this council.”
He paused again for a moderate and somewhat forced cheer from the crowd.
“This council will be tasked with writing a new constitution, with holding fresh elections within two years, and with re-establishing civilian courts free from foreign influence. But this is not all. After a thorough investigation, the Revolutionary Court has decided to drop all charges against the son of late President Domenico Ferrero, God rest his soul," he declared while he made the sign of the cross in Catholic tradition.
"Dante Ferrero will now return home from his exile and has graciously agreed to serve you and the country by taking a leading role on the new council,” he stopped again, calmly reaching for the clear crystal glass with equally crystal clear water on the podium, and taking a sip to hide his grin. He could barely stop himself from getting giddy at his little lie – Dante’s so-called “exile” – for he knew full well the poor fellow had no choice but to play along and provide an air of legitimacy.
Placing the crystal glass back down, he continued, “And as a great benefit to you, scientific experts and your community associations assure me it is now time to make some other changes. I am pleased to announce the end of compulsory civilian vegetarianism and meat rationing! As the safety and security of our food sources has been rebuilt, it is no longer necessary to ensure only the military and security services have access to meat for nutrition and morale. I expect we can all enjoy a hearty feast in the coming days. God bless Mastralos!” he threw his right fist in the air as the crowd cheered Viva Mastralos, viva Bustamante! repeatedly, continuing for a required moment as the General turned and left the balcony.
