“The Chamber shall now debate the project of law ‘On the Restructuring of VertTech Conglomerate’s Ownership’ proposed by the Left-Wing Coalition. I shall now call for the leader of the Left-Wing Coalition, Deputy Liubenova, to come forward and expose the arguments.” The Speaker of the Duma, Duke Khaor Nakhart, laid his eyes upon one of the Deputies, a charming woman in her early thirties, light brown hair and lively allure, as she walked towards the tribune under applauses of the Deputies from her formation and random whistles from the sector belonging to the deputies from the National Patriotic Christian Alliance.
Dragica gave the chamber a charming smile before starting. “Honourable Speaker of the Duma,” she began as she glanced behind her at the seat occupied by the Speaker, “Honourable Colleagues,” her eyes fell upon the other deputies. “My party and our allies have reiterated our respect of private property on numerous occasions. Yet, in cases when property can no longer be considered as private and be used for private benefits, we deem that it is our duty to react.” The deputies from the Conservative Party remained silent and composed, so did the ones from the Democratic Conservative Party. The NPCA deputies, however, seemed to pierce the leader of the Liberal Socialist Party with a myriad of daggers as they looked upon her.
“Vertev’s Technologies started out as a small company dozens of years ago. It grew up, became prosperous, for which we commend its leadership. And as it grew, it… integrated… other companies to become the most important Taraskovyan company, a Conglomerate as it is officially called nowadays, with influence over every sector of our economic and even social life.” She paused for a second before continuing. “It has been no secret that ever since His Highness Mikhail the First purchased the majority of the company’s shares the Ruling Family profited from the prosperity of the Conglomerate. Not only did it reap the economic benefits, but the Ruling Family also has the power to force VerTech to take decisions profitable to the Shakhovskoy. They can even influence our lives through the company.”
The ‘Loyalists’ remained calm, some of them even covering their mouths to hide yawns of boredom, as Dragica Liubenova continued. “Due to the sheer size and power of the Conglomerate, it is in the opinion of all of the parties of my formation that the Conglomerate should serve national interests instead of those of the royal family. Thus, we propose to pass the law On the Restructuring of VertTech Conglomerate’s Ownership’ that would transfer the shares owned by the Grand Duke to the Taraskovyan State. The Grand Duke would keep a generous share of dividends. This law would enable us to…”
She did not have the chance to finish her phrase as a deputy from the NPCA area stood up. “Preposterous!” The Speaker’s eyes immediately fixed upon the shouting man, who was none else than Count Strogoverov, a nationalist renowned for his hatred of the socialists and communists. “I ask that you retake your seat and let…” “This is not only a violation of private property, it is a dangerous precedent should it get passed! First they strip the Grand Duke, which we could tolerate, but then they would pass on to the Church!”
“I request that you retake your sit, otherwise I shall be forced to remove you from this chamber.” The Speaker said, his voice calm and cold. The NPCA deputy, however, did not flinch as he continued with his yelling, until a bailiff came up to him and attempted to remove him peacefully. The deputy, however, was one of those who used the ancestral right to bear cold arms and, instead of following the bailiff, drew his sword and pointed it at the man. “Get your hands off me!”
Duke Nakhart stood up from his seat, his eyes reflecting his anger as they burned with an icy fire, looking at Count Strogoverov. “You shall holster your sword and leave this chamber until further notice.” Deputies from the Left-Wing Coalition applauded the Speaker’s voice as the two Communist deputies whistled at the angry NPCA member. This was the wrong thing to do as a number of NPCA deputies stood up from their seats and, drawing their swords, advanced towards the Communists. The few LSP deputies who used their right to bear cold arms drew their own weapons and stood up, preparing for the nationalists. Members of the Conservative Party stood up as they pondered whether to intervene between the two sides, with neither of the sides being friends with the Conservatives. The Speaker, in the meantime, did not lose time, for he knew that it was useless to appeal members of the NPCA that were about to kill some communists, and called in the police that were guarding the Northwind Palace. It was not long before numerous officers erupted into the chamber, using force to separate the warring sides. Count Strogoverov was incapacitated and dragged out of the room as Duke Nakhart postponed the debates until the day after.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
From the Vigvar Daily
Parliament Guard to protect the parliamentarians from themselves and… everything else
The project for the creation of a special armed unit by the name of ‘Parliament Guard’ has been agreed to by both chambers of the Parliament, with the unit being under command of a joint ‘Guard Committee’ elected from among both chambers of Parliament. The creation of the unit came as a response to the increased risk of deputies from the National Patriotic Christian Alliance of slaughtering members of the Left-Wing Coalition in the Grand Ducal Duma. The most recent incident required the police guarding the Northwind Palace to intervene against a number of NPCA deputies after the latter were about to charge the two Communist deputies in the Duma.
Members of the Democratic Conservative Party proposed a special law that would forbid the carrying of weapons in government buildings, but that project provoked a negative reaction from the NPCA as well as from the Conservative Party. The two formations reminded that the right to bear cold arms was ‘sacred’ in the Grand Duchy and could not be repealed. The NPCA also suggested that the standard police forces had no right to intervene against deputies and senators during debates. As a compromise, the Conservative Party came up with the project of a Parliament Guard that would not only guard the premises of the Parliament, but also have the authority to remove those deputies or senators that would endanger the lives of their colleagues.
The special statue of the Parliament Guard was voted in as a Grand Ducal Law, giving the unit extensive powers to act, using force if necessary, against the representatives of the People or those of the Fiefdoms. The unit also has more powers when ensuring the security of the Northwind Palace than standard police forces. The Grand Duke has accepted not to reject the project of the Parliament Guard on condition that special articles be included in the statue of the unit, such as granting the Grand Duke the right to call on the unit to Grand Duke’s service, disband the unit and others without required approval from the Parliament.
In the end, the Deputies and Senators now have a special unit not ensure that they do not slaughter each other. A truly marvelous beginning for the First Parliament that will most surely convince the population that the legislative assembly does not waste time in vain and works hard to ensure that the interests of the People and of the Fiefdoms are respected and applied.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
From the Vigvar Daily
Grand Ducal Parliament ratifies the Vigvar Convention on Cooperation despite strong NPCA opposition.
Yesterday both chambers of the Grand Ducal Parliament ratified the Vigvar Convention on Cooperation. The National Patriotic Christian Alliance put up a fight and threatened to initiate a popular referendum on the issue.
As expected, the majority Loyalist Coalition overwhelmingly backed the text of the Convention in Parliament. They were joined by some deputies from the Liberal Socialist Party, even if the majority of the Left-Wing opposition preferred to abstain from voting. The two Communist deputies voted against the treaty, siding with the Nationalists for the first time in the history of the Taraskovyan Parliament.
The NPCA, however, has promised that it would initiate a referendum on the issue in accordance with the Article 115 of the Grand Ducal Constitution and campaign for a rejection of the treaty by the population of the Grand Duchy. “This treaty does not answer the interests of the Taraskovyan people and we shall do everything we need for the voice of our people to be heard,” Count Bogoslavov, leader of the NPCA, has stated. It is expected that his party will have no trouble gathering the required amount of signatures and hold a referendum within the 100 days foreseen by law, even if, judging by information gathered from several opinion polls, the popular referendum would support the Convention.
Whilst the Parliament was debating the motion, half a thousand young nationalists attempted to approach the Northwind Palace and disrupt the session. Since the demonstrators were forbidden to approach the Palace, riot police moved in to break up the crowd. Several dozen people were arrested. Groups of masked young men appeared sporadically over the Capital City, but their activities were limited to spraying graffiti or throwing paint buckets at buildings housing Knootian interests. Police officers arrested two nationalist teenagers that attempted to throw a bucket of yellow paint at the Knootian Embassy; an officer got painted in the process.
In the Outer Ring, an important crowd of approximately ten thousand people was blocked by riot police from entering the bridges leading to the Capital City. No violence was reported and the crowd dispersed by itself towards the evening, traffic through the blocked transport lanes was restored by nightfall.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
From the Vigvar Daily
A coup for the Nationalists: the Taraskovyan People ratifies the Vigvar Convention
Despite a strong NPCA campaign, the Taraskovyan People has supported the Vigvar Convention on Cooperation, defended not only by the Loyalists, but also by a large number of Left-wing parties.
The major fear that haunted the referendum was that the People would not bother to vote and let the supporters of the National Patriotic Christian Alliance reject it. The Loyalist and the Left-wing Coalitions have been constantly promoting the text and calling their voters to ratify it. It would seem that their arguments worked as Taraskovyans voted en masse through the electronic bulletins, the final voter turnout nearing 72%.
All in all, 62,17% of voters backed the Vigvar Convention on Cooperation, which expands the bilateral relations between the Grand Duchy and the Dutch Democratic Republic. The rest voted against, with a small number of bulletins invalidated due to a non-respect of the filling in rules. All in all, the results come as a slap to the face of the Nationalist opposition that is hostile to an opening of the Grand Duchy to the outside world.
“We are all entitled to making errors, even the Taraskovyan people. But I am sure that once they realise the error they have committed Taraskovyans shall demand a voiding of the Convention,” Count Alexander Bogoslavov, leader of the NPCA, has stated when commenting the results during a press conference. “Improving relations with an atheist, godless republic is the surest way to an abyss.”
“The results reflect the present situation of the Grand Duchy that can no longer be content with sitting in its corner and accumulating riches from its natural resources,” Duke Anatoly Orlov, one of the leaders of the Conservative Party, has declared while commenting the results. “Expansion of trade and cooperation between the Grand Duchy and its partners is important to ensure the continued prosperity of our country.”
Yet, the most ardent supporters of the agreement were the Liberal Socialists. “Knootoss is a proof that the republican form of government, as long as it is not a military dictatorship in the style of the Ruling Council, is very successful. I am sure that eventually the Taraskovyan People shall realise it,” Dragica Liubenova, leader of the LSP, said with a smile as she gave a press conference. “It may not be a treaty of international importance, such as some other organizations and alliances out there, yet it is already an other in a series of steps taken in the right direction.”
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Vigvar Daily
Dreamreach declared Kingdom under Grand Duchy, Lagoon to be Principality
In a rather intriguing decision, the Grand Duke has promoted his personal dominion of Dreamreach into a Kingdom, thus breaking with the traditional Russian style in favour of the Western one. The move has left many analysts pondering whether the move has any symbolism attached to it.
The Taraskovyan Grand Duke shall now also be styled King, with the latter title inferior in importance to the former. Legal mess and travesty for some, intriguing decision for others, the sudden promotion of the Dominion to a Kingdom has left nobody indifferent. Indeed, the new title can be interpreted in several ways.
First is that the Grand Duke has decided to turn to the Western style to create a new title that would put him on a more “equal” standing with the rest of the world’s sovereign monarchs. Indeed, with King being higher in honour than Grand Duke, the Taraskovyan leader can now claim to be on a more equal footing with Kings and Emperors of the world. However, due to the fact that Taraskovyan rulers have never been known for envying foreign rulers because of their titles, this interpretation of the move seems highly unlikely.
The one that appears the most probable is the fact that Dreamreach, being an entire star system, can hardly be considered a Duchy simply because of its sheer size. If the Grand Duke had abided by the Russian style, he would have become Tsar, a title historically associated with Orthodox rulers. The title of King, however, is associated with a myriad of religions and, thus, is less heavy in symbolism.
Then why promote it to a Kingdom and not a Grand Duchy? It was surely done to avoid any confusion in the future between Taraskovya and Dreamreach. And in the available choice between Duchy, Kingdom and Empire, the Kingdom was, thus, the compromise and the best choice.
The Grand Duke has not yet commented personally on the creation of this new title, leaving his motives left to speculation. But already many agree – being a Grand Duke above King is better than Grand Duke above a Republic. The status of the Autonomous Republic of the Island of Atlantic as a “republic” has been questioned by many, for even if the Island has a republican form of rule and calls itself as this, its Head of State is still the Grand Duke of all Taraskovya.
The Kingdom shall be largely autonomous from the Grand Duchy, with Grand Ducal law taking precedence and the Grand Duchy responsible for defence and foreign relations. The Grand Ducal Parliament has already passed the law defining the Grand Duchy’s relationship with the newly created Kingdom. No referendum was requested by the Grand Ducal population. With the final status of the territory set in stone, it is expected that the colonization effort shall start once the latest war in the Raumreich is over.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Empire's Diaries" is a general audience magasine, covering the life in the Grand Duchy of Tarasovka and its various dominions, protectorates and associated territories. Giving everything from analysis of really important events to interviews of celebrities.
Hereby is an interview of the magazine with Her Highness the Archduchess Vethara of Taraskovya.
Vethara, a name all Taraskovyans know. A woman, whose smile and charm have seduced the entire country, a woman beloved by all. A woman who went through a lot of pain and suffering, yet always gives an image of happiness and joy. The Archduchess is known for her involvement in Taraskovyan life, always striving to aid those in difficulty.
Today, “Empire’s Diaries” is honoured to present to our faithful readers an interview with Her Highness the Archduchess concerning her latest project to raise funds for the victims of the Plague and the Time of Troubles.
First of all, Your Highness, we wish to express our gratitude for allowing this interview to happen.
The pleasure is all mine, I assure you.
Let us pass on to the important things now. Could you please briefly explain what your latest aid project is about? The news and tabloids have been buzzing with gossip for quite some time, yet no precise information is available.
Most certainly. As you know, the Plague* and the heavy fighting that it is famous for left all of Aphyr a smoldering wasteland. In the years following the war, a great reconstruction effort was undertaken to rebuild Aphyr. Cities have been restored, maglev lines built, electricity and drinking water supplied. However, in the rush for the industrial and material reconstruction, the Ruling Council forgot about the people, the millions of victims of the Plague, millions of those who lost their families. The fathers of many children fell in combat. All this was forgotten in front of the daunting task of rebuilding Aphyr.
And this, I deem, is a great injustice, for we cannot heal the scars left by the Plague and by the Times of Troubles that followed it by simply putting buildings back. We must care about the people.
So your aid project is aimed at aiding those who lost family in the Plague and Time of Troubles?
Indeed. In Taraskovya, we have very few below the vital minimum**, yet many who live right on or slightly above it. This effectively excludes their children from universities, since government subsidies cannot keep up with the huge population.
What I have strived to do for the past months was to raise attention to the problem. I have conducted seminars, press conferences, contributed my personal funds, my dear brother also contributed a great deal… but it seems that we need something bright and striking to raise awareness of the problem.
And what exactly do you have in mind for bright and striking?
I and other famous women shall strip for money.
Really? Could you please explicit what you mean by that?
I mean what I have said. Me and other famous women shall pose in lingerie for a photo album, which shall then be auctioned off. The money shall go to the Shakhovskoy Aid Fund, which I am managing and overseeing, and from there shall be used to aid the aforementioned victims of the Plague and of the Time of Troubles. Education grants, long term and zero percent loans to families… Well, everything that makes up the particular Taraskovyan charity system, since our countrymen refuse to take anything free. After all, the only thing which is free is the cheese in a mousetrap.
Now this is a bold project. Does it not conflict with your duties as Benefactress of the Church?
To some extent, yes, but I have talked with the Patriarch himself and have received his authorisation. His Holiness did advise me to seek other ways to attain my goal, but I do not see any other way. The photograph of me is already ready, it is done very artistically and I assure you I do not show anything that should be hidden.
And what a pity it is, I am sure our male readings are howling already. But what are these other famous women you have mentioned?
I shall not reveal them for the sake of surprise. But let us say that the project involves both Taraskovyan and foreign celebrities. It should be finished quite soon and an edition of a hundred exemplars shall be auctioned off. It shall include autographs by us all, as well as various information on the Plague, the Times of Troubles, non-governmental organizations catering for the victims. Really, if you thought it was just going to be a calendar, you are mistaken, for it shall be much, much more.
And we shall be looking forward to it then. We once again thank Your Highness for the interview and for everything you are doing to aid those Taraskovyans who are in need.
It was a pleasure for me and no gratitude needed. I am just doing what the Shakhovskoy have always been doing – caring for our people for they are our strength and life.
[OOC: * The Plague is the name given in Tarasovka to the civil war of 1141A.S. (Aphyr Conflict) in which half a billion people perished. In game time terms, the war happened 8 years ago, as far as GDT is concerned. The Time of Troubles is the period of the military junta, renowned for the White Legion insurgency.
**Calculated using the following formula:
Base minimum (food, apartment rent, etc) - A
+ Expanded minimum (mandatory medical insurance, base education, etc) - B
+ Social minimum (basic telecommunications, kitchen equipment, etc) - C
+ 20% of A+B+C
_______________
Vital minimum (also known as the poverty line) ]
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Excerpt from the Martian Observer
Inhabitants leave Stribog for Lagoon, Fiefdom’s population thinning
Following the Volarian Nuclear Incident, millions of Taraskovyan citizens dwelling in the Martian Fiefdoms have chosen to sell their homes and migrate to Dreamreach, namely it’s capital planet of Lagoon. The migration wave has not touched only Stribog as hundreds of thousands leave the Sisgardian metropoly for the Kingdom of Dreamreach.
“We used to have more than 260 million people in here. Now we are already down to 230. At this rate, the Fiefdom shall be nothing else that a desert with troops on its borders,” the Governor of Stribog, Omni Anubis, stated with a touch of worry in his voice. And indeed, there are some causes for concern since the Fiefdom of Stribog, the homestead of the Toran people where they form an overwhelming majority, is emptying itself of its population.
The reason behind this? The recent Volarian Nuclear Incident, which caused a nuclear winter all over Mars and covered the ground with radioactive dust, is seen as the main cause for the exodus. However, radioactive fallout is being cleansed at a sustained pace by the ECTOS entities deployed all over the Fiefdoms and the subterranean cities are quite capable of hosting and providing work for hundreds of millions of people.
But all this is not enough to keep the inhabitants of Stribog in the Fiefdom. “All this clean up and everything is very nice, but it’ll be some time before the situation really improves. And in the meantime, land values keep going down. So we sold what we had and bought a government permit to settle on Lagoon,” a migrant told me as he boarded a shuttle which would take him to Lagoon.
And they are not alone to think that way. Many people in Dajdbog and even in the Sisgardian metropoly are packing suit cases, getting permits and moving out to Lagoon. It seems the recently created Kingdom of Dreamreach is seen as a “promised land” by many willing to escape radioactive clouds of Mars or simply the noise and hassle of the highly urbanized metropoly.
Dreamreach, with a current population of a hundred million already, is experiencing a tremendous economic growth and looks set to become an other jewel in the Taraskovyan crown.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Article from the Empire's Diaries:
Parliament To Debate “Human” Status For Julaniem
The Taraskovyan legal system is a rather particular one. And the terminology of “human” is one of them. While a bit every other nation considers humans to be members of the homo sapiens species, the Taraskovyal legal order considers human “any species capable of interbreeding with Taraskath, creating viable progeniture that is capable of further procreation […] sharing a physical appearance similar to that of the Taraskath […] having the same general interior composition and structure as Taraskath […] [and] products of natural evolution.” The quoted definition is not contained within the law, but within a 41 years old verdict of the Grand Ducal Tribunal, dated November 1109 A.S. The same verdict which saw the then rather consequent population of Skaven in Taraskovya deprived of citizenship and most rights, but accorded them a special status under the law, extending certain provisions of fundamental rights on the non-humans.
Since then, the Skaven have been entirely wiped out in the heavy merciless combats that characterised the Plague, along with five hundred million “human” Taraskovyans. Many lawyers joked that “the legal problem has been solved”. But they could not foresee that the Ruling Council would send the army to conquer Tavaroth…
The Julaniem: challenging the legal establishment since 1145 AS.
Following the conquest of Tavaroth and the establishment there of a Taraskovyan Dominion authority, a number of legal questions arose over time. As the lands were pacified and stabilized, a more or less efficient democracy came to be established, on Taraskovyan principles of popular participation through referenda. The Taraskovyan Grand Ducal constitution extends itself largely over the United Provinces of Tavaroth, at least as far as Fundamental and Political rights are concerned.
This said, the Taraskovyan constitution uses the term “human rights” and, as such, only grants them to “humans” (read above for jurisprudential definition). Non-humans, such as the Julaniem, are excluded from voting, for example. And whilst the inhabitants of Tavaroth have no say over the Grand Ducal Constitution as citizens of a dominion, they are none the less subjected to its overall authority.
So far, the only exception to the rules has been Hermes Island, but then again non-humans there are foreigners that come to do business, not technical Taraskovyan citizens who are entitled to vote and decide of Taraskovyan politics. The Tavaroth issue, it appears, has dealt a huge blow at the well-established notions of Taraskovyan law.
The Liberal Socialist Party, the Democratic Conservative Party and a good half of Conservatives have cried foul of the situation, argumenting that “members of the Kerrat kin are native to Tavaroth in the same manner as Taraskath are native to Taraskovya. Can one imagine Taraskath deprived of voting rights because they are not homo sapiens?” If the Julaniem (or Kerrat, as they are also called) are not “human”, then they may not vote, they may not own property, they may not seize the courts and they are not covered and protected by law. A completely surreal and idiotic situation in the eyes of many Taraskovyans, especially considering that foreign non-humans that visit Hermes Island may buy property, may exchange goods and services, are protected by law. The mere fact that foreign citizens are treated better than Taraskovyans by right is preposterous to many.
[indent]“We can understand that the Skaven were refused citizenship fourty years ago,” an LSP spokesperson commented. “They were not native to Taraskovya and were taken in as refugees. Even if we find that the verdict in question is completely absurd, we respect the reasoning of the judges in the Tribunal. The problem here is that the Julaniem are native to Tavaroth, a Taraskovyan Dominion. They are Taraskovyans, period!”[/indent]
Back in the times, it were the Taraskovyan National Defence Forces that found the way out of the Skaven legal puzzle: they simply proclaimed each and every rat-person as “auxiliary personnel”. And when the military decides to protect someone, no troublemaker shall dare go against.
TNDF: leading the way by example?
Just as with the Skaven back in the old days, the National Defence Forces have not waited until lawyers and politicians end their talking and just proclaimed all Julaniem as “auxiliary personnel”, which extends the military's protection over the kin without any obligations of service for the Julaniem to the military. The decision was taken upon personal insistence of General-Poruchik Jochem van Wallenstein, commander of the TNDF elements in Tavaroth.
The Taraskovyan military, in many aspects, has always been more socially and culturally progressive than the civilian and political State authorities, contrary to what many could expect. The TNDF has no issues with enrolling foreigns in general and non-humans in particular into its ranks as long as they are willing to serve Taraskovya and give their lives for a country that doesn’t even recognize them as worthy of legal protection. Non-humans can actually advance as high as the rank of Colonel, since the ranks above must approved by the civilian and political authorities who would reject any "non-human".
The examples of TNDF’s openness are many: from Skaven troops in the old days to the current Julaniem Scouts. General-Poruchik van Wallenstein has created a whole regiment of Julaniem scouts, which provides prime quality reconnaissance platoons and companies to other units of the National Defence Forces. The commander of the Julaniem Scouts Unit “Sherkhan” is Colonel Rasht Kerush, nicknamed “Shaitan”, who is currently the highest ranked non-human in the TNDF. Kerrat scouts have received top praise from a high number of Taraskovyan military commanders.
Despite strong opposition from many in the political establishment, the military retorts to criticism bluntly and aggressively, stipulating that “as long as they fight for the Motherland we don’t give a damn whether they have tails or not”. In face of the military’s strong popularity with the Taraskovyan population, no politician has ever dared suggest a law that would limit TNDF recruitment to “humans only” out of fear for his electoral future.
Granting human status to non-humans? And how far?
The Parliament is to debate in the coming weeks the issue of whether to amend Taraskovyan laws in such a way as to include the Julaniem, and in such case what laws to amend and how. Some Parliamentarians suggest a new Grand Ducal Statute which would list “particular species” that benefit from the same status as “human” under the Constitution.
Others suggest amending the Constitution and replacing the term “human” with “sentient” or “sapient”. The National Patriotic Christian Alliance rejects any amendment and suggests deporting all Julaniem to third states.
Whatever the solution, the Taraskovyan grand ducal population shall surely be the last to decide. And according to latest polls, 65% of Taraskovyans do consider the Kerrat as equal citizens of the gigantic and multi-cultural Taraskovyan Empire in Denial.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Excerpt from the Empire’s Diaries:
Second Parliament Sworn In
Today, the second Grand Ducal Parliament began its work, following last week’s elections which saw the Conservative Party maintain its absolute majority in both Houses of Parliament. His Grace, the Duke Khaor Nakhart has been reelected as Duma Speaker for a second mandate.
The major tendency seen in the elections was the strengthening of the Loyalist bloc in the Duma, while the NPCA saw its support dwindling. The Left-Wing Coalition is down from four parties to two, as the IAAP decided to join up with the Liberal-Socialists and the NPUH did not manage to gain a single seat.
A newcomer in the field, the Republican Party, has stated it would join the Loyalists. Despite their campaigning for the abolition of monarchy, the Republicans share the same views as the Conservatives and the Democratic Conservatives on such issues as economy, welfare, social politics.
The Duma composition is as follows, out of 400 seats:
– Conservative Party – 218 seats ([COLOR="SeaGreen"]+2[/COLOR]) - Loyalist
– National Patriotic Christian Alliance – 68 seats ([COLOR="Red"]-11[/COLOR]) - Nationalist
– Liberal-Socialist Party – 62 seat ([COLOR="#2e8b57"]+11[/COLOR]) – Left-Wing
– Democratic-Conservative Party – 35 seats ([COLOR="SeaGreen"]+1[/COLOR]) - Loyalist
– Republican Party – 15 seats ([COLOR="#2e8b57"]+15[/COLOR]) – Loyalist
– Communist Party – 1 seat ([COLOR="Red"]-1[/COLOR]) – Left-Wing
– Apathy Party – 1 seat ([COLOR="#ff0000"]-1[/COLOR]) – “Who cares?”
In the Senate, the Liberal-Socialists did not manage to score a single seat as their main trump card, Senator Vologdov, decided not to stand up again. The Conservatives, the Christian Patriots and independents divided the Senate amongst themselves.
The Senate composition is as follows, out of 58 seats:
– Conservative Party – 31 seat ([COLOR="#ff0000"]-1[/COLOR])
– National Patriotic Christian Alliance – 8 seats ([COLOR="#ff0000"]-1[/COLOR])
– Independent Senators – 19 seats
The Second Parliament, which will actually be the first to server the reglementary four years mandate, shall have to tackle a number of different issues, from the ever growing calls for the Imperial Reform to the status of “non-humans” with the Grand Ducal legislation.
Nakhart: Julaniem status to be decided within months, not years
During his opening speech, Duma Speaker Khaor Kakhart has clearly stated that the debate on “non-humans” in the Grand Duchy shall not take the path of years, but shall be decided in the coming months. The Speaker has invited deputies from all parties to come forward with pragmatic propositions.
[indent]“The Grand Duchy has to move forward. We must understand that we are no longer a small country somewhere in the confines of Sisgardia. We are a power to be reckoned with, a power that flies its banner proudly over many lands, a power whose regiments inspire fear in enemy hearts, a power which calls respect from foreign states. We live in a big, I shall allow myself the word huge, even! We live in a huge country, we live in a great country.
“We cannot revel in the old times when cultures were relatively few and the legal situation was clear. Today, we must pay the price of our success and move beyond the aged principles that govern our laws. My dear colleagues, honourable deputies, the Taraskovyan society has already moved forward and has not waited for us in that respect. Foreign non-humans can trade freely on Hermes Island, for our citizens value interaction and commerce with foreign states, be it on Hermes Island or in foreign countries. The military! The military has moved well beyond ancient stereotypes in all matters social and cultural. Even as we speak, the Julaniem scouts are serving our great country, they are spilling their blood for a country that refuses to recognize them as its subjects.
“Some might deem that I am asking for everything immediately, that I want to turn Taraskovya into a country of the likes of Allanea, where everything is permitted and the society is in complete cultural chaos. Let me assure you: I am the first to acknowledge that Taraskovya must never become a haven of libertarian decadence. But I fail to see how recognizing our valiant sons and daughters as our own shall disrupt the fabric of Taraskovyan livelihood.
“Dear Sirs, dear Ladies, members of Parliament… I shall make it a personal question to ensure a favourable resolution to the Julaniem citizenship question within the upcoming months. We cannot… we may not put the decision off indefinitely as some in this chamber would love to. I invite all serious deputies to come forward with a debate on the question that shall lead to the creation of a comfortable legal environment for what we today consider as non-humans in the Grand Duchy, most notably the Julaniem.”[/indent]
The intervention on the question of non-humans, while having been only a portion of the speech, was the most awaited moment of the day. Loyalist deputies applauded three times during the intervention, which can very well mean that the Parliamentary majority has already an idea on how to deal with the situation in the best way possible.
Military reorganization on the agenda
Different sources indicate that the Parliament shall ponder on the question of reorganizing the Taraskovyan military system. This will most surely involve revoking the right of Fiefdoms and Dominions to maintain own standing armed forces, as well as reorganizing the Taraskovyan National Defence Forces into Theatres instead of the conventional branches.
[indent]“Nowadays, we drop Armoured Divisions as if they were Airborne. The Air Force has come to lose any sense, because today it is better to have an aero-space capable force than craft limited to atmospheric flight,” military analysts agree. “Moreover, we only have a Navy [wet water navy] on Earth, and it is slowly coming to lose its importance in favour of the Space Fleet. Why should we have a whole branch within the [TNDF] if it only concerns one theatre and is of minor importance?”[/indent]
The plan, however, draws some resistance from Fiefdom and Dominion authorities, which see it as an attempt on their federal rights. Many analysts agree that while the local entities should be allowed to maintain reserve and militia forces, the professional armed forces should be solely within Grand Ducal jurisdiction.
[…]
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Excerpt from the Empire’s Diaries:
Julaniem Status Resolution Nearing
Some sources indicate that the Parliamentary Commission on the Rights of Non-Humans, which has been created for the purpose of studying the question on whether to grant “non-humans” the status of “humans” and under what terms, has come to a preliminary draft of a constitutional and legislative revision.
The project would involve an approach in two directions: amending the Federal Constitution of the Grand Duchy of Tarasovka, most precisely Title 2, Chapter 1, with a new provision which would stipulate that the terms “human” are applicable to all sapient living beings. This would extend the provisions of “human rights” to “non-humans”, but would not resolve the outstanding question of citizenship.
Indeed, citizenship is considered a political right, not a human one. Taraskovyan citizenship is not fundamental to a living being and, as such, restrictions in this field shall continue to apply. The Grand Ducal Statute on Citizenship, however, shall be amended with a provision stipulating that the Grand Ducal Government can decide on what ethnicities and kins may obtain Taraskovyan citizenship, basing themselves on cultural, social and other arguments.
Major Legal Reshuffle Ahead?
The Grand Ducal Parliament has not yet made any official comment on the news, but Deputies and Senators from the National Patriotic Christian Alliance have been making personal statements condemning the upcoming project as “ani-Taraskovyan”. Regardless of the nationalist position on the matter, many Taraskovyan legal specialists have hailed what they see as a major breakthrough in the outdated Taraskovyan policies.
[indent] “If the two-part approach is indeed true, then it is simply perfect for Taraskovya,” Leonid Solonov, professor of Constitutional Law at Vigvar University, commented. “On the one hand, it shall provide for what we today consider as non-humans to come freely to all Taraskovyan realms, and not just Hermes Island. This means tourism, this means business, this means workforce. Of course, the exact extent of the term “living beings” remains to be seen, but it is undeniably a major leap forward for our legal system.
“On the other hand, it shall exclude a number of ethnicities from obtaining Taraskovyan citizenship until such and such kin has sufficient cultural ties with our country. Yet again, the exact extent of the provision has to be clarified: will individual representatives of the kin be able to gain citizenship without automatically giving the same rights to their compatriots, or will it only be possible once a kin has sufficient ties to Taraskovya, like the Julaniem?
“The overall project shall allow non-humans to interact with Taraskovya freely, but will allow Taraskovya to chose those ethnicities it wishes to have further responsibilities over, those of a State towards its Citizens.”[/indent]
Taraskovyans Appear In Favour of Project
Some polls conducted by a variety of private organizations have established that the Taraskovyan People is in favour of the project. The biggest support appears to come from the Fiefdoms of Uthar, Southern Cardinia, Vyshna, Vigvar and Amalor. The Fiefdoms opposed to the idea appear to be Uiliath and Keth. The other Fiefdoms have slim majorities in favour.
But all these polls indicate that a whole 30% of Taraskovyans are still undecided on what to vote in any referendum. And referendum there shall be, at least for the constitutional amendment, involving the votes of the People and of the Fiefdoms. But the NPCA has stated clearly that will initiate a referendum on any amendment to the Statute on Citizenship.
NPCA: “Good bye Taraskovya, hello Allanea!”
The National Patriotic Christian Alliance and their supporters have been gearing up for a campaign of opposition to any upcoming project which would give “non-humans” the same rights as “humans”.
[indent] “We can tolerate these elves being “human”, but giving humanship to beastmen is out of the question. Are we a human state, or some freakland in the likes of Allanea or Scolopendra? If those non-humans don’t like their current status, they are free to pack bags and leave. The project is Anti-Taraskovyan as it goes against our culture and our values.”[/indent]
The NPCA has portrayed itself as a defender of an Orthodox Taraskovya in the face of an adverse and faithless world. However, the Alliance and the Patriarchate appear to have parted ways on the Julaniem question, as Church missionaries are already working amongst the population of Tavaroth, meeting varying levels of success with various cultures there, including with the Kerrat.
The White Legion has not stated its stance on the question, but many expect it to be highly negative. Many also doubt the Legion will ever make a statement as the organisation has been dormant for the past two years and some even deem that it quietly dissolved in the meantime.
The NPCA, however, is very much around and is making its voice heard, with its calls for a deportation of all non-humans to nations that would accept them. Such a solution, however, appears to be out of the question for the Grand Ducal leadership as such moves would pretty much isolate the country from the outside world. But what the People decides remains to be seen.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Excerpt from the Empire’s Diaries:
Grand Duke Overrules Dreamreach Law On Military
His Majesty Mikhail II Shakhovskoy, Grand Duke of all Taraskovya and King of Dreamreach, has today put a veto on a law passed by the Royal Parliament of Dreamreach which sealed the Kingdom’s right to maintain its own military force in accordance with the traditions in place within the territories under Taraskovyan jurisdiction. Under the legislative procedure in place in Taraskovya and its Dominions, a law does not need the Grand Duke’s approval in order to be passed and enacted, but the Grand Duke may void the law at any moment at his own discretion and without offering any justification.
[indent] “The law is sheer non-sense,” a Winter Palace spokesperson has indicated, “and as such it has been vetoed by the Grand Duke. His Majesty has also made it clear to the MPs on Lagoon that any attempt to cling on to their military rights in the light of the upcoming military reform shall be futile. The Royal Parliament has been given a clear warning that it stands to be dissolved in case of disobedience.”[/indent]
It is the first time the Grand Duke has used his absolute veto powers in the new Grand Duchy (and, by extent, its Dominions) and sends a clear message that the military affairs are being centralized for good. The Royal Parliament of Dreamreach has indicated that it would respect the decision of the King of Dreamreach and comply with his demands, even at the expense of its autonomy. The Royal Parliament of Nyi-Gardarika has indicated that it was scrapping a similar project in light of the developments.
[…]
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Interview from the Empire’s Diaries:
Lost In Wonderland On Tour
Lost in Wonderland is a name that is known not only throughout the gigantic Taraskovyan Empire, but which extends its reputation abroad into many countries. The Taraskovyan metal band, having began modestly ten years ago, is today a major hit in charts world-wide. Combining stunning on-stage performance, powerful music and a duo of male and female vocals, the band is bound to keep wooing the crowds for years to come.
In the run up to a major tour which will take the band through a number of countries, the “Empire’s Diaries” managed to obtain an interview with the band’s leaders and vocalists: Skomorokh* and Queen of Spades.
First of all, we will begin with thanking the two of you for granting us this interview. We know how busy you are in preparations for the upcoming tour.
Skomorokh: The pleasure is all ours, really.
The upcoming tour shall take you to a number of countries, namely Pantocratoria, the Resurgent Dream, Abt and Knootoss. Can you maybe shed some light on what you plan to perform?
Skomorokh: Well, in Belgorod we shall perform our “Return the Sky to Them” program including our Russian and Taraskath language songs. Since they are basically Taraskovyans, but independent, we figured it would make sense to treat them to the same program. As far as the other countries are concerned, it will be a completely new program called “Bright Eyes” featuring English language songs.
Queen of Spades: As far as Pantocratoria is concerned, we can already say that we shall premiere several French language songs. And well, if the public reacts positively, we might just as well put them on a future album. [laughs]
You shall be cooperating with some local bands on the tour, unless we are mistaken. Can you maybe provide some further clarifications?
S: To an extent. In Knootoss, we shall be supported by Utharian** band Autumn, fellow Taraskovyans, who shall be touring the Dutch Democratic Republic. We will link with them on several occasions, namely in Knootcap.
But otherwise, in Abt, Pantocratoria and the Resurgent Dream we’ll be supported by local bands, yes. We’ve already had previous contacts with all of them and we are looking forward to offering our public an unforgettable show.
Due to your on-stage costumes and masks, many people wonder when you’ll finally decide to reveal your faces. Not for this time, we take it?
Q: Not for this time, no. Our costumes and masks are part of Lost in Wonderland, just as our songs and music. It allows us to live our characters closely, to offer a better performance on stage.
It’s a pity then. We do have to ask, though, about your main sources of inspiration, which are the fairy tales. Many deem that it could be time to move on to more serious topics. What do you think?
S: Well, we do have songs that can be considered as "serious"… “I am free”, for example, or “Would You Share the Stars with Me?”, respectively performed in single by myself and Her Majesty. But we have never really considered distancing ourselves much from our main theme, which are fairy tales. After all, all of ours songs are rather serious, even if they speak of fairy tales.
Q: Indeed. There is a child in each and every one of us and instead of locking him or her up like many people do, we allow them to influence our creativity. And in the end, we all feel better in the end, be the songs sad or cheerful. Simply because we have been allowed to escape reality for several minutes and plunge into a world where everything is possible, where good always wins.
Let us turn to your songs now. You are known as a multilingual band, performing in Russian, Taraskath and English. It would appear French will also be added to your list. Many accuse you of simply trying to flood as many markets as possible with your songs. How would you refute such accusations, if you would refute at all?
Q: We are not really trying to flood any market. Of course, we are not against people buying our records and songs, but we do not do this out of commercial motives. If you listen to our songs, you shall see that they are each unique, unlike many other bands, especially in the pop and hip hop genres, which take a base tune and then stamp song after song on it.
S: The choice of language depends on the song in question, on the mood we want to convey. Each language is unique, which is why it gives a unique touch to a song. Even if we translate a Taraskath song into Russian, it will not have the same feeling and the original sense will surely be lost. This is why we are multilingual: we are exploring every possibility a language can offer us, the opportunities new languages have to offer, and we use them accordingly.
Any plans for songs in some other languages?
S: Not yet. We are limited by the languages I and Her Majesty speak, after all. Our bassist, the Four of Spades, comes from Middelhoorn in Southern Cardinia. So we have a Dutch speaker who also knows German. But I don’t speak the languages, Her Majesty doesn’t speak them, I can’t see how we’d be able to sing in them.
Q: And personally I am not in a rush to learn new languages right now. Of course, we could as well stuff some implants into our brains, but I love my head as it is: natural and pretty. [laughs]
Indeed. Well, allow us to thank you for your time and to wish you the best of everything in your upcoming performances abroad. Show them what Taraskovyans are like there!
S: You can count on us.
Q: Oh, they will remember us all right…
[OOC:
* Skomorokh (rus.) – best translated as minstrel jester.
** Uthar is one of the three Dutch-speaking Fiefdoms of the Grand Duchy.]
