The Land of Mammoths (Allamunnic Nation Maintenance)

[Allamunnic States]

Forward Note: This thread has been made for the purpose of posting various occurrences in the Federation of Allamunnic States, a nation in The Cornellian Empire.

Material that may be posted here ranges from politics and government, news, one-shot stories, or facts and statistics about the nation. Please telegram the OP for approval prior to posting in this thread.

[Allamunnic States]

This Week In Allamunnic History
Week of December 14th through December 20th

2009 - Century Constitution ratified
On December 16th, 2009, Piekslynd's state legislature made it the final state to ratify the Century Constitution that had been drafted earlier in the year. As a result, this set official date of effect for the Century Constitution as January 15th, 2010. This also resulted in preparations for new elections, which were held in September of 2010 for Federal legislative offices. Those elections ended up producing a solid coalition government between the Federalist Party and Republican Party led by Chancellor Anessa Maarks and Prime Minister Erik Hendrsunn, a coalition which currently still dominates the legislature.

[Allamunnic States]

Report courtesy of ATRCAN

Brief of Senate Resolution 017-12-27-2015
Date: 12/27/2015
Subject: Ashab Civil Conflict

Overview: The Senate, by a vote of 47-10 with 4 abstentions, has approved a resolution in which the Federation of Allamunnic States announces its neutrality in the current civil conflict in Ashab. The stated rationale for this decision is the inability to determine a meritorious side in the conflict of sufficient integrity to justify the expenditure of Allamunnic lives, treasure, or social capital in its aid.

Despite this, the resolution also includes statements of condemnation towards the violence as a whole, and announces a plan to begin accepting refugees from Ashab, as well as allocating funds to investigate the prospects of providing direct relief to affected Ashabi civilians. The formal position, finalized by the Senate, also received a statement of support from the Assembly, and was signed by Generalissimo Stevan Grimmeburger.

[Allamunnic States]

Report courtesy of ATRCAN

Brief of Senate Resolution 013-12-27-2015
Date: 12/27/2015
Subject: Blockade of the Strait of Laz

Overview: The Senate, by a vote of 37-14-9, has approved a resolution regarding the current Deadoran blockade of the Strait of Laz. The wording of the resolution is as follows:

"In regards to the current blockade carried out by the Feminist Empire of Deadora in the Strait of Laz, we find that we cannot, in good conscience, fault the stated intent behind this course of action. With that said, we must stress that the current blockade is having a negative impact on regional trade and security far beyond the intended scope of this action. As such, we must ask that the Feminist Empire of Deadora either cease the blockade, or adjust it so as to limit its scope to Krutongo, limiting its affect on other, neutral or allied nations in the Strait of Laz."

The Generalissimo has approved and signed the resolution in solidarity with the elected government, while the Assembly has issued a statement supporting the actions of the Senate in defining Allamunnic foreign policy.

[Allamunnic States]

Allamunnic States Daily
National & World News

Grimmeburger, Moet condemn Arbites
New evidence prompts action
by Allaea Wendelunn

Roan, DR --- Following the Adiran government's disclosure of evidence regarding the current Cetan crisis to several governments across the region, a resolution passed by the Moet by a nearly-unanimous decision and signed by Generalissimo Stevan Grimmeburger was announced, placing federal condemnation against the government of the Imperium of Arbites for its role in facilitating terror and violence around the region.

The resolution, read aloud on the floor of the Senate by Chancellor Anessa Maarks after it was passed, contained passages that voiced support for Adiron, calling the nation a beacon of liberty and democracy in the region, as well as expected passages that condemned the Imperium in harsh terms.

"A nation which sees fit to threaten and harm innocents in the pursuit of an ideology or faith has no place in the civilized world," Maarks read, "and as such, we must condemn the Imperium of Arbites Materia as a rogue nation that cannot be trusted to uphold the basic conventions and norms that define a modern, decent world."

The evidence provided by the Adiran government was outlined and explained, although parts were, notably, withheld due to ongoing security concerns. Still, what was presented to the Moet and the general public was damning in its own right.

The resolution also announced that several embargoes would be levied against Arbites, and what little diplomatic staff remained in the country has been recalled. Plans for reintroducing an Allamunnic embassy to the Imperium have been scrapped, and several units in the Federal Army and Navy alike have been placed on alert.

"In times like these, all that it takes for evil to prevail is for the decent to do nothing," Maarks stated. "As such, we as a nation must prepare to do our part in standing up to a regime that shows such a callous disregard for human life and suffering."

"With fault clearly established," Generalissimo Grimmeburger said in a released statement, "our commitment to finding a peaceful solution to this crisis has not changed. However, our resolve to stand with Adiron, should the peace process prove impossible, has never been stronger than it is now with the presentation of this evidence. I would like to thank the Adiran government for their forthrightness and transparency in this crisis. May whatever higher power there is guide us."

The Federation also joins Jedoria in its condemnation of Arbites, and it is expected that at least a few more nations will join the calls against Arbites. Already, the Empire of Deadora has undertaken actions in the Strait of Laz against the Imperium, and we will continue to monitor that situation as well.

[Allamunnic States]

Allamunnic States Daily
The World

Federal government condemns Gloria Regian government
Officials that backed Gloria Regian independence say they were lied to
by Allaea Wendelunn

ROAN, FD --- Chancellor Anessa Maarks issued a condemnation of the new constitution of Gloria Regis today, and said that the Senate would be voting on possible sanctions in the light of a number of controversial provisions.

The new constitution of Gloria Regis, written after the Feminist Collective party won a majority in their parliament, contains a number of clauses that State Department officials say are direct contradictions to promises made to several foreign governments during the island's struggle for independence.

"We were told quite clearly that Gloria Regis would be a representative state which would seek to do right by all of its peoples, regardless of sex or gender identity, race, or political affiliation. These stipulations we see in their new constitution confirm that either those making those promises had no say in the process, or that we were outright lied to," State Department Director Jordynn Graagursunn told reporters at a weekly press conference. "As such, we have recommended to the Moet that we reconsider our relations and support for the Gloria Regian regime."

The provisions which have proven so controversial included clauses stating that male citizens cannot hold office, in direct defiance of the results of a number of elections (in which male legislators were selected to sit in the parliament). Considering the amount of advocacy and support that the Federal government had for the cause of Gloria Regian independence, that there is anger in the Federal government is hardly surprising.

"This reversal is not only a betrayal of a promise to the international community," Maarks stated as she read the condemnation, passed by the Senate, "but is a betrayal of democracy and the belief that all people are equal under the eyes of the law and their Creator. It was the belief that we shared that view with the Gloria Regians that led us to push for their rights to self-determination. However, in the light of these developments, it is clear that the Feminist Collective as a party was content to lie to the international community, and indeed, to their own people, in the interest of a callous and unjust grab for power."

"As such, we, the Senate of the Federation of Allamunnic States, condemn the current government and constitution of Gloria Regis as illegitimate and directly in defiance of the best interests of its citizens. At the present time, whatever diplomatic support or rapport the Federation has extended or made to Gloria Regis is suspended. Our embassy program there is henceforth suspended until the Gloria Regian government abides by all of the decisions made in that election."

"Although some in Gloria Regis' government charge that gender-blind government cannot lead to a better status for women, we charge that the Federation very much provides an example in which true equality is only achieved through equality in governance. And without the ability to peacefully and rationally engage in discourse with those we disagree with, we do not have democracy. We urge the government of Gloria Regis to reconsider their current measures in the light of those values of equality and democracy."

"If they continue to choose not to do so, stronger language, and stronger action, will be called for." At the time of pressing, a multiparty group of Senators had introduced a resolution to suspend trade with Gloria Regis. The resolution will be voted on on Wednesday.

[Allamunnic States]

Allamunnic States Daily
The World

Moet revokes recognition of Gloria Regis
Legislators say Feminist Collective government is an enemy of liberty
by Allaea Wendelunn

ROAN, DR --- Citing the regime's disenfranchisement of half of its population, its refusal to abide by legitimate election results, and reports of off-the-books seizure of private property, the Senate, with a resolution of support from the Assembly, passed a resolution Wednesday hiking tariffs against Gloria Regian imports and revoking diplomatic recognition of the current government of the island.

"All present indications are that not only is the Gloria Regian government refusing to abide by legitimate election results and disenfranchising the male half of its populace, it is also carrying out flagrant action infringing on its citizens basic property rights," Chancellor Anessa Maarks stated at the resolution's announcement. "Until the government of Livia Barberina changes course and moves towards a more fair, open system of governance that guarantees the protection of basic civil rights, we cannot, in good conscience, recognize her government as a legitimate one reflecting the will or best interests of the Gloria Regian people."

The economic measures are similar to significant tariff hikes that were levied against products from the Imperium of Arbites following the increase in tensions in South Ceti and allegations of the Curia's complicity (and, allegedly, facilitation) of terrorism against the Republic of Adiron.

The announcement came on the heels of a rare public statement by the Red Brotherhood Proletarian Army, an insurgent group operating in the Federation in what has lately been a diminished capacity.

"We applaud our sisters and brothers on Gloria Regis for recent reports of collectivization," RBPA First Comrade Ruger Skmyt said in a video sent to a number of news outlets. "We encourage them to embrace this necessary step forward in human civilization, and to not hide behind secrecy; they are doing good work."

In the video Skmyt also voiced intention to aid their "proletarian sisters and brothers," leading to widespread fear and speculation that an attack may be planned for the near future.

[Allamunnic States]

Allamunnic States Daily
Breaking News

RBPA Leader Captured
Federal Guard officials say Ruger Skmyt captured in raid
by Erik Rasmussunn

Derrick, PK --- 1/21/2016, 12:22 PM -- A spokesperson for the Federal Guard's Piekslynd division announced that a successful raid of a now-confirmed hideout of a Red Brotherhood Proletarian Army (RBPA) hideout resulted in the apprehending of RBPA leader Ruger Skmyt. Following an confidential informant's tip, combined with weeks of observation and reconnaissance, a platoon of Federal Guard troopers stormed the hideout, resulting in a brief firefight with several insurgents.

Three troopers were wounded, while two insurgents were killed and five others injured. One trooper and two insurgents are in critical condition and receiving medical attention at undisclosed hospitals. None of the trooper's wounds, however, are considered to be life-threatening.

The raid captured twenty-three RBPA insurgents, who are currently being held at locations that will remain undisclosed until processing is completed within the next twenty-four hours. Skmyt, the leader of the terrorist organization since late 2001, was confirmed to be among those captured. Currently, charges are expected to be filed against all those apprehended.

"This is a major victory for the Federation," Piekslynd Federal Guard Commander Erik Vikyrn told reporters at a press conference. "We were given the go-ahead to move on this hideout after reports surfaced indicating that a major attack was in the works," he explained, "especially after our intelligence indicated that Skmyt was present within the city of Derrick."

Skmyt was a leader of the military officers' coup that deposed and executed former Despot Eddard Jaal in 2001 and eventually selected Stevan Grimmeburger as head of state.

[Allamunnic States]

Allamunnic States Daily
Breaking News

Shoot-out at Derrick Federal Guard headquarters
Facility under assault by unidentified group
by Erik Rasmussunn

Derrick, PK --- 1/23/2016, 09:18 AM -- an attack against the primary headquarters of the Federal Guard in Derrick commenced. Initially thought to be an accident, the attack began when a garbage truck plowed into the front lobby of the building. A nearby eighteen-wheeler truck disgorged a large number of approximately thirty persons armed with assault rifles, who moved quickly and stormed the entrance of the headquarters, at which point gunshots began to be heard.

At present, no information is available about events inside of the facility, although gunshots have been heard continuously, and suggests that there is an active firefight between Federal Guard troopers and the assailants. Updates will be posted as we receive more information

09:25 AM -- Several explosions have been heard, while gunfire has tapered off. Federal Guard troopers from other stations in the city have set up a perimeter around the facility, and are awaiting further information before attempting further action.

09:33 AM -- A section of the headquarter's southeast wall has been destroyed. It appears that explosives were used to breach the wall. A volley of what appear to be grenades were used to force back the perimeter in this zone, and the assailants, now somewhat reduced in number, fled, weathering heavy rifle fire by Federal Guard troopers. A few waiting autos, apparently placed in advance to be used as getaway vehicles, were boarded by a number of the attackers, and sped away, leaving several behind in what appears to be a rearguard action. As this is posted, troopers are engaging the rearguard.

09:48 AM -- Federal Guard and Derrick City Police vehicles are in pursuit of the SUVs used by the assailants. The rearguard near the Federal Guard headquarters have been neutralized, with all persons either killed or taken into custody. Other troopers have stormed the facility, aided by bomb squad officers. The area has been cleared. A large number of troopers and support staff have been carried out by paramedics. Early estimates indicate at least 20 dead, another 40 persons wounded, and several others unaccounted for.

The path taken by the assailants indicate that the attack was meant as a breakout operations. Incarceration facilities are currently being searched to determine which, if any inmates are unaccounted for.

09:55 AM -- After causing a six-car pile-up on Merchants Street, the getaway vehicles have momentarily eluded police pursuit. Other vehicles are moving to intercept. Estimated death toll at the Bastion Street facility has risen to 53 (including members of the attacking group), with a large number of people in critical condition.

10:03 AM -- Two getaway vehicles cornered in Rigg Circle. Third vehicle found burned in an alley. Civilians being evacuated from Rigg Circle.

10:05 AM -- Federal Guard troopers and City Police officers are trading gunfire with cornered assailants. Two law enforcement officers have been wounded.

10:14 AM -- Shooting has stopped in Rigg Circle, for the moment. Assailants appear to be attempting to negotiate surrender.

10:20 AM -- Wheeled armored vehicle has reached Rigg Circle. Assailants have thrown down their weapons and have started to emerge from their barricade with their hands up in surrender. Two appear unaccounted for.

10:26 AM -- Two remaining assailants attempt to shoot law enforcement officers as others surrender. IFV opens fire, neutralizing all remaining assailants. All but one of the 12 assailants are dead, the lone survivor in critical condition.

03:45 PM -- Confirmed casualty count issued. Twelve Federal Guard troopers and two police officers killed (13 troopers and three officers wounded). Seventeen attackers killed, six wounded. Thirty-three civilians (including Federal Guard support staff) killed, twenty-eight wounded. Four prisoners currently unaccounted for, one dead, one wounded in-custody.

Identification of remains of assailants suggests link to Red Brotherhood Proletarian Army. Ruger Skmyt among missing inmates. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

[Allamunnic States]

Allamunnic States Daily
Politics

Republicans No More!
Center-Left Party releases statement announcing dissolution, says purpose is fulfilled.
by Graagur Andertunn

Roan, RFD --- 7/29/2016 --- Following the renewal of the alliance between the Federalist Party and the Republican/Labor alliance that has been in place since the ratification of the Century Constitution, the Republican Party's convention announced that the party would be dissolving, effective immediately.

The party leaders issued a statement addressing the decision:

In light of today's affirmation of cooperation between our Labor allies and the Federalist Party, we have decided that the proper course forward is to dissolve the Republican Party, effective immediately.

While there was much initial consternation among our number regarding this possibility, discussion among the members of the party at all levels of government rapidly lead to a single conclusion: that the cooperation of the Federalists and Labor renders the Republican Party and its mission of forming a home for the center-left in Allamunnic politics, is no longer needed. Lest we become a source of internal division that weakens our common mission, we find it appropriate that the party be dissolved until it is needed again.

All members of the Republican Party have been made aware of this decision, and those informed have invariably indicated plans to join either the Federalist Party or Labor Party, based on their personal preference and which party they feels represents their positions best.

We look forward to continuing to represent you and working for a brighter future for all Allamunnae.

-The Republican Party Leadership Committee

The move will reduce the risk of a split in the ruling Progressive Coalition that has run the country since 2011 in conjunction with the Grimmeburger regime. The move is also expected to increase pressure on the Nationalist Party as they bid to unseat the ruling coalition.

[Allamunnic States]

Allamunnic States Daily
Politics

Akai-Rietumish relationship a point of concern as election approaches

by Graagur Andertunn

As the November elections approach, one matter that is poised to take center stage in the national campaigns is the security concerns wrought by the increasing cooperation between hostile regimes in Akai and Allamunnic neighbor Rietumimark.

Although the Rietumish have long been a threat to Allamunnic security (arguably one of the leading causes of consistently-strong Nationalist showings in the Piekslynd states), a report by Maarkus Bayard, former commanding officer of the Pieks Plateau Military District, in May detailing increasing shipments between Akai and Rietumimark and postulating renewed cooperation between the two regimes has raised significant alarm across the country.

Members of the Allamunnic right, including former Director of Internal Security Junn Durkheim, and Senator Isaak Mueller, considered front-runners for the Nationalist Party's presidential ticket, have seized on the report as signs of the weakness of the Grimmeburger regime and its political allies in protecting Allamunnic interests abroad.

"Whatever their other faults, previous administrations would not have allowed Allamunnika's enemies to gather and organize the way the current regime has," Mueller declared during a meeting of the Senate in which potential sanctions against both Rietumimark and Akai were discussed. Although no measures were passed, Mueller was far from the only Senator to speak in favor of harsh action toward both regimes, joined by Fyurdlynd Senator Joerg Daarmunn (A, NAT), and Haelslynd Senator Brynna Sorensunn (A, NAT).

By contrast, members of the Progressive Administration and Grimmeburger regime downplayed the report's findings. "The state of affairs described in former General Bayard's report are not new, or novel. Although these findings are concerning, we continue to monitor the situation, and we have not reduced our level of readiness to counteract threats arising either from our eastern border, or from the South Tempesta."

Nonetheless, there is widespread speculation that the tougher stance advocated by the Nationalists and their GAP allies might lead to electoral gains in the coming election. This will be an issue that requires monitoring as campaigning begins in earnest in September.

---

Allamunnic States Daily
Politics

Presidential Tickets and Moet Lists finalized

by Graagur Andertunn

With the nominating conventions wrapped up, the coalitions have been formed and the Presidential tickets have been finalized leading into the September campaign season. There have been a handful of surprises, such as the GAP declining to nominate a Presidential ticket at all, instead opting to throw their support behind the Nationalist ticket.

Another surprise was Nationalist Party leader Izaak Mueller taking himself out of the running for president, instead backing the nomination of former Director of Internal Security Junn Durkheim, a former member of the Grimmeburger administration and one of the military officers that overthrew Despot Eddard Jaal. The second-leading vote-getter among the Party's nominating delegates, Spaal Governor Theodura Kynyk, accepted the secondary spot on the ticket, supporting Durkheim as the Nationalist vice-presidential candidate. The two candidates were seemingly selected with the intent of carrying the North and East, with the Populist Kynyk believed to appeal strongly to the Pagan Right, military boosters and those concerned about a lack of executive experience in a new administration, whereas Durkheim is expected to bring Federal-level political experience as well as a decorated military career, as well as an appeal to law-and-order voters.

Meanwhile, a joint nominating convention by the Federalist and Labor Parties saw a shock of its own. Despite carrying the larger overall contingent of current Assembly Members and Senators, the Federalists yielded the Presidential slot to a compromise candidate from Labor, former Lieutenant Governor of Upper Skraelingia Sofya Rudulf, a former Republican who has changed her affiliation to the Labor Party with the dissolution of the Republicans. Rudulf was popular as Upper Skraelingia's first democratically-elected executive, carrying out most of the day-to-day functions of the executive on the behalf of the reigning Grimmur monarch. Supporting her will be Federalist Junn Andrsunn, the former ambassador to the Empire of Ghant. Andrsunn has spent much of the last fourteen years as a member of the Department of Foreign Affairs, and was a member of the military leadership that overthrew Despot Eddard Jaal in 2001. The expectation is that Rudulf will bring governing experience to the table, while Andrsunn will bring the necessary delicate hand and policy experience to help a potential extension of the Progressive Administration navigate a difficult policy.

The Progressive and Nationalist tickets are considered to be the only truly viable Presidential tickets, although the Freedom Party and Communist Party of Allamunnika both nominated tickets (AM Quaarlyn Daanyls & Vymsaea state senator Junn Haarlan for the Freedom Party; AM Mylla Skaarp & AM Joerg Kaarlsunn for the Communists).

Additionally, the parties all separately prepared their lists of potential Assembly Members and Senators for each state. Although a large number of incumbents are found among all three major parties, a few striking names have been added to each prospective list. Notably, former Ambassador to New Edom, Eleonur Hendrsunn III, who resigned from her post earlier this year citing concerns regarding her family, is on the ballot for the Assembly representatives from Northern Tyrrslynd as a member of the Labor Party. Additionally, former General Maarkus Bayard is seeking one of the Senate seats from his home state of Harrenlynd.

For our foreign readers, although the campaign tickets have been finalized as of August 1st, paid advertisement and campaigning on radio, television, or print media is not permitted to begin until September 1st. Until that time, candidates are limited to in-person rallies, which can be televised on local access programming, as a lone exception.

[Allamunnic States]

Allamunnic States Daily
Politics

Late-August polls show large Nationalist gains in North and East
Early results suggest Progressive Coalition may lose seats in November
by Allaea Wendelunn

With the release of the final pre-campaign season polls, it is clear that the fears of many in the Federal Center and Left that current events in Rietumimark might boost the fortunes of their opponents on the Right were well-founded. Although these polls are still early, with a large number of undecided respondents, the Federal Bureau of Elections' first polls regarding national elections suggest that the Nationalists and GAP could win a large number of seats from Labor and Federalist incumbents in the states of the Pieks Plateau and the Nyurdic Peninsula.

What is ultimately more concerning is that the Federalist and Labor Parties look poised to lose at least a few seats nationwide to the Nationalists. Although the initial projections for those losses are relatively light, it is not unusual to see trends appearing in early polls accelerate and snowball as campaigns wear on. As a result, there is already discussion among Federalist and Labor strategists to figure out how to staunch the potential electoral bleeding.

The losses are currently likely to hit the Federalists the hardest, leading to a potentially more-polarized Assembly. Given the newness of the Federation's democratic institutions, a more polarized legislature would be a new hurdle to deal with.

However, there are complications: although broad support for the Nationalists on foreign policy has spurred this surge in public opinion, several questions, built to predict the importance of different issues, suggest that the Nationalists have weaknesses in support when it comes to their economic policies. In particular, there was no state in which respondents replied with less than 54% approval of the current administration's handling of the national economy.

Clearly, there will be much to discuss over the next months of campaigning. This writer will await the September/October polls from the FBE with great interest.

[Allamunnic States]

Allamunnic States Daily
Politics

Durkheim: "Grimmeburger has made us less safe."
Former Internal Security chief notes Rietumish situation as 'unpalatable threat.'
by Arnulf Kaarlmunn

West Roan, AL --- Speaking at a Nationalist rally in a suburb of the nation's capital today, former Internal Security chief and noted gadfly to the Grimmeburger regime Junn Durkheim declared that the Generalissimo's rule had made the Federation unsafe both internally and in foreign affairs. The statement came as part of a speech in which Durkheim also criticized the nation's current economic and environmental policies.

"Of course, the economy is worse off," he told supporters, "thanks to the clumsy protectionism embraced by the regime. We're being strangled because we cannot get goods cheaper. And these mislead environmental regulations are throttling our businesses further. Nobody can make a profit anymore!" After these declarations, he shifted topics substantially.

He told the crowd that the regime's policies on policing and internal surveillance "ground his gears" and were "set up to leave the country vulnerable to spies, anarchists, and traitors." He then said that the current regime's foreign policy was "weak and indecisive..." and caused "our enemies to see [the Federation] as vulnerable and a someone to be taken advantage of..." and "incapable of movement without an international coalition."

He further lambasted the government for being unable to stop the escape of long-time dissident and insurgent Ruger Skmyt, who was broken out of a Federal Guard facility by armed members of his movement, the Red Brotherhood Proletarian Army. Although the RBPA has been largely quiet since then, and has not launched any offensives since 2007, the group remains a hot button topic among Allamunnic security agencies.

The former Secretary continued to tear into the Federation's foreign policy, calling Grimmeburger "soft on Rietumimark". He said that the renewed close ties between Akai and the Rietumish is "an unpalatable threat." He went on to talk about the changes he would make as President. "We will have to be much tougher on them," he said. "Sanctions, perhaps even embargoes... we'll have to make sure they cannot challenge our sovereignty, on land or at sea. They will need to fear our military," he declared to the crowd.

Durkheim has been a constant critic of the current administration since he was dismissed as Secretary of Internal Security late in 2014 amid allegations that he had targeted members of the Allamunnic Left for non-warranted surveillance and enforcement. He appears to be relishing the pulpit he has been granted as the Nationalist nominee for President in 2016.

[Allamunnic States]

[OoC Note: Please note that this news post takes place during the fall (late September to early November) of 2016.]

Allamunnic States Daily
Politics

Durkheim: "Grimmeburger has made us less safe."
Former Internal Security chief notes Rietumish situation as 'unpalatable threat.'
by Arnulf Kaarlmunn

West Roan, AL --- Speaking at a Nationalist rally in a suburb of the nation's capital today, former Internal Security chief and noted gadfly to the Grimmeburger regime Junn Durkheim declared that the Generalissimo's rule had made the Federation unsafe both internally and in foreign affairs. The statement came as part of a speech in which Durkheim also criticized the nation's current economic and environmental policies.

"Of course, the economy is worse off," he told supporters, "thanks to the clumsy protectionism embraced by the regime. We're being strangled because we cannot get goods cheaper. And these mislead environmental regulations are throttling our businesses further. Nobody can make a profit anymore!" After these declarations, he shifted topics substantially.

He told the crowd that the regime's policies on policing and internal surveillance "ground his gears" and were "set up to leave the country vulnerable to spies, anarchists, and traitors." He then said that the current regime's foreign policy was "weak and indecisive..." and caused "our enemies to see [the Federation] as vulnerable and a someone to be taken advantage of..." and "incapable of movement without an international coalition."

He further lambasted the government for being unable to stop the escape of long-time dissident and insurgent Ruger Skmyt, who was broken out of a Federal Guard facility by armed members of his movement, the Red Brotherhood Proletarian Army. Although the RBPA has been largely quiet since then, and has not launched any offensives since 2007, the group remains a hot button topic among Allamunnic security agencies.

The former Secretary continued to tear into the Federation's foreign policy, calling Grimmeburger "soft on Rietumimark". He said that the renewed close ties between Akai and the Rietumish is "an unpalatable threat." He went on to talk about the changes he would make as President. "We will have to be much tougher on them," he said. "Sanctions, perhaps even embargoes... we'll have to make sure they cannot challenge our sovereignty, on land or at sea. They will need to fear our military," he declared to the crowd.

Durkheim has been a constant critic of the current administration since he was dismissed as Secretary of Internal Security late in 2014 amid allegations that he had targeted members of the Allamunnic Left for non-warranted surveillance and enforcement. He appears to be relishing the pulpit he has been granted as the Nationalist nominee for President in 2016.

---

Allamunnic States Daily
Politics

Tensions run high as second Presidential debate sizzles
Moderators forced to intervene four times to quiet candidates
by Allaea Wendelunn

Kohlenburg, SM --- At the second Presidential election debate in Allamunnic history, held at the University of Staalmark's Kohlenburg campus, emotions ran high and moderators had to intervene numerous times to keep the debating candidates on-topic. Coming off of yet another rally in which Junn Durkheim denounced Generalissimo Grimmeburger and the ruling Progressive Coalition, their nominee, former Upper Skraelingia Lt. Governor Sofya Rudulf came out ready for a fight. From the very first question, she took the offensive against Durkheim, while still managing to stick largely to policy, at least initially.

The questions started mostly with foreign policy, a topic which Durkheim has been bellicose on over the last several weeks. When posed the inevitable question about the Akai-Rietumish relationship, Rudulf came out swinging.

"No matter how simple Secretary Durkheim wants to make this situation sound, it's not something we can charge headlong into. We will explore all of our options, with out allies here in Bergora -- the Demphorians, the Ghantish, the Arthuristans, Belhavians, perhaps, even the Estovnians and Estoni, if we have no other choice. We are not large or strong enough to face down both Rietumimark and Akai alone -- can't be, even if we poured every cent we have into the military -- so some amount of tact and caution are called for in gauging how we deal with this. And we are more than happy to work with our Nationalist colleagues on this matter. But it would be a mistake to confuse calculation with inaction."
- Sofya Rudulf
Progressive Candidate for President

The Nationalist candidate simply doubled down on his previously-stated talking points about how the federal government has been lax in its duty to contain eminent threats to the Federation. He also took issue with what he perceived as an implication that he was being foolish, and began to angrily shout an objection. At that point, moderators were forced to quiet the candidates and restore order.

The second time order had to be restored was following a question about economic policy. Again, advancing his oft-stated talking points regarding what he considered to be overregulation on businesses, including regarding wages. Here, once again, Rudulf struck back, this time not contenting herself merely to policy objections, additionally calling Durkheim "a Quisling" who would "sell out the Allamunnic people to the highest bidder." Although conceding that protectionist policies might need to be reevaluated, Rudulf said that the problem was "one of scope rather than principle," explaining that while the policies might need to be retailored to a world that was different from when they were first established, that the basic idea behind them was sound. However, the remarks against Durkheim's credibility once again inflamed the candidate, no doubt hurt by Rudulf's delivery, which conveyed no small amount of disgust. Once again, Durkheim began to shout over his opponent, who continued to try to speak, before the moderators restored order.

The third time began over a question regarding policing practices in the Federation. Following the same pattern, Durkheim stated a desire to empower Federal Guardsmen to be more proactive in their surveillance and operation against criminals and what he called "enemies of the nation." In response, Rudulf roundly rejected the proposals, saying that the rule of law had to be sacred in the new government, or else a return to the days of autocracy was inevitable. The part of the response that set off Durkheim, however, was an addendum to that, in which the former Skraelingian executive concluded her remarks by saying that "such policies would be more befitting of Estovnia or Rietumimark, although perhaps Secretary Durkheim does not think that would be a bad thing." This time, when Durkheim lost his composure, so did many of his supporters in the audience, and it took the efforts of security to quiet the crowd this time.

During closing remarks, as the two candidates gave their positions on many issues, including ones not questioned during the debate, Durkheim continued to use similar material as the standard stump he has utilized at his rallies. By contrast, Rudulf, who has not pounded the pavement as much over the last couple of weeks, took the opportunity to improvise, referencing the disorder at the debate as she did. "This election will be about more than empty rhetoric, about being 'tough' in the sense that a schoolyard bully is 'tough'," she told the audience, "it will be about selecting an even-keeled leader who can roll with the punches, who can take their own beatings without losing their composure or ability to think clearly." Despite not outwardly losing composure, Durkheim's response was to curse savagely at Rudulf, causing a final censure from the debate moderators.

This second debate was a far departure from the first back in September, when the terms of the discussion were far more civil. Many pundits, including the Allamunnic States Daily Network's Korynna Vikturlunn, attributed the substantial shift in tone to the increasing belligerence of Durkheim's stump speech, trotted out at rallies. Rudulf's own speech has changed little over the last month, with the exception of growing to include more policy points.

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Allamunnic States Daily
Politics

Grimmeburger breaks silence on election
Long-time Head of State declares support for Progressives
by Allaea Wendelunn

Roan, Federal District --- Making a rare public speech, Generalissimo Stevan Grimmeburger broke his facade of non-partisanship, with the final weeks of the election looming. Grimmeburger announced his support for the Progressive ticket, speaking glowingly of both Presidential-candidate Sofya Rudulf as well as her running mate, former Ambassador to Ghant Junn Andrsunn.

Although the head of state's political proclivities are hardly a secret, he has, for the duration of his rule, maintained a facade of impartiality between the parties, making an effort to work with members of all three mainline parties, as well as most of the fringe parties (the lone exception appears to be the Great Allamunnika Party, whose continued existence Grimmeburger has spoken against in the past). As a result, the pronouncement was something of a shock, a break in almost fifteen years of precedent.

"We are faced this year with a momentous choice. For the first time in our history, the voice of the Allamunnic people will decide who will lead us, as a country, for the next several years. Maybe an old autocrat is the last person whose opinion you would like to hear on this, but it is an important enough decision that it seems fitting to speak on it.

"The decision before us is whether we will have a vibrant, living democracy in our coming years, or if we will surrender to the urge to let a strong leader make the hard choices for us. The latter will feel easier. You needn't feel responsible if someone else makes the tough choices for you. You can abscond all responsibility. It won't be your fault when things go bad.

"But that's not really how this works, is it. You do have a choice. When things go bad -- and believe me, when you leave the power in the hands of one person, they will, and alarmingly quickly, at that -- it will be your fault, no matter what you tell yourself. It will be the fault of every last one of us who lacked the will to take responsibility. And every one of us who did not fight hard enough to prevent disaster.

"Building a democracy is not easy. It isn't quick. It won't just all be done when we make our choice on November 1st. More work will lay ahead. But your destiny will be in your hands. You -- we -- will have a chance to make a better future, together. We are on a good trail, a good start, but we must keep on it, or our progress will be lost. And so, with this fateful choice before us, I urge you to make the difficult choice. I beg you, choose the people who can help shepherd our experiment in democracy forward, can give us the even keel needed to make this last. The ones who can help us do that, are a skilled administrator, who honed their skills in another political era, guiding one of our heartland states, and a tactful diplomat who makes friends in unusual places, can build consensus and common ground, and the two together can give us direction toward a brighter future.

"This grand Allamunnic experiment can be even better than it is. Help me, help us, reach that better place."
-Stevan Grimmeburger
Head of State, Federation of Allamunnic States

It is unknown how this speech will affect the polls. The October polls are set to be released in four days.

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Allamunnic States Daily
Politics

Nationalist surge withers in October polls
Latest surveys project right wing's gains, but not enough to end Progressive majority
by Arnulf Kaarlmunn

Rikardsburg, SM --- What appeared to be a sanguine picture for the Nationalists and their allies in August and September has changed dramatically. The October polls, released earlier today, show a marked change from previous polls. Those polls, which had showed projections of huge electoral gains for the Nationalist Party at the expense of the parties of the Progressive Coalition, now appear to have been overhauled.

Although the newest poll data suggests that the Nationalists are still slated to improve on what was an absolutely miserable showing in the 2011 and 2013 elections, but the current projections suggest, based on the dispersal of those polled, that the Federalists and Labor are in no danger of losing their coalition's majority. Moreover, current projections suggest that while the presidential vote may be close, the Progressive candidates are in position to win if the election were held today.

The polls utilized a stratified random sample, in which a certain number of people from each state were polled, although researchers had no way to control for rural versus urban respondents.

There are still two weeks left to go in the election, so the final, immediate pre-election polls may reflect a different reality, but

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Allamunnic States Daily
Breaking

Ruger Skmyt captured near Aldhuld
RBPA leader apprehended attempting to cross border into Rietumimark
by Gaaltun Braandur

Aldhuld, PK --- The Piekslynd State Police Department has announced that they have fugitive and insurgent Ruger Skmyt in custody. According to state troopers, Skmyt was apprehended eight miles north of Aldhuld, attempting to cross the border into Rietumimark, with eleven associates. A brief gunfight occurred between state troopers and Skmyt and his associates, during which two troopers were killed, and three were wounded, while seven of Skmyt's entourage were killed, with the rest, including Skmyt, suffering nonfatal gunshot wounds. All have been treated at Aldhuld North General Hospital, and are expected to make full recoveries.

Chief Aldryk Skyldhaaltur of the Piekslynd State Police announced that the prisoners were immediately transferred into federal custody at nearby Rona Wylsunn Federal Army Base, where the captured insurgents are under constant guard. A trial is slated to begin within two weeks, at some point before which Skmyt and associates will be transferred to a facility further in the interior, at a yet-to-be-disclosed location.

The head of state praised the officers who apprehended Skmyt. "We are tremendously thankful to our men and women in law enforcement who captured this dangerous fugitive. Our hearts go out to the families of Trooper Kaarltun Muellen and Trooper Andya Torrensunn, who gave their lives in the defense of their countrymen."

Skmyt is being charged with treason, the placing of a bomb threat, and twenty counts of accessory to first-degree murder. Additional charges, for both Skmyt and his surviving associates, Kinella Waalturs, Viktur Groebun, Maura Kangler, and Jorn Hamm, are pending.

It is worth note that the arrest is expected to affect the outcome of the election. Central News Agency's Graem Kaarwaaltur projected that the arrest is likely to boost the polling of Progressive candidates, including Presidential candidate Sofya Rudulf and Vice-Presidential candidate Junn Andrsunn, as it is likely to undermine the Nationalist candidate Junn Durkheim's association that the Progressive Coalition cannot adequately defend the country.

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Allamunnic States Daily
Politics

First President of the Allamunnic States: Sofya Rudulf
Progressive ticket wins by wide margin nationally; Progressives maintain control of both chambers of Moet despite regional losses
by Allaea Wendelunn

Roan, Federal District --- The Federation of Allamunnic States' first elected president will be sworn in on January 15th of the new year, when the new batch of lawmakers, representing a continued, substantial Progressive majority, are sworn in and begin their first legislative session. When that happens, they will be joined by President Sofya Rudulf and Vice President Junn Andrsunn. Rudulf and Andrsunn will represent the same coalition that dominates both chambers of the Moet, and will have a unified government with which to pursue a joint Federalist-Labor agenda.

The results of the election were nowhere near as close as August and September polls predicted: the Progressive Presidential ticket won an estimated 64% of the vote nationwide. In the Assembly, the Federalists came away with 109 seats (up from 93), while Labor came away with 104 seats (up from 69), and the Nationalists won 90 seats (up from 67). Perhaps what was most concerning was the return of the GAP to a sort of viability, capturing 24 seats up from 14 during the 2013 elections. It is expected that Erik Hendrsunn will remain Prime Minister, heading up the chamber, where he will now also be joined by his cousin, Eleonur Hendrsunn III, who earned a seat as a member of the Labor Party from Northern Tyrrsylnd.

The Senate shifted substantially, due to the dissolution of the Republican Party. As a result, Labor jumped from having only seven seats to 29 seats, including the Chancellorship (Anessa Maarks will remain Chancellor). By contrast, the Federalists lost a seat to fall to having 27 seats, and the Nationalists surged from 19 to 27 seats.

The Nationalists will remain a significant opposition party, and they will likely need to be courted for plenty of legislation in which party unity is not necessarily a given within the ruling coalition, but the government for at least the next two-and-a-half years will be a Progressive one.