Noctur Press Association [CLOSED, Noctur Only]

by **Segland** » Thu Aug 11, 2016 10:56 am

OOC: This article, like the one following it, is a little out of place in the news thread. Its chronological position would be a month before the outbreak of the Karasian War.

The Republican
Segland's Premier Newspaper

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BREAKING: 200+ KILLED IN RYUTSVAAG SALON BOMBING

MUELLER, HAUSSMANN VOW TO BRING THOSE RESPONSIBLE TO JUSTICE

Firefighters battling the still-smoldering ruins the next morning.

Officials suspect terrorism with at least 200 men and women dead after a powerful bomb exploded at the Infinitie Klüb nightclub on Friday night.

At 11:41 PM EST, an explosive device detonated inside the Infinitie Klüb in the salon district of Ryutsvaag, instantly killing and maiming anyone caught in the blast and resultant blaze. Several adjacent buildings sustained fire damage, and the Klüb itself collapsed after the explosion.

This bombing is set to be the deadliest terrorist incident -- as well as the first -- since the Little Jesus atrocities in 1953.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene at Imels Street, where a crowd of saloniers from other clubs had gathered to observe the devastation. Firefighters remained on site throughout the night and well into the morning to contain a fire from a gas line that ruptured as a result of the explosion. One firefighter had to be treated for smoke inhalation at Kostler Priß Hospital.

Rescuers were only able to delve into the wreckage and search for survivors once the gas fire had been extinguished. For this reason, it is believed that most of the survivors would have perished during the long night hours. Emergency workers are still, at the time of this article's publishing, extracting bodies and looking through the rubble for anyone alive.

The chief of Ryutsvaag Police, retired Brigadier General Ruger Nilssen, announced through a media channel that the device used in the attack was some form of fuel-air bomb. He elaborated on how such a bomb works.

"What basically happens is that an initial charge releases fuel that scatters and diffuses throughout any open spaces, mixing with the oxygenated air. The inside of the salon would have been filled with this fuel quite quickly. Then, a second charge provides the big boom, and the fuel cloud is ignited in a blast of gigantic proportions. The dearth of oxygen and pressure afterwards would cause trapped victims to slowly suffocate as they burned, that is, if their lungs and other internal organs hadn't already burst with the shockwave."

Nilssen added, "We won't stop until we apprehend the monsters who executed this attack. I know that Ryutsvaag is the greatest city in the world, and everyone here is pulling together in the aftermath. We won't be cowed by terrorists."

When questioned by a reporter, Nilssen clarified that there were no tangible leads yet as to those responsible for the bombing, but he said multiple security and intelligence agencies were already coordinating an investigation.

Few people were out on Imels Street at the exact time of the explosion, but it could be felt and heard in every part of the city. One woman reported being woken up to what she thought was a nearby clap of thunder.

"I sat straight up in my bed, thinking that a thunderstorm had started and our apartments had been hit by lightning or something," she said. "But then I noticed the window was cracking, so I woke my husband and we turned on the TV to see what was going on."

Similar experiences were to be had across Ryutsvaag. There were shattered windows, alarm bells going off, and nonlethal injuries to those not far enough removed from the blast radius, particularly to the elderly and infirm. Some even believed it to be the beginning of an invasion by Radiatia, but an informed citizen dispelled those rumors on social media.

The capital police have been out in force, with bomb units sweeping high-profile areas of the city to determine if any further attacks are imminent. Police presence is heaviest in the financial and government sectors. Much of the salon district was evacuated by authorities following the blast.

Liaison Minister Haussmann gave a press conference early this morning. "This is sure to be a trying time for our nation," he stated in his opening remarks. "The death toll will rise. I grieve with the families who don't know if their loved ones made it out, for I too have close friends who are members of that salon.

"But what we must have now is strong and resolute leadership: men who will find the despicable animals who did this and punish them accordingly. And believe me, they will be punished, because in Segland, justice always prevails." This was met with applause from the attending journalists, who were packed tightly into the Demarchist Party HQ press room.

The chancellor is set to give a speech at 8 PM Eastern, which will be broadcast live on Segland Premier News Network.

This article will be duly updated as new information becomes available.

EDIT #1: A working list of the dead has been released by police, and it includes Karl and Liane Morningstar, Hanna Kraus, Axel Salzwedel, and several other prominent Seglanders.

EDIT #2: In his speech, Chancellor Mueller stated that there was one survivor from Infinitie Klüb but did not release his/her name.

In Other News:
New bus system in Callei will make debut in September, says mayor
EDITORIAL: It's win-win when Seglandic businesses invest in carbon-capture tech from Arthuria
Meet Merl Nugent, the Segland-friendly codenor who might just be the next president of Higgins and Brown

by **Segland** » Thu Aug 11, 2016 10:58 am

OOC: Chronologically takes place about a month before the Karasian War.

The Republican
Segland's Premier Newspaper

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BREAKING: MUELLER RESIGNS

RELMSENAT CONFIRMS HAUSSMANN AS SUCCESSOR TO OUTGOING CHANCELLOR

Alexei Haussmann, 39, former GHB director and Liaison minister.

Heinrich Jakke Mueller, the 3rd Chancellor of the Seglandic Republic, stepped down from office today, citing in his resignation letter "unprecedented stress" and "a desire to see Segland led by its finest, the young generation". He declined to give a speech in public. The terms of both chancellors before Mueller -- namely, Hugo Nimitz and Jarrod Corlehn -- ended in resignations, as well.

Speaker of the Relmsenat Herbert Huber then assumed the role of interim chancellor, pending a permanent nomination and confirmation for someone else. Huber stated immediately that he had no interest in the chancellorship. Moreover, he is 68 years old, and certainly not part of the "young generation" that Mueller mentioned.

Naturally, Haussmann's name was one of the first to be circulated amongst Relmsenatiers as a potential new chancellor. Proponents praised his energy and extensive accomplishments at such a young age. Detractors used that same youthfulness against him, insisting he was too inexperienced to serve as the chief executive. This argument was quickly shut down by pointing out that Nimitz was only 3 years older than Haussmann when he became chancellor.

Since Huber, the only other leader who could have realistically opposed Haussmann's accession, removed himself from the running of his own accord, Haussmann was free to go before the Relmsenat and declaim for an hour concerning his dedication to continuing the legacy of Mueller. Mueller has been especially popular as of late, due in no small part to his foreign policy successes: the formation of UNCA, the decisive victory in the Algrabad War, and the renewed relations with Higgins and Brown. Haussmann is wise to speak highly of the retiring chancellor.

But it is clear that Mueller wasn't single-handedly behind those triumphs. In the positions of both GHB director and Liaison minister, Haussmann played a key role in reaching out to nations like Hadin and Ainotula. He also worked closely with our internal allies in Higgins and Brown to negotiate a satisfying end to the Algrabad War and an enduring peace that doubtlessly spared the lives of thousands on every side. It is hoped that a Pax Mundi Nocturi will ensue in this new global order.

Also considered a determining factor for the Liaison Minister's prominence in the talks about a new chancellor was his resolute, reassuring oratory given the day after the Infinitie Klüb bombing. No one can say that Haussmann is a subpar public speaker, but it is unclear where he gained his rhetorical abilities in the first place, given his subdued and low-key early career as an intelligence officer. Nevertheless, his speech comforted Seglanders in those fearful hours between the terrorist attack and the address from Mueller.

Relmsenatier Fermín Niko of Bartolitz nominated Liaison Minister Haussmann for the position of chancellor. The vote that followed confirmed Haussmann unanimously, 360 ayes and 0 nays or abstentions. Many Relmsenatiers felt that they were honoring Mueller's 23 years of service as chancellor by appointing the man they considered to be his chosen successor. Most everyone felt too that Haussmann would make an outstanding leader based on his own merits.

But we at The Republican would be remiss in our duty if we failed to pay tribute to the exceptional leadership and tranquil years of the bygone Mueller chancellorship. It all began in 1993, when Segland was simultaneously deep in recession and suffering from civil unrest instigated by radicals in the homosexual minority.

Much like the events of today, then-Chancellor Jarrod Corlehn suddenly resigned his office. Much different, though, were the circumstances of the resignation. The country at the time was looking at a prolonged period of economic stagnation. Corlehn stated infamously that he was a military man at heart, unable to deal with the nuances of leading the economy to a quick recovery. He had also received criticism from his colleagues in the Demarchist Party for his heavy-handed management of the homosexual unrest. The consensus in Ryutsvaag was that something had to change.

That something took the form of Heinrich Mueller, a businessman and first-term Relmsenatier from the state of Tressia. Lauded by both his constituents and his fellow Relmsenatiers for his pragmatic, solution-oriented style, he was seen as one of the top three contenders for the chancellorship, along with retired Major General Lucius Schaster and Fortitude Minister Gustaf Paveltrott.

Taking a page out the playbook of foreign politicians and doing something unheard of in national-level Seglandic politics, Mueller campaigned across the country, giving stump speeches and charming attendees with his plain-spoken, fatherly manner. Opinion polls tipped overwhelmingly in his favor. He was confirmed by the Relmsenat in the second round of voting with 280 ayes, 17 nays, and 63 abstentions. His acceptance speech in Heylmer, the capital of Tressia, was met with crowds of tens of thousands, some coming from as far as Kap Hoop in the extreme southwest.

The perception of Mueller's appointment as a fresh start for Segland was vindicated quickly. Only a few months after taking office, a major stimulus package was approved by the Relmsenat, having been sponsored and pushed through by Mueller. He proceeded to focus his attention on the strife within the homosexual minority, which had claimed almost 300 lives since it turned violent in late 1992. The HOME (Homosexual Order and Military Equality) Act, much of which was authored by Mueller, bestowed the privilege of civil union upon gays who joined the military. This was later expanded to all homosexuals in 1998, making Segland one of the first nations in Noctur to give gays the benefits that come with marriage.

Indeed, 90s Segland was characterized by sweeping social reforms, particularly the expansion of the welfare state. A pigeonholed health care initiative sponsored by Nimitz in the late 80s was finally approved in 1999, establishing a universal health care system. The government invested heavily in the construction of new schools in rural areas.

The 2000s saw skyrocketing economic power that rivaled that of neighboring Poldania. Seglandic companies, especially ones in the tech industry, turned their attention to struggling foreign countries. This trend was accelerated by the signing of the Axis Treaty, which tore down trade restrictions between the new UNCA allies.

Military victories achieved by UNCA, and by syllogism Segland, cemented the view of Segland as an inchoate global superpower. And through it all, we have been led by the cautiously subtle yet decisively resilient helmsman: Heinrich Mueller. He did his duty and then some, and no doubt will be viewed as a truly great Seglandic chancellor. But now it is time, as he wrote in his resignation letter, for our "finest, the young generation" to take the wheel. The future looks bright indeed.

Alexei Mercer Haussmann will take the oath of office and be sworn in as the 4th Chancellor of the Seglandic Republic tonight, on the grounds of the Estate of the Republic. He will also be granted the ex officio positions of General Secretary of the Demarchist Party and a spot on the National Military Commission. SPTV news channels will provide live coverage and commentary on the inauguration.

In Other News:
Aazeronia still giving cold shoulder after possible alliance looked promising
EDITORIAL: Likely choices for a Haussmann High Ministerium
"Big changes coming with our next ePhone," says Birne CEO

by **Higgins and Brown** » Fri Aug 12, 2016 11:01 am

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3rd February 177 IE / LET 60

Ministerial Conclave: Live Feed :!:

Lexi Spencer Becomes first Liberal Prime Minister in over a century
Conclave Concludes on 4th Day, Longest in Recent Times
Minority Ministry may need to bring Others In
(Deputy PM) David Lamont Survives Another Episode

Ministerial Conclave: Live Feed

Hoindopal Complex, Tithatribali, MH
Saturday, Feb. 4th

08.00 – Day FOUR of Conclave will kick off at 9.30 with the opening of the 8th round of voting. Polls will be open for an hour, and results will be announced in the chamber at 11.00. The vote is between a ticket of Carl Rómo (RSD) and another led by Merl Rabin (Nareli). “Reject All Options” is also on the ballot. If we go to a 9th round, it will take place at 13.20, and the results will be known at 14.50. If we still have no Prime Minister after that, the last of today’s ballots will be the 10th round of voting, which would take place at 17.10, with results being announced at 18.40. An hour before each round is due to being, Hoindopors can add more tickets to the ballot, so expect to see that in the Chamber if a 9th or 10th ballot is necessary.

08.32 – Breaking: Rabin is instructing Nareli deputies “and all of his remaining supporters” (i.e., National deputies) not to vote for his ticket in the next round. He says a potential majority exists now in the other ticket, and that it is time for the Hoindopo to make a decision. The 8th ballot will feature a Rabin ticket and a Rómo ticket. The way is open for Carl Rómo to win if he can secure a majority.

But of course, Merl Rabin knows he can barely do that, if at all. This has been another night of conversations in hotel rooms, offices and the like. The Liberal right are throwing a wobbly, it would seem. David Lamont certainly is no darling to them, but it was his appointment that had guaranteed their crossover from the right bloc with the Nationals and Republicans to the Left/Popular Front bloc with the RSD, Greens and (then) ULF.

The 8th ballot will start in an hour, and some pundits are calling this the “Round of Maturity” – the ballot in which Hoindopors decide to expedite the process in favour of the ticket that is clearly going to win. The Liberal right might have other ideas.

9.15 – Carl Rómo says that if it is possible, he would like to re-appoint David Lamont, were he Prime Minister. His ally of yesterday, Kent Morten, has not spoken on the issue. Morten is likely not to give in on that particular point, as Lamont is very unpopular on the left of the RSD. For 4 years this clash of personalities has dogged the coalition, and Lamont remains in place. Who is gone (from government) so far? two Prime Ministers, the United Left Front and another RSD party leader with Justin Powers’ resignation yesterday. Who remains? The Liberals, largely in one piece. David Lamont, definitely in one piece. You’d think the small matter of existential war with Algrabad hadn’t happened.

9.20 – Maybe the RSD should stay out of government if we don’t have a leader? That’s the rhetorical question that an RSD hoindopor from Justin Power’s home region just posted on Confero. Soils!

9.30 – The ballot opens for the 8th time. Three boxes, one tick needed.

Rabin, Merl (with Fox, Lamont & Spencer)
Rómo, Carl (with Kinli, Morten, Powers & Spencer)
Reject All Options

10.45 – The chatter is that Rómo has made it, and will be our next Prime Minister. Results in 15 minutes.

11.00 – A fatigued Allen Walker sits down to what many of us hope (for the sake of our biological clocks) is the last time in this conclave. Of course, being politically neutral as a journalist, I don’t really care how long it goes on…

Carl Rómo is in the public gallery, as is Kent Morten. Neither are serving Hoindopors.

11.02 – Oh dear. Rómo short of a majority on 179 votes.

11.02 – And Reject All Options has beaten him! He has been rejected!

11.03 – Sorry that is not correct. RAO doesn’t have a majority either. The 28 votes for Rabin saved us from an interim judicial appointment. Here are the results:

Rabin, Merl (with Fox, Lamont & Spencer): 28 (-97)
Rómo, Carl (with Kinli, Morten, Powers & Spencer): 179 (+56)
Reject All Options: 202 (+108)

There are 7 abstentions, 409 votes in total. To “win”, RAO would’ve needed 3 more votes.

11.07 – As things stand, the 9th ballot will take place, and Carl Rómo will appear on the ballot alone with Reject All Options. I can’t see how he can win, to be honest, unless Liberal Hoindopors re-animate the corpse of the coalition they appear to have just buried.

11.11 – So it turns out that those 7 abstentions were all RSD Hoindopors – angry with Carl Rómo for displacing Justin Powers in the way he did. They might come back for the next round having registered a potentially fatal protest vote. The liberals must’ve split 28-25 against going back into government with the RSD, or there abouts. I think we’re heading for a snap election, unless Carl Rómo can persuade the Liberals that a vote for him is a vote to retain David Lamont in office.

11.15 – Lexi Spencer’s reaction to the results is near instantaneous upon leaving the chamber. The prospect of an RSD-Liberal coalition under an RSD Prime Minister is now dead on this occasion. The RSD now need to decide whether they will support a Liberal Prime Minister or a Nareli Prime Minister. Cracking stuff, but neither the liberals nor Nareli are on the ballot. Prepare for plenty of added tickets at 12.15.

11.30 – Carl Rómo’s people weren’t very well prepared for this situation, and all discipline in the RSD caucus has gone. RSD Hoindopors I’m talking to are telling me that its over, they will have to go into opposition to save themselves. A caucus meeting is happening in an hour.

12.00 – Lexi Spencer will be putting forward himself as Prime Minister once again. This is getting very old. He needs 73 votes, as the highest votes gained by an eliminated ticket so far are 72. Stewart Kinli is standing by his side, so the Greens (25 votes) are on-board. The ESP (6 votes) and LDS (1 vote) are backing the ticket as well. It will have David Lamont and Stewart Kinli as Deputy Prime Minister, as well as Nareli’s deputy leader Petr Búmbridj. Búmbridj was the last leader of the True Republicans before they merged with Merl Rabin’s National Party rebels to form Nareli. Nareli sources are saying they were approached and were aware of the offer, but will be making a decision on the matter later on.

Liberal sources are saying they haven’t put Merl Rabin in that ticket because it would be disrespectful to ask him to serve as Deputy to a Prime Minister from a smaller party. Sounds to me like that was worked out with Nareli beforehand, and that this ticket might actually have legs.

12.17 – Breaking: In the chamber, Merl Rabin is proposing the motion to nominate Lexi Spencer as Prime Minister. A dramatic indication that Nareli are on-board! Such a coalition would have 141 seats, well short of a majority. It depends on what the more sensible voices in the National Party and RSD want to do. Their choice is stark.

12.34 – The RSD caucus meeting starts late due to activity in the chamber. Scheduled for 30 minutes. Voting in the 9th ballot starts in 50.

Some National Party Hoindopors are angrily denouncing Merl Rabin for supporting a ministerial coalition without including them, his former party.

13.09 – Several Hoindopors have left the RSD caucus meeting and headed straight for the exits. They need time to think, it seems.

13.15 – Another anti Nui-ta demonstration has taken over the amphitheatre to the rear of the complex.

13.20 – Voting begins and the caucus meeting is still ongoing. What are the RSD planning/contemplating?

Here is the ballot paper now:

Rómo, Carl (with Kinli, Morten, Powers & Spencer)
Spencer, Lexi (with Búmbridj, Kinli & Lamont)
Reject All Options

13.35 – An hour into the meeting and about a third have left the room, but discussion is still ongoing. None of those who have left had headed in the direction of the voting rooms. In fact, some have been spotted getting into their cars.

13.45 – RSD Hoindopors are now streaming out. Carl Rómo and a few others are still trying to maintain a conversation in there, but its all over, clearly. The Hoindopal Guard are reminding RSD hoindopors to stay on the grounds but it isn’t happening.

Justin Powers must be enjoying watching his political assassin floundering, having seemed so close to power earlier today.

13.50 – I asked Hdpr. Drew Fulham of Camden County where he was going after the caucus meeting, with the voting open for the 9th ballot. He said “home”.

Chairperson Allen Walker has issued an order for guards to ‘bind over’ any Hoindopors leaving the complex without his permission. That means arrest, essentially, and keep them on the grounds.

14.10 – So far about a dozen RSD hoindopors have been bound over, and others have got the message, heading to cast what will presumably be a blank ballot.

14.14 – Get this. The RSD have given us an official press release that they will be abstaining on this ballot to facilitate a government led by the Liberal Party being formed. There are only 5 minutes left to (not) vote in that ballot. Shambolic stuff, and it’s a bit of a joke that the RSD are now claiming to have come to any decision as a party.

14.41 – The Chairperson will be proposing the suspension of 16 members of the Hoindopo for leaving or attempting to leave the complex without his permission during Conclave. Suspensions typically last for a month.

14.45 – Lexi Spencer might be moments away from becoming Prime Minister. His tone toward the RSD is (suddenly) very conciliatory, having told them 3 and a half hours ago that they couldn’t lead government any more. He might still reach out to include them in the Ministry, despite no RSD Deputy Prime Ministers being elected. He’s just told reporters that cooperation between the RSD and the Liberal Party could continue once the basic decision to maintain David Lamont as Treasury Minister was settled. If Spencer wins on this ballot, Lamont will also be a Deputy Prime Minister.

14.52 – Results of the 9th ballot are being delayed because the Chairperson of the Hoindopo has summoned the RSD leadership to a private meeting following the near-mass exodus of their caucus earlier. No doubt they’ll be roasted for it.

14.59 – National Party whips say they think about half of their caucus abstained, and half voted to reject the ballot options. That will probably put Spencer over the line if, indeed, all RSD Hoindopors have in fact abstained.

15.10 – Here we are. Allen Walker entering the chamber. His Deputies behind him. Carl Rómo is once more in the public gallery, but Kent Morten has gone home by the looks of things. Hdpr. Sarah Barker is sitting in the RSD caucus leader’s usual position, suggesting that she might be interim caucus leader in the wake of Powers’ resignation. David Lamont has also entered the chamber, sitting on the otherwise empty Ministerial benches.

279 votes cast, so a whopping 137 abstentions. That means that a ticket needs 140 votes to win the election. Poor Carl Rómo exceeded that by some distance on the last ballot.

Rómo, Carl (with Kinli, Morten, Powers & Spencer): 7 (-172)
Spencer, Lexi (with Búmbridj, Kinli & Lamont): 143 (+143)
Reject All Options: 129 (-73)

Applause erupts from the Liberal, Green and Nareli benches as Walker reads out Spencer’s winning vote total – he cleared the line by 3 votes! A polite handshake between Sarah Barker and Lexi Spencer, who has in sticking to his guns cost the RSD 2 party leaders and now a Prime Minister.

Breaking: Lexi Spencer, leader of the Liberal Party, has been elected Prime Minister of Higgins & Brown.

15.14 - David Lamont will serve as one of his Deputy Prime Ministers. Petr Búmbridj of Nareli and Stewart Kinli of the Green Party will also serve. It is not clear yet whether any other parties will be represented in the Ministry. Liberals, Greens and Nareli have only 134 seats between them in the 416 seat legislature.

15.15 – Lexi Spencer and his Deputies are handed their seals of office by the Chairperson Allen Walker while the Hoindopo looks on. Spencer about to address the chamber as Prime Minister.

15.17 – Spencer reaches out to his former coalition partners, the fragmented and broken Republican Social Democrats, and also to the National Party. He says that the sensible centre has stepped in where neither the centre-right nor centre-left could form a government, but will happily work with anyone who is in politics for the right reasons. Notable absence from that list? The ULF and FUN.

It remains to be seen whether he can form a Ministry that will be able to pass any legislation, of course, including the annual domestic budget.

15.25 – Lexi Spencer becomes the first Liberal Prime Minister since Oliver Joyce who took office in 67 IE. He’s wrapped up his speech, and the Chairperson has declared this mammoth 9-ballot conclave to be closed.

15.30 – The Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers have left the Hoindopal Complex and are being driven down Park Boulevard to Ministry House. There they will begin discussions on how they are going to structure the Executive and the wider Ministry, and who will be appointed to what roles.

15.45 – My editor has informed me that I can sign off now, and fill in my expenses forms for all the coffee and cigarettes I’ve been consuming since Wednesday.

15.46 – Ah wait, no, she said “don’t bother filling in an expenses form”. I love my job.

This is a Live Feed Article. Please Join in the Conversation on the Embedded Confero Feed

[/quote]

by **Radiatia** » Fri Aug 12, 2016 11:26 am

POLITICAL ROUND-UP: THE BATTLE OF THE BABES?

August 13 LET 60 Last updated 04:08 Exegrad Standard Time

OPINION
LET 60 is shaping up to be the year of the women in politics, with the upcoming election odds on to be the first all-female contest in Radiatian history.

Throughout most of Radiatian history, "feminism" has been a dirty word - unless of course one is referring to "Feminism®",the nationwide chain of brothels and strip clubs by the same name.

In fact Radiatia was the most recent democratic country in Noctur to grant women the vote - until LET 31, women in the states of Diifgrao, New Vashura, Mus and Saskenya were prohibited from voting by their states' election laws, and it was only with the passage of federal legislation in LET 31 that this was reversed.

It is for this reason that it is extraordinary to have not just a female head of state, but the strong possibility that both the Liberal-Conservative Party and the Social Democratic Union will be running women as candidates for the most powerful role in Noctur.

Interestingly, this appears to be a trend in other parts of Noctur too - it should be noted that Nui-ta is also having an election this year, in which the three politicians who could be elected as that country's Prime Minister are all women.

The reasons for the change of attitudes in Radiatia and beyond remains unclear, although it's possible that this could be attributed to Angela Pavlovic's unlikely accession to the role of PORF.

While Angela Pavlovic has not had a perfect run in office - in fact she's made some critical foreign and domestic policy errors that may come back to haunt her when the country goes to the polls - the reality is that the world has not ended with a woman in Level 101.

The sexists were proven wrong - she has not PMSed and started a nuclear war, and the relatively stable and even-handed leadership she has applied amidst a global crisis may well have signalled to the world that such responsibility can be borne adequately by a woman.

Of course before the so-called "Battle of the Babes" can commence, Melina Forst needs to win the Social Democratic nomination. While polls show her easily ahead of her closest rival, three rivals have announced that they will be contesting the Tchort Primary. As of now the candidates are:

Premier Melina Forst of Bahamatsu
Progressive Faction
The primaries haven't even started, but she is already the presumptive nominee - and if some polls are accurate, could be a shoe-in to win the general election against the increasingly unpopular Angela Pavlovic. In fact, Pavlovic's technique of using her gender to sway suburban liberal voters is likely to fall flat when faced with a challenge from the genuinely progressive and liberal Melina Forst - and Forst is thus likely to be devastating against her. Furthermore, the fact that Forst has successfully governed the nominally blue state of Bahamatsu suggests she has a serious ability to appeal across party lines.

Premier Vladimir Angelov of Alayenia
Third Way Faction
The only serious competition to Melina Forst comes in the form of the former Premier of Radiatia's largest state. Vladimir Angelov is the only candidate that stands to receive serious backing from Radiatia's corporate and business community, and with the state of Alayenia critical to the SDU's attempts to win the Executive Tower, Angelov's proven track record there will be invaluable. Realistically, he's probably running to be Vice President - and fittingly it should be noted that it was he who defeated the current Vice President, Vladimir Perry, in order to become Premier of Alayenia in LET 44.

Senator Steven McCarthy of South Corpshire
Democratic Socialist Faction
Steven McCarthy is a young, ambitious Senator from South Corpshire who firmly represents the hard left of the Social Democratic Union. Unfortunately for him, none of these traits are likely to be particularly endearing to a party that it still traumatised from the thrashing it received in LET 56. Those who were turned off by Keldon Silviu will resent his youth, those who remember Owen Warsazeck will be turned off by his hard left views and everyone else will likely be turned off by his status as a Xerconia insider. He may represent a faction of the SDU, but his ability to attract support from the wider public is strongly in doubt.

Premier Jaagen Autenberg of Diatara
Centrist Facton
Jaagen Autenberg's motivations for running for President remain a complete mystery - much like the man himself, who has served as the Social Democratic Premier of a strongly blue state for decades, yet has almost never made national headlines. Autenberg is a staunchly conservative Social Democrat - he supports the death penalty, opposes gun control and opposes immigration, while his views on economics are vague at best, occasionally straying into nostalgia for the RPSU at worst. At 71 years of age he is almost definitely too old to be President, but would make an interesting running mate if any of the northern states were swing-states. But of course, the SDU's chances of winning the north are a lot like Autenberg's chances of winning the nomination: Negligible.

Four years ago I wrote about the Social Democratic Divide - yet if what we're seeing now is anything to go by, it seems the SDU has healed the rifts between the factions, and this is notable by the fact that there are only four candidates, when there are usually five.

For all intents and purposes, Melina Forst is running unopposed, and it's likely her party will fall in behind her. Their strong showing at the mid term elections, in conjunction with a number of disasters to have plagued the Pavlovic Administration means that now is a great time to be a Social Democrat.

But all in all, there has never been a better time to be a woman in politics.

- RPNN

Dr. Boris Kahler is one of the Radiatian Federation's leading political analysts. He writes from neither a Social Democratic nor a Liberal-Conservative point of view.

Normalman (Aifutsa, Diifgrao)
3 HOURS AGO
That Nui-ta country is barbaric, they ain't even a state of the Radiatian Federation, why the hell would we want to copy them and let women be Presidents???

302 likes

Sonarch (Witzer, Mendovium)
2 HOURS AGO
There are more than two political parties in Radiatia. This may come as a shock to the RPNN, but it's true...

567 likes

Merp (Radii,Radia)
1 HOUR AGO
This country is obsessed with the genitals of our Presidents. Who cares. Is Forst intelligent and great for Radiatia? Yeah? Great. Same with Pavlovic. Who cares about their gender.

192 likes

In Other News:

Nui-ta condemned for use of "low quality" Sarin gas that was "not manufactured in Radiatia"
Pavlovic: "Bombing in Segland wasn't Radiatia, though I of course support opponents of the regime."
Report shows federal government spending has doubled since SDU took control of Federal Parliament

by **Hadin** » Sat Aug 13, 2016 11:49 pm

International: NIKASTRO AND NUI-TAN EMPEROR TO MEET IN ZANZIBAR

With High-Envoy Hass held under charges of heresy, Hadin and the world look to Envoy Nikastro for leadership of the Septimist Theocracy.

A cloud hangs over the face of the northern Karasian isles, as High-Envoy Nico Hass awaits his fate in a jail cell in Kopurauth. Although not formally deposed and stripped of his titles by the rest of the Envoyship, the High-Envoy finds himself High-Envoy in name only, as the rest of the Envoyship finds him faced with domestic charges of heresy.

There's no safe place for Nico Hass. Remember initial worries that Radiatian President Angela Pavlovic would rain undue terror on the Hadinian Territories, after insinuating that Hadin was somehow responsible for the RA227 bombing committed by a Hadinian Liberation Front member? New evidence brought forth to the Envoyship as a whole seems to suggest that Hass used his executive authorities as High-Envoy to give the HLF undue sanction to commit the bombing without the sanction of the rest of the Envoyship. The HLF lost their status as a protected paramilitary group after the RA227 bombing in several liberal states, including the state of Salutem (from which Envoy Fiete Nikastro hails) --- the reasoning behind this was that while Radiatia as a government has been an enemy of the Theocracy, an attack on an unaligned civilian aircraft was an act of murder. Further, if Nico Hass's complicity and affirmation towards this act of murder are to be found to be correct, it would place his actions as being outside of the will of Septima, and thus be proof of guilt of heresy.

If such findings were true, Nico Hass would no longer find himself under the protection of the Theocracy, as a heresy conviction voids one's citizenship in Hadin alongside any protections granted by it --- and then, with Hadin's hands clean of such a traitor, the Radiatian Federation could do as it wished.

One slight problem: the Radiatians are not the only ones to wish to see justice served against Hass for any and all charges against him. With the Karasian War now at an end, Nikastro has placed much of the blame of the final events of the war on Hass, rather than the Nui-tan Emperor. Although Nikastro did not deny that the Nui-tan crown had engaged in barbarism by using sarin gas against Hadinian troops in Zanzes (which would normally be a war-crime), he also affirmed that "Nui-ta's crown reacted as expected to what it [Nui-ta] had percieved as an impending invasion, and Nico Hass not managed the war so poorly, such a stimulus and violent reaction would likely not have occurred". While the Nui-tans must still face --- and do face judgement from the international community, it would seem that in light of Hass's sins, Nui-ta may receive some merciful amnesty.

Nikastro has declined to give a "final opinion" on the Emperor, as he announced that he and Emperor Rowan di-Amori of Nui-ta had agreed to engage in peace talks in the fallen city of Zanzibar. The location is a poignant finishing point for the war, as the site of the line between Hadinian and Nui-tan claims to the jungles of the Zanze.

UNCA: SEGLAND AND HADIN BOTH UNDER NEW LEADERSHIP; IMPLICATIONS FOR THE AXIS?

With Segland and Hadin both facing recent changes in leadership, Nikastro pledges to Seglanic Chancellor Alexei Haussmann (pictured above) that "Hadin will keep the Axis at heart".

Is Nikastro being too lenient with Nui-ta, by not calling the Nui-tan war criminals as they are outright?

It is hard to say.

On the one hand, the Nui-tans clearly are war criminals, with the Crown authorizing the use of a sarin gas bombing in southern Zanzes against unprepared Hadinian troops. With almost 900 dead, and numbers still rising, an entire battalion has been ruthlessly cut down.

On the other hand, the Nui-tans affirm that while their actions were severe, they had a valid cause to resort to such force. Nui-tan reports indicate that alerts were begun, worrying the populace of the Nui-tan state of New Zanzes as to an impending invasion which never came. Although no Hadinian troops ever reached the border, it is understandable that the Nui-tans would seek to fight tooth-and-nail to protect their homes; and a bit laughable that the country with the most extensive conscription policy in the first world couldn't spare a few troops to deal with the supposed invasion.

Nikastro has always been a man of forgiveness, and in a time of much change in and out of UNCA, he may simply be wishing to turn the page. Although it would be doubtful that he would not ask for some level of punishment towards the Nui-tans, it is understandable given the major changes in governments like Hadin's own, as well as Segland, and even Nui-ta (which faces a new Prime Minister after the resignation of Medici), that he would seek results rather than rhetoric. In a wise and well-thought out move, the presumptive High-Envoy understands that further bloodshed and violent rhetoric --- even against a country that deserves it --- will do nothing to serve the interests of a war-battered Hadin and a war-battered Axis. The Nui-tans are willing to listen, for all the bad blood between us and them. They are also now faced with their own battles, as their diplomatic alliances crumble around them as punishment for their misdeeds. In this great war, other than blockading us to make Nui-ta think they were being useful, where was Radiatia for its supposedly closest ally? As Rahku City faces the heat of Noctur, Xerconia stands silent. The Nui-tans are being punished enough by God; let Nikastro work to be the better man and keep the peace.

Meanwhile, the Poldanians consider an inadvisable invasion of the great nation of Segland, and Segland faces a major change as Chancellor Haussmann steps forward to continue the advancement of his country. As partners in UNCA, Hadin is now more than ever obliged to look out for its compatriots, and though his methods are peace-minded, rather than rooted in war, Nikastro's address during his announcement of the impending conference in Segland can be summed up in a small snippet.

"The Axis has grown great because it is a sphere of Nocturian Co-Operation, unprecedented by any other alliance in Noctur. Though the methods must change, the intent and dedication will remain. Hadin will keep the Axis at heart; and Hadin has got Segland's back".

by **Radiatia** » Sun Aug 14, 2016 4:08 am

TCHORT PRIMARY:
MELINA FORST WINS MASSIVE VICTORY

August 14 LET 60 Last updated 22:41 Exegrad Standard Time

KUREI, TCHORT
Bahamatsu Premier Melina Forst has won an emphatic victory in the first-in-the-nation Tchort Primary, having won a massive 76% of the vote in the four way contest.

_{Premier Melina Forst has handily won the Tchort Primary}

Premier Forst has now well and truly cemented her status as the frontrunner for the nomination. Although polls indicated she would likely win, none predicated the more than two thirds majority she was going to win in the Primary.

The Forst campaign has announced that its slogan will be "Dare to Dream", with Premier Forst promising her supporters that "This will be a positive campaign, looking forward and talking about the future of the Radiatian Federation.

"The Social Democratic Union represents change. We represent the future, we represent a better tomorrow. Now is the time for all us to once again Dare to Dream!"

Alayenia Premier Vladimir Angelov came in second place with 20% of the vote. Angelov has made no public comment, but it is rumoured that if the Saku Primary delivers the same results then he will likely suspend his campaign.

Senator Steven McCarthy and Diatara Premier Jaagen Autenberg recieved 2% each, with Senator McCarthy announcing that he will not be contesting any primaries after Saku, where he remains on the ballot.

Premier Autenberg seemed to ignore the result, saying simply "Ayup, well, slow an' steady wins the race don't it? Two percent is better than zero percent, ain't it?"

In the Liberal-Conservative Party primary, President Angela Pavlovic won 98% of the vote, running virtually unopposed.

She faced only two opponents - MP Malcolm Wahner [LCP - Mendovium 2nd District], a stalking horse candidate supposedly representing the hard right of the LCP and Kurei-based businessman Siegbert Wray who ran as a protest candidate aiming to draw the President's attention to the "unacceptable noise levels generated by new supersonic aircraft."

- RPNN

In Other News:

Is a formal alliance between Poldania and Radiatia in the works?
State of Tuvea bans gender reassignment surgery
New Seglandic Chancellor looks eerily similar to Yerkal Nathus

by **The Arthurian Isles** » Sun Aug 14, 2016 9:30 am

The Noctur Cup Means Much More For Arthuria And The Region

_{Pictured: Arthuria's Men's Eight rowing in last week's Vestmanaeyjar International Regatta}

The Noctur Cup will begin as Poldanian troops cross the Seglandic border, just weeks after the Karasian War was ended.
^{22 Wodmanuður, 1106 A.R.| By Trausti Sigurðardotar (tsigur@figaro.org)| 11:02 AIT}

VESTMANAEYJAR, ARTHURIA — The Arthurian Men's Eight competed in the Vestmanaeyjar International Regatta last week, donning the black to represent their country in one of its more popular sports. As they rowed over the finishing line, Vikingurtrup boarded their flight to Nui-ta, preparing to play for Arthuria in a sport which none of them know and which has never drawn a large following in these climes. They too shall wear the all-black uniform that it synonymous with the Federation in the world of sports. Why, though, must every Arthurian international team take up the black? The history of this uniform resides in the late 10th century A.R. (the 19th century AD) when these Islands first sent their sportsmen out into Noctur. Previously, sports had only been represented at the cantonal level, where each team had its own distinctive colour, most famously the Storaeyjar Blues whose strip mimicked the Arthurian flag. Unwilling to play under the colours of their rivals, the only way to unite the country's sportsmen under one Arthurian team was to design a fresh kit. Black is devoid of colour; it acknowledged no loyalties to any one canton. It was selected as the official colour of the Arthurian rugby union team in 982 A.R. (1892 AD), the first ever all-Arthurian sporting squad. By the next century it had become the country-wide sporting kit. In Arthuria, to wear black is not designed to intimidate or threaten rivals; it is to put aside all differences in order to work as a team for a greater whole. That attitude has grown from a necessity of kit-design to a philosophy of sports. It has now been seized upon by the Federal Ministry of Health and Sports which envisages its significance extending beyond the boundaries of this small Antarctic country.

Every Arthurian government department or agency has its objective, a concise description of its purpose. The most mysterious of these surely belongs to the Information Self-Defence Force, whose motto 'Sa Al, Hør Al, Tal Iker Al' translates as 'See All, Hear All, Say Nothing'. The Federal Ministry of Health and Sports (FMHS) has adopted a more open objective: 'Mer Har, Maðuren Værdiguret', or 'Higher, to Human Dignity'.

It is impossible to derive a practical strategy from this motto; its concepts are too abstract. It is all-encompassing and therefore limits the direction of policy. Elaboration can be found in the FMHS's annual report, however. The document sometimes reads more like a philosophical treatise, particularly in its treatment of sports. In fact, the government does employ philosophers to advise on its policies, and their contributions are evident here. Through a deconstruction of its motto, the FMHS derives a more coherent strategy which bears similarity to the motives behind Arthuria's all-black kit.

First defined is 'human dignity', a vague element which despite appearing in the first article of Arthuria's Basic Law is still undefined by the Federal Constitutional Court. The Arthurian word for 'dignity' is værdigur. It is rooted in the Ancient Arthurian language, derived from the word for 'stately'. The FMHS dissects the meaning of 'stately' in an Arthurian context to mean 'worthy of authority'. Because authority is a relational concept, it necessarily requires social activity between human beings. The annual report thus ends its analysis by saying that: "human dignity is the inherent authority of an individual to direct their own life within the context of a community of human beings. That authority is held over other human beings and organisations, including governments. The convergence between one person's dignity and another's - where one person's free actions infringe on another's authority to direct their own life - is what has become known as politics." The specifics of this definition are important in one key way: it does not infer universal human rights. Arthuria is often called a country with two personalities. Domestically it offers one of the most extensive sets of rights in the world to its citizens, and fiercely protects them. Because of its neutrality, however, the Arthurian government refuses to condone the concept of universal human rights and makes no efforts to promote them. To do so, goes the argument, would be to enforce Arthurian perceptions of right and wrong on peoples unwanting of them. The FMHS's definition of human dignity leaves the issue of rights to the realm of politics, not philosophy, and thus delegates their understanding to individual societies. But it also tempers the worst of what would be considered by others as 'human rights abuses' by extolling a liberal interpretation of humanity, defined by an inherent freedom.

The remainder of the motto - Mer Har' or 'higher' - is more simply defined by the FMHS. The report says that: "to go higher suggests that humanity has not yet achieved universal human dignity. Our efforts are therefore continuous and permanent. But they are directed towards a higher end, and our goal is consequently greater than the means by which we hope to achieve it." While its understanding of human dignity was devoid of commitments to human rights, this clarification suggests there is still an ethical duty towards human dignity, and that this duty is best achieved through sports.

The final definition offered by the FMHS's annual report is then their understanding of sports itself. They argue that: "sports is a philosophy of life, practised through rule-bound games, which exalts a balanced whole: body, will and mind. Its purpose is the development of the human individual and its means are effort, fairness and example. This is placed in the service of a greater end, the harmonious development of humanity through social justice, whose values sports echoes." The FMHS sees sports, its means of achieving human dignity, as an ethical action. Its impact on tangible policy is far greater, for nowhere in these definitions is Arthuria mentioned. The FMHS has not limited its goals to its own country; it has universalised the value of sports. Sports is now perceived by some in the Arthurian government as a diplomatic tool by which Arthuria can increase its role in Noctur. This has consequences for the FMHS's strategy and for the government's treatment of sports across the Federal Ministries.

Sports as an ethical approach to diplomacy has gained the attention of Arthuria's activist Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Runær Arnardotar. The Federal Ministry for Foreign Affairs (FMFA) has, since her arrival over a year-and-a-half ago, strained against the prevailing Arthurian mentality of realpolitik. She has sought more than any other politician to merge Arthuria's two personalities into one, replacing a realist foreign policy with an approach as liberal as is enjoyed by Arthurians at home. Her results have been mixed. A working visit to Hadin by her ally on the Storting, Thor Hamarskjold, did little to achieve any of its aims of environmental protection, poverty reduction or international stability. All that has been gained appears to be a personal friendship between the Federal Minister for Justice and the soon-to-be High Envoy Fiete Nikastro. She then organised the Vestmannaeyjar Accords, a series of free trade agreements that attracted only the Pol-Nui-Ra bloc, and consequently bought better international trade at the cost of our unquestioned neutrality. In the Storting, she supported Hamarskjold's peacekeeping doctrine, which has neither been accepted by their fellow Federal Ministers nor has it garnered any interest from abroad. In the latest news, rumours from the Altinghusið suggest she caused another debate in the Storting over her reaction to the use of chemical weapons by Nui-ta in the Karasian War. Politically, Arnardotar divides critics. But she has managed to capture the public's attention. Reacting against the amorality of Arthurian foreign policy, a tentative support base for a policy of greater international engagement has arisen. Do not think that this means a tangible change in Arthurian foreign policy in the near future; supporters are still few and far between. But Arnardotar's approach is gaining momentum. Her problem is that traditional diplomatic means are not flexible enough for her to overcome the ingrained policy of permanent armed neutrality which is, we cannot forget, legally binding on the Arthurian government.

Evading the instinctive government reaction to 'do nothing' is Arnardotar's greatest challenge. Perhaps the FMHS has provided her with a solution. Arthuria has a reputation across Noctur for many of the things which Arnardotar would like to promote: environmentalism, peace, social justice and stability. When other countries engage with Arthuria, they see the success of the aforementioned priorities and are more likely to find them appealing. By example, Arthuria can encourage other countries to want to mimic its approach to government. The problem is that by consistently doing nothing at the regional level of politics, Arthuria deprives itself of the engagement which would achieve Arnardotar's goals. It lacks influence. Sports can help counter this fact in two ways.

Firstly, it improves the reputation which Arthuria already holds. As mentioned previously in this article, the FMHS has turned sports into an ethical-philosophical pursuit with ends greater than victory in certain games. It specifically lists social justice as one of its means, as well as others which either are or form a part of Arnardotar's foreign policy hopes. By contributing to Arthuria's reputation, sports increases the influence of that reputation. The greater its influence, the more able it is to overcome an isolationist foreign policy. More than just a tool in Arthuria's arsenal, though, sports contributes to the values of Arthuria in its own right, as suggested by the FMHS. In fact, that is precisely why the FMHS wishes to promote it throughout Noctur. What the all-black kit did for Arthuria, the government hopes can be done for the region.

Secondly, sports provides the engagement Arthuria needs. Primarily this is achieved indirectly; the presence of Arthuria at international events increases its perception amongst the general publics of Noctur. If they see us, and if they like what they see of us - not just from sporting matches themselves but from the often-accompanying cultural festivals - then Arthuria's reputation can inspire calls for mimicry from the grassroots of other countries. In some cases, it can help to strengthen extant voices which need international support in their cause. By putting itself out into the wider world, Arthuria opens itself up for others to come to it. In the direct manner, major sporting tournaments are often visited by high-ranking politicians. Minor though these appearances may be, the exposure of Arthurian politicians to their foreign counterparts can be vital for the establishment of relationships or the prosecution of informal discussions which are the hidden gears of international diplomacy. The effects of sports extend beyond high-ideals to the practicalities of politics.

With the Noctur Cup approaching, perhaps Arnardotar has finally struck upon a plan that may work. She will never achieve her aims in total, not least because the majority of the Arthurian population are unwilling to sacrifice their neutrality, but she can try to make the world a better place in the smallest of ways. Arthurian foreign policy is too deliberate to veer from its realist roots, but the new FMFA has tried to branch out. Sports is now one part of a multi-faceted and multi-objective approach to diplomacy. Hosting rowing regattas is the first step. Sending a team to the Noctur Cup is the next. Perhaps next year we can reach the third step, and send a team which can actually play football.

OTHER NEWS STORIES

Nico Hass to face international tribunal [ 1053 ]
Song of the Week: Kan Du Lære Mæ - Kristian Kristensen [ 826 ]
Protests form outside Altinghusið against Nui-tan chemical weapons [ 709 ]
Football frenzy does not hit Arthuria, but mild interest does [ 553 ]
Arthurians try to keep track of elections across Noctur [ 467 ]

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by **Radiatia** » Tue Aug 16, 2016 6:10 am

FORST'S MARCH TO XERCONIA CONTINUES
WINS IN SAKU AND CHONGLUNTZ BOOST DELEGATE COUNT

August 17 LET 60 Last updated 00:13 Exegrad Standard Time

UERKU, SAKU
Melina Forst's campaign to gain the Social Democratic nomination for the Radiatan Presidency continues to gain momentum, with a victory in Saku followed by a critical victory in Radiatia's second largest state.

_{Premier Forst interviewed by an Uerku radio station}

The Premier of Bahamatsu began to unveil more policy positions as she won the Saku primary and then, crucially, the Chongluntz primary, as she continues on her path to become the challenger to President Angela Pavlovic at this year's election.

South Corpshire Senator Steven McCarthy announced following the Saku primary, in which he came second from the bottom, that he was suspending his campaign - however he has not yet endorsed Premier Forst, leading to speculation that he may be attempting to create a unified anti-Forst bloc within the SDU.

Premier Forst won another spectacular victory in Saku, where she won a 70% victory, just 6% below the 76% she won in neighbouring Tchort. Her strongly progressive message resonated with Saku's extremely liberal voter base.

Forst stated a number of positions on social issues which included legalisation of marijuana by federal law, stronger legal protections for minorities - especially immigrants and women and a federal student loan system, which played well at the University of Saku.

Currently tertiary students in Radiatia who cannot afford tuition fees must either take out a student loan with their state government, which usually prohibits students studying outside of their home state, or else they must take out a private loan which usually comes with high interest rates.

Forst's margin of victory was much lower in Chongluntz, a critical state in any Social Democratic primary, but which she only narrowly won following a strong showing there for Alayenia Premier Vladimir Angelov.

Premier Forst faced her first major political hurdle, after receiving a booing from an audience in northern Chongluntz when she stated that she supported President Pavlovic's controversial refugee policy, and planned to expand it by resettling refugees in other parts of the Radiatian Federation.

By contrast, Diatara Premier Jaagen Autenberg received support from the same audience after promising to end the refugee policy.

"Them foreign brownies are takin' jobs from poor Radiatians and I promise we gonna close the door an' we're gonna start takin' care of our own people before foreigners." The 71 year old said from Dastor, the state capital of Diatara, having yet to leave his own state for the Presidential campaign.

Premier Forst strongly rebuked Autenberg's statement, saying "This is the kind of bigoted and ignorant statement that I'd expect from a Liberal-Conservative, not a Social Democrat!"

While Forst continues to poll well among the educated middle classes, the Chongluntz primary delivered a surprisingly strong showing for Jaagen Autenberg, who appears to be polling well in working class areas.

Autenberg looks set to win the Polaris primary - with Polaris neighbouring his home state of Diatara, while all eyes are on Super Saturday - when 26 states simultaneously hold primaries, and this is considered the day that Forst will likely clinch the nomination.

Alayenian Premier Vladimir Angelov has stated that he will contest the Polaris primary and then announce afterwards whether or not he will be contesting Super Saturday based on the results of the Polaris primary.

Tchort Primary:

✔ Premier Melina Forst (Bahamatsu) - 76%
Premier Vladimir Angelov (Alayenia) - 20%
Senator Steven McCarthy (South Corpshire) - 2%
Premier Jaagen Autenberg (Diatara) - 2%

Saku Primary:

✔ Premier Melina Forst (Bahamatsu) - 70%
Premier Vladimir Angelov (Alayenia) - 17%
Senator Steven McCarthy (South Corpshire) - 10%
Premier Jaagen Autenberg (Diatara) - 3%

Chongluntz Prmary:

✔ Premier Melina Forst (Bahamatsu) - 45%
Premier Vladimir Angelov (Alayenia) - 30%
Premier Jaagen Autenberg (Diatara) - 25%

- RPNN

Qube (Exegrad, Alayenia)
3 HOURS AGO
Media bias here is disgusting. Whose dick in the RPNN has Melina Forst been sucking? It's bad enough the SDU - a dead, irrelevant political party, remember LET 56? - are getting all this free air time but they're clearly biased toward Forst for reasons that are beyond me

612 likes

Wendra (Curea, Chontluntz)
2 HOURS AGO
i'VE NEVER VOTED IN A PRIMARY BEFORE BUT I PROUDLY VOTED FOR jAAGEN aUTENBERG BECAUSE HE UNDERSTANDS WHAT ORDINARY RADIATIANS CARE ABOUT AND HE WILL STOP THE INVASION OF FOREIGNERS TAKING OUR JOBS!!!

201 likes

Sakunmydick (Uerku, Saku)
1 HOUR AGO
It's funny how people like Pavlovic call Forst socialist for wanting to implement a tertiary education scheme that would be considered right-wing by the standards of any Terra Oriens country

450 likes

In Other News:

Noctur goes football mad
Man goes mad after being hit by football
Mad man hit in balls by foot

by **Radiatia** » Sat Aug 20, 2016 10:47 am

SUPER SATURDAY SHOCK:
"WHO THE HELL IS JAAGEN AUTENBERG?"

August 21st LET 60 Last updated 04:47 Exegrad Standard Time

A shock result at Super Saturday - the day when 26 states simultaneously hold their primaries - has effectively seen Melina Forst's campaign derailed by a surge in support for the previously unknown Premier of Diatara, Jaagen Autenberg.

_{Diatara Premier Jaagen Autenberg has,
in a shocking turn of events, become the
new SDU frontrunner}

The Forst For Radiatia campaign had been hoping that this would be the day that popular Bahamatsu Premier Melina Forst officially clinched the Social Democratic nomination, leading to a historic election which would see only women candidates for President.

While Melina Forst handily won in Alayenia - Radiatia's largest state - after Premier Vladimir Angelov withdrew his Presidential bid and threw his support behind Forst, she found herself facing a number of shock defeats at the hands of Jaagen Autenberg - considered by many to be a novice when it comes to federal politics.

While Autenberg had been expected to carry states such as Polaris and his home state of Diatara, his victories in large states including Midgard, Mus and South Corpshire have come as a complete shock to both pundits and members of the Forst campaign.

The result of Super Saturday now leave Premier Autenberg the unlikely new frontrunner of a campaign, with Premier Forst needing guaranteed victories in the western states if she is to gain enough delegates to become the Social Democratic Union's nominee.

Autenberg has run a grassroots campaign with a vaguely populist platform which is both considerably more socially conservative than the LCP's platform, but peppered with a left-wing critique of big business, an apparent "anti-corruption" stance and occasional and controversial positive references to socialism.

Premier Autenberg used the surge in his campaign to launch a stinging attack on Melina Forst, accusing her of being another Xerconia insider, paid for by Exegrad-based financiers.

"I had me one o' them rich sissy-boys from Exegrad from some campany called R-BEC turn up on mah doorstep the other day," He told a growing crowd of supporters. "He told he was gonna give me a billion Tsenyens to help me be the President, an' all I had ter do was listen to him an' promise to support his business.

"Ya know what I did? I gots mah gun, pointed it in his face and told him to get the hell off o' mah property. I ain't for sale, and Radiatia ain't for sale."

Polls suggest that Autenberg's accusations against Melina Forst of being a "Xerconia insider" or "funded by Exegrad" could hurt her campaign, especially with voter apathy continuing to grow each election, as Radiatians become convinced that there is no fundamental difference between the SDU and LCP.

"To say Jaagen Autenberg is a political outsider is an understatement," Said political analyst Dr. Boris Kahler of the University of Saku. "This is a man who has quite literally never set foot in Xerconia. His message may well resonate with Radiatians who don't usually vote - especially people in the northern states. At the very least, Premier Autenberg looks set to win the tinfoil hat vote."

Premier Melina Forst was not available for comment, although she is reportedly campaigning hard in Das Engel, in preparation for the Amentra Primary.

Who is Jaagen Autenberg?

Born July 17th LAI 988 in the tiny subarctic village of Solitude, Diatara.
At 72 years of age, he would be the oldest President in Radiatian history if elected.
Came to national prominence briefly in LET 32 after shooting two rapists dead while working at his pub
Elected Premier of Diatara the same year as a member of the Workers Party
Becomes a Social Democrat following the Workers-United Democrats merger of LET 44.
One of the longest serving Premiers in Radiatian history, having been re-elected for more than six consecutive terms
Red Premier of a staunchly blue state
Supports death penalty, opposes immigration, mixed record on economics - generally considered centrist, or a "Blue Social Democrat"

State:	Winner:
Tchort	Melina Forst
Saku	Melina Forst
Chongluntz	Melina Forst
Polaris	Jaagen Autenberg
Vatfer	Melina Forst
Clode	Melina Forst
New Vashura	Jaagen Autenberg
Alayenia	Melina Forst
Jingyurin	Melina Forst
Detzertscha	Melina Forst
Xegfause	Jaagen Autenberg
Ziigrut	Jaagen Autenberg
Diatara	Jaagen Autenberg
Tathika	Jaagen Autenberg
Kerpruss	Jaagen Autenberg
Gyanberk	Jaagen Autenberg
Zorbakh	Jaagen Autenberg
Skorptsch	Jaagen Autenberg
Pfantz	Jaagen Autenberg
Eldura	Jaagen Autenberg
Mus	Jaagen Autenberg
Saskenya	Jaagen Autenberg
Drachensgard	Melina Forst
Miitlania	Jaagen Autenberg
Diifgrao	Jaagen Autenberg
South Corpshire	Jaagen Autenberg
Midgard	Jaagen Autenberg
Asgard	Jaagen Autenberg
Bahamatsu	Melina Forst

- RPNN

Speks (Xerconia, FCT)
3 HOURS AGO
Was there some sort of mistake on the ballot papers or something? I find it hard to believe that people seriously supported this Autenberg guy.

202 likes

Defender (Darku, Mus)
2 HOURS AGO
| Speks
| Was there some sort of mistake on the ballot papers or something? I find it hard to believe that people seriously supported this Autenberg guy.
Typical arrogant Xerconian! It wasn't a mistake, people in Radiatia are sick of people like you telling us what to think. I never voted in a primary before but I voted for Autenberg!

352 likes

Brobbo (Tavland, Clode)
1 HOUR AGO
Stupid SOCIALIST Democratic Union! A commie or a clown? It's like they're trying to let us Liberal-Conservatives win! #Pavlovic60

503 likes

by **Segland** » Sat Aug 20, 2016 6:58 pm

The Republican
Segland's Premier Newspaper

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||Editorial||

WHY ALL RADIATIANS SHOULD VOTE FOR MELINA FORST

YES, WE ARE #FORFORST !

As the race for the Social Democratic Union nomination becomes evermore competitive, it has never been clearer that Radiatians have few choices left if they wish to save their country from certain doom. We at The Republican believe in a harmonious and balanced world for all nations, which is why we cannot sit idly by while the region's largest country hurtles towards oblivion.

The ailments of the Radiatian Federation began in earnest with the impeachment of President Gregori Fyoderov, famed for his illustrious slayings of infidels. An unwise chain of succession elevated a "woman", Angela Pavlovic, to the office of the presidency. Almost instantaneously, and due to no coincidence, the Radiatian economy tanked and its global influence was reduced to the status of a third-world nation. Its longtime ally Nui-ta abandoned it and proceeded to commit war crimes with chemical weapons. Another "ally", Poldania, went off the deep end and invaded its peace-loving neighbor.

In fact, every catastrophic event since the Algrabad War can be traced back to the rise of Angela Pavlovic.

However, the mere presence of a female chief executive is not to blame. Rather, it is the cult of globalists and corporatists to which many Radiatian politicians, Pavlovic included, belong. They are sacrificing their own blood and soil on the altar to better profits. Those profits are not even tangible; they exist only as an abstract bottom line, totally rarefied and detached from common Radiatia.

There is a solution to this issue, fortunately: Melina Forst.

Melina Forst does not belong to any cult of globalists and corporatists. Melina Forst is not some Xerconia insider. Melina Forst, if elected, will never sell out to the special interests and lobbyists. She is the only candidate who is close to the Radiatian people and will serve them honestly.

Not only will a Forst presidency see the resurgence of the Radiatian middle class, it will also see a far more placid world order. We believe Melina Forst will respect and cooperate with the Seglandic Republic and its leadership. With Noctur becoming increasingly integrated, united cooperation will be key to forming an axis of support that benefits every Nocturian.

This era of constant international tension and warfare can undoubtedly be brought to an end if Melina Forst is elected President of the Radiatian Federation. It will be an admirable feat for the Radiatians to finally choose a woman who can competently run the country.

In Other News:
Jaagen Autenburg: the one greatest threat to Seglandic strength and sovereignty
Rahku City Trials continue with buildup to Hass hearing
Electoral imbroglio in Higgins and Brown

by **Algrabad** » Sun Aug 21, 2016 2:12 pm

Neutral Publication Number One

Algrabad to Annex Muntasaf Zanzes*, bring order to Chaos

The Land Committee of the Revolutionary Assembly has approved unanimously the decision of Comrade President Azhari to formally annex the territories of Muntasaf Zanzes. The territories currently lie ungoverned and unliberated from the primitive state of totalitarian tribal capitalism. The Committee’s report quotes some of the testimony that military personnel, who recently traversed the territory in the defensive war against the Nui-tan invasion of Zanzes proper (aka Zanzes Al-Sherek). With victory in the war assured, and an international tribunal set up to determine a fair compromise for the management of that zone, the army have returned to report their experiences.

You will have read many of the heroic deeds in last week’s issue of NPN1, and in the 17 special issues beforehand. However, you may not have read of the horrors Algrabadi soldiers witnessed in their travels through Muntasaf Zanzes on their travels. It is for this reason, and not any grubby international deal, that Algrabad is swooping in to administer and entirely annex the territories.
With the recent reclaiming of the Western Buffer, this means that the glorious revolution has now spread to its widest extent ever. We truly are living in a golden age. Thank you President Azhari!

Troops Fight for UNCA Partners Segland

UNCA comrades Segland are under attack! The grovelling dogs of Poldania, seeking to avert their own people’s eyes from the disasters and pogroms in Merrina, and from the worthless objectives foisted on them by their attachment to an economic system of exploitation, have invaded with an army of mind-warped wage-slaves who’s very spiritual existence will surely be improved by the furious vengeance they shall face at the hands of the superior Algrabadi forces they shall meet.

Military heads have welcomed the increased workload for the People’s Army, which has not had enough to do with its ample resources in decades. But now, with the Western War won, the Eastern War all but finished, and a new Far-Eastern War, Vice-President Tawfiq Caanan has confidently stated that the force can finally show Algrabad what it is capable of, by flexibly withdrawing from one conflict and leisurely opting to drop straight into another.

Reports from Segland already mention the heroic military miracles being performed by our soldiers, with whole towns and villages – and even orphanages – saved from the brutal barbarian hordes of international capitalism, by the noble and humble Algrabadi soldiers.
Victory will soon be upon us, and Seglanders will thank Algrabad forever. We truly are living in a golden age. Thank you President Azhari!

New Appointments Competition for Central Executory Positions

The Executory Appointments Committee has opened a new competition for some thousands of vacancies that have recently opened up in the central directorates in Al-Miki. Revolutionary Labour Coordination Departments have reported unusual spikes in the number of people opting to leave the confines of the capital for more relaxing posts elsewhere – some have also opted to join the Buffer Resettlement Programme, and a similar programme for Muntasaf Zanzes is likely to be established.

Early retirements (courtesy of bumper pensions that everyone in Algrabad enjoys) and army signups have also created vacancies in the corridors of administrative and revolutionary co-ordination. None more so than in the Vice-Executory of Defence, where hundreds of high-ranking staff have applied to return to the front lines, or to join the diplomatic exchange programme with Hadin.

New placements can expect to be put to work managing the nation's agricultural distribution, rationing of delicacies, price of products and utilities, and the pay and pensions of all classes of worker.

Applications will be by invitation only, but it is expected that every village and community in the country can expect its best and brightest to be scouted and brought into the process of building a new generation of central Executory staff! How proud their fathers and mothers will be! We truly are living in a golden age. Thank you President Azhari!

Tadnam Instability Continues

The Tadnami nation, recently freed from the centuries of oppression it had endured at the hands of the Higgins-Brownite imperiality, continues to face internal worries in its new destiny.

The President has called for ‘free’ elections and has made a show of them being free from interference. However, he has done nothing to challenge or equalise the system of exploitation and slavery than passes for economic normality west of our borders! Consequently, a great swell of unrest has grown in the area, mostly among enlightened Tadnami-Algrabadi ethnics who – though well inferior in their natural state to pure revolutionary Algrabadis – are better disposed to reason and critique than their Tadnami sistren.

But as we speak, people fleeing the new anti-Arab wave of resentment carefully fostered by the Imperial Higgins-Brownite state are flooding into Tadnam. Doubtless, some of these are patriotic Tadnamis returning home to take part in the independent state. But, among them, there are opportunists who care not for Arab independence. The Aljaysh Alssammit also believes that some of them are agents of the Higgins-Brownite Imperiality. The rushed movement of the weak and imperilled is congesting the nation’s highways and railways, and putting pressure on its underfunded and incapable social security. Tensions rise among those who have clawed something out of the capitalist system, only to see it now challenged by the integration of a rival peasant class.

The Army in Tadnam is said to be at breaking point, lashing out at civilians in unprecedented waves of violence, all to keep some semblance of normality in the nation. President Azhari has warned that if Higgins & Brown does not step in to normalise life in Tadnam and guarantee the independence of the Tadnami people, the Algrabadi People’s Army will be forced to do the very same!

This warning has sent shivers down the spine of the pig-dogs of Michaelstown, and their would-be puppets in Independence, due to President Azhari’s unblemished record of honesty and victory on the international stage. We truly are living in a golden age. Thank you President Azhari!

Population Movements Continue A-Pace

Thousands of Enthusiastic Citizens of the Western Buffer have welcomed and are partaking in a mass movement eastwards, to the new Algrabadi territories there. Before liberation, hundreds of small communities had been forced to exist under capitalist regimes in the Buffer Zone, with the Higgins-Brownite imperiality’s boot being held over them.

In these communities, the Imperiality attempted to undermine Algrabadi revolution with the forced imposition of old Zanzeanic culture in these settlements.

Now, having been liberated, many of these enthused Algrabadi revolutionaries have taken up the offer to move to Muntasaf Zanzes and start a new life as liberated Algrabadi comrades there. You may have seen the frequent and large trains, that have been put to special use in Jamneh, Lizqueh and Armams, to transport these people, hurtling through our countryside like the iron rod of progress.

The indigenous residents of Munstasaf Zanzes have risen up with one voice to welcome the movement into their areas of enlightened revolutionaries who might teach them the ways of advanced socialism.

Back in the West, another mass movement has begun, as Algrabad’s ‘internal refugees’ return to their ancestral homelands in the former Western Buffer. The city of Armama, which was initially founded to house those displaced in previous wars, is to be destroyed in its entirety, and new capital cities for the provinces of Oulad and Oumdouill, formally under Imperial control, are being constructed as we speak!

We truly are living in a golden age. Thank you President Azhari!

Noctur Cup Offers Hope of Peaceful Co-Existence

The Noctur Cup has been endorsed and aided by the Government, who have designated that the national team and a men’s team shall travel to the Cup. Team captain Sumaira Butros has vowed to bring home the gold. Butros has already captained Ziraei Mhareb to the National League Championship this season.

Algrabad has not fielded a national men’s team in professional competition for some time, but the Sports Directorate has decreed that one shall go to the Noctur Cup. The Men’s Team shall be selected from among 7 military teams who will face each other in a qualifying tournament shortly before the Noctur Cup begins. The two favourites for the opportunity are Marine Infantry of Touibia and Anti-Aircraft Defence Corps of Jamneh.
It is through Algrabad’s great example that other countries might be tempted to come together in cooperation, not slash at each other wildly in the mud. We truly are living in a golden age. Thank you President Azhari!

5 Zaor-Qirsh
Issued under License of the Communications Directorate

by **Radiatia** » Mon Aug 22, 2016 8:18 am

BOOST IN POLLS FOR LIBERAL-CONSERVATIVE PARTY
SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES CLASH OVER FOREIGN POLICY

August 23 LET 60 Last updated 02:46 Exegrad Standard Time

DAS ENGEL, AMENTRA
President Angela Pavlovic has received a boost in recent polls, after the two Social Democratic candidates for President took to publicly slamming the other's foreign policy.

_{New polls have seen a spike in support for the President}

For the first time since the Social Democratic primaries began, polls are giving a clear lead to incumbent President Angela Pavlovic over any potential Social Democratic challenger.

The President currently leads Bahamatsu Premier Melina Forst by 52% to 48%, and leads Diatara Premier Jaagen Autenberg by 59% to 41%. She also leads in key swing states - with a wide lead in the state of Mus, as well as a narrow lead in Xegfause, both states considered bellwether states, having always been carried by the victor of every Presidential election.

Polls also indicate that the primaries have done damage to the SDU, with polls now showing that the LCP could gain back control of the Senate - although the federal assembly appears to be safely in the hands of the SDU for now.

Meanwhile, the Social Democratic primaries have descended into something like civil war, with both candidates now openly hostile to one another.

Premier Forst, who is desperate to win primaries in the western states if she is to gain the nomination, released an attack ad claiming that "a vote for Jaagen Autenberg is a vote for Angela Pavlovic" and alleged that the unpredictable northern Premier would either leave Segland and the UNCA in a stronger position, or else potentially start a nuclear war.

Autenberg responded by noting that Melina Forst was endorsed by the Seglandic state-run media and questioned whether or not she was a puppet.

"She's got money comin' in from that there Exegrad, all them big corporations are givin' her money an' now the government o' that Zigzagland country say she should be President!" Said Premier Autenberg. "I ain't said nothin' bad about her as a person, but she done said all sorts o' nasty things about me. I'm a northerner, we call a spade a spade an' I say... she ain't trustworthy."

President Pavlovic took full advantage of the rift, saying "Whoever becomes the Social Democratic nominee, the message from Segland is loud and clear: A Social Democratic President if a gift for the UNCA. Because they know that while I'm President, Radiatia will stand up to them."

President Pavlovic has drawn criticism, both at home and abroad, for her foreign policy - the Radiatian blockade of Hadin was used as an excuse for the RA227 disaster, while anonymous figures in the military stated that the naval blockade "was seriously under-resourced, leading to security breaches".

Others have criticised her for making cuts to military expenditure, and pursuing a relatively isolationist foreign policy, leading to criticism that "The Sheriff of Noctur has been caught sleeping on the job."

Both Jaagen Autenberg and Melina Forst have, until today, been quiet on foreign policy, although Premier Forst has hinted that she will adopt a more hawkish approach "similar to the Keldon Silviu doctrine" while Autenberg was unable to name a single foreign country, but concluded that "I keep me home safe because folks know I gots me a gun an' maybe it's time to remind them foreign folks not to mess with Radiatia because we got us some nukes."

The final primaries will be held in a few days, and while Melina Forst remains the favourite to win, the Autenberg campaign has been boosted by the endorsement of many on the SDU's hard left, including Senator Steven McCarthy of South Corpshire and even the LET 56 nominee Owen Warsazeck - leading many to speculate that this will see Autenberg's economic agenda take a shift to the far left.

Forst retains the endorsement of high profile Social Democrats including Premier Vladimir Angelov, former President Keldon Silviu and former Prime Minister Lena Toriah.

- RPNN

Comments on this article have closed

In Other News:

Residents of Algrabad grateful to President Azhari
Refugees from Algrabad grateful to President Pavlovic
President grateful for increased support despite controversial policy regarding Algrabad refugees

by **Crata** » Tue Aug 23, 2016 2:44 pm

CRATAAN ELECTION: LINDENBERG TO RUN FOR OFFICE
Digital rights activist "eager to be more involved in the political process"

by Nadine Strickland, CRANN News Team
LIBERTAS, LBT, CRATA
The controversial activist David Lindenberg to consider running as a member of the Anarchy Party

_{Anarchy party confirms application from Lindenberg}

David Lindenberg, aka @digitaldove, considers running for office according to a statement released on his website earlier today. Lindenberg stated the "current [governing] parties" to be "incredibly incompetent". He cites the ongoing dispute between the Liberty and Progressive parties about foreign policy, mainly about the future of the Crataan Humanitarian Aid Forces as one of the main reasons of the rise of right and far-right movements throughout the Federal Republic.

The Anarchy Party, currently holding 4 seats in the Federal Parliament, confirmed recieving a membership application from Lindenberg. Its spokesperson noted that while membership of Lindenberg may increase popularity of the party, the Anarchy Party already had set candidates up for the forthcoming election and may not include Lindenberg. LIBERTY, Progressive, Conservative and the Green Party stated they would not accept Lindenberg as a party membership due to irreconcilable differences.

Lindenberg has been a controversial figure at home and abroad. He is currently wanted by the Radiatian Federation for suspected "terrorist activities". The Crataan government has so far refused to extradite Lindenberg due to his protection as a whistleblower, having caused a strain in Crataan-Radiatian relations. Dr. Lush of the Progressive party expressed concern over a potential further detoriation should Lindenberg become a high-ranking member of government.

We will keep you updated as this story develops.

More Election LET57 >>>

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by **Radiatia** » Wed Aug 24, 2016 6:42 am

MELINA FORST'S ELECTION BID OVER
SURGE IN SUPPORT FOR ANGELA PAVLOVIC AFTER JAAGEN AUTENBERG WINS SDU NOMINATION

August 25th LET 60 Last updated 04:47 Exegrad Standard Time

SOLITUDE, DIATARA
In what has been described as as an unforeseeable shock, popular Bahamatsu Premier Melina Forst has lost her bid to be the Social Democratic Union's Presidential nominee to Diatara Premier Jaagen Autenberg - a complete unknown.

_{Melina Forst broke down in tears after losing the SDU nomination}

Though Forst won a significant victory in Amentra, Radiatia's third largest state, it was victories in Garotch, Resterbury, Mendovium and Tuvea that carried Premier Autenberg over the line, making the unpredictable 72 year old northern Premier the Social Democratic Union's official nominee for President.

There were scenes of shock and devastation at the Forst campaign - just weeks ago, Melina Forst had been odds on to not only win the primaries, but win the Presidency. Premier Forst herself was in tears as she conceded defeat to Premier Autenberg - although she stopped short of endorsing him.

"I put my heart and soul into this campaign," Said Forst to supporters in her home state of Bahamatsu. "I don't know what else to say. Thank you all for your support and your belief in me. I'm sorry I couldn't have been..."

She was unable to finish her sentence as emotion overcame her.

Although she was popular among young Radiatians and has been extremely popular on social media, she came under fire first for her alleged connections to wealthy Exegrad-based financiers, and then further following an endorsement from Seglandic state-run media.

By contrast, Jaagen Autenberg - viewed by the urban wing of the SDU as "too conservative" and often derided as a politically naive redneck received the backing of the SDU's hard left faction, and ran a populist and anti-establishment campaign that resonated with, in his words, "the folk who just can't be bothered goin' out and votin'."

The Social Democratic Union saw a surge of membership, with Autenberg managing to appeal to an audience of Radiatians who were not only not Social Democrats, but who had probably never voted in their lives.

"I'm gonna stand of for the ordinary folk o' Radiatia, an' you know how I know that? Because I am one o' them ordinary folks." Said Premier Autenberg upon learning he had clinched the nomination.

It is also speculated that Autenberg's victory came as an ironic result of Forst's popularity - with many Forst supporters likely to have refrained from voting based on the assumption that she was going to win.

The announcement saw an immediate effect on the polls, which showed that - although the Social Democratic Union remain stable in the legislature - support for President Pavlovic has soared, including in ostensibly red states.

"I don't know if this will be a repeat of LET 56 as President Pavlovic doesn't quite have the broad appeal that Gregori Fyoderov did," Says political analyst Dr. Boris Kahler. "But what we can see is that it is highly unlikely that Autenberg will win. Forst's supporters, if they don't defect to the Pavlovic campaign, will almost certainly stay at home. This is a tragedy for the SDU - they will almost definitely lose support because of this."

- RPNN

Raymond (Musk, Vatfer)
3 HOURS AGO
This is a fucking disaster.

345 likes

Bringle (Fitawaz, Ziigrut)
2 HOURS AGO
I don't even know what to make of this. I'm a Liberal-Conservative. This sounds too good to be true.

201 likes

Balstead (Kuell, Eldura)
1 HOUR AGO
I don't want to get my hopes up, but if we have any hope of destoying the Totalitarian-ANarchist elite, then this Autenberg guy might be it.

97 likes

In Other News:

Wanted terrorist to run for office in Crata
Wanted burglar caught while running from office building in Nepschu
Wanted office space in Exegrad continues to become expensive

by **Radiatia** » Tue Aug 30, 2016 6:47 am

SDU CONVENTION: FORST REFUSES TO ENDORSE AUTENBERG
PRESIDENT SURGES TO COMMANDING LEAD IN POLLS

August 31st LET 60 Last updated 01:10 Exegrad Standard Time

ARCRICONIA, XEGFAUSE
New polls have President Angela Pavlovic on a ten point lead, after the Social Democratic Union formally nominated the nationally unknown Diatara Premier Jaagen Autenberg as the party's nominee for President.

_{Jaagen Autenberg}

Although Bahamatsu Premier Melina Forst was considered the odds-on favourite to win the nomination - and received the highest number of primary votes - Premier Autenberg was able to clinch the nomination thanks to key victories in northern and central states giving him a higher delegate count.

The challenge now facing the Social Democratic Union is to make the 72 year old Premier of the small northern state a nationally recognisable figure and viable figure for President, despite his apparent lack of national campaigning skills.

Such efforts to appear united were impeded when defeated Premier Melina Forst, expected to endorse Premier Autenberg, urged voters to "Put partisan differences aside and vote for the good of Radiatia", finishing her speech without making a single reference to Jaagen Autenberg.

An anonymous party insider named Jack Voll who lives at 42 Pine Terrace in Wychbury, Luntzbusch (Phone 010 271 9982) told the RPNN that the Social Democratic National Committee was intending to "Cut this Autenberg guy loose" and focus on retaining the legislature. "We've worked well with President Pavlovic - if we can retain both houses then we can push our agenda through. We don't need the Presidency."

Political analyst Dr. Boris Kahler said that the Convention hinted at an even deeper divide that threatens to tear the Social Democratic Union apart.

"There's always been an uneasy faultline in the SDU, between the centrist former United Democrats and the more left-wing former Workers Party members," He said. "Melina Forst entered politics as a United Democrat. Jaagen Autenberg was one of the founding members of the Workers Party. What's happening here isn't just about personality, it's about the continuing tug-of-war between the centrists and the socialists within the SDU, just as it was in LET 56 when they nominated Owen Warsazeck.

"Unless Autenberg can perhaps gain some of the disaffected conservative voters from the LCP, we may be look at another LET 56 in which the SDU's centrists stay at home. Either that, or we're facing a political realignment."

The President has so far yet to say anything about the SDU primaries or Premier Autenberg, although many Liberal-Conservatives are calling Autenberg "a gift", with the LCP previously having been nervous about Pavlovic's shaky approval ratings and the fallout from the Fyoderov scandal.

In his acceptance speech, Premier Autenberg stated that the theme of his Presidential campaign would be "Radiatia First", with a pitch that was clearly aimed at conservative Radiatians who were angry at the immigration policies of the Pavlovic Administration.

"Why have we been lettin' in all o' them foreigners an' givin' them free money an' houses when our own people don't even get that?" He said, drawing cheers from the audience. "Our kids don't get any o' that edu-ma-cation yet we're happy to build schools in countries that I ain't even heard of! And why is we send our soldiers ter fight an' die for dirty foreigners, but we don' even get any thanks from them foreign folks?

"I say enough is enough! We gon' put Radiatia First!"

- RPNN

Comments are closed on this article

In Other News:

Team Radiatia "will definitely win Noctur Cup" say betting experts
Betting agencies deny rigging Noctur Cup in Radiatia's favour
Seriously though, man we're doing well

by **The Arthurian Isles** » Fri Sep 02, 2016 10:16 am

Dag Abel Releases Charity Single For Zanzes' Reconstruction

_{Pictured: Dag Abel visits Zanzes with Arthurian aid workers to create his charity single}

Zanzes has been desperate for help for decades. The war has made things worse. Dag Abel hopes he can inspire hope.
^{11 Helogmanuður, 1106 A.R.| By Trausti Sigurðardotar (tsigur@figaro.org)| 15:15 AIT}

NEW ZANZES, NUI-TA — Dag Abel has topped the Arthurian charts twice since he entered into the musical world. His fusion of traditional Arthurian music with international pop has appealed him to a diverse audience. Others who try to mimic his abilities appear clumsy in comparison; for them, the old and new do not resonate together as they do for Dag. If one were to ask most Arthurians about Dag Abel, a majority would recognise the name and the works which are intrinsically linked with the singer-songwriter. But of his private life all but the most dedicated fans know very little. Not even the media has gleaned much information about how the young star spends his free time. Reporters have been unable to break his natural shyness; fans have not had backstage opportunities to meet with him, nor has he attended any signings. Of all celebrities in the Arthurian Isles, he is perhaps the most secretive. It has become a part of his allure that he is so protective of his privacy. It also means that when he does reveal something of his private life, many pause and take note.

The pause was particularly long when, two days ago, Dag posted on his CONFERO account a picture of himself in southern Zanzes. Why would this information raise questions? It would not, outside of Arthuria, but it requires an entire news article of explanation here for three reasons. Firstly, it was a surprise to most that he was outside of the country at all. He has not signed on for any overseas tours; in fact his popularity has not spread far abroad. On the contrary, his record label confirmed that Dag was hard at work on a new single, leading fans and reporters alike to believe him to be at the company's recording studios in Egilfjorður. The second source of discussion was his presence in Zanzes. It has not been a popular destination for Arthurian holidaymakers even before the conflict arose; the only visitors it receives from these Isles are charity workers and adventurers. If he was in Zanzes, then Dag had to fall into one of those two categories. No adventurer would dare travel to that part of the world so soon after the end of the Karasian War, and so there could be only one reason for Dag's journey: charity. This was confirmed in a second CONFERO post, when Dag announced a new single, Walking With The San. The single will be released on behalf of T+P, the official Arthurian fund for relief efforts to Zanzes.

It is a brave act for Dag to affiliate himself with T+P. It has not received much support from the Arthurian public, many of whom believe its efforts to be in vain in so conflict-ridden a place as Karas. Even the name of the fund is mocking, T+P standing for 'Thoughts and Prayers', the vacuous and meaningless phrase employed to feign sympathy for others. It is officially called the Post-Conflict Relief Fund by the government, who manages its assets in order to efficiently deliver them Zanzes. Though managed by the government, its resources are contributed by a combination of charities, individuals and private organisations. However, it has been unable to raise donations from any source outside of those charities already working in Karas. The Federal Minister in charge of the fund, Runær Arnardotar, has attributed public hostility to two factors: so-called 'donation-fatigue' and poor public relations. The former she believes has affected a population which has been asked to give so much to foreign aid with very few tangible signs of success. The latter has allegedly compounded that issue by failing to communicate real successes to the public. Runær Arnardotar says that "our aid contributions do make an impact. Our sustainable development policy has taught skills to generations of poorer communities, and they have been able through our efforts to teach those skills to their fellows. Agricultural and irrigation techniques, water conservation and teaching skills: these are what we contribute. They are not as visible as our roads and dams, but they are just as important in increasing post-conflict resilience of peaceful communities. We must advertise this fact more than we do".

That is why the government is as keen to support Dag and his new song. It is both a means of advertising their cause and, as all profits go directly to T+P, it contributes directly to the fund's capabilities. His popularity will raise the profile of a beleaguered cause by virtue of the breadth of his support and its depth; Dag commands an admiration and respect that exceeds that of any politician or organisation. As his first private outing, the public fervour around the new single will be even greater. The government has also had the good sense to keep its endorsement quiet, knowing that official involvement in a project only inspires suspicion and distaste. Their role is much quieter, but no less significant. For every digital or physical sale of the song, the government will match the profits in their totality. Similarly, Arthuria's two native streaming services, Dotify and Euterpe, have independently announced that they will match the profits made by Walking With The San on their own apps and websites. As two of Arthuria's largest service exporters, these are significant gains for T+P's public profile and donations base.

Dag's song will be released on all major music and streaming sites next week and, for the first time, will be available overseas. He is accompanying its release with a tour across Arthuria and his record label is in talks to launch an overseas tour. Dag has personally funded a well and taught water conservation techniques to the small Zanze community in which he filmed and recorded the song. The native Zanze appear in the single's music video, demonstrating both traditional dance and song. It is a new twist on Dag's earlier works which incorporated much more moody traditional Arthurian music. Whether it can reach as high in the charts as his past albums will be revealed in the coming month. It has already improved the prospects of Arthuria's aid efforts in Zanzes, though, and that, for Dag, is enough.

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Who's running for which country on what date: Noctur's election season [ 598 ]

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by **Radiatia** » Mon Sep 12, 2016 11:52 pm

LCP CONVENTION: STABILITY AND UNITY KEY MESSAGES
PAVLOVIC PITCHES TO SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC VOTERS

September 13th LET 60 Last updated 18:00 Exegrad Standard Time

DARKU, MUS
"Steady as she goes" is likely to become the unofficial slogan of President Angela Pavlovic's bid to win a Presidential term in her own right.

_{The President arrives at the LCP Convention in Darku}

At her keynote address in the city of Darku, Mus, the President openly invited disaffected Social Democrats to support her Presidential campaign, promising that she would preside over a "united, centrist" government that would avoid partisanship or what she termed "political extremism".

"I have worked well with Social Democrats in Parliament, and while I've been in office I have provided the strong, stable leadership that the Radiatian Federation needs at this time.

"Our economy is stronger that it's been in two decades, yet when we first came into office we were on the brink of economic catastrophe.

"I've kept Radiatia out of wars and out of foreign conflicts, yet when I came into office young Radiatians were dying in their hundreds in pointless wars on foreign battlefields.

"The Radiatian Federation has not been this stable, this safe, this prosperous in our entire history! Why would we throw that away for the sake of populism and a man who has never even seen Exegrad, let alone the rest of the world?"

The tone of the Convention was a muted one - no major policy announcements were made, other than a vague promise that the LCP would be realigned to the political centre, rather than the right, while the theme of the night was that Angela Pavlovic represents a "safe pair of hands" in a time of uncertainty.

The convention was held in the key swing state of Mus - a state usually ignored outside of elections, and a state where voting tends to be along gender lines - women are more likely to support the SDU, men the LCP. Pavlovic, by virtue of being a woman, is no doubt hoping that she can convince SDU-leaning women in the state to vote LCP.

Nationwide polls show Angela Pavlovic has a commanding lead over Social Democratic rival Jaagen Autenberg - however LCP sources have admitted that they are not anticipating the same landslide that Gregori Fyoderov won in LET 56.

"Angela Pavlovic doesn't have the same popular support or connection with the public that Gregori Fyoderov did. She's the lesser of two evils, whereas when Fyoderov won his landslide it was because people genuinely supported him," Said one official who declined to be named and might not have even been an official considering we met him in the pub across the road. "Also people are still angry about the impeachment of Gregori Fyoderov and they hold the Liberal-Conservative Party responsible.

"Social Democrats who voted Fyoderov in, say, Chongluntz, are more likely to revert to type this time around simply because they don't trust the LCP, and don't much like Angela Pavlovic."

Political experts are also noting that third parties could make a strong showing this election - the newly reformed Communist Party, who had been banned under the Anti-Communism Act but have since been buoyed by their victory in the Supreme Court, are polling at around 7% nationally, thanks to the leadership of charismatic comedian-turned-politician Akat Wifabaag.

The Radiatian Right-Wing Resistance Party, founded by disillusioned former MP Rokuro Hunter [LCP - Diifgrao 9th District] to promote "True Conservatism" and oppose Angela Pavlovic's supposed "liberal feminist infiltration" of the LCP and takes a hardline "pro war, anti immigration" stance similar to that of the old Radiatian Destiny Party, but with a distinctly more libertarian economic policy.

Experts also predict that turn-out will be key in this election.

"We're not predicting a high turn-out as there's not a lot for supporters of either party to vote for. Both parties are going to have to work very hard to get their supporters to the polls."

- RPNN

Hermann (Spaser, Alayenia)
3 HOURS AGO
I don't believe in not voting and yet this time around I genuinely cannot think of who to vote for. Angela Pavlovic has been awful, this Autenberg guy isn't fit to run a bath let alone country, the Right-Wing Resistance People sound scary and I remember communism well enough to never vote for the Communist Party.

I might stay home for the first time ever.

812 likes

Pupu (Kyunuu, Saskenya)
2 HOURS AGO
I'm thinking of joining the Right-Wing Resistance but I think that Rokuro Hunter is an idiot. There's a reason he's a former MP not a current MP.

348 likes

Tammy (Xarenia, Garotch)
1 HOUR AGO
Hold my nose and vote Pavlovic I guess...

203 likes

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by **The Arthurian Isles** » Tue Sep 13, 2016 8:09 am

Tidal Technology Firms Seek Overseas Exports For Arthurian Goods

_{Pictured: Endarhejm's coastline, home to the greatest tides and the first large-scale tidal energy farm in Arthuria}

Arthurian firms have already broken into the clean energy market. With government subsidies, others hope to follow in their footsteps.
^{22 Helogmanuður, 1106 A.R.| By Trausti Sigurðardotar (tsigur@figaro.org)| 13:49 AIT}

FASTHALDBERG, ARTHURIA — Floden Energium Artur, Bylg Framtiðet and Arturen Hverflum Fyrtæk are not well known in Arthuria, but together they create some of the country's highest-value exports. They regularly attend international trade fairs across Noctur and their biggest customer so far has been the Arthurian government. So why have Arthurians not heard of these companies? Together, Tidal Energy Arthuria, Wave to the Future and the Arthurian Turbine Company (to give them their English names) form the troika of private corporations which provide ninety percent of the country's tidal power resources. Their impact on individual Arthurians is minimal, as the tidal energy generation only amounts to eight percent of the country's total. Households do not even know that the energy they receive from the national grid is sourced from underwater turbines. This was once an acceptable arrangement: the companies maintained contracts with the federal and cantonal governments and, if they were fortunate, made small-scale sales overseas. Now, however, Arthuria faces a looming energy crisis unless something can be done to rapidly increase generation capacity. The troika are at the forefront of the solution, and it may benefit them further afield than these stormy isles.

The majority of Arthurian energy still comes from geothermal, hydroelectric and nuclear sources. In the past years, however, the expansion of these traditional energy generation methods has slowed to a near-halt. Life has carried on despite this. The demand for energy in Arthuria has continued to rise with the standard of living and without concurrent increases in energy capacity the national grid is reaching its limits. One of the culprits is environmental legislation; laws have prevented the placement of new geothermal plants or hydroelectric dams in the country's national parks, and there are very few suitable locations remaining outside of these protected areas. While both will still be able to contribute to large-scale power supply in Arthuria, they are reaching their maximum potential supply. Coal-fired or natural gas power stations are also prohibited under stringent legislation, denying the government a stop-gap measure while alternatives are explored. Confounding matters is the government's divestment from nuclear power, a measure simultaneous with its nuclear disarmament.

Avenues into alternative methods have been made. Two offshore wind farms - one already completed off the coast of Grønkap - have been authorised, and the federal government has encouraged the cantons to provide modern insulation to all homes. Experts have warned that these measures will not be enough to preserve energy sustainability in Arthuria, a vital strategy in a country to which it is incredibly difficult to export power; the Lysgardian Minister of Energy & Infrastructure has said that "no wind farm, of whatever reasonable scale, can provide sufficient energy for the canton, let alone the entire country." Thus, both federal and cantonal governments have begun to heed the deeds of tidal power companies. Subsidies have increased, taken the pockets of wind energy firms, and new contracts have been made to explore the potential for wave energy across the country.

Whereas previous governments, both federal and cantonal, limited their interest in tidal energy to small-scale schemes, the current administrations have since 1103 A.R. (2013 AD) asked the troika of tidal companies to provide larger solutions able to power whole towns without the assistance of the national grid. The first such project, the AHF's tidal farm near Reykarvik, came into operation yesterday. The farm is the first of its scale in Arthuria and has been part-funded by a Α425 million ($51 million) investment from the federal government and the government of Æsland. Its 338 turbines, each one around 200 tonnes and carrying three 16m diameter blades, produce 500 MW, providing power to 250,000 homes in the canton. The company has also begun work on more powerful turbines, the 1500 tonne AHF-1500, which it hopes to deploy in the harsher sea conditions in Arthuria's north and west. If it can do so, far smaller numbers of turbines could generate energy in the gigawatts rather than megawatts, taking advantage of the fast-moving water around Steinhald's north-eastern coastline. The managing director of AHF claimed, "the work on the Reykarvik wind farm has stimulated significant interest in the Arthurian tidal sector. It has provided jobs for thousands and if foreign interest is piqued then we hope it can continue to offer employment opportunities well into the future".

AHF's rival company BF, is also on-track to contribute to Arthuria's energy needs. Its system, unlike the Reykarvik wind farm, will rely on the tidal estuaries of Lysgard and Nordmark. The 'tidal fence' uses more recent technological breakthroughs to exploit the shallower and slower-moving waters of the northern river outlets. More importantly, it passes environmental requirements which stipulate that it must have minimal impact on local wildlife. The fence features an array of turbines mounted horizontally to the seabed and linked by carbon composite materials. Because the water is naturally slow-moving in these areas, the turbines spin more slowly and allow wildlife to pass through unharmed. At a cost of nearly Α3932 million ($471 million) for its full 10km length, the fence is significantly more expensive than traditional wind farms but, says BF, has far less impact on the environment and is suitable for a wider variety of tidal environments. It will be able to generate up to 600 MW when completed, enough to power roughly 300,000 homes. Because of its location in the north of the country, the fence will also be able to reduce transmission costs to the national grid, whose primary energy demand comes from the area's towns and cities.

The final of the 'big three' tidal companies, FEA, has developed its own more dynamic system, over which it is in negotiations with the government to construct at Vitvatrhejm. Their plan is for a 9.6 km sea wall housing six turbines and costing Α11 billion ($1.32 billion) that would provide regular energy for 155,000 homes and during construction would create 1900 jobs. The cost, however, would mean that energy from the lagoon, even over its predicted 120-year lifespan, would cost Α1848 per MW/hour ($221 per MW/hour), significantly higher than other tidal projects and, indeed, any existing energy generation method. The ongoing need to subsidise such costs has discouraged the Folkting despite enthusiasm from some members of the Storting and the Vitvatrhejm Commune. FEA's managing director has argued that the scheme cannot be counted alone: "it must" he says "be considered alongside follow-on lagoon schemes in or near other cities. These schemes will reduce the cost of lagoon power to well below Α1100 per MW/hour ($132 per MW/hour)". The company's plans bely their fear that the government will not make the necessary subsidies, though. They have separately tabled another proposal for a 'dynamic tidal power' (DTP) station on Storaeyjar's western coast. The DTP station would take advantage of tides oscillating parallel to the coastline by constructing a dam perpendicular to the coast mounted with an unspecified number of bi-directional turbines. Water level differences would drive the turbines permanently, providing stable and sustainable power generation. Though FEA's plans for the DTP plant are far less developed than their lagoon proposal, they have indicated a viable site, just outside of Stavanger. They claim that the DTP plant could offer a multi-use environment in order to develop the canton's deep-sea port facilities. The government is in discussions with FEA over both of their proposals.

The final innovation in Arthurian tidal power comes not from one of the 'big three', but from a start-up in Grejhavn. The canton has struggled to generate its own energy because of its isolation from the main Arthurian archipelago, which has also cut the most of its islands off from the national grid. The Grejhavn Energy Company (Grejhavnen Energium Fyrtæk) has already been providing clean energy and desalinated water to Fasthald Kristianborg, Forsvaren Makt's largest base in the canton, for three years but now hopes to expand. Its plan is to create a micro-grid, free from the national grid or energy imports, will use three wave energy machines and photovoltaic panels to produce up to 5 MW of power. Surplus energy of up to 500 kw can then be stored in the company's capacitors for later use. Combined with the salination plant, the micro-grid will make Fasthald Kristianborg completely independent in its energy and water needs. The plan has already been approved by the Storting, and the Federal Bank has begun preparations to fund the project.

What makes GEF's micro-grid system so appealing is that it is comparatively easy to export. The troika's large-scale projects require government subsidies and massive contracts suitable in only a few situations. GEF's micro-grid system is ideal for fringe communities, smaller islands or isolated areas who, with relatively little investment, can significantly reduce their reliance on diesel or other fossil fuels. The business has achieved its goals with little investment too. Compared to the billions invested over time by the troika, GEF has managed to commercialise its wave and salination technology for just Α1333 ($160 million). It may not contribute megawatts to Arthuria's energy grid, but GEF is another player in the burgeoning energy industry.

The government is now keen to promote the sustainability of this rising industry. With difficult times expected for the economy, the Storting has offered export assistance to all four of the above-mentioned companies in order that they might find customers overseas. "What Arthuria has", says Lief Kierkegard, the Federal Minister for Nature & the Environment, "is a capability. Now that we have proven our capability, I hope that others will wish to take part in it. The Storting will certainly take a keen interest; it is our duty to ensure that clean energy is provided and that it can continue to be provided into the future. If that means that we assist these firms, then we should do so".

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by **Radiatia** » Wed Sep 21, 2016 4:32 am

AUTENBERG OUTRAGE:
"RADIATIA WAS BETTER UNDER COMMUNISM"

September 21st LET 60 Last updated 22:45 Exegrad Standard Time

ZANSCHO, DETZERTSCHA
Social Democratic Presidential nominee Jaagen Autenberg has caused shock and outrage after claiming that Radiatia was better under the RPSU to an audience in Zanscho, Detzertscha.

_{Jaagen Autenberg has caused outrage after saying
Radiatia was better under communism}

Speaking before an audience of less than a thousand people, plus several rows of empty seats, Premier Autenberg said that social outcomes in the Radiatian Federation were worse than those in the Radiatian People's Socialist Union.

"Some o' you youngans probably don't remember this, but I was 26 when the fall o' communism came an' I remember them sayin' how we was all gonna get stinkin' rich an' everythin' was gonna be great," He said. "An' it was true in Exegrad and Das Engel, but it ain't been true up where I come from.

"In fact it ain't even true for some o' the folks in Exegrad. I visited that there Exegrad the other day an' I saw this guy havin' a sleep on the street because he ain't got a house. An' I thought 'dang, if we're the richest country in the world, how come he ain't got him a house?'

"You folks might hear a lotta bad stuff about the RPSU but I remember it, an' I say things weren't so bad. We used ter take care of each other back then, now, well dang it, no one cares about anyone no more..."

The audience response was mixed, with some cheers and some boos, with some audience members storming out of the room.

Elsewhere, condemnation of Autenberg's speech was swift with President Angela Pavlovic stating that Premier Autenberg should "Apologise to the families of the more than 10 million people murdered under communism."

"There's nothing that can be said to justify this sort of ignorance. This is offensive in the extreme," She said. "Premier Autenberg should be ashamed of himself. He is in no way shape or form fit to lead the Radiatian Federation."

Others praised Autenberg for his bravery, with one local resident of Zanscho saying, "He calls it how he sees it. I don't agree with him but I respect him for saying what no one has had the balls to say for 40 years: Some things were better under communism."

Autenberg's tack to the far left only adds to more confusion over his position on the left-right spectrum: Two days ago Autenberg stated that he did not believe working people should be forced to pay for unemployment benefits, and pledged to "reverse the immigration law changes made by the Silviu, Fyoderov and Pavlovic Administrations".

His choice of running mate, South Corpshire Senator and self-professed "Democratic Socialist" Steven McCarthy, is believed to have possibly influenced Autenberg into taking on hard left economic positions, despite him previously having been considered a conservative Social Democrat.

He has also drawn comparisons with Owen Warsazeck, a far left candidate who was defeated in a 61% landslide victory by Gregori Fyoderov.

"You could be fooled for thinking that the Social Democrats haven't learned from the Warsazeck mistake, but there are significant differences between Autenberg and Warsazeck," Said political analyst Dr. Boris Kahler. "Owen Warsazeck was a true socialist, who believed in its ideals and saw this as a vision for the future.

"Jaagen Autenberg is running on the politics of nostalgia. He's a populist whose basic message is an opposition to the free-market policies that Radiatia has adopted since the fall of the RPSU, and a desire to return to the more equal society he grew up in."

No one in Autenberg's campaign team could be reached for comment.

- RPNN

Jakalwere (Exegrad, Alayenia)
3 HOURS AGO
I'm offended. My grandfather died during the fall of communism. He fell off his ladder in shock when he heard that Traiyan Silviu had defeated the communists.

602 likes

Margarit (Witzer, Mendovium)
2 HOURS AGO
Absolutely DISGUSTING! This EVIL man is not fit to inhabit the same office as Traiyan Silviu!

422 likes

Jimini (Fitawaz, Ziigrut)
1 HOUR AGO
Well I'll be, someone finally said it. I remember communism. It was fine. Far more people have died under capitalism.

86 likes

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by **Nui-ta** » Sun Sep 25, 2016 10:28 pm

NNN - Nui-tan News Network

SAN DHOHRA TO CLOSE

Executive Order 136:10 Renders Certain Bases "Obsolete"

SAN DHOHRA, HEPHAZI, 09:47 NST/08:47 NZT, March 1st A.N 136 [LET 60]

San Dhohra, the central command base of the state of Hephazi and headquarters of RF-SOUTHCOM, has been ordered to close down by January 1st, A.N 138 [LET 62].

After months of deliberation and meticulous planning, the Ministry of Defense has confirmed that it will begin the process of redistributing funds and resources to various Nui-tan military installations around the country. This process, and all of the changes to military policy and organization that it will entail, comes in response to a new executive order from the Monarchy: 136:10.

Issued by the Emperor himself, the Executive Order is several pages long, reads more like a "State of the Monarchy (only for the military), and details plans to overhaul the current organization of several military bases in response to several events on the domestic, Karasian, and overall Nocturian world stage. There are plans for several major Nui-tan military bases to face a massive overhaul of their existing infrastructure and security systems, as the country enters an era where wars are increasingly won by ships, planes, computers, and missiles, rather than men, tanks, or sheer numbers.

The order requires military bases named within it to concentrate efforts on following through with such modernization plans, the full details of which are often, but not always, classified. A general list of planned "improvements" is available for viewing within the Executive Order itself.

For the most part, this seems like standard business within the Monarchy --- but one "improvement" in particular is raising many questions about the future of the Nui-tan military.

That plan entails the closures of San Jarahi and San Dhohra.

Alongside San Talsankir and San Gajin, San Jarahi and San Dhohra comprise some of the oldest active military bases within the nation, although San Talsankir and San Gajin also have different layouts, technologies, and stand on radically different terrain. San Jarahi was also the example base for the fallen installation of San Di're, a Zanzeanic military base which fell under Hadinian control during the Karasian War.

Although the more sensitive aspects of San Jarahi's architecture and layout were not included in the model given by Nui-ta for the establishment of San Di're, the Ministry of Defense, Joint Command, and Emperor ultimately decided to order the closure of San Jarahi and San Dhohra (which is quite similar to San Jarahi). The attitude behind the closures has been, quoted from a spokesperson for the Emperor, "for the best, just in case".

In regards to major domestic functions, San Dhohra and San Jarahi serve as the major military installations of the states of Hephazi and Yevzar, respectively. New bases are scheduled to be completed and operational before the mandatory deadline of closure for each of the current bases. Being closest to the straits of Nar'ha-tal, the two bases would need to be replaced by more adequate facilities to protect along the Nui-tan/Hadinian maritine border. This is, of course, planned as a pre-requisite to the closures.

However, San Dhohra has one additional purpose unique to itself, for which the Monarchy has been unable to find a replacement. This function, and its impending lose, has become a talking point. San Dhohra is the headquarters of the Radiatian Federation's South Combatant Command, and the closure of San Dhohra would require a replacement for RF-SOUTHCOM's base of operations. Unexpectedly, the Emperor has announced that no other base in Nui-ta will be able to take on the task of housing operations for RF-SOUTHCOM. A proposal to rent out a portion of land to the Radiatian Federation, if they were to so choose to establish their own independent operation, has also been shot down.

With these alternatives struck off the list, there is no other choice for the Federation but to close down operations in Nui-ta and re-establish them elsewhere in Southwest Noctur (or perhaps even elsewhere). There are after all, a plethora of countries in Southwest Noctur, from Zanzes to Higgins and Brown and perhaps even Hadin or Algrabad, all of whom would certainly revel at the idea of Radiatian military co-operation, assuredly.

Although the government denies any decline in international relations between Nui-ta and Radiatia, anti-Radiatianism within the general populace appears to be at an all-time high. With Radiatia now asked to leave by the scheduled closure date of San Dhohra (in A.N 139), public opinion of the move is far more damning than the stoic government reaction.

"139 is far too late if you ask me," said Rajei Milmana, a shopkeeper who lives less than 50 miles from San Dhohra. "San Dhohra has been housing those damn troublesome Radiatian soldiers for about 25 years now. They're immoral, indecent, intolerable, and during the war, they were ineffective. It's a good thing that Nui-ta is breaking away from Radiatia on the world stage".

Although not nearly as damning, many others across Nui-ta share the opinion of hoping for some distance from Radiatia, both militarily and economically.

"Nui-ta spends millions every year toward R.I.C.H for economic benefits that the average Nui-tan sees very little of," said Amila (who refused to give her last name. "Each and every Had comes from public money --- taxpayer money --- yet we sell to more and more countries than Radiatia, and we import less and less from our supposed greatest ally. I still think of the Radiatians as an ally, but as far as greatest, it may well be time to pull back".

Although the Ministry of External Affairs still ranks Nui-Ra relations as being "close", it is notable that relations between the two countries have in fact never been more strained --- President Angela Pavlovic visited Nui-ta only once, towards the end of her current term in office. Her Kaurizil Address, meant to be a promise of Radiatian intervention in the event of conflict with UNCA, has now largely been seen in Nui-ta as "all talk, no action," with Nui-ta, rather than Radiatia, doing much of the work and taking much of the flak. Condemnations by Radiatian companies of the Nui-tan government's actions during the war have only added fuel to the fire. Meanwhile, neither the Emperor nor outgoing Prime Minister Paolo Medici have made any visits to the Federation during the Medici Administration. Outside of overseeing Nui-tan entrance into R.I.C.H, Medici's time in office has seen very little interaction with Radiatia at all.

The move will no doubt have a great impact on both nations, leaving Radiatia to find a new country from which to exert its southern influence, while leaving Nui-ta more independent (but very much alone) in managing its affairs without the presence of a Radiatian force at home to assist. Some foreign analysts are beginning to wonder if it may be the beginnings, at least in Nui-ta, of a "bitter breakup".

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by **Higgins and Brown** » Tue Sep 27, 2016 3:55 pm

Military Support for Far-Right May Tip Balance in Crowded Field of Candidates

Todd Morde continues to build a wider Coalition of FUN Supporters

By Jebediah Moone
Eros, Pitz Jorol, Brown
ONE HUNDRED AND thirty-three top Military veterans of the Algrabad-Higgins-Brownite war have signed an open letter to Todd Morde pledging their support for the "Front for a United Nation", the movement Morde has effectively lead for almost 4 years, after the crippling assassination attempt on its former leader. The veterans include several Generals, Colonels, Majors and Captains (or Groupiers, Milltiers and Sentiers, are they are known here respectively) who fought in the last war. Most have since retired but a few are still on active duty, due to be 'folded out' in the near future.

The letter lists three principal reasons of support for the Front, and they are all directed toward Morde himself: Firstly, his hand in securing the peace; Secondly, his "common sense" approach to foreign policy; thirdly, his compassionate stance for the veterans of the last conflict. Unemployment among returning reservists, conscripts, etc. is a growing problem, particularly in the former combat hotspots of eastern Brown, where in many cases there is nothing to return to but temporary accommodation. The Front has proposed to quickly appoint master-planners and hire veterans as construction hands in their own rebuilding, and to spend record amounts doing so. The money will be sourced from "friendly creditors" and extra currency printing by the Treasury. "Friendly Creditors" essentially indicates non-Radiatian or Nui-tan sources.

On foreign policy, the Front has adopted a total "Pro-Seglandic" approach, and lists the empathy of the Seglandic government as one of the principle reasons for peace. The popularity of Morde himself following the end of the war has in fact led President Nugent to lean this way in foreign policy also, despite the assistance received by Higgins & Brown from Radiatia and Nui-ta in the last war.

Morde himself has been hailed by the far-right as the architect of the peace deal that ended the war. Former President Henrietta J.W. has accused him of carrying out a coup d'etat with Seglandic connivance at the end of war. She has gone so far as to suggest his election as the main objective of the UNCA when they started the war. The opinion polls show that the public don't know who to believe, but that Morde is wildly popular among those who believe his story. There is no escaping the fact that as Vklarrbeg - the largest city in Brown, situated near its northern coast - was cut off and facing an all-out coordinated military assault, it was Todd Morde who brought a peace treaty proposal to Henrietta's War Cabinet. Furthermore, Henrietta's cabinet agreed to the proposal without extensive debate.

That was then and this is now. Now, we are faced soon with a Presidential election.

Morde is not campaigning however. Yes, he will appear on the ballot, but his political activity of late has consisted of more rallies, protests, community functions and public debates with anyone who will challenge him (except presidential candidates). Commentors suspect that he has no interest in a losing campaign after the preliminary round - and he will almost certainly progress from the preliminary round if polls are to be believed. Many local newspapers hint that he might drop out, rather than attempt to win power through traditional means. His style as acting leader of the FUN has always been less polished, less professional, and less pragmatic, than that of Nicholas Francis, the man who still technically leads the FUN but is never seen in public.

The intervention of 133 top military veterans with less than 2 weeks to go before the preliminary round - the so-called 'Jungle Primary' - is sure to unsettle some in the civilian government, but may hold plenty of sway with retuning soldiers and their families and friends. The 133 have also been subsumed into the Front as members, where they have each retained their exact military rank in the FUN hierarchy. So far, no military personnel have been assigned their military rank within the FUN, or vice versa. During the war, FUN trainees were docked several ranks upon their transfer into the military as a matter of course. On this issue, a member of the Council for Defensive and National Affairs (the 'CoDeNa') has accused the officers of treason.

Treason Charge Reveals Deep Divisions in postwar Political Landscape, Weakness of the Incumbent
He is Codenor Renauld of the centre-left Alliance for Solidarity, Liberation and Ecology, a supporter of President Nugent. He has said this:

"The F.U.N. has become a paramilitary organisation, not a political party, under Todd Morde's 'acting' leadership. Now that's fine as long as its got a licence to train, distribute weapons, etc., which it has. But for members of our national military to transfer seamlessly from the RAF to the FUN and maintain their own rank is surely to equate the two organisations. But here's the thing, they aren't equal. They can't be equal. There is one defender of the people in this nation, under this constitution [he waved a copy at this point], and that is the Republican Armed Forces! And who is their leader? The President, who is above the Groupiers in the command structure. Who is the FUN's leader? Todd Morde, who sits above the Groupiers in their command structure! To equate the two is to undermine the President, and the very state we rely upon!"

Renauld's emotional outburst in the Codena chamber has been received poorly, and is the latest setback for the President, who's poll ratings are at a record low for an incumbent seeking re-election.

President Nugent has been in office less than a year - only since the end of the war, when he took over Henrietta J. W.'s job. Seen as a Michaelstown insider, he has very little appeal to voters frustrated with both the loss of the war and the confused foreign policy approach taken afterward. Public perception is very much that he is a career politician trying to stay in office for as long as possible before collecting his pension. Many have accused Nugent of being a willing puppet for the Seglandic government, who have been major contributors/investors in the postwar rebuilding effort, in the hopes that a speedy recovery in the short-term will see him re-elected.

Nugent's anti-Radiatian sentiment has been taken by some to be a manifestation of the left in Higgins & Brown generally, who it is suspected have used the war to realign Higgins-Brownite relations on the world stage, so as to prevent the apparent influx of consumerism.

Nugent's foreign policy has mostly consisted of weakly-worded statements, hard to decipher to outsiders. It may well be that his alleged anti-Radiatianism and pro-Seglandery is only really seen by the domestic audience. The real failing (or success?) of Merl Nugent is that no-one on the international stage is listening to him at all.

Perhaps it is Nugent's non-presence that has led to such a crowded field of competitors in the preliminary round. In his own party, former Vice-President Mary Clinton is claiming to be the more effective, more sensible choice. Another Mary, albeit spelt differently, is Mári Ókonel, who has run for the Presidency twice under first the New Greens, then the United Left Front. Now, however, she finds herself part of the ASLE and is attacking the incumbent from the left. Her priorities are a global agreement on environmental protection, and a unilateral demilitarisation. Merl Nugent has a strong organisation, but little appeal outside of political circles, and so the winning ASLE candidate could be either of the three.

Unusual National Party Candidates Typify Unusual Election
If the polls are right, the preliminary round will see FUN candidate Todd Morde face off against an ASLE candidate and a candidate from either the National Party or the Union for Peace in the main round. Those two parties have some mighty heavy, and politically unusual, competitors in the race.

For the National Party, former President Henrietta J. W. is running again. She is by no means the favourite to win her party's spot in the main round (if it qualifies for one), but her foreign policy strategy is very clear: F*** Segland. Henrietta brings a decidedly pro Nui-Ran stance to the election, and some of her language suggests she would declare war on Algrabad again if she felt there was an international alliance with enough breadth to reclaim the Buffer Territories. Rumours about her health persist. I'm told by locals that that means drink.

Peter Paul is a one-time Hoindopor from Temba with an inheritance that competes with that region's GDP. He is seen as the saner choice by those who are weary of Henrietta's streak of vengeance. He has been handpicked to run by Daniel Fox, the current domestic leader of the National Party, but his aloof nature is strongly harming his attempts to build a national profile.

One man who has a national profile is Ívor Locke, the former leader of the Armed Forces (and not one of the 133 supporting the FUN). Henrietta sacked him shortly before sacking herself, but he was briefly reinstated before taking retirement. He too is out to defeat Henrietta, and brings a strongly nationalistic tone to the National Party's field of candidates. Despite his high profile, he isn't being heard in the crowded field.

But these 'Liberals' really take the Biscuit!
Ráf Fulbrít is an unusual candidate by this country's standards, heck by any standards I've come across as a travelling politico... but especially by the standards of a hum-drum, centrist, generally ineffective 'liberal' grouping like the Union for Peace. Historically, liberalism and religion went hand-in-hand in the politics of this country, and Mr. Fulbrít wants to revive that tradition.

He entered the war not only as a National Party loyalist, but also as Henrietta's international relations commissioner. He exited the war having persuaded her to step down (if his version of events are to be believed), before embarking on a remarkably honest and humble journey across the religious and political spectra of Higgins & Brown. Like Todd Morde, he hasn't really been campaigning to be President, but he might find himself in the main round nonetheless. His message of peace and community at any cost is nothing like anything anyone's heard from this political group in decades, and its resonating with plenty of voters still feeling the ravages of war.

Vice-President Jon Hogan was installed as part of the same political deal that put President Nugent into office. The understanding was clearly that he would run for President again (he did so in 167) at the end of the term. Yet, his appointment sparked feminist anger in his own party (the last two presidential elections have produced a gender-balanced president / vice-president combo), and that was before Fulbrít blindsided everyone in the field.

Codenor Carla Meriwether is the standard bearer for that anger, even though originally she had agreed to the deal and voted for Nugent and Hogan to accede to the top two offices in the land. She is stuck in a bind now, with her candidacy being seen to split the secular liberal vote. However, she definitely won't be backing down to give Jon Hogan a free pass.

No One Here Knows What Will Happen
One thing that strikes me when I talk to locals here is that despite the vast plethora of candidates in the field, voters are more depressed than ever. Its not just the war either, its the visions on offer. Nugent is a career politician who'll grasp at any straw to stay in office, one barista tells me - his cafe looks over the beaches of Eros. He also says that while Morde is popular for his part in the peace deal, people are still scared of him. Henrietta is seen as mentally unstable, even by her former supporters, and Ráf Fulbrít is a step backwards a few decades. The list of candidates and their crippling faults goes on. The attitude of those I speak to in the cafe is that many of them won't bother voting in the preliminary round, but will assess the final 3 (or 4) candidates in the second round. I ask if they think they'll be happier with a narrower field. No is the answer, but they will have a clearer picture of which candidate would be the most suitable.

For many I notice, the army veteran's letter impresses them, and Todd Morde's estimation among the population is going up. He'll never be a politician though, and he continues to refuse to campaign in the traditional way. That may be a sign of how he plans to govern, or it may be a sign that he has no real interest in the democratic process. Given the instability in the domestic Ministry here, and the social divisions that are deepening into chasms all over this once tranquil nation, there are many in this country who will follow him through whatever means.

Originally published by PolCorrOntheRoad.noc, a subsidiary of Wine-Turner.
The Noctur Press Association is not responsible for the views or expressions of its member publications.

by **Radiatia** » Tue Sep 27, 2016 4:36 pm

FURY OVER NUI-TAN BASE CLOSURE
PRESIDENT VOWS TO FIGHT FOR SAN DHOHRA

September 28th LET 60 Last updated 11:18 Exegrad Standard Time

NUI-TA
Officials in the Federal Ministry of Defence are said to be "furious" following a unilateral decision by the government of Nui-ta to close down to San Dhohra base - headquarters of Radiatian Southern Command (RFSOUTHCOMM).

_{San Dhohra military base in Nui-ta is set to close in LET 62}

Foreign Affairs Minister Quintin Holzer confirmed that Nui-ta made this decision without "so much as consulting with the Radiatian Federation".

"We've been completely blindsided here."

The decision was announced in the form of an Executive Order by Emperor Rowan di-Amori, who further announced that his country's military was to undergo a full restructuring.

The Nui-tan News Network reported that a proposal to allow the Radiatian military to rent land for the purposes of maintaining the barracks was "shot down".

Minister Holzer declined to comment on whether or not this move signified the end of Nui-Ra, although he conceded, "It's difficult to imagine how the alliance will continue in these circumstances."

Anti-Radiatianism is supposedly on the rise in Nui-ta, whose residents reportedly feel that the Radiatian Federation have not done enough to aid them in the Karasian War, despite a naval blockade, air strikes and the fact that Radiatia has put the equivalent of the entire GDP of Nui-ta into defending the region.

President Angela Pavlovic has vowed that she will seek to negotiate with Emperor di-Amori in order to keep San Dhohra open, pending her re-election.

"I'm certain that this was just an oversight. The Radiatian Federation considers the Nui-Ra alliance an absolute priority - it's why have continued to invest huge sums of money into maintaining RFSOUTHCOMM."

Social Democratic rival Jaagen Autenberg was less conciliatory, with running mate Senator Steven McCarthy stating that "Nui-Ra is over. We have spent too much money trying to defend ungrateful third world countries like Nui-ta, and we should be putting that money into our own people.

"I fully support the decision by the Nui-tan government to close San Dhohra, and an Autenberg Administration will be closing other foreign installations, and renegotiating our trade and defence treaties."

Senator McCarthy declined to comment whether or not he supported the Pavlovic Administration's ongoing negotiations with the Poldanian Union regarding the possibility of a formal defence alliance.

General Jack Schwartzemann, the commander of RFSOUTHCOMM said that he was "absolutely furious" over the Nui-tan government's decision.

"This is a country with the population of Exegrad, and they seem to feel they've been snubbed because the President of a country ten times bigger than them doesn't have time to visit them more often, and isn't willing to send her own citizens to die in their pointless wars," He said. "If Nui-ta wants Radiatia to defend it, they should become a state. Their foreign policy is unnecessarily belligerent, and they want to drag us into that? No thanks.

"I fought in Hadin in LET 34. I think the way we're being treated now - turfed out with no explanation, no warning, is beyond disrespectful, especially considering how much Radiatia has sacrificed for Nui-ta and how little we've got in return."

When asked whether the Pavlovic Administration's cuts to defence spending may have influenced the situation, General Schwartzemann said "Commenting on that goes beyond my mission brief. But obviously we could always do with more funding."

Recent polls suggest the issue is unlikely to have an effect on the election, with most Radiatians indicating that foreign policy matters very little to them.

- RPNN

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In Other News:

Radiatian Petroleum switches endorsement from Pavlovic to Autenberg
Seglandic-Radiatian relations show signs of improvement
Communist Party falls to 5% in polls

by **Radiatia** » Fri Sep 30, 2016 9:47 pm

FINAL POLLS: PAVLOVIC AHEAD

October 1st LET 60 Last updated 17:27 Exegrad Standard Time

Polls taken on the eve of election '60 suggest that Radiatians are likely to vote to maintain the status quo, with President Angela Pavlovic likely to be re-elected, alongside an SDU dominated Federal Parliament.

_{A map showing likely voting patterns in the Presidential race, according to pre-election polls}

Nationwide polls put incumbent President Angela Pavlovic [LCP - Clode] ahead, on 51% to 49% for Premier Jaagen Autenberg [SDU - Diatara] in two candidate polls, while she also leads in polls that include third party candidates.

More crucially, while Pavlovic is not considered likely to win a landslide of the scale of Gregori Fyoderov's in LET 56, she is well ahead in almost every major swing state, with most electoral maths predicting that the Autenberg campaign is highly unlikely to win the 242 electoral college votes necessary to make him President.

Votes are exactly tied in the two key swing states of Mus and Xegfause, worth 16 and 24 electoral votes respectively, and both generally considered bellwether states that are crucial for any election victory.

However, with Angela Pavlovic well ahead in the previously "red" state of Radia, worth 22 votes and looking almost certain to win Alayenia's 59 votes, even if Autenberg manages to win Xegfause and Mus it seems probable that Pavlovic can win without them.

However, it's not all bad news for the Social Democratic Union: Polls suggest that their grip on the Federal Assembly is likely to remain, or even get tighter, with Social Democrats in individual electorates polling ahead of Liberal-Conservative rivals. The Senate also looks likely to remain in Social Democratic control.

In her closing remarks at the recent SBC Presidential Debate, President Pavlovic urged Radiatians to vote for stability.

"We've never had it so good in the history of the Radiatian Federation," She said. "Economic growth is strong, unemployment, taxes and inflation are down, wages are up and our standard of living continues to rise.

"We are the envy of Noctur. Let's not throw that away."

Premier Autenberg's closing statement made reference to the impeachment of former President Gregori Fyoderov and claimed that the Liberal-Conservatives could not be trusted.

"I may not be intellectable and I ain't no good at there book-learnin' but here's one thing I can promise: I ain't ever gonna lie," He said. "Them there Liberal Conservatories can't say that. They done telled a lie. But I ain't ever gonna do that."

"Ultimately this will be a status quo election," Said political analyst Dr. Boris Kahler. "Radiatians definitely don't want change, they don't want the country to move left or right, so they'll keep the President in the Executive Tower but keep her in check with a Social Democratic legislature, and vice versa. I'd expect a broadly centrist, and consensual next four years."

Voter turnout is likely to be low, as is the norm in Radiatian elections, though this time the low voter turnout may be attributed to the fact that the election is being held on a weekend, the day after a major public holiday (Traiyan Silviu Day).

"I daresay most Radiatians won't be in their home districts to vote, and won't bother to cast special votes, so if turnout is above 50% I'll be surprised," Said Kahler. "And with Radiatians celebrating 44 years since the fall of the RPSU tonight, most will probably be hungover tomorrow.

"That said, I would hope Radiatians will honour the memory of Traiyan Silviu, and celebrate 44 years of democracy by exercising that very right tomorrow."

- RPNN

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In Other News:

44 YEARS SINCE THE FALL OF COMMUNISM: Traiyan Silviu Day celebrations [Pictures!]
Third party candidates protest exclusion from debate
Exegrad preparing for "massive" fireworks display

by **Radiatia** » Mon Oct 03, 2016 5:47 am

AUTENBERG OUSTS ANGELA
HIGHEST VOTER TURNOUT IN RADIATIAN HISTORY

October 4th LET 60 Last updated 00:52 Exegrad Standard Time

ELECTION RESULTS
In what has been described as the biggest uprising of Radiatia's working class in over a century, Premier Jaagen Autenberg of Diatara - an absolute unknown, a Xerconia outsider and a 72 year old anti-establishment crusader has been elected the 8th President of the Radiatian Federation.

Electoral College:
Jaagen Autenberg: 254
Angela Pavlovic: 229
Popular Vote:
Jaagen Autenberg: 52%
Angela Pavlovic: 48%
Senate:
Social Democratic Union: 39
Liberal-Conservative Party: 35
Federal Assembly:
Social Democratic Union: 234
Liberal-Conservative Party: 175

_{An electoral college map of the Radiatian Federation showing the states won by Autenberg (red) and Pavlovic (blue)}

It was a result that no one in predicted - from the pollsters to the establishment in Xerconia and Exegrad - but 72 year Jaagen Autenberg of Diatara, a complete political outsider, won a stunning victory over incumbent President Angela Pavlovic.

Autenberg will become the oldest person to ever ascend to the office of President - the record was previously held by Hiroshi Vodotel who became President aged 69.

From his home town of Solitude, Diatara - a tiny hamlet of just 500 residents, the President-elect delivered a very short victory statement.

"Dang it, I'm so happy I could spit!" He said shortly before adding, "This here's a great day for that there democracy. I know a lot o' folks were losin' faith in it, but this goes to show - if I can be the President, well then I guess anyone can!"

SENATE:
Social Democratic Union: 39
Liberal-Conservative Party: 35

FEDERAL ASSEMBLY:
Social Democratic Union: 234
Liberal-Conservative Party: 175

With polling booths up and down the country - but particularly in the northern states - flooded by an influx of first time voters, it has become painfully apparent that Jaagen Autenberg won the support of millions of Radiatians who had never voted before.

With a record-breaking 82% voter turnout (compared with 50% four years ago in LET 56), Autenberg's populist, anti-establishment message and his folksy rural charm resonated with those who had lost faith in democracy after the Fyoderov scandal, or who simply believed that politicians didn't understand them.

79 year old Rita Ulyanov of Magi, Pfantz said that it was her first time voting, and she voted for Autenberg.

"Jaagen Autenberg really spoke to me," She said. "That ain't a metaphor. I mean literally he came to my house and spoke to me. That's how we do things up north."

President Pavlovic conceded defeat but acknowledged that her campaign had been a good one, which won voters that the Liberal-Conservatives had never connected with before: Carrying Xerconia and Saku for the first time ever, while also sweeping the southern and western states.

"Earlier tonight I called Premier Autenberg to congratulate him on his victory," She told supporters in Hyuganberg, Clode. "He wasn't home. His wife said he'd gone drinking at the local pub and doesn't carry a cell phone. But I asked her to pass on the message!"

The electoral map showed a divided nation - both geographically and culturally, with the more cosmopolitan and liberal southern and western states voting for Pavlovic, while the rural and homogenous northern and eastern states voted for Autenberg.

"This election was a critical alignment, both along cultural and socio-economic lines," Said Dr. Boris Kahler of the University of Saku. "I will not at all be surprised to see things remain this way. The states we previously thought were safe red may now be safe blue. And vice versa. The north is probably going to be voting for the SDU for years to come now. The west is probably now LCP territory."

In the legislature it was a status quo election, with the Social Democratic Union maintaining their hold on both chambers of the Federal Parliament. In conjunction with Autenberg's victory, this marks the first time in 16 years that the Social Democratic Union has had free reign of the Executive and Legislature, placing them in a powerful position to enact promised economic reforms.

While Autenberg's campaign was vague in terms of economic message, his choice of self-described "Democratic Socialist" Senator Steven McCarthy as running mate suggests that the President-elect could be amenable to suggestions from the Social Democratic Union's hard left.

McCarthy also becomes the first Vice President to be born after the collapse of the RPSU - he was born in LET 17, more than a generation removed from his predecessor.

While the election result is no doubt a victory for Radiatia's working class - who have raised a giant middle finger to the establishment, the result also plunges the Radiatian Federation, and Noctur, into uncertainty as they wait to see exactly what an Autenberg Administration will entail.

MARKETS PANIC FOLLOWING AUTENBERG VICTORY

EXEGRAD, ALAYENIA
The election of Jaagen Autenberg has caused panic in Exegrad's financial sector, with the value of the Tsenyen plummeting while the EXE500 also dropped by 200 points before trading was closed early.

With polls pointing to a Pavlovic victory right up until the 11th hour, most traders had assumed the status quo would prevail, and had as such felt there was little risk to prepare for.

However, panic ensued following the announcement that Autenberg, whose economic agenda remains ambiguous, had won.

President Angela Pavlovic took the rare step of giving a public statement to assure investors that the election result was not cause for concern.

"Over the next few weeks I will be speaking with President-elect Autenberg and we will make sure that stability is retained in the market. I am certain that he shares my position," She said. "I have also instructed the governor of the federal reserve bank to take steps to ensure market liquidity - the Federal Reserve Bank has a contingency plan in place to ensure that the market remains steady."

Although the dive in the EXE500 and value of the Tsenyen appears to have tapered off following the President's statement, many investors are still not convinced.

"I guarantee this Autenberg guy didn't understand a word of what the President, what our real President, said," Said one trader. "To him it would have just been gobbledegook. And I'm really terrified about what's going to happen once he's inaugurated. Are we going back to socialism? Communism? He hasn't ruled that out."

A petition begun by members of the LCP and some Social Democrats has already begun circulation, calling for a "second election" to be held on the grounds that "Radiatians were likely deceived by Jaagen Autenberg. Most were not fully aware of what they were voting for. A second election needs to be held."

Although the constitution does state that any petition signed by ten percent of the population may become a binding referendum, some constitutional lawyers argue that this does not extend to overturning the result of a Presidential election as "this power is clearly invested in the electoral college".

- RPNN

Odaiah (Das Engel, Amentra)
3 HOURS AGO
I have never been so ashamed to be Radiatian...

309 likes

Klogg (Burton, Diifgrao)
2 HOURS AGO
| Odaiah
| I have never been so ashamed to be Radiatian...
Really?! I've never been more PROUD to be Radiatian! This is a victory for the little people, at long last!

718 likes

Pliny (Cerea, Chongluntz)
1 HOUR AGO
Radiatian Socialism rises again! Wait and see!

21 likes

In Other News:

Angela Pavlovic: Radiatia's most underrated President?
Studies show Autenberg voters have "lower average IQ" than Pavlovic voters
RPNN to contest charges of media bias in court

by **The Arthurian Isles** » Mon Oct 03, 2016 9:06 am

Panicked Radiatian Markets Send Arthurian Economy Towards Recession

_{Pictured: The Federal Bank, which released a preprepared report on the economic impact of Premier Autenberg's victory}

Premier Autenberg won a surprising victory in the Radiatian presidential election this morning, sending Exegrad's markets into panic. The Egilfjorður Stock Exchange experienced sharp falls in response.
^{12 Veturfuldmanuður, 1106 A.R.| By Trausti Sigurðardotar (tsigur@figaro.org)| 16:22 AIT}

EGILFJORÐUR, ARTHURIA — Premier Autenberg's unexpected victory in the Radiatian presidential election sent the EXE500 falling by 200 points by the close of trading and caused a significant devaluation of the Tsenyen. At the start of trading in Egilfjorður this morning it became evident that the economic uncertainty of a future Autenberg presidency had spread beyond Radiatia's borders. The country's major stock market dropped by nearly 75 points at its trough before recovering to finish trading early 62 points below its pre-election levels. The recovery was precipitated by an announcement at ten o'clock by the Treasurer of the Federal Bank, Baldur Grimaldsen, announcing a detailed monetary and fiscal plan to be implemented by the bank and the Storting. The plan was drafted in secrecy as Premier Autenberg gained popularity in the polls in Radiatia, finally taking the form of a detailed report which was published on the Federal Bank's website immediately following Grimaldsen's conference. It had the immediate effect of calming retreating markets but its pessimistic expectations did not provoke a strong recovery. On the contrary, the report outlines what it expects to be a longer-term slowdown of economic growth in the latter half of 1106 A.R. and potentially a technical recession in the first half of 1107 A.R. (2016 and 2017 AD respectively, for our foreign readers). Following Grimaldsen's announcement, the Federal Minister of the Treasury, Hildur Manus, addressed reporters outside the Federal Chancellery. She encouraged calm in the markets and from consumers, reassuring them that the government would be matching the Federal Bank's monetary response with structural reforms to Arthuria's fiscal environment. She concluded that "Arthuria's reputation as a safe economic haven will not be tarnished by the present difficulties. Our response will make our country more secure to foreign investors than it has ever been. What will ensure our success will be the composure of our people and governing institutions through this disturbance".

How has the fortune of one man from northern Radiatia been so problematic for this small Antarctic country? The answer lies in a trait of which Arthurians are proud - openness. As desirable as this emotional quality undoubtedly is, it holds a different meaning to economists. Their social-scientific definition of openness refers to an economy whose import and export share is, in total, above 80% of GDP. This is true of Arthuria, whose exports alone account for over 40% of GDP. Openness is the natural consequence of half a century of integration with the global economy and a focus on free trade with our Nocturian neighbours. It is indicative of a manufacturing sector that possesses a high degree of specialisation and is reliant on imported input and intermediate goods. Arthuria's Treasury Ministers have long known that the country is profoundly interconnected with the global economy and have been able to exploit this facet to drive economic growth. Now Hildur Manus must go on the defensive, for globalisation is striking back. Huge uncertainties mar global economic growth and investment prospects: the Karasian War has barely finished as the Poldo-Seglandic War begins, and President-Elect Autenberg's trade agenda is almost unknown. If he chooses to put Radiatians first at the expense of global economic interaction, then Arthuria may be deprived of a market from which it derives on average between 15 and 20% of its export potential. Combined with the fragility of the post-war Hadinian economy and the scope for declining Poldanian and Seglandic markets, the risks to export-oriented Arthurian businesses are becoming insurmountable.

Some factors will mitigate these dangers, according to the Federal Bank's report. Nun-ta's economy appears to have been unaffected by the Karasian War (and has arguably been strengthened by it in the short-run); Zanzes will be the source of huge investment potential as reconstruction becomes a high priority for the region; and Arthuria is enjoying renewed trade relations with Detectatia, a relatively stable market. These three 'heavy factors' should maintain some demand for Arthurian exports and are important considerations in the Federal Bank's upper estimate of Arthurian growth remaining above zero. Hope is further derived from the dramatic expansion of service exports in the past five years. High value-added activities such as banking and financial services now form a significant proportion of the overall Arthurian economy; their growth under a Frelskap regulatory programme is a clear positive. On deeper inspection, however, the services export surplus is not sustainable at its current levels. To a larger extent than financial services, service export growth is coming from foreign consumption in Arthuria. This has been the effect of two temporary phenomena, both of which are set to fall in importance next year: the first is an influx of foreign refugees from wars in Terra Occidens, whose consumption is recorded as foreign-originated until they gain Arthurian citizenship. The second is the flow of investment into Arthuria during those same wars. Now that peace has returned to Terra Occidens it is unlikely that these sources of consumption can be maintained. Refugees fleeing the Poldo-Seglandic border have far easier asylum destinations on their own borders: Conpatria, Detectatia and Crata being viable options.

The gloom of these forecasts last only for a short while. The Federal Bank expects that further structural reforms to the Arthurian economy and an increasing global share in the banking sector will soon drag uninspiring GDP growth upwards. At present the story is more unpalatable; the foreign factors described above are depressing growth rates and even at the Bank's median estimate will force Arthuria into a mild recession at from late 1106 to early 1107 A.R. Nor can domestic economic activity save the country.

The housing market, which has for some years been inflating at a higher rate than average incomes, is beginning to face correction after active intervention by the government. The latest strategy of forced amortisation has had the first notable effect on the emerging bubble by lowering the price growth rate of housing. Importantly, the Federal Bank expects that the housing bubble can be deflated without an imminent collapse of the market; the supply-to-demand ratio is extremely level and household balance sheets are healthy (that is to say that private debt it is at a low level in a nation famed for its savers). The Bank's report forecasts a smaller rise than the past years of 2% in 1106 A.R. followed by an overall fall in house prices of up to 5% by the end of next year. Combined with steadily rising incomes, the development in house prices will address an emerging imbalance in the Arthurian economy. Every silver lining must have a cloud, however.

Part of the the steady rise of investments into Arthuria in the past five years has been due to the expanding property market. In 1104 A.R. the investment growth rate was an impressive 7.2%, followed by a 7.4% increase in 1105 A.R. Perhaps because of the relative stability of Arthuria compared to its neighbours, the 1106 A.R. investment growth rate was measured at 8% for the first half of the year. These figures have largely been led by housing and construction investments. With the deflation expected to occur in that market a large portion of inward investment into Arthuria will simply disappear. What remains is largely investment into research and development, machinery and the state-supported arms industry. Only in the second half of 1105 A.R. (2005 AD) did these areas enjoy an increase in investment similar to the housing and construction industries. Without the property investment of the past few years, investment demand will grow slowly with little impetus for a boom in the short-term. The Federal Bank even estimated that the investment growth rate for 1108 A.R. (2018 AD) would be negative, largely as a result of the introduction of a land value tax in 1107 A.R. Nor does the government appear willing to fill the void; the constitutional requirement for a debt brake and a Frelskap and Midstaðen Parðil-dominated Alting has tempered public spending impetus, though a significant parliamentary minority is demanding an infrastructure investment programme be introduced to the Folkting.

The Federal Bank's report is not entirely negative, however. It points to areas of strong potential growth which, it argues, will make any coming recession mild at worst. Aside from the growth of service sector exports, domestic metrics are proving a continuation of recent improvements. Employment is continuing to rise, driven mainly by the growth in the service sector and partially by the rise in construction-related jobs. The first quarter of 1106 A.R. also held the first major increase in hours worked in the good manufacturing sector, buoyed by the recent investment upturn. The overall employment rate figures remained steady last year and are expected to do so for the coming years too: between 1% and 1.5% increases in the number of employed. However, converted to a percentage of the labour force, the employment figures have stagnated, turning static for the first half of this year. The labour force has increased in size in the past year in part due to migration from the rest of Noctur but largely as a result of an influx of youths into the workforce. The unemployment rate consequently stands at 7%, above the desired equilibrium level of 5% sought by the government. Prospects appear optimistic, though; a number of manufacturing industries have reported a lack of qualified workers, suggesting that demand for labour is high. The Federal Bank expects that immigration and youth entry into the labour market will continue to improve the employment rate in Arthuria, but cautions that it will not expand as rapidly as it has done in the past as certain industries (particularly housing and construction) reduce their role in the economy. Concomitantly, the wage market will experience similarly moderate rises if the recent centralised wage negotiation round is to yield any future lessons. The Federal Bank suggests that the benign labour market conditions will result on a year-on-year average hourly wage rise of 3.4% out to 1109 A.R. (2009 AD).

With greater employment and higher wages comes increased consumption. Happily for the frugal reputation of the country's citizens, this does not appear to be coming at a cost of their household savings. The first quarter of this year demonstrated an impressive 4.4% rise in real disposable income rates only partly due to wage increases. The other factors accounted for by the Bank were increased transfers and slightly reduced payments on interest rates after the base rate was cut at the beginning of the year. Concern exists for the Federal Bank, however, and many service industries in Arthuria as it is unclear whether reduced changes in disposable income in the future (as a result of slower wage and employment growth) will dramatically affect consumption. If Arthurians balance their lower disposable income by spending some of their savings then domestic consumption may continue to drive GDP growth. The worry for economists is that they will not do so; as economic uncertainty leads Arthurians to speculate on their future welfare, income and investment returns they may opt to maintain high saving ratios, hurting consumption and adding to the negative pressures on the country's economy. The Bank has therefore cautioned that consumption change rates could fall from 3.7% this year to 2% in 1107 A.R.

Given the predominantly negative analysis offered by the Federal Bank in its report, why have markets not receded further? Part of the answer is that there is an underlying strength to the Arthurian economy. It is a safe haven compared to many of its neighbouring states and a recession will not dampen its long-term economic stability. A much more important factor is the conclusion of the report; it stated that there was a deliberate government and central bank plan which would be enacted to limit the depth of any recession and, at upper estimates, avoid one altogether. It is unlikely that recession can be totally prevented, but the central bank has a great deal of freedom to shape monetary policy as desired. Interest rates have remained high for the past decade, leaving much scope to manipulate them in order to boost domestic consumption and investment. The recent demand for Arthurian bonds has also bolstered the Bank's foreign currency reserves making exchange rate steering a distinct possibility in the short-run, especially if the Tsenyen should fluctuate any further in value. The report details the specific options which the Bank is prepared to follow in utilising these policies, but they appear to be effective enough to have halted a freefall of the stock market.

Hildur Manus faces a potentially easier job. She continues her long-term reforms to the economy, pressing ahead with the simplification of the tax system which will involve some expansionary actions midway through next year. In particular, the implementation of a land value tax and the resultant abolishment of property taxes will cool the housing bubble even further. It will also precipitate a reduction in income tax rates which may be able to overcome a traditional reluctance to spend amongst the Arthurian population. Government spending is also to be reevaluated, with the year-on-year decline for the past six years due to be halted in accordance with the constitutional requirements of the debt brake. The main benefactors of a moderate increase in public spending are likely to be construction firms and the arms industry.

Both the government and the central bank have taken control of a situation which mired an otherwise miraculous day marked by Premier Autenberg's dramatic success. When it appeared that markets had calmed and the initial reaction to the news of economic downturn had been digested, Runær Arnardotar, the Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that "The Storting and the Arthurian people respect and accept the will of their Radiatian neighbours. The Arthurian Federation will work with President-Elect Autenberg in the spirit of neutrality. On a personal level, I extend him my own congratulations and assure him that Vestmanaeyjar sends its warmest wishes for his Presidency". The Foreign Ministry, in a more complete statement published on its website, iterated that the government held no official view on President-Elect Autenberg or his policies, nor were they legally permitted to do so under the statutory powers of the Declaration of Neutrality.

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Prime Minister Appointed on 4th Day of Conclave

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