News Thread [Kylaris|Canon|IC]

by **Alinora** » Thu Sep 28, 2017 7:55 pm

WILL BENNETT SPEECH AT CSU NEARLY SHUT DOWN BY LEFTIST STUDENTS
Speaking at Centralia State University, Conservatist speaker Will Bennett was nearly forced to vacate early; Campus Police credited with keeping the peace.

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Ben Underguard (@BenGuard)
September 28th 2017| Antona, Federation

Conservatist Speaker and Contributor for Benton.com, William Bennett
Photo courtesy of Brenton News

CSU, Easton, Centralia -

Well-known Conservatist speaker Will Bennett's seminar to students at Centralia State University was nearly shut down this afternoon as a large crowd of Leftist students gathered outside the auditorium, demanding that the Brenton News contributor stop his "hateful rhetoric" and leave the campus immediately-- these demands consistently being backed up with threats against Bennett's health. The intention of Bennett's seminar was, as it frequently is, to reach out to young Conservatist students who attend the school by speaking on a number of issues that face both the Federation and the world today. While he touched on issues like the War in Marirana, abortion, and immigration, the primary topic was the increasing tensions between Conservatist and Liberal students in the Federation-- most often fueled by Leftist attempts to silence any speech that they deem "offensive.", in the words of Bennett.

"A common tactic of the Left is to denounce any opinions that don't match their own," said Bennett, "and proceed to attempt to silence these opinions by claiming that they're 'Hate Speech', and thus cannot be expressed. This is a motion that is absolutely ridiculous." Mr. Bennett would also speak on numerous issues within Asteria that he found most concerning. "There aren't many ways I can put this without sounding extremely insensitive, but I suppose that's never been a problem for me-- political correctness has simply become something used as a weapon by the Left to block ideas that don't agree with theirs. This country has been raising a generation of babies-- grown men and women who believe that life is fair for everyone-- it's not. People who cower at ideas that contradict their own and become enraged at the simple use of facts and statistics to back up an argument-- its shameful. This has led many to lash out - often violently - at those who they do not agree with, that cry about being offended when evidence is brought into a discussion."

Bennett also spoke on the Transgender issue facing the country, and the controversy surrounding the legitimacy of men who claim to be women, and vice versa. "Gender isn't something you get to pick and choose" he would state, "it's something that decided in your DNA-- in your chromosomes. Saying something doesn't make it true, regardless of how many times you say it, and this is something that we need to teach our children so they don't grow up to be grown men undergoing extensive surgical procedures to merely mimic the appearance of a woman."

One spectator shouted up at Bennett in response. "Trans people are killing themselves everyday because of people like you! You're disgusting!"

Bennett quickly fired back. "In the Federation, the average suicide attempt rate among trans people is 46%-- an astronomical number that's higher than any other group in the history of this country by a significant percentage. I'll add that we're living in a society that's becoming more and more open and accepting of the idea of Transgender people, and there has been no significant change to this statistic. There is absolutely no evidence to support that 'me' saying 'yeah, you're a woman' and calling you 'she' will make you less likely to kill yourself, which even solidifies my stance that there is no such thing as Transgenderism, only deeply-rooted mental issues among these individuals that make them much more likely to attempt suicide." When the student attempted to respond, Bennett quickly retaliated. "These are facts, miss. Facts don't lie, and facts don't care about your feelings."

It was shortly after this point in the discussion that a large crowd began to gather outside of the auditorium where Mr. Bennett was speaking, only to be denied entry by Campus Police. The protesters shouted the common chants, calling Bennett a "racist", "homophobe", "transphobe", and "functionalist", and despite Campus Police' recommendations to leave, Bennett refused. He would proceed to finish his speech, take a handful of questions, and ended on a strong note.

"Thank you very much for having me, CSU, but before I go, I want you to be aware of something. Right now, right outside of this room, are dozens if not more of your peers who have been trying for well over half an hour to shut this seminar down. I want to thank Campus Police for providing protection from the... violent Leftists in the next room, who are doing exactly what I've talked about today: attempting to snuff out our constitutional right to Free Speech. This display only strengthens the argument that the Left is dedicated to suppressing any views that don't coincide with their own, and which is why it's so important that young men and women such as yourselves remain true to your values and your beliefs, and to keep an open mind. But I also encourage you to be bigger than what they are. When they rally, when they have speakers, let them speak-- it's their right, after all. Thank you, God Bless."

William Bennett was able to leave CSU safely, as were the attending students, who were permitted to leave after Campus Police dispersed the crowd of protesters. Will Bennett tweeted later that day, saying that he would "gladly return to CSU at any time."

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by **Krugmar** » Sat Sep 30, 2017 3:03 pm

PM BACKS GAULLICAN REFERENDA
The Prime Minister today backed Gaullica's decision to give Nouveau Anglet and Les Îles de Saints referenda on statehood

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Alceste Massé (@almasse)
^{30 September 2017 | Gatôn, Satucin}

The Prime Minister giving a press conference outside 12 Dumont Street

The Prime Minister has this morning given a statement in which he fully backed the Gaullican decision to offer a referendum on statehood to their two overseas territory. He stated that it was a "bold move" and that it "would derail the flimsy arguments put forward by opponents of democracy and the right to self-determination." The Prime Minister also stated that Gaullica would have Satucin's full support in the endeavour, and he recommended that other countries lend their support and that those voicing opposition to it should "sit down and start running their own country."

The province of Les Îles de Saints is of special interest to Satucin, as unlike Arac and the Emerald Isles it rejected by plebiscite joining a newly independent Satucin in 1936 by 8% of the vote. It was considered a shock at the time as it had strong political, regional and economic ties to Satucin. For those living there it was less a shock, for the island had never been as influenced by National Functionalism like Arac or as deeply integrated like the Emerald Isles, and so they preferred the more stable and democratic Gaullica to Satucin, which was coming to terms with independence while also protecting National Functionalists from being persecuted as they were in Euclea.

Auguste Masson, leader of Young Satucin,
did not support the Prime Minister's policy

However a notable lack of support for Gaullica's referenda came from Young Satucin, led by Auguste Masson. Masson argued that "The 1936 Les Îles de Saints plebiscite was full of irregularities, essentially it was fixed by a scared and weakened Gaullica which having just lost two territories to Satucin conspired against us and the people of Les Îles de Saints." His opinion is notably influenced by the 2012 book Gaullica's New Empire: Beginnings 1935-1964 by historian Maxence Moineau, though some Gaullican and Satucinian historians have questioned the legitimacy of the evidence put forward by Moineau, with others outright stating the evidence is from a hoax created by Les Îles de Saints Integralists in the 1950s.

TOP STORY

Celebrated musician Florian Le Sueur backs Monarchist position

Florian Le Sueur, the celebrated Gaullo-Satucinan singer and actor, best known for his 1971 worldwide hit Faire Un Pont, has announced his support for Vive la Monarchie! and will reportedly be holding a free public concert the day after the referendum results regardless of which side wins .Read more by clicking here.

by **Liecthenbourg** » Sat Sep 30, 2017 5:36 pm

EUCLEAN COMMUNITY TO "INCREASE NAVAL PRESENCE IN THE AUREAN STRAITS."
Marana Onofrio (ACDE), Chairwoman of the Joint-Defence-Initiative, has issued for "A greater number of vessels in the Straits given the turbulence across it."

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Antoinette Giourd (@agiourd)
^{1 October, 2017| Kesselbourg City, Kesselbourg}

Marana Onofrio, Chairwoman of the Joint-Defence-Initiative of the Euclean Community.
Photo courtesy of Joanna Demarq

Kesselbourg City, Kesselbourg -

Instability in Asafiyah has led to numerous calls for action from the Euclean Community, particularly by the state of Carcosa. The state finds itself embroiled in a campaign against the Al-Mukhtar insurgency, who have recently posed a potential threat to some critical oil refineries. The Joint-Defence-Initiative of the Euclean Community, responsible for the Common Defence Police and civilian organisation of the Multinational Euclean Battalions, recently proposed its plan before the Euclean Parliament.

The plan, dubbed the "Aurean Contingency", was voted in by parliament on a substantial majority. Ranks were broken from both the opposition and the government, but overall uniformity was seen across the pro-Euclean Community parties within the parliament.

Chairwoman Onofrio outlined the bill as "necessary" due to her issuing of "A greater number of vessels in the straits given the turbulence across it." She highlighted that the bill contained provisions for "increased naval patrols by the member-states in the Aurean Straits to prevent insurgent activity and defend 'coastal Euclean interests and priorities.'" She additionally outlined how they have been working closely with the Foreign Service of the Euclean Community, and Representative Kovář had spoken to the Asafiyahan Government to "outline cooperation in fighting the insurgency."

With these two tools, Onofrio highlighted how the bill also accounted for the "training of soldiers and support to the Asafiyahan Government." She defended this position by stating that "The state of Asafiyah has a democratically elected government that is facing insurgents of radical elements. It is within the Community's, and I say the world's, to defend the legitimacy of the government elected in Asafiyah."

With the bill passing through parliament, the Community's JDI has announced that a taskforce of several vessels, noticeably from the 2nd Frigate Flotilla stationed at Velvetos, consisting of frigates from multiple member states, including Glytter and Werania, and ships from the 3rd Destroyer Flotilla that was recently docked at Carcosa.

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by **Senkaku** » Sat Sep 30, 2017 6:00 pm

STRAITS TIMES

Security Directorate Confirms VredoChem Investigation
Mounting scandal now spans at least three countries, Security Directorate tight-lipped about "ongoing" investigation

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Ahmad Durand(@al_dura )
30 September 2017 08:00 | Ward 9

Headquarters of the Security Directorate on the Boulevard des Coquilles.
Photo courtesy of the Security Directorate Public Relations Bureau.

Ward 9, Carcosa -

As the shocking and increasingly wide VredoChem scandal appeared to be cooling down a bit this week, or at least fading into the background, officials from Carcosa's Security Directorate dropped a bombshell today that will be sure to reignite public furor over the allegations. The huge Vredlandian chemical and pharmaceuticals conglomerate has been accused of producing and selling chemical weaponry to the Farsi military, and assisting the Farsi Organization of Military Industries (OMI) in establishing Fars's robust chemical weapons program (the existence of which has long been denied by the Farsi government). While Farsi officials, including the Director of the OMI, and senior VredoChem executives have categorically denied any transactions of the sort, VredoChem is reportedly under investigation in Vredlandia by Special Prosecutor Michel Theurer for violating that country's ban on the export of chemical weaponry.

The investigation appeared to be hitting a faster pace when, on September 10th, armed officers from the Vredlandian Department of Justice raided the conglomerate's headquarters apparently on behalf of Special Prosecutor Theurer. While the Special Prosecutor has declined to comment, the Vredlandian Minister of Law, also privy to any possible investigations, has not cancelled an upcoming visit to a VredoChem conference, giving momentum to claims by VredoChem CEO Blaise Heidewich that the company is innocent of any wrongdoing. Nonetheless, VredoChem's share prices have hit new lows in the wake of the scandal.

While drawing international interest, the case had been fading from headlines until today, when Carcosa's Security Directorate confirmed that it was investigating "potentially suspicious activities" by VredoChem and the OMI. The Director, Nicolas Valerii, stated that the Directorate wanted to "clear public concern" by confirming the investigation, following pressure from some activists and reportedly closed-door questioning by the Senate on the matter. Carcosa's duel roles as a transshipment hub and as a tax haven and financial center mean that it's possible that the Security Directorate investigation could be looking at both illicit transportation and financial crimes. Director Valerii said he could not comment further, but many have speculated that photos taken last week of a number of unmarked black SUVs outside VredoChem's Carcosa offices may be related to the now-confirmed investigation.

VredoChem share prices have reportedly dipped again in the wake of the new addition to the ongoing scandal, and in Carcosa a small number of protesters gathered outside the chemical giant's offices and the Farsi embassy to voice their disapproval.

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by **Liecthenbourg** » Sun Oct 01, 2017 5:52 am

GAULLICA COMMENCES NAVAL EXERCISES IN NOUVEAU ANGLET
Defence Minister D'Élan highlights the "increased diplomatic aggression from Negara and their incapability to discuss" as "key reasons" for the decision for naval exercises.

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Antoinette Giourd (@agiourd)
^{1 October, 2017| Kota Sebuku, Gaullica}

GRS Thiabult, flagship of the small squadron of ships tasked with naval exercises in Nouveau Anglet
Photo courtesy of Joanna Demarq

Kota Sebuku, Gaullica

Given the ever-present rising tensions with Gaullica and Negara over the isle of Nouveau Anglet, coupled with Verlois' decision to grant the island the decision to vote on becoming a fully-fledged state in the Gaullican Republic, the Defence Ministry has highlighted a "keen interest" in "demonstrating to the world that if Nouveau Anglet does decide to become a state, Gaullica will continue to defend her as if she were 'stuck to the mainland' ".

Such a decision has found itself manifest in a small fleet of vessels, led by Admiral Caillat, which departed for the islands two days ago - September 29th - and begun their exercises early this morning; such as patrolling Gaullican waters, exercising drills and fleet formations within Gaullica's territorial waters.

Minister D'Élan argued that this was a "necessity to be undertaken" because of the "increased diplomatic aggression and from Negara and their incapability to discuss civilly and properly about the future of the islands."

When asked about what the ministry and the government felt to accomplish by doing this, and what they would do if Negara responds, D'Élan replied by stating that "There is nothing for Negara to react against. A naval exercise in the waters of Nouveau Anglet is no different to naval exercises in the Gulf of Assonaire. We are merely conducting these exercises here in Nouveau Anglet as demonstrations against Negara's recent hostile attitudes towards us and to show, not only the Gaullicans who live on the island, but the international community at large that we are serious about our commitments to territories that have consistently voted to be alongside us."

The ministry also confirmed that the task-force consists of the GRS Thiabult, one of Gaullica's Helicopter Carriers, "three frigates" and "four destroyers." They denied the allegations that submarines were present.

Mrs. Yubi of the "Negarans Unite!" campaign that fought to have Nouveau Anglet join Negara during the recent referendum on the 20th of July has criticized the naval exercises as "moves of an imperial aggressor" to "scare the populace into voting for statehood."

Minister D'Élan tweeted back to her, highlighting that the "ships would be gone by the time the vote is on."

Mrs. Yubi declared that to be a "farce" and that "the lasting images would remain, regardless."

It is not yet known how the Negaran Government will respond, if any response is given, but Verlois has stressed it will remain committed to the decisions put forward by the island.

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by **Vredlandia** » Sun Oct 01, 2017 2:38 pm

Götterdämmerung: Kloth's Shocking Last Stand Unsettles Vredlandian Church

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Anton Graf Flottreiter (@grafflottreiter)
1st of October 2017 | Eldburg, Vredlandia

Former Seneschal Oskar Herrwege (Archive Photo)
Photograph courtesy of VPA

Eldburg, Vredlandia - A few weeks ago it was revealed that Seneschal Kloth had hired a campaign manager, and the news left many wondering whether he would run for Seneschal again. Today he announced what campaign really would be managed: The campaign of former Seneschal Oskar Herrwege, Seneschal from 2000 to 2008, who was nominated and selected as one of twelve regional candidates for Holy Father. The announcement sent shockwaves throughout Vredlandia; the Church is taken aback as much as Kloth's rivals.

The news of former Seneschal Herrwege's candidacy were already huge. Politicians aren't usually favourites for the office of Holy Father: The Vredlandian Reformed Church usually successfully throws their weight behind a candidate or various candidates who are rooted within the Church system. Never before has someone outside of the Church made it into the final round of selections. Indeed, never before has an outsider been nominated as regional candidate ever. Admittedly, though, we haven't seen a selection for almost fifty years. Vredlandia has become radically less religious, maybe less moral. If you had wanted a social reformer back then, you would choose a Church official who was more socially involved. If you wanted nothing to change, you'd vote for a conservative Church official. Politicians, though? Their significance is a modern symptom.

However, anyone above the age of 40 may still remember that he was known as "Priest Pomp" for his time as Priest in Eldburg. He would smoke cigars in Church, drive to mass with the newest cars. And while the Old Guard of the Reformed Church fought him tooth and nail, young generations flocked to his service and the whole nation clung to his words when he talked about the mission and essence of faith and life on television. "Our beliefs are like viagra to this droopy Church", he once said about his followers. Maybe this Church would need that now more than ever before.

But once the news about Herrwege's candidacy slowed down, the next breaking news arrived: Seneschal Kloth announced that he was throwing his full weight behind Oskar Herrwege, and that he would aid his campaign in any way. That was a bang. Never before has a current Seneschal, or even someone with interest in the office overall, made such a pledge. The Seneschal is, historically, only an administrator for Vredlandia on behalf of the Holy Father. They're not ought to get a voice in who becomes the next Holy Father. But while this has always been common understanding, nowhere in law does it say that a Seneschal can't campaign for a candidate in the race for Holy Father.

Seneschal Kloth's decision therefore came as a shock to about anyone. It makes sense, though -- Vredlandian Politics are fast and reckless. The only constant is the Holy Father, who serves until resignation or death. If Kloth could install someone close to his own beliefs, that would influence Vredlandia's direction massively. And more importantly, Seneschal Kloth wants to wait with his resignation until a new Holy Father has been selected, so the new Holy Father will undoubtly play a huge role in the next election of a Seneschal in the National Assembly.

And thus his decision also forces his rivals to take action. Minister of Defence Grunwald is said to now look at the candidate Michael Thiessen, who himself first served as Bishop and now as Justice. He is, like Herrwege, a Weranian -- but more conservative. Allies of Grunwald told us that this "play" for the office of Holy Father would be "distasteful and a shame", but that they now had to react according to the Seneschal's actions.

In a week, on the 8th, Vredlandians will go to the ballot to cast their vote in the first of likely two national rounds of the selection.

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HahnimKorb · 1 hour ago
Priest Pomp as Holy Father? I mean, it'd be a good change for once

79 up · 8 down
REPLY · UPVOTE · DOWNVOTE

Grünwurst · 1 hour ago
Hahahahah. No.

56 up · 144 down
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Wiederhörer · 1 hour ago ago
Wow, disgrace from Kloth!!!

36 up · 20 down
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IN OTHER NEWS

TOP STORY

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After weeks of silence, the Minister of Law confirmed today that his Ministry would officially extend the investigations of Michel Theurer. Minister Matti Saam was under fire for not distancing himself from VredoChem, and even though he still refrains from addressing them, this is widely seen as a reaction to the criticism. Insiders believe it's also a move to regain control over the news cycle, as articles from Fars and investigations in Carcosa threaten their stand. Carcosan authorities accuse VredoChem of supplying the Farsi Chemical Weapons Program, which is still officially unconfirmed. Minister Saam has officially askedTheurer to combine their efforts, as his office confirmed. Currently the two investigations are conducted independently from another, since Theurer's directive doesn't come from the government. For him it will also be an effort to save his face -- and more importantly his career. The investigation is likely to play a role in the Seneschal election, and it's hardly imaginable the next Seneschal would want to appear weak on the issue. Read more by clicking here.
Vredlandia to attend climate conference [ 445 ]
Race for Kloth's seat gains heat [ 372 ]
Gaullica initiates revolutionary referendum [ 369 ]

by **Lunas Legion** » Mon Oct 02, 2017 2:03 pm

Stage II of the Southern Economic Plan Act passed to Committee for National Infrastructure

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Sargis Nalian(@SNalHai)
^{2nd October 2017 10:09 AM | Shamiramishen, Denikert}

The top of the Sin Nasir Dam, completed in 1988 under Stage I of the Southern Economic Plan Act.
Photo courtesy of the Republic Water Board.

Shamiramishen, Denikert:

Following almost three decades since the end of Stage I of the Southern Economic Plan Act in 1988, Stage II of the Act has been passed to the Committee for National Infrastructure for their approval. The passing of the Act to the Committee marks the beginning of the road to law for a bill which has been sitting in political limbo since the end of Stage I in 1988.

Stage I of the Southern Economic Plan Act was an infrastructure investment project focused on surveying the viability of hydroelectric dams in the the southern mountainous regions of Amasia and Daval and on improving the infrastructure in general in both the Denikert Highlands and the Border Region. The plan, originally conceived by the DP administration under F.M (Ret.) Sin Nasir in 1976, would last twelve years and multiple administrations.

The Act was hugely divisive within the DP due to the level of expenditure involved, and was one of the factors that led to the splintering of the DP into the DRP and MDP after Sin Nasir's retirement from politics in 1984. The plan overran both its budget and the original timeframe for completion, meaning that Stage II, which was originally intended to be begun in 1985, was delayed until 1990.

The outbreak of the Darshistan War in 1988 put an end to the timeframe for Stage II, as the cost overruns and long delays on Stage II, combined with pushes for increased military spending by hawkish but otherwise fiscally conservative elements of the DP resulted in Stage II of the plan being placed into political limbo since then.

Attempts have been made to get Phase II off the ground since then; the DLP-G-MDP coalition that ruled from 1996 to 2000 failed to pass the bill through the Senat after a rebellion by a faction led by Ela Valiani and Aram Kellejian, then both Senators for the MDP, while the Arrajin Hyupatos from 1990 - 1996, Mane I Terzouvisia, vetoed a joint attempt by her Nakarars for Trade, Industry and Energy and Science, Climate Change and the Environment to pass Stage II of the Act in the wake of the Darshistan War, where it was deemed to be too expensive given the cost of aid provided to Darshistan at the time and the strategic environment.

Reaction around the announcement has been mixed. The Arrajin Hyupatos' coalition seems to have been able to form a united front over the matter, with the leaders of all four coalition parties issuing a united statement that 'Stage II of the Act is long overdue for implementation.'

The leaders of the National Party and the Democratic Party, Nara I Terzouvisia and Karapet Nanian, have called the Act 'a waste of funding for an obsolete plan' and a 'pointless excuse to direct tax money from more pressing issues' respectively. Both parties have pledged to fight the Act 'tooth and nail' to quote one Andam from the National Party.

However, the governing coalition seems like it will be able to pass the Act regardless of any opposition placed in their path; of course, both stages of the Southern Economic Plan Act have been a political wrecking ball; being the spark that split the DP in the 1980s and early 1990s, being part of the reason for the defeat of the National Party in the 1996 Arrajin Hyupatos elections and the collapse of the DLP-G-MDP coalition in 2000 after its failure to pass resulting in the Arrajin Hyupatos at the time, Eli Arcahas, being left without a majority coalition for the final two years of his term and running on a confidence and supply agreement with the MDP to remain in office.

If Tigran Sarkassian can pass this political hot potato of an Act into implementation, then he may well have something worth remembering him for.

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Nakrarar for Science, Climate Change and the Environment Zaia Goryan confirms that she is to attend climate conference as Denikert's representative
'Of course Farsi chemical weapons were supplied by Eucleans.'- Senator Sarkis Sarian
All the details on Stage II of the Southern Economic Plan Act
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by **The Kingdom of Glitter** » Tue Oct 03, 2017 11:42 am

LIBERTY AND SDs REACH DEAL OVER IMMIGRATION REFORM
The SDs have announced they will back the Immigration Reform Act in exchange for additional social services funding

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James Kelley (@jkelleygbf)
^{2 October 2017 | Spálgleann, Glytter}

Stiofán Mac Suibhne, Social Democrats leader since July, announced he and Taoiseach O'Reilly's agreement late last night.

SPÁLGLEANN – The Social Democratic Party will support Taoiseach Jimmy O'Reilly's immigration proposals, their party leader has announced.

Stiofán Mac Suibhne, who has served as party leader since the resignation of ex-leader Darragh Ballíck in June, made the announcement last night after several days of negations with the O'Reilly Government.

"There was a lot of common ground and room for agreement" Mr. Mac Suibhne said. "The Taoiseach had the votes to pass [the Immigration Reform Act] and in an attempt to restore a sense of cross-party cooperation it made sense for us to reach out and work out a compromise".

"We will now see responsible, comprehensive immigration reform and a an increase in funding for our social services. All along it was a lack of funding for services that would be strained that worried me. However, this agreement has alleviated my concerns and [Taoiseach O'Reilly] has the full support of the party" he told reporters.

While specifics have not been fully made public, the SDs' leader said that an additional €750 million will be spent on social services in total. €500 million will be spent specifically on human services, such as family and child programs. Additional funding for education is "coming at a later time" according to Mr. Mac Suibhne, who said the Taoiseach personally assured him of the increase.

One source close to Mr. Mac Suibhne said the SDs first reached out to Taoiseach O'Reilly after nearly two dozen Social Democratic TCs announced they would revolt and vote in line with the government on the IRA.

"If our TCs are going to vote for it, we might as well get some of our priorities" the source said.

A group of nineteen predominately moderate TCs, known as the Friday Group, announced they would back the Government's proposals just over a week ago on Friday 22 September.

Talks between the Government and the SD's leadership reportedly began that Monday, which is why the Government has delayed introducing the IRA to the Comhthionól for a vote.

The Immigration Reform Act, which was unveiled by the O'Reilly Government earlier this month, is intended to completely overhaul and "modernize" the Glytteronian immigration process. The IRA seeks to raise the number of immigrants and refugees admitted to the country annually as well make changes to the citizenship test.

The planned reform remains controversial with conservative elements within the legislature, including the conservative flank of the Liberty Party. Ex-Foreign Minister Frank Casarnach, who leads the conservative Margadh Coinbhinsiún, previously announced that his group of twenty two Flowerite TCs is in "total opposition" to the IRA soon after it was unveiled.

Mr. Casarnach said it was "irresponsible" and insisted the government should be lowering the number of people admitted annually, not raising it.

The refused support from the right-flank of Taoiseach O'Reilly's party initially worried many within the Government. However, the Friday Group's support salvaged the IRA and support from the whole of the Social Democratic caucus ensures it will become law.

A Government spokesperson confirmed the IRA would be introduced to the Comhthionól this week. After its introduction, the bill will be put before the Comhthionól Committee on Immigration and will go through a series of public hearings before it can be put up for a vote.

The Government will not be rushing the bill through, something it has the power to do, according to the spokesperson who said the Government would "absolutely not" rush it.

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by **Alinora** » Tue Oct 03, 2017 9:06 pm

OPINION: WHERE IN THE WORLD IS JOSEPH KESSLER?
Asteria’s most wanted man: computer programmer-turned traitor, still on the run from the Federal Government.

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Bob Harton(@ErinMcKinley)
October 4th 2017| Freeminster, Federation

Joseph Kessler
Photo courtesy of the Freeminster Inquirer

Opinion Piece -

It’s been more than three years since Joseph Kessler, a computer programmer working for the Federal Intelligence Services, downloaded hundreds of files filled with classified material and hit the high road-- leaving behind an ominous warning for the Federal Government: $100 million dollars in 3 years time, or some of the Federation’s darkest secrets will be revealed to the world. Kessler’s actions sparked a massive, nationwide manhunt headed by then-President Ronald White, which ended with the trail going cold by early 2016. Today, the common belief is that Kessler was able to escape the country before Federal authorities could apprehend him. President White’s inability to capture the man who’d stolen hundreds of state secrets destroyed his already-weakened public image, and then-Senator Avery used this to his advantage. Avery consistently pointed out White’s failure, and promised on multiple occasions to apprehend Kessler, and ensure that he saw trial in the Federation for High Treason.

Though, since Avery has taken office, he has yet to so much as mention Kessler, which has led many to ask: where in the world in Joseph Kessler? By this point, it’s almost certain that he managed to escape the country, but to where, is the question. Well, the answer should be obvious-- there’s only one place in the world that would accept a man as wanted as Kessler: Akalia. The Badawiyan country, with historically-positive relations with the Federation, is infamous for accepting political refugees and international criminals, which makes it very likely that Kessler would flee there, where the Federation wouldn’t be able to touch them. President Avery knows this-- he might not say it, but he knows, and so do the Asterian people. So, where do we go from there?
The truth is, probably nowhere. There’s no action that the Federation can legally take-- President Avery can’t force Akalia to hand over Kessler, and that’s assuming that they even know he’s in their country. Even if they do, and the Federation asks them to hand him over, the answer will probably be a simple “no”, of course. Akalia hasn’t handed over a political asylum seeker for decades, and it’s unlikely that they’ll make an exception-- especially not for Asteria. They could always take the illegal route, skipping diplomacy and hunting him down anyway. That would, of course, open up the Federation to severe backlash-- up to and including a declaration of war, whether it be from Akalia alone, or from the entire Internationale, which Akalia is an observer in.

Which puts President Avery in a tough spot, because in April of next year, Kessler will be releasing these files to the the world. The Federation could give him the $100 million-- oh wait, no they can’t. Let alone the legal and political protocols that would prevent such a payoff, the Federation has no way of contacting him, which leads me to believe that he had planned to release the files all along-- perhaps he already has, to the Akalian government. So, as of now, it may be inevitable, and I see only one acceptable course of action that President Avery could take:

Admit to it-- everything that’s on the files, and take responsibility for them now, rather than have the world have to find out from Kessler. There will be repercussions, yes, but in the end, it could save a lot of face for Avery and the country in general. Other than that, I’ve got nothing. The Federation could always risk turning half the world against it by violating the sovereignty of an independent country, or it could admit to what’s on these secret files. Both are, admittedly, terrible. Let’s just hope that Avery makes the right decision.

This article was written by an independent contributor to the Freeminster Inquirer. The views and opinions expressed in this piece are not those of the Freeminster Inquirer, and should not be treated as such.

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by **Hyndana-** » Wed Oct 04, 2017 4:24 pm

Socialist Protest in Lalpur
Nitish Krishnan, Leader of the Lalpur Socialist Front, Calls for a General Strike

Arnab Trehan (@ArnabTre)
^{4 September 2017 | Lalpur, Hyndana}

The Osman-Conder Palace, Jalpur's Princely Residence, has seen tighter security after bomb threats were made in social media groups

Lalpur - The Lalpur Chapter of the Socialist Front of Hyndana took to the streets this morning to denounce the "authoritarian serial killer of the city" referring to Prince Nabi J. Kurien of Lalpur. The protest was called after Prince Kurien harshly criticized the Socialists for trying to "steal the burial treasures of the Hyndanan Imperial Family." He called the Front a "group of lazy-for-nothing who want to live the good life with no work" in a radio interview this last Monday. The stakes were raised when Nitish Krishnan shot back on Tuesday by saying "Prince Kurien does not know what it means to work" and "he seeks pleasure from the pain and torture of the humble working class." By the end of Tuesday, the confrontation seemed to be over when an intern supposedly leaked a transcript of the Prince saying that "Lalpur's Socialists are a thin-skinned group that want to de-legitimize the legal authorities of the city."

Only an hour after the transcript was leaked Nitish Krishnan called for a general strike for today, Wednesday, to "finally overthrow the bloody, capitalist dictatorship of Lalpur." According to official counts by the Metropolitan Police of Lalpur, around 10,000 individuals came out to the streets to protest. Mr. Krishnan denied the estimates saying, "believe me, many, many, many more people came out to the streets - I'd say around 40,000 and more are coming" and accused the MPL of systematically downplaying his "revolution" in order to intimidate the "broken laborer of Lalpur."

This morning, Lalpur Minister of State Shraddha Ambekar called for "calmness and restraint" in order to avoid further controversy and possible violence. In a phone interview, she expressed her concern for the escalation of words and the carelessness of Nitish Krishnan when calling for "what is essentially a coup against the Lalpur Prince." In his Twitter account, Nitish Krishnan, fired back by accusing the Minister of State of being a "puppet of the Prince."

The city-state remains in a political controversy as police have brought in riot units to make sure the protests do not get out of control. The Osman-Conder Palace has seen tighter security to avoid any possible attacks something Mr. Krishnan has declared as a political victory as the "Ancien Régime of the Bourgeoisie collapses before our happy eyes." The Hyndanan Crown published a statement calling for "an orderly forum where ideas can be debated, and for the respect of the proper and legal authorities of Lalpur." The statement was seen by many analysts as a nudge in favor of the Lalpur Prince as quid pro quo for his support in the Burial Treasure Controversy.

The Lalpur Minister of State Shraddha Ambekar is expected to make a statement early Thursday in order to give a summary of today's protests and address the grievances of Mr. Krishnan. To a number of political commentators, the Minister of State is expected to highlight the economic state of the city as a way to downplay the Socialist Leader's grievances. The majority of commentators agree that today's protests were largely unsuccessful as even the Hyndanan Leader of the Socialist Front remained quiet in social media.

So far the city-state has not seen any violent event beyond some minor riots which were quickly put down. As of right now, the last few hours have not seen much escalation as the city continues life and business as normal.

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by **Alinora** » Mon Oct 09, 2017 4:12 am

SLIM SHADY ON TOUR... AGAIN
Brock rapper "Slim Shady" begins a month-long tour through the Federation and Roeselle.

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Ben Underguard (@BenGuard)
October 9th 2017| Antona, Federation

Jimmy Martin, AKA "Slim Shady", accepting the 2012 Duke Award for Music
Photo courtesy of Sentinel News

Brock, Milton, Federation -

Jimmy Martin, better-known by the stage name "Slim Shady", has made headlines again as he begins his "Fall Tour", which will bring him to cities across the Federation, in addition to Roeselle. Slim Shady remains Asteria's most popular, and argumentatively most controversial artist-- his lyrics and subject matter being regarded as "extremely obscene and unfriendly" by renowned musical critic Adrian Waltz. These claims aren't without base, for the rapper has on many occasions lashed out at members of the LGBT community, while simultaneously criticizing "White Asteria." Slim Shady has consistently refused to accept responsibility for his actions and for his music, citing that it's "just music", and instructing those who find the music offensive "don't listen to it then, pussy."

The "Fall Tour" is Slim Shady's first extended tour so far in 2017, having been quiet most of the year. Martin's attorney spoke only once on the matter back in April, stating that: "James Martin is currently preoccupied with legal proceeding in regards to custody of his daughter, Haley." Martin lost custody of his daughter back in 2014 after assaulting a man who had been having an affair with his wife, Kim-- beating him down with a pistol, and sending him to the hospital. Despite being sentenced with 5 years of probation and having his right to own a firearm revoked, Shady would make millions off the endeavor, releasing the song "We as Asterians" that would directly call out President White, and create a controversy over whether or not he threatened White's life with the line "I don't rap for dead Presidents. I'd rather see the President dead, its never been said but I set precedents." The FIS would open a Federal Investigation shortly after, an event that would fuel Slim Shady's continued smearing of the President, especially during election season, and garner even more publicity. The Slim Shady Show, released in 2016, quickly became his highest-selling album-- becoming #1 on the Billboard for two straight months, his third consecutive album to do so.

Throughout the month of October and into November, Slim Shady will travel across the Federation - visiting cities such as Freeman, Brock, Jackson, Antona, Richardson, Burns, and San Fierro - as well as a number of cities within Roeselle-- most notably Liberty City. The rapper plans to sing a "combination of songs from past albums", which include the Slim Shady LP and the James Martin LP, but also stated that the rap group D12, which he's a member of, will come along to perform songs from the album "Devil's Night", along with others. Slim Shady has stated that he's "looking foreword" to the tour, despite the inevitable controversy and retaliation from those who don't agree with his music.

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by **The Kingdom of Glitter** » Tue Oct 10, 2017 9:12 am

WALKER AND DYKSTRA LEAD FIRST ROUND OF EC PRESIDENTIAL RACE
The ex-Taoiseach and Euclean Parliamentary Speaker will contest the second round on 21 October

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Rory Cork (@rcorkgbf)
^{8 October 2017 | Kesselbourg City, Kesselbourg}

Speaker of the Euclean Parliament Carolein Dykstra (left) and ex-Taoiseach Alexis Walker (right) will face off on 21 October.

KESSELBOURG CITY – Ex-Taoiseach Alexis Walker and Speaker of the Euclean Parliament Carolein Dykstra are set to vie for the Euclean Presidency against once another on 21 October. The pair won the first round of the vote, beating four other candidates which led by double digits.

Voters across the Euclean Community cast ballots in the first round of the race to replace outgoing EC President Alexandre Lévesque, who declined to seek a third term. Doing so would have gone against several decades of precedent, as no EC President has previously served a third term.

A total of six candidates candidates vied to make it to the second round. In total, 229,185,235 people voted - a turnout of 61%.

Ms. Walker received the most votes, 82,506,685, and was followed by Ms. Dykstra with 76,710,496. They will now begin a two week campaign period that we see them participate in three debates. The ex-Taoiseach has already announced she will be launching a whistle-stop tour of Euclea starting this week. Television, print, and radio advertisements are expected to begin tomorrow.

The vote-count for each candidate is as follows:

Walker (ELP) - 82,506,685
Dykstra (SAE) - 76,710,496
Cantemir (AEN) - 19,334,818
Kurz (PGNM) - 18,732,212
Percyvyle (PEC) - 16,316,429
Betterncourt (PAEL) - 15,584,595

This is the first time since the creation of the office that two women have made it to the second round in the election.

Ms. Walker, who served as Taoiseach of Glytter from 2007 to 2017, never intended on entering the race until she was asked to by the leadership of the Euclean Liberal Party. She announced she would serve as the party group's nominee in May after the ELP's partner, the Alliance of Conservatives and Democrats for Euclea, could not pick a new candidate to replace Tereza Řezníček who withdrew over health concerns in April. Ms. Řezníček previously served as Prime Minister of Ostrozska and struggled on the campaign trail due to health complications. She fainted on multiple occasions and is reported to have suffered from a stroke.

A carefully chosen candidate, Ms. Řezníček was able to satisfy both the moderate and conservative wings of ACDE. Her withdrawal threw the party into chaos as the two sides competed to choose a successor. The ELP, who traditionally does not field a candidate and supports ACDE in the presidential race, chose Ms. Walker, who had just stepped down as Taoiseach in April, to serve as their nominee should the need arise. As the 15 May deadline approached and ACDE was still without an agreeable nominee, Ms. Walker announced her candidacy on 14 May and received the conservative group's backing.

The cornerstone of Ms. Walker's campaign platform is initiating business friendly reforms at the Continental level. In particular, she hopes to remove what she identifies as obstructive regulations, simplify existing regulations set out by the Euclean Commission or Parliament, and codify regulations in member states. Ms. Walker also hopes to reform the EC's financial system, in particular the Euclean Central Bank. Her proposals include the ECB taking on and serving the debt of member states.

She has been heavily criticized by her rival Speaker Dykstra for her pro-business policies. Ms. Dykstra has been heavily critical of Glytter's status as a tax haven, allowing foreign corporations to save money by not paying fair taxes. Critics on the right are opposed to her financial reforms, as they both further Continentalization and collectivize financial burdens.

Speaker Dykstra, MEP for Kesselbourg, has held her post since the July 2014 parliamentary elections. She was nominated by the Social Alternative for Euclea party group in March and was he first major candidate to declare her candidacy. She is very outspoken and has shifted to the left in recent years. Some of her critics claim she is tapping into a populist sentiment, seeking to exploit the fears of the working class. Among her proposals are an EC-wide healthcare scheme that would provide healthcare coverage to all EC citizens in all member-states. She would also institute a Continental living wage that all member states would be mandated to implement. Ms. Walker has been especially critical of the speaker's spending proposals, calling them " financially irresponsible".

SAE chose Ms. Dykstra to contest the race in an attempt to tap into disillusion with the outgoing president by running to the left and appealing to those tired of the conservative policies of the Lévesque-McDermont Commission. She became speaker after the party saw its vote-share increased in the 2014 parliamentary race, which firmly established SAE as the largest group in the Euclean Parliament. This allowed SAE to select a more leftist speaker as they had more leverage going into negotiations with the grand coalition of SAE-ACDE-ELP.

Since she became speaker, she has worked to force President Lévesque to pursue more centrists policies. Many of his desired reforms have not been implemented. In 2015, Ms. Dykstra has previously described the outgoing president as a "lame duck". He was re-elected in 2013 and was only allowed a brief window to pursue his agenda. His unpopularity, which his close allies blame in part to the obstructionist nature of Ms. Dykstra, is something the speaker has attempted to exploit on the campaign trail.

She has spent time trying to tie her rival to Mr. Lévesque through the Thorailles Pact, an agreement which saw Gaullica transfer some of its debt holdings to Glytter. At the time, Mr. Lévesque, who was President of Gaullica, sought to shore up sinking consumer confidence before turning to stabilize the worst-hit members of the Euclozone by the 2005 Recession. The Glytteronian Government, led by Ms. Walker, would assist by propping up and stabilizing struggling member states through bailout packages. While the agreement has seen extensive criticism, Mr. Lévesque was elected EC President in 2009, two years after the deal was made. Likewise, many of the EC's struggling member states have since stabilized and have seen economic growth, in addition to debt forgiveness.

Speaker Dykstra claims that the pact negatively impacted the working class and allowed elites to interfere in what should be the sovereign right of nation's to manage their economies. However, Ms. Walker has refuted this in saying that member states have conceded the "totality" of the sovereign right participating in the EC's economic integration.

The results, which saw Ms. Walker lead by 2.53% indicate the second round could be close. Opinion polls have indicated the same, though they have typically shown the ex-Taoiseach narrowly defeating the Speaker.

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by **Elepis** » Wed Oct 11, 2017 10:10 am

Disgraced former Colonel says he oversaw the sale of chemical weapons to Fars
Former colonel in the Pasdaran, Azad Shigara, says from his exile in Glytter that VredoChem sold the Farsi military components for chemical weapons

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Parima Chhibber
(@pchhibber)
^{11th of October 2017 | Susa, Fars}

The former colonel in the Pasdaran who fled Fars almost a decade ago
Photo courtesy Bashir Arsaces

Susa, Fars-

From exile in Invertwinc, Glytter, the disgraced former colonel of the Pasdaran, Azad Shigara, has weighed in on the unfolding VredoChem scandal. Following weeks of investigations and and accusations thrown at the VredoChem coporation and the Farsi government the former soldier has broken his silence with the following statement:

"Following the Darshistan Civil War the Farsi government, pushed by the Pasdaran and it's supreme commander the late General Razban Verchhawala, sort to develop a chemical weapons arsenal to use as a weapon of last resort against Denikert should a war between them break out again (a scenario that was and probably still is held as inevitable in the Farsi military establishment). Over the course of at least eleven years from 1997 until my persecution and defection in 2008 the Farsi military was continuously building and updating a vast chemicals weapons stockpile which included VX nerve agent, Phosgene gas and Sarin. In all likelihood the production of these weapons continued until years later, with my contacts in Fars telling me it was only with the election of Mr Hammond in 2012 that production was stopped, however I cannot personally verify this. The components for these weapons, as well as advice on how to store and produce them, were supplied primarily by the Vredlandian chemicals giant, VredoChem. I know this because during my tenure as a colonel in the Pasdaran Internal Corps from 2006-2008 I helped to oversee the sale of these weapons to Fars from Euclea via the Organisation of Military Industries. Unfortunately I cannot verify this as I do not have access to any paper work or files on the matter any more (and those in Fars have probably been destroyed by now) however I know for a fact that the sale of these weapons did take place and it was VredoChem that sold key components to the OMI and Pasdaran for the production of chemical agents for at least 11 years from 1997 to 2008.

Furthermore, I also know that the Vredlandian intelligence services were involved in the sale of chemical weapons to Fars in return for benefits in the form of cheap oil and gas exports, and continued arms purchases by Fars. Again I cannot personally verify this and I was not a part of the department which handled dealing with the Vredlandian government, however I know this to be a fact and would, under the right circumstances, be willing to testify in court."

The ex-colonel made his statement via his personal website hosted in Glytter and has since publicly confirmed he wrote it and that, in his view, "It is all true." So far the Farsi government has refused to comment directly on the allegations and has instead issued a brief press release stating that:

"Mr Shigara is an exile from Fars who is wanted by the national police in charges of corruption and libel. Since 2008 he has been hiding from justice in Glytter, and despite requests for extradition has not set foot in Fars since he fled the authorities in mid-2008. He has no knowledge of the Farsi state and all his allegations are criminal lies."

The statement, issued by the Office of the Premier, is unusually sharp in tone which has been taken to show the virulent contempt in which the Farsi establishment holds the former colonel.

Azad Shigara, the son of a former mayor of Kerah, the capital of Sarkuh Province, first joined the Pasdaran Internal Corps in 1994 during a recruitment drive and restructuring following Darshistan Civil War. During his early years he was praised by his officers and fellow recruits for his energy and dynamism, quickly rising through the ranks and promoted to colonel in 2006. Once tipped for greatness, Shigara's reputation fell in to terminal disrepute among the Farsi establishment after he accused the leaders of the Pasdaran and civilian government of "massive corruption", stating in his view that the constitutional link between the Farsi armed forces and civilian government masked a hidden dictatorship and he was soon himself officially charged with corruption by the Farsi judiciary by which time he had fled in to self imposed exile in Glytter. Shigara praised the election of former Premier Hammond in 2012 as an opportunity for reform, however he still faced extradition requests by the Hammond government which were turned down by Glytter.

Speaking on the matter, Doctor Sima Roowala, a Professor of Coian Studies at the University of Carcosa and a descendent of Farsi migrants from the 1970s, has said that these recent allegations by a former Farsi insider go some way to showing a link between the Farsi state, VredoChem and most worryingly the Vredlandian Intelligence Services and although she stressed they remain unproven, it is of her opinion they will surely inflame the crisis further. However the professor does have some doubts, saying that "it is odd he would wait so long to reveal such a bomb shell."

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by **Krugmar** » Wed Oct 11, 2017 4:51 pm

RESULTS IN: VIVE L'EMPEREUR
The contentious, explosive and long awaited referendum comes to an end with a victory for the Monarchists

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Alceste Massé (@almasse)
^{11 October 2017 | Gatôn, Satucin}

Jubilant Monarchists celebrated the results as they came in overnight.

Yesterday eligible voters cast their ballot to decide the future of the country, as a monarchy or a republic, in an unprecedented, unique and historic referendum. David Dimèlbee hosted the official RNS special detailing the counting process overnight, and declared at 6:04 AM that the Monarchist side had won, gaining the support of 63% of the electorate on an 84% turnout.

Since then impromptu celebrations have occurred in the capital and cities and towns across Satucin, with official events scheduled to take place in the evening and over the coming week.

The results could not be better for Vive le Monarchie, and its campaign manager Émeric Regnard, who took part in several debates during the RNS overnight talkshow, has said that they "truly connected to the people, and put forward an honest and true message about how the monarchy will restore Satucin to what it should have been." and that "today is a victory for all monarchists, not just those here in Satucin, but those in republics like Gaullica, and in kingdoms like Glytter."

Anger, confusion and sadness hit Republicans as they come to terms with the results of the referendum

For the Republicans the result is a disaster and nightmare. Polls had been indicating that they were neck and neck with the Monarchists, and that victory was well in their grasp. Earlier during the referendum campaign, Republican campaign manager Milo Favre boasted that "It will actually be difficult for us to lose." Words he is likely regretting. Favre declined to comment on the results.

Another figure, Republican firebrand Aubin Galopin, has not been as silent, declaring that the people have made a mistake, and that a second referendum is inevitable. He stated that "it is clear that there are irregularities, it would not come as a surprise to me that it was rigged." With various groups, including the independent Office of National Statistics, which handles referendum and election counting, challenging his statement.

Moderate Republican Océane Azaïs has given a more tempered response, urging unity between two sides and asking for "both sides to respect the principles and views of the other" while also congratulating the Monarchists on a well-fought and positive campaign, and congratulating his Majesty on his accession to the throne.

His Majesty with campaign manager Émeric Regnard with Monarchists

His Majesty took to the streets of the capital to meet supporters and, as is the new standard, to take selfies with them. He attracted large crowds, and ended his hour long tour at 12 Dumont Street to witness a speech by the Prime Minister on the results.

We spoke to Laurent Ange, a Monarchist, and Muriel Choffard, a Republican, on their views of the results, and of His Majesty, who they both met during his tour of the streets. Laurent was as expected, jubilant about the results, and over the moon to have met the Emperor. Muriel explained that she was of course disappointed by the results, but agreed with Azaïs that they needed to come together, and her side should accept the results. She felt positively about the Emperor, and felt that he would make a fine head of state, cheekily adding that "I would definitely have voted for him were it an election."

The Referendum Results

The results of the referendum give a clear indication of where the Monarchist strongholds lie: Satau, Pasau, the Emerald Isles and Saint-Chloe, while Malmonde emerges as the only state which gave a majority vote for the Republican position. This is unsurprising, as it has a large native population, and was little targeted by the Vive le Monarchie campaign.

Though the Republicans did worse than expected in every state, they still managed to nearly gain victory in Bonhavre and Sythes, the former having a large Videteur minority, and the latter a strong native population like Malmonde.

In terms of an urban-rural split, Republicans did far better with urban voters, but still failed to gain a majority in most cities. They had their worst urban result in Saint-Chloe, gaining only 13% of the vote. This was not unexpected, as the city is considered one of the most devoutly Catholic in the country, and has been a Monarchist hotspot since the abolition of the monarchy in 1935. What was unexpected was their loss in Bonhavre, Bonhavre State, coming 4% below the Monarchists. The city, with its significant Videteur minority, was heavily targeted by the campaign, and they had expected it to be one of their strongholds. Even Chie in Malmonde, which they had expected to easily sweep, only gave them 8 points ahead.

What do the result mean?

- Satucin will become a constitutional monarchy, with the Senat pushing through small constitutional changes to establish the position of Emperor, and how it interacts with the executive, legislature and judiciary.
- Satucin will officially remain the Union of Satucin.
- His Highness, Duke Théodore de Montecardé-Amédor, will from this day be referred to as His [Imperial]* Majesty, Théodore d'Amédor, and will assume the throne immediately. His coronation is dated for the 25th January. *In his first decree, His Majesty is expected to declare both forms of address equally valid.
- The Monarch will assume the title of Emperor of the Satucinais, and will also accept various diminutive titles granted by the States of Satucin
- The States of Satucin will undergo various changes, the most significant of which is that the republics will be reorganised into non-independent titular kingdoms, while the provinces will be reorganised into non-independent titular duchies.
- A peerage system and knightly order will be created, with the details to be announced later by the government.

by **Liecthenbourg** » Wed Oct 11, 2017 5:22 pm

MONARCHIST VICTORY IN SATUCIN
Jean-Claude Montecardé, son of Albert III, declares this 'one of the most momentous days in history' in middle of wine-bottle drinking stupor.

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Antoinette Giourd (@agiourd)
^{12 October, 2017| Verlois, Gaullica}

Jean-Claude Montecardé, celebrating the referendum results in Satucin.
Photo courtesy of the Montecardé household.

Verlois, Gaullica

For the first time since Albert III was elected President of the Republic of Gaullica in 1936, monarchists in Gaullica are celebrating. A referendum in Satucin calling on citizens to decide whether they wished to continue to be a Republic or switch to Monarchy has concluded with an overall monarchist victory. 63% of the vote was for the monarchist cause, with 84% of the electorate turning out for this monumental decision.

Across the Vehemens however, the cries of these monarchists are met in jubilation by the Gaullican Monarchists. Specifically, Jean-Claude Montecardé - son of Albert III. The 91 year old would-be-king keenly predicted that he would "see his family return to the throne." A long time advocate for a referendum in Gaullica, calling the allied demands that Gaullica become a republic "a defiance to national sovereignty and clear forgetting that whilst my brother was an absolute shit, my father was honourable - a good man." Jean-Claude was born, 1926, much later than his siblings, deemed an 'accidental' pregnancy, during the elderly royal couple's fleeing to Glytter and then Senouillac. His parents were in their 70s and 60s, respectively.

Mr. Montecardé was intensely followed by the Gaullican press before and during the referendum, asking for his thoughts and inputs. Often times he answered the same few lines: "The Montecardés were robbed. And Satucin is going to be the first country to put it right."

In addition to his comments, many in the former-monarchy's household have been keeping close updates to their family reactions on twitter. A video has circulated on 'snapchat' of Jean-Claude Montecardé, clearly enjoying his wine, celebrating in his household. With tears in his eyes he is heard proclaiming "I have lived to see my family, at long last, righted. I have lived to see a Montecardé, my flesh and my blood, given a chance to redeem the family name on a throne."

Other lines included things that are slightly illegible, though some family members, such as his daughters, clarified he said "I can die happy. This is the moment I've lived for." Others have said he declared "This to be one of the most momentous days in history."

Théodore Montecardé-Amédor, now Emperor, is a direct blood relative to the Montecardés in Gaullica. Albert III's brother, and Jean-Claude's uncle, Cyrille, was given the title "Viceroy of Satucin" and established his own cadet branch of the household. Mr. Montecardé and the new emperor are first cousins, thrice removed.

In a tweet, the former-royal household has summarised itself as "ecstatic, proud, humbled by the people of Satucin." They also commented that they wished for the "same referendum rights" to be given to Gaullica.

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by **Alinora** » Wed Oct 11, 2017 8:17 pm

FIGHTING IN MARIRANA INTENSIFIES
At least 50 Red Army insurgents and 11 Federal Marines killed during fierce battle for control of bunker complex in Mederio

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Ben Underguard (@BenGuard)
October 12th 2017| Antona, Federation

Federal Marines transport wounded during the fighting in central Mederio
Photo courtesy of the Citadel Photography Department

Central Mederio, Marirana -

Today, the Citadel released a report of a three-day battle for control of a massive underground complex, built into a hill in central Mederio, a province that borders the Federation. According to the report, a convoy of Marines was engaged from machine gun placements on the hill on the morning of October 7th, which led to a small engagement that ended with the death of one Marine, and two being wounded. The Marines were ordered to retreat after a 30-minute firefight, and reports of the engagement pushed military commanders to order drones to scout the hill where the "Red Army" had established firing positions - discovering "multiple tunnels" that were believed to be entrances to an underground complex.

The following day, October 8th, Marines were ordered to assault the Red Army's position. While exact details of the battle weren't released to protect "operational security", the Citadel's report stated that it lasted three days. "Federal Marines were engaged with a Red Army garrison of at least 70 for approximately 72 hours before breaching the complex" the report stated. "Marines then engaged in close-quarters combat for approximately 45 minutes, securing the compound-- leading to the surrender of the remaining insurgent personnel."

According to the after-action report, at least 700 kilograms of pure cocaine were discovered in the bunker complex worth at least $17.5 million in some parts of the Federation. In addition, millions of dollars worth of weapons and munitions were discovered, as well as unconfirmed reports of military intelligence belonging to the Red Army, along with at least 2 officers. At least 50 Red Army Insurgents were killed during the fighting, along with 11 Marines. At least 30 Marines were wounded - 13 critically - over the course of the three days,
and it's yet to be confirmed if any of the critically wounded have passed away from their injuries.

Still, the Department of Defense has considered this a "major victory" in the JDF's campain to suppress terrorist and cartel organizations throughout the northern provinces of Marirana. "This bunker complex played a vital role in the Red Army's operations in Mederio province," the Citadel report said, "we expect enemy operations in this sector to falter without the logistical support that this facility provided, and plan to keep our adversaries from reorganizing and coordinating a contingency. This very well may be the beginning of the end for the Red Army in Mederio."

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by **Kisinger** » Thu Oct 12, 2017 7:12 am

NEGARA HOSTS OWN NAVAL EXERCISES IN RESPONSE TO GAULLICAN AGRRESSION
Director Hazam Ribok cites Gaullican Naval Exercises as ‘unprecedented levels of aggression in need of a response’

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Hamdani Kuwat @kuwathamdani
October 12th 2017| Kota Merdeka, Negara

Photo courtesy of Agung Ary Santoso.

Kota Merdeka -

A round of Naval Exercises has been announced near Puala Emerald following what has been described as an ‘unnecessary escalation’ by Gaullica in hosting its own round of exercises. Director Hazam Ribok released a stsatement along the lines of calling Gaullica “the Second Great Menace of Negara and that every action is currently being discussed among the Directorate regarding what to do with this ever escalating situation.

Our analysts have theorized that while the exercises are just a mere response, the two nations who were once close trade partners are now both gearing up to show that neither will back down and that this situation is very nearly about to escalate out of control.

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by **The Kingdom of Glitter** » Thu Oct 12, 2017 9:25 pm

O'REILLY GOVERNMENT WARNS FARS OVER ONGOING VREDOCHEM SCANDAL
Rising public outcry over the allegations made by 'Colonel Mustard' preceded the harsh warnings from the government

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Catherine O'Neil (@cathyogbf)
^{12 October 2017 | Spálgleann, Glytter}

Claire House backed Taoiseach O'Reilly's criticism of Fars and supported his calls for an international investigation.

SPÁLGLEANN – The Glytteronian Government has warned Fars over its possible production of chemical weapons.

Taoiseach Jimmy O'Reilly said chemical weapons production was a "clear violation of international law" and called on Fars to be "open and honest" with the international community.

Fars has been embroiled in a scandal involving the Vredlandian chemical company VredoChem, which has been linked to the Farsi arms industry and accused of helping the Farsi regime develop chemical weapons. This is something both the Farsi government and VredoChem have denied since the scandal first broke in late September. However, recent allegations by the exiled Colonel Azad Shigara have reignited the controversy.

Mr. Shigara, who fled to Glytter after the Farsi government pressed charges against him following his criticism of corruption within the regime, claimed that VredoChem sold components for chemical weapons to the Farsi military following the nation's defeat in the Darshistan Civil War. He alleges that the Vredlandian was involved in order to secure cheap oil and gas exports, and continued arms purchases by Fars.

The weapons were produced from 1994 to 2012 and are still being stored in Fars, according to the Colonel.

While his allegations remain unproven, they have sparked outrage. Within the Euclean press, Mr. Shigara has been dubbed "Colonel Mustard" for his role as a whistle blower.

The Farsi government has thus far denied his allegations and lamented the fact that he has not been extradited by the Glytteronian Government, which maintains that Fars has not done enough to prove that Mr. Shigara has violated Farsi law.

The Taoiseach said that the allegations made by Colonel Shigara were "absolutely unacceptable". However, he acknowledged that they remained unproven.

"While [Mr. Shigara's] claims remain unconfirmed, if they are true the international community has no choice but to act. These chemical weapons must be secured and destroyed properly. If Fars is unwilling to hand them over, Glytter will work with the Euclean Community and the Community of Nations and pursue sanctions" he said.

"There must be a comprehensive and transparent international investigation into the matter".

Both the Farsi and Vredlandian ambassadors have been summoned by the Taoiseach. A spokesperson for the Taoiseach's Office declined to comment as to what was discussed with them. However, a source familiar with the meetings said Mr. O'Reilly warned of "dire consequences" if the Farsi and Vredlandian governments attempted to initiate a cover-up.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Royce, who is abroad on a state visit in Carcosa, echoed the Taoiseach's position.

"There are serve consequences if the allegations are true" Ms. Royce said. "It is in the best interests of the Farsi government and VredoChem to be upfront and transparent as to not make the situation much worse".

The Foreign Ministry released a statement reiterating the stance of the Taoiseach and Foreign Minister. The statement was far more critical than the one issued by the ministry yesterday when the allegations by Colonel Sharigia were first made public.

Nóra MacQueen, Chair of the Comhthionól Committee on Foreign Affairs, said the committee would debate the issue in an emergency session called tomorrow.

"We must be ready and willing to act in order to ensure that this blatant violation of international law does not go unpunished" Ms. MacQueen said in a statement to the press.

Both the SFB and REG have indicated they will be interviewing Colonel Shargia about his allegations. However, both agencies declined to provide any specifics and merely confirmed they are interested in hearing what he has to say.

Mr. Shargia made the allegations on his personal website and has publicly confirmed to the Glytteronian and international press that he authored the statement.

"It would be absurd to say anyone else wrote this. It is my statement based on my knowledge of the practices of the Farsi government" he told reporters.

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by **Vredlandia** » Fri Oct 13, 2017 12:57 pm

Secretary of State Summons Glytteronian Ambassador In the Midst of VredoChem Allegations

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Anton Graf Flottreiter (@grafflottreiter)
1st of October 2017 | Eldburg, Vredlandia

Secretary of State Faltersburg (Archive Photo)
Photograph courtesy of VPA

Eldburg, Vredlandia - In the scandal surrounding Fars and Vredlandia's very own VredoChem company, events are unfolding ever faster. This week, Vredlandia's ambassador was summoned by Glytter's Taioseach O'Reilly, with him warning Vredlandia and Fars. Now Secretary of State Johann Faltersburg fought back -- But behind the scenes, Vredlandia is quickly advancing its own investigations, with a well known Minister under fire from the citizenry and media.

For weeks now a scandal has dominated Vredlandia's news: The alleged involvement of VredoChem in the Farsi chemical program. Vredlandia's Procureur Spécial de la Republique GdD (Par la Grâce de Dieu), has fused his investigations with the one of the Ministry of Law; former Farsi officers add to the allegations and Euclea is fuming over the whole affair. On Thursday, Glytter summoned Vredlandia's ambassador to the small island country. According to Glytteronian media, Vredlandia and Fars were warned not to cover anything up. Today, Secretary of State Faltersburg retaliated by summoning the Glytteronian ambassador himself.

Talking to Eldsburg media, Faltersburg confirmed the rumours: "The ambassador of Glytter was summoned to the Ministry [of Foreign Affairs] to ask for his Taioseach's interference in Vredlandian affairs and the damage he did to our country by his reckless actions." According to sources close to the Secretary, Glytter's ambassador had to endure a "noticably loud" reply by Faltersburg of around half an hour. The Secretary was reportedly mostly unhappy with Glytter's willingness to act about mere rumours. Another source said that the Secretary explicitly said that Glytter should handle its own issues before lecturing foreign nations.

He also lashed out against President Avery, stating that no Foreign country had the right to hold Vredlandia accountable, since they hadn't broken any international treaties they conformed to. Anything else would be something Vredlandia had to solve internally.

But it wasn't all dominated by arguments: According to the Secretary's office, he handed Glytter's ambassador a formal request for an interview of Azad Shigara by Vredlandian investigators. Shigara is a former Farsi intelligence officer who made news this week by releasing more details on the allegations, including the role of Vredlandian intelligence. According to Shigara, "the Vredlandian intelligence services were involved in the sale of chemical weapons to Fars in return for benefits in the form of cheap oil and gas exports, and continued arms purchases by Fars". Shigara also stated that he did not have any verifications of the claim himself, however.

Still the news come at an unfortunate time for Minister of Defence Grunwald: On Wednesday, the Ministry of Law launched investigative raids on not just several offices of Vredlandia's military intelligence and the Defense Ministry, but on Grunwald's home itself. Minister Grunwald served as officer in the military intelligence before he started his career in the National Assembly. As Minister of Defence, he had been a strong advocate of arms deals with Fars and other Coian countries. The news are particularly delicate because Grunwald wants to assume the office of Seneschal after Raivo Kloth resigns, so in only a few weeks of time. Politically, his nomination by the Holy Father is understood to be safe for the sake of the Holy Father's neutrality in National Assembly matters -- Grunwald was frontrunner for the office before Kloth even announced his resignation. But Minister Grunwald still needs to collect more than half of the votes of the members of Vredlandia's National Assembly. Without explicitly endorsing Grunwald, which would be unbecoming of the Unity Party's General Secretary, Vitus Hüld already announced that the ascension of a Cabinet member such as Grunwald would be very reasonable in turbulent times such as these.

The Minister of Law is said to make a statement on Sunday. Insiders say that arrests had already been made.

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HaraldHemd · 1 hour ago
Where's Kloth on all of this? I think we ought to know

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GundulaGause · 1 hour ago
Our Secretary is an embarrassment. First his absence of manners in the Cabinet, now this

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TRUEVRED55 · 1 hour ago ago
To hell witj those forreigners!!!!! VREDLANDIA UNBENNT!

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by **Lunas Legion** » Sat Oct 14, 2017 8:31 am

This Week in News

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Sargis Nalian(@SNalHai)
^{14th October 2017 10:09 AM | Shamiramishen, Denikert}

A pair of soldiers from the 4th (Royal Harkapet) Dragoon Guards Demi-Brigade during Exercise White Flame.
Photo courtesy of the Republican Guard Photography Company.

Shamiramishen, Denikert:

Following the numerous events that have happened this week, we felt that it would be best to complile a full summary of everything that has unfolded this week, both domestically and internationally.

Firstly, the Farsi-VredoChem Scandal, which broke in mid-September, has only deepened with the allegations of an exiled Pasdaran Colonel stating that he oversaw the sale of chemical weapons to Fars in the mid-late 1990s and continued production thereafter. Reactions within Denikert's government have been rather muted, likely due to the fractuous nature of the current coalition of the DRP, MDP, G and DLP and that Stage II of the Southern Economic Plan Act is due to reach the Zhoghov next week or the week after. The government's official line, according to Vazrig Toumanian, Nakrarar for Foreign Affairs, is that 'Denikert welcomes the response of the international community, and will do anything it can to support any investigations into the current allegations.'

Opposition parties, however, have been far more vocal. The DP and NP, in a joint statement on the matter, stated that 'the current investigation does not go far enough' and that they would accept 'nothing short of the CN-overseen destruction of all Farsi chemical weapons stockpiles, production materials and production facilities.' The RRP went further and stated that 'international law must be enforced in the same manner as domestic law, with overwhelming force'. The military has responded to the allegations by having the 1st Republican Dragoon Guards Division undertake NBC drills and exercises from its current location near the border with Fars over the next week.

Domestically, the main occurrence this week, oddly enough, has been the Satucin Referrendum, which has led to Nara I Terzoulvisia calling for 'a free democratic referrendum on the status of Denikert's monarchy', claiming that the Satucin Referendum result 'demonstrates that monarchy has a place in the modern era, just as much as a republican form of government does'. Denikert has had a referendum on the status of the monarchy back in 1956, where the monarchists were defeated by the republicans 47% to 53%. However, Mane I Terzouvisia, the pretender to the throne of Denikert, won the first elections for Arrajin Hyupatos of Denikert in 1960. In addition, Denikert's political scene has changed much since the 1950s and 1960s, with the Democratic Party, previously a centerist party that included both monarchists and republicans splitting into the Democratic Republican Party and the Millenium Democratic Party losing much of their power. The Democratic Party's pro-republican stance during the 1956 referrendum is widely held to have been a prominent factor in the narrow republican victory, with other factors being the refusal of Sin Nasir, at that point a prominent political figure in the DP to refuse to throw his support to either side, claiming that 'the people should be allowed to make up their own minds and not be swayed by figures such as myself who have no buisness in poliitcs.'

This call has been echoed from multiple parties, including Sarkis Sarian, leader of the RRP, Karapet Nanian, leader of the DP, Ador Galinyan, de facto leader of the monarchist wing of the DRP and Nakrarar for Public Safety/Security/Intelligence and Ela Valiani, de facto leader of the monarchists in the MDP and Nakrarar for Law.

The government has refused to comment on this situation.

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Stage II of the Southern Economic Plan Act approved by Committee for National Infrastructure
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by **The Holy Dominion of Inesea** » Mon Oct 16, 2017 7:59 am

Association des Réseaux d'Actualités d'Astéria Affiliate-Associated Senouillacan Free Press
Rapport Métropolitain-Politics

Cedric du Pont

The National Election Directorate has announced that Charles de Ghaille has won the October President Elections. Assemblyman Louis la Folle du Comte has been elected as Presidential Associate. President de Ghaille received 61.7% of the vote. Assemblyman Louis la Folle du Comte took second place, surging ahead of his competition from pre-vote polling at 3.5% to a respectable 22.6% of the vote. Madame Claudette du Pompi saw her support plunge, falling from 48% pre-voting polls to a meager 14.6% of the vote. Counselor Pierre Thurmingson came in last place, with 1.1% of the vote. Many polling agencies and think tanks were shocked at the results of the elections. While it was correctly polled that the immensely popular Interim President from the Catholic Labor Party would win, may polls predicted a mere plurality not the majority President de Ghaille received. Another shocking reversal was the collapse of du Pompi’s support in the weeks leading up to the election. As per Election law, the party of the Prime Minister is forbidden from running a candidate for Presidency during a replacement election. As the Senouillacan Communitarian Democratic Convention could not run a candidate, the Republican Coalition was expected to pick up the second most votes and take the Presidential Associateship, achieving a high-level position for the first time in a decade. Madame du Pompi lost most of her support after it was revealed that she took money from several domestic corporations in violation of campaign law. In a shocking turn of events, Assemblyman la Folle du Comte of the Monbequois Freedom Party took the Presidential Associateship. The Monbequois Freedom Party received previously unheard of levels of support from around the country and in Monbec. Assemblyman la Folle du Comte ran on an expanded platform of Make Senouillac Ours Again, which promoted withdrawing from entangling alliances with Euclea and instead focusing on increasing regional powers of the provinces and expanding Senouillacan influence in Coius and the Asterias. Counselor Pierre Thurmingson fared as predicted, with the People’s Power Front garnering modest support in the southern central cities but being almost unheard of on the coasts.

The results of the elections for 10 Counselorships, 60 Assemblyships, and all Provincial Legislatures and Provincial Governorships have been announced as well. In the Conseil National, the Catholic Labor Party now stands at 32 seats, up 2 seats. The Senouillacan Communitarian Democratic Convention lost 4 seats, dropping to 20 seats. The Republican Coalition picked up 2 seats, up to 16 seats. The Monbequois Freedom Party and People’s Power Front remained stable at 4 and 8 seats. The Assemblée Nationale saw the Catholic Labor Party surge to 146 seats, gaining 25 Assemblymen. The People’s Power Front and Monbequois Freedom Party each gained 3 seats, to 44 seats and 19 seats respectively. The Republican Coalition lost 6 seats, falling to 50 seats while the Senouillacan Communitarian Democratic Convention was hammered, dropping to 101 seats. This puts Prime Minister Saint-Simmon’s position in jeopardy, as her party no longer has a majority. While she will continue to remain Prime Minister, as the Prime Minister and President can’t be of the same party, the powers of the Prime Minister are severely curtailed when their party is not in power. The Catholic Labor Party and Republican Coalition have announced a Coalition Government, one which will have 196 of the 360 seats in the Assemblée Nationale and 48 of the 80 seats in the Conseil National. Robert Arincourt will step down as Delegate of the Legislature, with the Conseil National replacing him with prominent Republican Aurélien Carpentier. Six provinces have elected Catholic Labor Party Governors, three have elected Communitarians, three have elected Republicans, Monbec elected a Monbequois Freedom Party Governor, and two elected independents. The Provincial Legislatures saw a slight shift towards Republicans and Catholic Labor and away from the Communitarians. This reflects a change in the two decade long trend of increasing power of the Senouillcan Communitarian Democratic Convention and erosion of the Catholic Labor Party’s control over the country.

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by **Vredlandia** » Mon Oct 16, 2017 3:35 pm

Grunwald's Darkest Hour: And His World Came Tumbling Down

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Anton Graf Flottreiter (@grafflottreiter)
16th of October 2017 | Eldburg, Vredlandia

Minister of Defence Grunwald entering his car (Archive Photo)
Photograph courtesy of VPA

Eldburg, Vredlandia - As the first Vredlandian Cabinet official ever to be sanctioned by a foreign nation, Minister Grunwald wrote a sad bit of history this weekend. Even the last critics must now admit: Vredlandia is rocketed by its biggest crisis since the Great War. Civil division reaches new heights, the Seneschal is resigning, Vredlandia's longest reigning Holy Father suddenly dead. The toxic VredoChem scandal is in the news daily, and the flood of details doesn't end. Vreden across the country are marching on the street to force Minister Grunwald's arrest, but they might be forgetting a few things. Even among the Minister's worst crisis, his shadow stretches far across Political Eldburg.

On Sunday, one bombshill hit the news after another. First, Minister of Law Matti Saam confirmed (after it had first leaked online on Saturday) that they had made several arrests -- and that Minister Grunwald would lose his immunity. A few hours later the Euclean Community followed suit by sanctioning Grunwald harshly, basically cutting him off from the Euclean Community member states altogether. For a Minister who frequently travelled abroad, that's close to a death penalty - diplomatically, of course. Protesters have gotten so angry, thousands turned out on a Sunday in Vredensund and other Vreden cities to demand Grunwald's arrest. Quite extraordinarily, they currently go as far as attacking their fellow Vreden - their hero Seneschal Kloth and his close ally Matti Saam - for not firing the scandalous Minister of Defence even though they're fully willing to take his immunity.

What the angry mob quickly forgets is that taking Grunwald's immunity might have already been the Seneschal's last credible ace. If he fired him, that would only reinforce the view of Grunwald's allies and the country's Weranian citizens that Kloth and Saam are exercising revenge on Grunwald for his betrayal during the reform bill discussion. If he exchanged Vreden demonstrators for Weranian ones, that'd make the whole situation even more unstable and uncontrollable, simply because among Vredo-Weranians Seneschal Kloth absolutely lacks the standing and sympathy he enjoys with his fellow Vreden. Further widening the rift between Vredlandia's ethnicities should be the last of Kloth's interests.

By fully throwing the ball into the hand of Vredlandia's Courts, he handed it to an institution that enjoys highest levels of trust among all citizens, only equal to the Church. Now he must only calm down the demonstrators and make clear to them that -- all allegations aside -- Minister Grunwald has not been found guilty by any court yet. There are very strong indications that Grunwald aided the Farsi in their chemical weaponry program, but still they're *only* indications. A thin straw, but duty and national unity demand that Kloth still clings his fingers around it.

Of course, Seneschal Kloth could be relieved of the issue if Minister Grunwald resigned on his own. Sources close to him say that he is most definitely considering it, if only to get rid of all the attention. Maybe he could even get something out of resigning voluntarily, maybe strike a deal with the Seneschal or Minister of Law.

Allies, however, are swarming Grunwald to not surrender now. They see that without him, many will have taken big risks for nothing. Instead of the likely pay raise, they would be suffering from denounciation and isolation. And even if he didn't do it out of loyalty for them - who could be next Seneschal instead of Grunwald? Saam, who is already leading a witch hunt against one of them, and doesn't seem intrigued to end it? The Secretary of State, who has called Grunwald a "radical demagogue without dignity" and Grunwald's allies - not much more charmingly - a bunch of "treacherous amateurs"? The risk of letting them take over might just be too high.

But maybe they Grunwald's allies are in luck, for there's one thing that would seem most likely to make him stay in office: Pride. Pride forbids him to leave the office. He would seem weak, in the wrong, lose much of his attention. And everyone who has ever talked to Minister Grunwald for more than ten minutes could attest that he would rather go down fighting than quietly resign to never be heard of again -- even if he was confirmed to be innocent. No, he needs the stage, both for his own egoism and to defend himself.

It's likely that Grunwald lay low for a while, already all his interviews for the week were rescheduled. "The Minister has the choice of being stabbed in the back or walking into a line of fire", an ally of Grunwald told us. "It's gonna be a bloody affair either way, but he can survive this, and then he still he is still as likely to become Seneschal as was before."

Vredlandia shall see -- At the very latest on the 1st of November, when the new Holy Father will officially release Seneschal Kloth of his duties and commence the selection of another. For a man like Franz Grunwald, that's more than enough time to turn tables.

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JürgenWuterich · 1 hour ago
To hell with all of this, damn it. Never thought I'd miss the days smoked fish was Vredlandia's debate number one -_-

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MarianneMaley · 1 hour ago
Say what you will of Minister Grunwald, but he is a man of integrity. His robustness shows just that.

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EisenAdler · 1 hour ago ago
God Bless I dont have to see that smug face of Kloth anymore soon! Theyre the real criminals here!

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Assemblymember Johan Radlinger was attacked by three unidentified strangers on his way home from the National Assembly. As his office confirms, he was riding his bike, "like he always does". According to State Security, the strangers must have first rammed Radlinger's bike with a car and then assaulted him, possibly with the intent of killing him. His condition is critical. Radlinger was one of the main architects of LGBT equality in Vredlandia. He was victim of an attack before, in 2011, when his car was demolished. Seneschal Kloth wished his colleague "the very best" and announced to visit him as soon as he felt better. The Primus Inter Pares of the Vredlandian Reformed Church denounced the attacks in his role as acting Holy Father. Read more by clicking here as events unfold.
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by **The Kingdom of Glitter** » Mon Oct 16, 2017 10:15 pm

EC MOVES AGAINST VREDLANDIAN MINISTER AT THE CENTER OF THE VREDOCHEM SCANDAL
Vredlandian Defense Minister Franz Grunwald has had his assets seized and is banned from traveling to the EC

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Rory Cork (@rcorkgbf)
^{15 October 2017 | Kesselbourg City, Kesselbourg}

High Commissioner Katherine McDermont (ELP - Glytter) said Mr. Grunwald "would be wise to cooperate with Vreden authorities".

KESSELBOURG CITY – The Vredlandian Minister of Defense currently at the center of the VredoChem scandal has had his assets seized and is banned from traveling to the EC, the Euclean Commission has announced.

The move against Franz Grunwald, who has served as Defense Minister since 2015, was in order to "assist Vredlandian authorities" according to the High Commissioner of the Euclean Commission.

"The seizure of [Mr. Grunwald's] assets and the travel restrictions placed upon him is in order to ensure the Vredlandian authorities are able to conduct a thorough investigation. Given that the Ministry of Law has rescinded his immunity, we have reason to suspect [Mr. Grunwald] has enough incentive to flee. This is what prompted us to act" Commissioner Kathern McDermont (ELP - Glytter) said at a press conference held after the decision was announced.

"It would be most wise of him to cooperate with Vreden authorities. If Mr. Grunwald has not violated the law, a thorough investigation would prove that" she said.

Minister Grunwald is thought to have been personally involved in the Vredlandian intelligence operations that assisted Fars in acquiring the materials needed in order to develop chemical weapons. News of his potential involvement was first reported by the Vredlandian press on Wednesday. The news broke after Vredlandian authorities launched a series of raids on the country's military intelligence offices, the Defense Ministry, and Mr. Grunwald's home.

Having served as officer in the military intelligence before entering politics, Mr. Grunwald is speculated to have been a part of the Vredlandian operations in order to secure cheap oil and gas exports, and continued arms purchases by Fars. During his tenure as Defense Minister he has been a strong advocate of arms deals with Fars, drawing further attention to his relationship with the Farsi regime.

Mr. Grunwald is considered a front-runner to replace outgoing Vredlandian Seneschal Raivo Kloth. The moves against him by his own government, and now the Euclean Community, certainly complicates his position.

Commissioner McDermont declined to say whether or not the Commission believed Mr. Grunwald had committed a crime, instead saying it was "for the Vredlandian authorities or an international court to decide".

The Commission has also heavily criticized the Farsi government and has said it will consider sanctions if Fars does not comply with an international investigation. The Vredlandian company accused of supplying Fars with the chemicals needed to develop its chemical weapons is also likely to face sanctions, Ms. McDermont said.

"Those responsible will be punished" she said.

Ms. McDermont stressed the need for more than punishment, but for justice. She said it was "useless" it exclusively punish VredoChem and not those involved in the decision to provide Fars with the chemicals.

"It is important that all those involved are brought to justice for violating international law".

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by **Alinora** » Wed Oct 18, 2017 1:13 pm

AMBASSADOR REICHART PUSHES FOR SANCTIONS AGAINST FARS
In the Community of Nations, Asterian Ambassador Paula Reichart claims "the Federation will not let up until Fars is held responsible for trampling on international law"

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Ben Underguard (@BenGuard)
October 12th 2017| Antona, Federation

Ambassador Reichart and President Avery
Photo courtesy of Sentinel News

Community of Nations -

This morning, Ambassador Paula Reichart - current Federation Ambassador to the CN - would release a statement to the General Assembly, stating that the Federation "will not let up until Fars is held responsible for trampling on international law". This statement comes months after the scandal between Fars and VredoChem -
which involved the illegal trade of chemical weapons between the two - came to light, and while it may appear to be a bit "too late", President Avery insists otherwise.

"We didn't want to jump the gun" Avery said to the Press, "but now, there's no doubt that Fars and VredoChem violated international law, and need to face the consequences."

Along with her statemet, Ambassador Reichart brought history into the mix: "Asterians were the first to modernize armed conflict-- the tank, the airplane, these were all weapons manufactured and implemented by Asterians. We were the first to use chemicals as weapons of war, and subsequently were the first to see the horrific levels of pain, suffering, and death that they cause." Her statement would also add that "the Federation pushed for chemical weapons to be banned after the Civil War, which was largely ignored by the international community. After the Great War, however, the Federation pushed for them to be banned yet again, and they were. This 1938 decision holds true today, that no chemical weapons can be held by nations or used in warfare."

The official statement is as follows:

After much debate and deliberation, the Federation has decided to officially condemn the actions of Fars in engaging in illegal purchasing of chemical weapons from VredoChem. The Federation's State Department, in coordination with the CN Mission and Glytteronian authorities, plans to back sanctions against Fars and inflict punishments against VredoChem in order to set a precedent of responsibility for those who engage in any activities regarding chemical weapons. As per the 1938 decision, the use of chemical weapons have been banned, and the expansion of existing chemical weapons stockpiles has been forbidden. Since Fars has violated this international law, the Federation sees no other alternative but to prosecute the Farsi Government on the floors of the Community of Nations.

Federation Mission to the Community of Nations
October 18th 2017

Foreign Policy experts suggest that this move to impose sanctions on Fars may damage the Federation's relationship with Hydana, which remains on of the Federation's main trade partners. President Avery insists that the Federation is not trying to "damage relations" with the Coian partner, but merely to "enforce international law", saying that "the Federation would move to hold any nation accountable for these actions, even if they were a close ally."

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by **Senkaku** » Thu Oct 19, 2017 4:08 pm

STRAITS TIMES

BREAKING: SECURITY DIRECTORATE AND METROPOLITAN POLICE RAID VREDOCHEM CARCOSA OFFICES
ARRESTED VREDOCHEM EMPLOYEES NAMED AS VREDLANDIAN SPIES, SIX VREDLANDIAN DIPLOMATS NAMED PERSONA NON GRATA, DOZENS OF ARRESTS AT PORT AUTHORITY AND BORDER CONTROL DEPARTMENT

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Ahmad Durand(@al_dura )
19 October 2017 08:00 | Ward 9

Metropolitan Police Chief Jean-Paul Muadib speaking to reporters in the wake of the massive raids.
Photo courtesy of the Security Directorate Public Relations Bureau.

Ward 9, Carcosa -

Armed officers of the Metropolitan Police Department and the Security Directorate stormed VredoChem's Carcosa headquarters today, seizing the Vredlandian chemical conglomerate's offices and thousands of documents there believed to be related to the ongoing investigation into the export of chemical precursors to nerve agents and other chemical weapons from Vredlandia for Fars. Police and security officials have been scrutinizing the company's dealings in Carcosa in the wake of reports from Farsi defectors that VredoChem supplied the illegal Farsi chemical weapons program, and now appear to have moved swiftly to arrest and punish those responsible for the transport of many of the illicit chemicals through Carcosa's port and airport. The raid, which kicked off at around four in the morning, saw armed police teams storm and sweep the building before Security Directorate investigators swarmed the company's offices, with many VredoChem employees coming into work being stopped and sent home by police. Police Chief Muadib also confirmed that several dozen individuals connected to the company were detained for questioning, though he clarified they were not under arrest but merely considered persons of interest.

However, Director Valerii of the Security Directorate confirmed two VredoChem employees of Vredlandian extraction were arrested and are being charged with espionage on behalf of a foreign power, as well as a range of other charges including bribery, fraud, and extortion, after the Security Directorate's investigatory work reportedly confirmed they were working on behalf of Vredlandian military intelligence to bribe and blackmail customs officials into helping VredoChem's Fars-bound shipments clear Carcosian customs inspections. This would be enough of a shocking development, but in addition, the Senate has also declared six further Vredlandian diplomats persona non grata after Security Directorate accusations that they were also involved in the efforts to subvert Carcosian border control. The aggressive move is sure to send shockwaves through Euclea as the VredoChem scandal continues to escalate, and even some in the Senate considered it a step too far, with some members of the opposition voicing concern that the Princeps' administration had let the investigation get "out of control."

In addition to the stunning moves at VredoChem headquarters and by the Senate and Security Directorate, Metropolitan Police descended on the offices of the Port Authority and the Border Control Agency and several private residences throughout the city, arresting dozens of customs employees believed to have been subverted by Vredlandian intelligence and bribed or blackmailed into illegally helping VredoChem shipments clear customs and skip proper inspection. The Office of the Attorney General issued a statement indicating that those who have been arrested will face a variety of charges, including corruption and espionage. Those arrested include both senior leadership and frontline inspections personnel at all three of Carcosa's deepwater shipping terminals and at both of the city's major airports.

Coming on the heels of sanctions and international condemnation directed both at Fars and at Vredlandia, where senior government officials including Defense Minister Grunwald had already been implicated, this fresh development in Carcosa is sure to stir outrage on both sides. The Princeps' office indicated she would make more detailed remarks on the Senate floor tomorrow, but an unidentified spokesperson for her said she condemned "malicious Vredlandian actions taken in bad faith in contravention of international law" and would be instructing the Minister for Euclean Affairs, Maryam Vasseur, to lodge a request that the Community take further actions against Vredlandia in retaliation (including further sanctions).

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