//Don't immediately invade, don't one-liner. Thanks.
Spokesperson Blume, top brass to head "emergency government"
Tanks rolling through Viribus on the way to the Congress Building
VIRIBUS--The military officially seized power from the President and the Congress this morning, in a shock bloodless coup. The coup started at 8:55 AM,as military forces rolled into the capital city of Viribus, announcing their intentions and encouraging cooperation on loudspeaker. At 9:22 AM, with little resistance besides quickly dispersed impromptu protests, the military had seized the Presidential Mansion and the Congress.
Spokesperson of the Congress Peter Blume made an announcement at 9:45 AM, stating that he had approved the coup using a technicality in the Constitution--a somewhat complicated logical conclusion of the language on the powers of the legislature and the Spokesperson and the line of succession. Legal experts are already saying this is not a valid conclusion, but the judiciary has not released a statement.
Blume stated that "This was not a decision made hastily, but after a long period of consideration and consultation with advisors, the top brass and various experts on democracy and authoritarianism. It is a direct response to the rise of extremism on both sides of the aisle and to the inability of the executive and legislative branches to cooperate."
He also added that "This is a temporary emergency government while we address systemic issues in Akipaian democracy. Most everything will continue as normal, and new elections will be held as soon as possible."
The President is currently detained on unknown charges, though Blume stated that "She is not in serious trouble and is very comfortable." The Congress has been completely discharged as civilians, with about six arrested for resisting, to be released in five days.
Blume claims that a deadline for an end to the emergency government will be announced "within the next several days".