33 Provinces in 33 Days (News Thread in Laeral, Open)

by **Greater Miami Shores** » Tue Feb 26, 2019 6:34 am

Our Introduction Post.
Democratic Republic of Greater Miami Shores.

:
Minister of Foreign Diplomatic Relations - Otto Reich:
Vice Minister of Foreign Diplomatic Relations - Giovanni Corrado.

Minister of Foreign Diplomatic Relations - Otto Reich:
German Austrian Jewish father.
Cuban Catholic mother of Spaniard descent.
Born in La Habana Cuba city province.
Conservative Republican Nationalist party CRNP.

:
Vice Minister of Foreign Diplomatic Relations, Giovanni Corrado, young 20 years old Colombian Italian, the next Minister of Foreign Diplomatic Relations and popular future President, provided Vice President Ileana Ros-Lehtinen succeeds President Lincoln Diaz-Balart in the next Presidential elections when his second five year term expires, according to our nation's leading psychic Aura Sanchinelli of Guatemalan, Italian birth and descent married to a Cuban, whom everyone knows is always right. Conservative Republican Nationalist Party.

While we supported Hsieh Pai-han, than supported Damien Vendorme and think someday they will be great Presidents of Laeral, we congratulate Liu Mei-han of the New Democratic Party for her landslide election victory 43 % to 57 %, and wish her well as a great President of Laeral for the good of the Laeralite people.

As fellow democratic nations based on a capitalist type economy, we respect any different economic, political or social differences on any issues we might have, and wish to establish close, economic, political, cultural and tourist diplomatic relations with the government of Liu Mei-han and the Laeralite people.

:
We name Ambassador John Chang and his staff as Miami Shores Ambassador to Laeral, it will be my honour to represent Miami Shores and Laeralites in your nation fairly, with honour and respect.

According to our Dec 31 2017 census their are 7,980 legal Chinese immigrant citizens to be and 1,487 legal Chinese foreign nationals in our nation, 9,467 strong, as well as at least 11,370 Chinese Cuban citizens, 20,837 strong, and the Chinese ethnic community as grown since then, our Dec 31 2018 census will be released Dec 31 2019.

You may name with Pic if possible your Gentleman or Lady Ambassador with staff to our nation, right here on your election website page if you wish?

Or visit our embassy exchange website page, just fill out all questions that may apply to your nation in your case as a matter of diplomatic courtesy, as your embassy application request has already been pre approved.
viewtopic.php?f=23&t=417280&hilit=miami+shores+embassy+exchange+website+page

:
Cuban Minister of the Economy - Tony Ojeda JR.
Vice Ministra of the Economy - Chinese Cuban Ana Wong Wood.

We offer a fair free trade agreement on all sectors of our economy, increasing exports and imports between our nations, nation to nation, rather than international organization to international organization, a good deal, a great deal.

An online business visa registry system to make it easier for business man and business women from both our nations to enter and leave our nations when their business interests require it, with updated police security reports from both nations as needed, in case a business man or business women of either nation gets compromised, blackmailed or commits a crime of passion while in our nations.

As we expect our archenemy for obvious reasons, La Habana Cuba Democratic lol gulp, Communist Socialist Republic to offer you economic, political, cultural and tourist diplomatic relations and investments, any trade agreement with our nation must include a clause that our exports and imports to and from your nation cant be re exported by any nation on your soil to our archenemy La Habana Cuba Democratic Socialist Republic or through a third nation.

We hope and trust you understand our strong feelings on this issue for obvious reasons.

They call us anti social, anti democratic, gusano worms, escoria scums, Miami Mafia elements when they want to put us down, and their overseas immigrant descendants when they want our care packages, exports, imports and family remittances, when they want our citizens to buy and re charge their citizens cell phones which they are now allowed to own, when they want our citizens to cover their internet messages costs.

We suggest appointing joint trade representatives from both nations to oversea the enforcement of this clause, we name Alberto García as our trade representative, our ambassador and his staff in your nation will be responsible for the enforcement of this clause, and they know, understand and accept that they will have to answer to President Lincoln Diaz-Balart and Vice President Ileana Ros-Lehtinen personally if their are any potential violations of the agreement, and it might cause them loosing their ambassadorship in your nation.

Standing behind the President and Vice President - Pablo Padula, Uruguayan Vice Minister of Defense, next to the Vice President, Minister of Defense Armando Pérez Roura, the old man I love and respect.

:
President Lincoln Diaz-Balart - Vice President Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Minister of Defense Armando Pérez Roura of Cuban birth and descent.

Meet our Council of Ministers with Pics.
https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=846690
out of character comments, I am proud of my Miami Nation RP and the real world leaders I have chosen for it, while you might not know them, they are qualified professionals, vote arrow up like the post, vote arrow down dislike the post.

by **La Habana Cuba** » Tue Feb 26, 2019 7:18 am

:
Chinese Cuban Ambassador - José Wong.
My Personal congratulations to Liu Mei-han of the New Democrats for her landslide election victory, 43 % to 57 %, I know she will be a great President for Laeral and the Laeralite People, it will be my honour to work with her at improving La Habana Cuban, Laeral economic, political, cultural and tourist diplomatic relations.

According to our Dec 31 2017 census Chinese Cubans make up 1 % of our population, at least 112,211 strong.

:
Cuban Minister of Foreign Affairs:
Bruno Eduardo Rodriguez Parrilla.
La Habana Cuba Democratic Communist Socialist Republic.

We congratulate Liu Mei-han of the New Democrats for her landslide Presidential election victory, 43 % to 57 % and wish her well for Laeral and the Laeralite People.

As we did not endorse, support, suggest or favor a presidential candidate for the Laeralite People, we respected their democratic right to choose their President without any foreign interference from us, so we wish to re affirm our already close friendly, economic, political, cultural and tourist diplomatic relations with Laeral and the Laeralite People.

We see above our archenemy for obvious reasons, Miami Shores has offered you economic, political, cultural and tourist diplomatic relations, we don't care if you have diplomatic and economic relations with them as well, we don't care about their so called trade clause, but they lie about us and the revolution, we hope and trust you don't believe their lies about us and the democratic revolution.

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Ministra of Social Security and Labor - Margarita Marlene González Fernández.
Representing Gea Corps Director, Hilda Cuesta Barceló:

We wish to help President Liu Mei-han by sending her 1,000 of our best Cuban doctors and nurses each, recently unjustly expelled from Brasilia Brazil by far right wing President Jair Bolsonaro, who had the nerve to insult the revolution. ?

We renew our offer of great investments in all sectors of our economy, our Gea Corps government employment agency will hire the best Cuban doctors, nurses, social workers, tourist, waiters, waitresses, construction workers, production workers, cruise ship workers, general workers and our best Guajiro Farmers and Ranchers for your nations businesses within Cuba or overseas in your nation.

Just provide our overseas workers with food, shelter and transportation vouchers, we suggest a communal living center with a cafeteria as the cheapest option, sharing a room with bunk beds for 4 persons for the ladies and gentleman's separately of course.

Please state how many Cuban doctors and nurses you wish, please state how many Cuban workers and kinds of workers you wish, nationals or overseas workers in your nation?

Your nations corporations will pay Gea Corps per month, per worker and Gea Corps will pay our nations workers, no La Habana Cuban may be promoted to supervisor or manager positions, if a manager or supervisor of your nation has a problem with any of the workers, just provide a report to Gea Corps of the incidents for our records and the workers will be replaced.

Ministra of Social Security and Labor - Margarita Marlene González Fernández.
Representing Gea Corps Director, Hilda Cuesta Barceló.

Raúl Castro Ruz - General of the Armed Forces and
First Secretary of the Democratic Communist Socialist Party of La Habana Cuba.

President Miguel Diaz-Canel.
LHC Cuban State Council of Ministers Collective.
Democratic Communist Socialist Republic of La Habana Cuba.

Fidel Castro Ruz.
Our eternal Comandante en Jefe and Yours.

by **Laeral** » Tue Feb 26, 2019 7:12 pm

OOC Notice: Thanks to everyone for your responses! I wish I could reply to them, and post the Assembly of Commons results and further news updates, but this week looks to be frighteningly busy. I will respond as soon as I can.

Thanks for understanding,
Laeral

by **Vedastia** » Wed Feb 27, 2019 10:22 pm

Horace Newman (@ForeignMinisterVT)
Just now from Hoipton, Vedastia

HM Government congratulates Liu Mei-han on her victory and looks forward to working with her in the future.

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by **Laeral** » Thu Feb 28, 2019 6:40 pm

Liu Mei-han (@LiuMei-han)
Just now from Laeralsford, Laeral

朋友，家人，絲綢之鄉的人們：對我們所有人來說，這是一段漫長的旅程。有些人從一開始就和我在一起，有些人和我一起參加競選活動。昨天有些人為我投票，不是因為我是你的第一選擇，而是因為我是你的第二個，或者你的第三個。有些人根本沒有投票支持我。而且，今天我和你們所有人都稱我為國家的總統，我從未獲得過更高的榮譽。在接下來的幾個月和幾年裡，我將致力於為所有人服務，作為你的總統。

Amis, famille, Laeraliens: le voyage a été long pour nous tous. Certains d’entre vous étaient avec moi depuis le tout début, et certains d’entre vous se sont joints à moi pendant la campagne électorale. Certains d’entre vous ont voté pour moi hier, non pas parce que j’étais votre premier choix, mais parce que j’étais votre deuxième ou votre troisième. Certains d'entre vous n'ont pas du tout voté pour moi. Et je n’ai jamais eu autant d’honneur que de prendre la parole devant vous tous aujourd’hui et de me qualifier de président de notre pays. Au cours des mois et des années à venir, je me consacrerai au service de tous, en tant que président.

Friends, family, Laeralites: it's been a long journey for all of us. Some of you were with me from the very beginning, and some of you joined with me on the campaign trail. Some of you cast your ballot for me yesterday not because I was your first choice, but because I was your second, or your third. Some of you didn't vote for me at all. And I have never had a higher honor than to stand before you, all of you, today and call myself the president of our nation. Over the coming months and years, I will dedicate myself to serving the people, all of you, as your president.
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Del. Damien Vendorme (@damien_vendorme_english)
Just now from Jinyu, Therese, Laeral

To all of you who supported my campaign: thank you. Thank you for your efforts, your passion, and the kindness and hospitality you've shown me and my family throughout the election season. I have just conceded the race for the presidency of Laeral to my opponent, Governor Liu Mei-han, and I offered her my warmest congratulations upon her victory. I will be returning to my seat in the General Assembly, where I will keep fighting for our Laeral. Thank you, and God bless you all.
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Liu Mei-han (@LiuMei-han)
Just now from Laeralsford, Laeral

感謝新英格蘭的Elizabeth Tayagi-Kennedy（@ETK_UNE), Trive的皇帝Lynnoux Yakovlev，LOM的總理Mulberry (@edwardmulberry), 山地國家的皇帝MarionMaréchal-Le Men（@Maréchal-LeMenParliamentHouse), 蝴蝶國家的Josephine Alvarez (@JosieAlvarezLiberal), 林肯·迪亞茲·巴拉特總統，吠達西亞外交部長紐曼（@ForeignMinisterVT)，米格爾·迪亞斯·卡內爾總統以及其他許多人的熱烈祝賀。可能在接下來的四年裡，我們各國之間的友誼將會加深。
Merci à Elizabeth Tayagi-Kennedy (@ETK_UNE) de la Nouvelle-Angleterre, à l'empereur Lynnoux Yakovlev de Trive, au premier ministre de LOM Mulberry (@edwardmulberry), à l'empereur Marion Maréchal-Le Men (@ Maréchal-LeMenParliamentHouse) de le Yohannes, à Josephine Alvarez de Lauchenoiria (@ Josie Alvarez Libéral), président Lincoln Diaz-Balart, ministre des Affaires étrangères Newman de Vedastia (@ForeignMinisterVT), président Miguel Diaz-Canel et beaucoup d'autres pour leurs chaleureuses félicitations. Que les quatre prochaines années soient une période d'approfondissement de l'amitié entre nos nations respectives.
Thank you to New England's Elizabeth Tayagi-Kennedy (@ETK_UNE), Emperor Lynnoux Yakovlev of Trive, LOM's Chancellor Mulberry (@edwardmulberry), Yohannes's Emperor Marion Maréchal-Le Men (@Maréchal-LeMenParliamentHouse), Lauchenoiria's Josephine Alvarez (@JosieAlvarezLiberal), President Lincoln Diaz-Balart, Foreign Minister Newman of Vedastia (@ForeignMinisterVT), President Miguel Diaz-Canel, and so many others for their warm congratulations. May the next four years be a time of deepening friendship between our respective nations.
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by **Laeral** » Sat Mar 02, 2019 2:34 pm

Artifacts From the Campaign Trail: Map of Second-Round Presidential Election

Candidate Liu Mei-han won the Laeralian presidency last night with a convincing 57-43 margin. This map, showing the leading candidate for president in each province, indicates both the scale of Liu's win, but also the degree of geographic split between the two candidates. Governor Liu continued her sweep of the Riverlands from the first round, while winning provinces such as Meilinis, where competition between Liu and Prime Minister Tanvi Misra in the first round meant that Vendorme had garnered the most votes in that province. Vendorme led among voters of the north and south of continental Laeral, his primary sources of voters in the first round. Vendorme was partially able to expand his appeal in other provinces, winning five provinces won by other candidates in the first round: Arquien, Carellon, and Choisel (won by Conservative Bernard Errante), Celeste (won by Liu) and Corday (won by Tanvi Misra). Liu defeated Vendorme in vote-rich provinces such as Loiraine, Jinhua, and Bethune that had gone for Misra in the first round. Liu also ran up the vote tally in western Riverlands provinces such as Neidong, Nanhai, and Meilun, which she won by large margins.

by **Laeral** » Sun Mar 03, 2019 6:15 pm

Article: Election Produces Fragmented Assembly of Commons; NDA, LPP See Major Gains
Adapted from an article for Le Laeralien.

President-elect Liu Mei-han celebrates with supporters after declaring victory in the presidential race.

Laeralsford- The National Election Commission announced the final results for the Assembly of Commons today, ending two days of speculation as the Commission tallied all votes in a close election. Exit polls had predicted major gains for Liu's New Democratic Alliance, while the Laeralian People's Party was projected to leapfrog the Progressives to become the largest party in the lower house of the National Assembly. Speaking to the media, National Election Commission Chairman Pierre Lesueur announced the final election results, which were simultaneously released to the news media and online.

The largest party in the new Assembly of Commons is the People's Party, which won 87 of the 386 seats, up from 62 in the previous Assembly. The incumbent Progressives suffered losses that were more minimal than predicted, becoming the second-largest party with 80 seats. Liu Mei-han's New Democratic Alliance won 69 seats, becoming the third-largest party after controlling only 19 seats after the previous election. The far-right Laeral Unbowed! party more than doubled its representation, winning 41 seats and becoming the fourth-largest party.

Establishment parties, with the exception of the People's Party, suffered significant losses. The Socialists, members of Misra's governing coalition, suffered the worst losses of any party, losing three-fifths of their Commons representation. Jean-Pierre Nury, who previously drew criticism from his own party for referring to this election as a 'rebuilding year' for the Socialists, is expected to step down after leading his party to electoral defeat. The Conservatives lost a similar number of seats, being reduced to fifth-place status. The United Right, a conservative party espousing the interests of the Gao minority group, failed to reach the threshold for representation, while the Laeralian Communist Party suffered dramatic losses as well, only narrowly reaching the threshold. Several new parties, however, entered the National Assembly for the first time. The Radical Left Party (alternately known as the Radical Party of the Left), formed by Socialists who left their party, had a strong showing, winning 13 seats. The Women's Alliance, a radical feminist party whose opponents allege is supported by the authoritarian matriarchy of Kerlile, also entered the Assembly of Commons, despite being endorsed by Kerlian dictator Joanna Greenwood. The Secular Democrats, a centrist party advocating for the rights of the Gao minority, also entered the Assembly of Commons, with six seats.

The results for the Assembly of Commons were delayed by the decision of the National Election Commission, as the United Right party had received 0.71% of the nationwide vote, nearly reaching the 0.75% threshold to be seated in the Commons. After counting ballots from Laeralites abroad, it was found that the United Right had not received sufficient votes to be seated. This situation, while unusual, is not unprecedented, as a similar situation occurred in 2010. A spokesperson for the Commission said that standard practice is to delay the release of results if a party receives between 0.6% and 0.9% of the nationwide vote, in order to check vote totals. Voter turnout nationwide was 72.3%, above average for a presidential election year.

With 11 parties represented in the Assembly of Commons, the progress of any would-be Prime Minister is difficult. With 194 seats necessary for a majority, no two parties can form a majority government, although a 'grand coalition' formed of the LPP, Progressives, and New Democrats would have a majority. With most parties having ruled out a coalition with Laeral Unbowed!, it looks increasingly likely that the next Prime Minister will be at the helm of a majority government. President Liu has yet to comment on whom she will choose to take up the task of forming a government.

Assembly of Commons 2018: Final Results
Laeralian People's Party: 87 (+25)
Progressives: 80 (-18)
New Democrats: 69 (+50)
Laeral Unbowed!: 41 (+24)
Conservatives: 38 (-34)
Socialists: 27 (-48)
Radical Left: 13 (+13)
Women’s Alliance: 11 (+11)
Greens: 10 (-1)
Secular Democrats: 6 (+6)
Laeralian Communist Party: 4 (-7)

by **Ru-** » Wed Mar 20, 2019 1:15 am

King Yoshio (@realkingyoshio)
Just now from New Ru City, Ru

Wow! Been awhile, hasn't it? Sorry about that all, but it seems that exams and that expansion of my royal duties has kept me too busy for social media lately. It also kept me from being able to live tweet the #Lareal elections like I planned. I'd still like to express my excitement and heartfelt congratulations for president-elect Liu Mei-Han on her hard fought election victory! As you all already know, I've been a big fan of her's since the start, so I won't bother rehashing my reasons why I think she is a great choice to lead Lareal: her campaign speaks for itself, and says far more about her qualifications to take on the challenges ahead then I could. I very much look forward to getting the chance to meet her in person at the Imperial Palace to discuss the future of our two nations in greater detail as I think she is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of leader. A formal invitation will be forthcoming.
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by **Ru-** » Wed Mar 20, 2019 12:01 pm

King Yoshio (@realkingyoshio)
Just now from New Ru City, Ru

Oh, and commiserations are in order for Damien Vendorme. We didn't see eye to eye on every issue, and I've been one of the more vocal critics of the manner in which he chose to conduct his campaign, but in his concession speech he demonstrated true leadership by taking the high road and choosing to be a force for unity rather then one for further division. He is clearly a man who always puts his country first, which is truly commendable. I wish him luck in his future endeavors.

Overall, I really enjoyed following this election, as it allowed me to speak more freely then I would have dared had the candidates been my own subjects. Thank you for putting up with me through it all! And to all my new followers: I love you.
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by **Laeral** » Fri Mar 29, 2019 5:14 pm

Artifacts from the Campaign Trail: Parliamentary Diagrams of the National Assembly

The diagram of the recently-elected Assembly of Commons demonstrates the magnitude of the task faced by any would-be Prime Minister. With 11 parties represented in the Assembly of Commons, the level of party fragmentation is the highest of any Laeralian government in recent history. As it is, the Commons now has an effective number of parties of 4.11, meaning that fragmentation is as great as if there were 4.11 equally-sized parties represented. President Liu plays a crucial role in the government formation process, as she is required to name the first would-be Prime Minister, who will then have 60 days to form a government. If they fail to form a government, the leader of the largest party is then given 45 days, and so on for all parties with over 1/5th of seats or the three largest parties, whichever gives the most partisan leaders the chance to form a government.

Assembly of Commons Results 2018
Laeralian People's Party: 87 (+25)
Progressives: 80 (-18)
New Democrats: 69 (+50)
Laeral Unbowed!: 41 (+24)
Conservatives: 38 (-34)
Socialists: 27 (-48)
Radical Left: 13 (+13)
Women’s Alliance: 11 (+11)
Greens: 10 (-1)
Secular Democrats: 6 (+6)
Laeralian Communist Party: 4 (-7)

With only one-third of General Assembly seats up for vote, the potential for wide-scale change in legislative makeup, unlike in the Assembly of Commons, was limited. However, the General Assembly did experience significant shifts in the typically more hide-bound institution, with the Conservatives taking heavy losses and the New Democrats winning five seats. The level of fragmentation is, counter-intuitively, higher, at 4.62, than that of the Assembly of Commons, likely because there are a four separate parties with a similar number of seats. In the government formation process, a majority in the General Assembly is not required for a Prime Minister to be elected, although the Prime Minister may be a Delegate (such as current PM Tanvi Misra).

General Assembly Results 2018
Laeralian People’s Party: 17 (+2)
Progressive Party: 17 (-1)
Conservative Party: 14 (-4)
Socialist Party: 12 (-2)
New Democratic Alliance: 5 (+4)
Laeral Unbowed!: 1 (+1)

by **Laeral** » Wed Apr 17, 2019 5:09 pm

33 Provinces: A Laeralian Story

Laeralian Political and Current Events Newsthread 2019

The 2018 Laeralian elections are over, and Laeral's political landscape has changed dramatically. Liu Mei-han, founder of the two year-old New Democratic Alliance, has been elected President of Laeral after defeating Damien Vendorme of the People's Party in the presidential runoff. The far-right Rén nationalist Laeral Unbowed! party saw its vote share reach historic highs, becoming the fourth-largest party in the Assembly of Commons. The Conservative and Socialist parties saw their vote share fall dramatically. With 11 different parties represented in the National Assembly, the process of forming a government and electing a Prime Minister is expected to be harder than ever. With Laeral's traditional four-party system seemingly fractured beyond repair, Laeral's political system is less predictable than it's ever been. Against the tumultuous backdrop of bills passed and speeches given, countless politicians and ordinary Laeralites live their lives, work their careers, and fight to make their mark on the future of Laeral.

This political news thread, a successor to the popular 33 Provinces in 33 Days project, will follow Laeral's politics and current events through news stories, pictures, and artifacts from numerous sources. Compiled by a consortium of media corporations, this project will aim to allow international observers to follow Laeral's political course as it continues with high-quality, timely news.

The Executive Branch
The President is the leader of Laeral and has the power to delay or fast-track bills in the National Assembly, as well as establishing the government’s priorities. Liu Mei-han, a former Progressive who formed her own centrist political party, was elected as the President in a whirlwind campaign that took seasoned political observers by surprise. Liu, the first female President of Laeral, campaigned on a platform of opposing partisanship and adapting to the challenges of the future, while winning massive support from Rén voters. Although her platform was criticized as being short on policy details, her priorities include increased regulation of tobacco, increased access to public housing, and reforming Laeralian labor and workforce law. Now, Liu sits in Republic House, but has so far proven unable to convince the National Assembly to elect a Prime Minister. Her first choice to form a government proved unable to do so within 60 days, leaving Liu unable to enact policy while the National Assembly remains unsettled.

The National Assembly

Incumbent Prime Minister Tanvi Misra

The National Assembly is composed of two houses. The proportionally-elected Assembly of Commons, with 11 parties represented among its 386 Representatives, has so far failed to form a coalition government. The Commons, traditionally lively (some would say raucous) has also seen the arrival of a record number of freshmen members, those serving out their first term in office. The General Assembly, consisting of two Delegates from each province, has also seen change among its ranks. There are numerous new faces on the General Assembly floor, as well as six different parties represented among its 66 members.

The Prime Minister is elected by the Commons and may be removed by that house through a vote of no confidence. In general, the PM is responsible for working with the National Assembly to pass legislation favorable to the President’s goals, although the Prime Minister and the President may be of different political parties, a situation known as ‘cohabitation’. Legislation is passed through the National Assembly, through one of two methods. In the first method, the Assembly of Commons passes a bill by a simple majority, and it is then passed by the General Assembly through another simple majority. Alternately, the Assembly of Commons passes a bill by a two-thirds or more majority, and it is then signed into law by the President. Thus, bills that are massively popular in the Commons can bypass the General Assembly if the President approves of them.

Setsuzoku Template

Thanks to a partnership with the Setsuzoku Social Network, one of the most popular social media sites in Laeral, international spectators can respond to the thread via the Setsuzoku template below.

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by **Laeral** » Wed Apr 17, 2019 5:10 pm

Table of Contents

by **Laeral** » Wed Apr 17, 2019 5:12 pm

Dramatis Personae

Executive Branch
Liu Mei-han (ND): President of Laeral

Alexandre Herault: Chief of Staff
Esther Mei: Deputy Chief of Staff
William Debray: Political Advisor
Aurelie Zhao: Deputy Political Advisor, Executive Director of NDA Victory Fund

National Assembly
Assembly of Commons:

General Assembly:

Judicial Branch
Hua Jiang: Chief Magistrate of the National High Court and the Constitutional Court
Pierre Lesueur: Chairman of the National Election Commission

Provincial Government

Other Politicians
Nicholas Brennan (P): Former President
Nathalie Lefevre (S): Mayor of Laeralsford

General Society
Malcom Cadiou: Political Author, Les Couloirs

Index of Organizations

by **Laeral** » Wed Apr 17, 2019 5:22 pm

Reserved for future expansion.

by **Laeral** » Sat Apr 20, 2019 1:58 pm

Les Couloirs

Within the Corridors of Power

Eight key players in the new National Assembly
With the nation facing a difficult coalition-forming process, here's the key politicians who will be shaping the National Assembly.
By Lilie Hollande, published January 18th, 2019

Laeralsford- With the new National Assembly sworn in, here's a list of key Representatives and Delegates hoping to leave their mark on the government-formation process. Some of them are veterans with long voting records and high name recognition, while others are fresh-faced upstarts hoping to jostle their way to the top. This list, in no particular order, includes a range of parties, backgrounds, and ideologies, picked for their importance and also with a focus on the less well-known members who nevertheless will play a key role in the new National Assembly.

1. Tanvi Misra
It would be impossible, of course, to make any list of prominent Laeralian politicians without including the grande dame of Assembly Hall herself. With decades of relationships built in the National Assembly, both within her own Progressives and without, Prime Minister Misra is very much a formidable force. Coming off of her narrow election loss for the presidency, Misra returns as the senior Delegate from Fuxing and very much still the leader of the Progressives. She enjoys widespread respect in Assembly Hall, but her famed grudge with Liu Mei-han may hamper her relations with the New Democrats. She's also facing attacks from outside her party, with opponents such as Del. Damien Vendorme (LPP-Therese) denouncing her as manipulative, corrupt, and nepotistic. She's been criticized for the role of many of her relatives in the Progressive party, including her daughter Priyanka, who is within Misra's own caucus as a first-term representative. Within the Progressives, some backbenchers have begun to whisper about the need for a change in leadership. Nevertheless, Misra has announced her ambition to continue leading the Progressives, and to continue as Prime Minister, the Serriel Affair and her election loss notwithstanding.

2. Damien Vendorme

Damien Vendorme returns to the General Assembly from his electoral defeat in the presidential runoff against now-President Liu. Nevertheless, Vendorme is higher than he's ever been in the party hierarchy. Although Vendorme in past was an outsider in the LPP caucus, distrusted by party leadership, Vendorme's political allies now hold key positions in the party hierarchy. Vendorme has loudly and frequently stated his ambition to be Prime Minister, and enters the battle to form a government with the high ground as leader of the largest party in the Commons. It's quite a change in circumstances for the man once described as "the most hated delegate in the General Assembly".

3. Hsieh Pai-han
Hsieh Pai-han is riding high these days. For many years a lonely voice preaching imperialism reparations and ethno-nationalism in the Assembly of Commons, Hsieh has led his troops to victory, making Laeral Unbowed! the fourth-largest party in the National Assembly. Hsieh's allies, such as Duc Huang and former fighter pilot Li Qiang, have won seats in the Assembly. Virtually every other party has refused to work with Laeral Unbowed!, making their chances of joining a government slim at best. Hsieh is undaunted, publicly musing over the possibility of an anti-establishment coalition with the New Democrats.

4. Gao Heng
Who leads the Socialist party? Not Jean-Pierre Nury, that's for sure. Nury, son of a former president, narrowly defeated Gao in the Socialist presidential primaries with the help of noted Socialist moderate Hélène Zhang. The writing's on the wall for Nury, who led the Socialists to their worst defeat in decades, and Zhang's entire wing of the party has largely been discredited after years as part of the Misra coalition government and the rise of the Radical Left party on the Socialists' left flank. With Socialist leadership elections fast approaching, it's expected that Gao will take the reins of the party. Where he goes next is anyone's guess.

5. Jeremie Naudeau
The New Democrats have entered the National Assembly like a flock of kittens. While great in number, very few of them have significant political experience, and will likely find it difficult to accomplish their goals without experienced mentors. Rep. Jeremie Naudeau, and his counterpart in the General Assembly, Del. Nicolas Martin, are perhaps the ideal people to shepherd them. Naudeau, a doctor and part-time folk singer by trade, entered the Commons in 2012 as a member of the now-dissolved Moderate Party, later becoming a political independent. As leader of the New Democratic caucus in the Commons, he'll be at the forefront of any attempt by Liu to bring her own party into government. Betting markets have him at 9:1 odds of becoming the next Prime Minister.

6. Santiago Molina
Rep. Molina is the Chief Whip of the People's Party caucus, No. 3 in the LPP leadership. A familiar face in the Commons, he serves as the face and often the enforcer of the LPP's official leader in the Commons, Florian Saint-Marc, and his deputy Kevin Cheng. What seats Molina apart from the rest of the Commons leadership is not only his moral credibility and the strength of his ideological convictions- he fled the Communist government in Lauchenoiria as a young child- but also the breadth of his relationships with other members of party leadership. Widely respected as a canny political operator, expect Molina to be front and center as the LPP seeks to maneuver its way into government.

7. Benjamin Lin (Lin Zheng)
Historically, many delegates from Laeralsford have gone on to the presidency or the prime ministership, and while Benjamin Lin has publicly said that he's not interested in becoming PM, those denials have no one convinced. Delegate Lin, born Lin Zheng, is an outsider in the Progressive Party, and one of the highest-profile opponents of Tanvi Misra. An advocate for transparent government, Lin worked as a community organizer and later as a civil rights attorney before entering politics, which sets him at odds with Misra's backroom-deal style. A crusader for clean governance, Lin has become a social media star with videos of him questioning civil servants and politicians about their dealings. Rumor has it that Progressives dissatisfied with Misra's leadership have asked him to challenge her for party leadership, which would set up the most combative Progressive leadership struggle in a very long time.

8. Gwendoline Schneider
Much like the Socialists, the Conservatives took a beating in the elections. Within a caucus of only 38 representatives and 14 delegates, a record low for the venerable party, the general sentiment is that Bernard Errante's days are numbered as party leader. The politician maneuvering to take his place is Representative Schneider, a rising star in the Conservative party. With her no-nonsense attitude and less moderate views, she represents a break with Errante and Conservative tradition. Schneider, who would become the first woman and second-youngest leader of the Conservative party, is extremely popular among the party rank and file, and she is expected to take the lead in the Conservatives' negotiations during the coalition-building process.

About the Author

Lilie Hollande is a Political Correspondent for Les Couloirs. She previously worked as a political writer at Le Auvergnat, and before that, she was on the staff of several members of the National Assembly. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and Political Communications from Sun Jia-wei National Open University. She lives with her fiance and two cats in a 'cozy' apartment in Laeralsford, and in her free time enjoys cheering for Laeralsford AC, trying new restaurants, and following election news.
You can follow her at @liliehollande on Setsuzoku. Direct any comments, corrections, or vaguely-coherent rants to her inbox at lilie.hollande@lescouloirs.net .

by **Laeral** » Fri Apr 26, 2019 4:35 pm

Les Couloirs

Within the Corridors of Power

Eight new faces in Assembly Hall
Here's a list of new politicians to watch as the National Assembly begins its new session.
By Lilie Hollande, published January 23rd, 2019

Laeralsford- With the new National Assembly up and running, it's important to know the new faces in Assembly Hall. This year's crop of first-term or 'freshmen' members of the Assembly is one of the largest in a decade, with the New Democrats' caucus in particular having a high proportion of Assembly neophytes. What's more, many young members of the National Assembly are seeking to make a name for themselves in the new session. Without further ado, here's a list of up-and-coming politicians to keep an eye on.

1. Thierry Lavergne
The Corday billionaire executive and owner of the St. Cyr FC football club enters his second term in the Assembly of Commons as an LPP representative angling for a position in leadership. Lavergne made waves early in his first term as he championed aggressive corporate deregulation, earning unions' ire. A fixture of the media and a frequent talk show guest, Lavergne is one of the most well-known members of the LPP caucus. Lavergne has recently become known as a national security hawk, and has announced his intent to focus on security issues from his seats on several related committees.

2. Priyanka Misra
Priyanka Misra comes to the Assembly of Commons as a first-term Progressive who's already attracted great attention. As the daughter of Prime Minster Tanvi Misra, Priyanka comes as the third relative of PM Misra in the Progressive National Assembly caucus, along with the elder Misra's niece, Indrani Dara. Misra previously held various Progressive party roles, including as a policy analyst focusing on racial issues, as well as a brief stint in the Fuxing provincial legislature. As reportedly one of Prime Minister Misra's close confidants, Priyanka will be watched closely, especially by PM Misra's opponents eager to attack her as nepotistic. Misra herself has denied that her mother's influence has had any role in her current political position.

3. Valentin Chambrun
The Riverlands region is known internationally for its thriving film industry, with the 'Five Giants' quintet of studios churning out big-budget films with broad international appeal. Given the major cultural impact of Laeralian film, it's unsurprising that many actors have sought to make the jump from film to the political stage. Valentin Chambrun, an acclaimed actor and director, was recently elected to the Commons as a New Democrat, where he brings a flourish of celebrity glamour to the New Democratic caucus. Chambrun is considered a leading contender for Culture Minister should the New Democrats enter government.

4. Kiran Rai
Kiran Rai, elected to the Commons as a New Democrat just this year, is the second-ever Desi to be elected to Assembly of Commons without being a member of a political family. Rai, a Hanshui native, is set apart from the rest of the Commons by not only his racial background but also his age- at 36, he's one of the younger members of the National Assembly. Rai, a former Bureau of External Action intelligence officer, also campaigned openly as an atheist, a rarity even in modern politics. He's announced that his focus in the Commons will be on confronting climate change and promoting racial tolerance.

5. Elise Pernot
For almost two decades, Conservative Representative Gerard Bishemin was known as the 'Conscience of the Commons' for his well-known moral principles and refusal to engage in shady behavior. Rep. Bishemin retired in 2016, leaving that role open. Enter Rep. Elise Pernot. A Cenefort native recently elected to the Assembly of Commons as a Conservative, Pernot entered politics after being frustrated with her children's education. Pernot, a devout Catholic and Councillor in Xinzhou township, gained fame after denouncing and testifying against officials who tried to offer her bribes. She's since become known for her patient and pleasant demeanor, making her the obvious candidate for the title of 'Conscience of the Commons'.

6. Charlotte Brochard
Charlotte Brochard is perhaps the first Representative to take office under a cloud of suspicion that she's an agent of the Kerlian state. Brochard, a former Socialist mayor of Auvergne, defected to form the Women's Alliance, claiming that sexism was deeply ingrained in the Socialist party structure. As leader of the Women's Alliance, Laeral's first explicitly feminism-focused party, her party won 11 seats in the Commons. Throughout the campaign, Brochard was dogged by claims that her party was a front for Kerlian interference in Laeralian politics, a claim that only gained strength when Kerlian President Joanna Greenwood appeared to endorse the party in a Setsuzoku message, as well as reiterating her support for the party on Election Night. Brochard now enters her first nationwide elected office with some conservative media outlets claiming that she is an agent or a dupe of Kerlile; Brochard herself adamantly denies the accusations.

7. Tan Xirong
Tan Xirong, former Socialist mayor of Songshan, enters the National Assembly for his second nonconsecutive term, this time as head of the Radical Party of the Left and its 13 Representatives. Tan, by far the oldest member of his caucus, is one of only two with national experience, having served as a Socialist Representative from 2000 to 2002. A vocal critic of Socialist leadership, Tan is now another major figure among Laeral's fragmented left, although his outspoken criticism of Socialist leaders such as Hélène Zhang puts him at odds with Socialist leadership.

8. Marina Luo
Rep. Marina Luo, of the Women's Alliance, makes history as the first transgender individual in the National Assembly. While gays and lesbians have historically enjoyed greater tolerance in Laeral than in other nations, thanks to Minjian endorsement of same-sex marriage, transgender individuals have experienced major social stigma. Luo, a computer scientist and provincial legislator, made headlines when she was elected at eighth on the Women's Alliance list, and she has pledged to fight for transgender rights and social acceptance.

About the Author

Lilie Hollande is a Political Correspondent for Les Couloirs. She previously worked as a political writer at Le Auvergnat, and before that, she was on the staff of several members of the National Assembly. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and Political Communications from Sun Jia-wei National Open University. She lives with her fiance and two cats in a 'cozy' apartment in Laeralsford, and in her free time enjoys cheering for Laeralsford AC, trying new restaurants, and following election news.
You can follow her at @liliehollande on Setsuzoku. Direct any comments, corrections, or vaguely-coherent rants to her inbox at lilie.hollande@lescouloirs.net .

by **Laeral** » Sat May 11, 2019 10:06 am

La Sentinelle

Trending: Kerlile | Gladysynthia | President Liu | Jane Tao

Progressives Eye Center-Left Coalition As Negotiations Continue

April 29, 2019

Followed by advisors, President Liu walks to the Republic House talks with PM Misra.
Source: Republic House Media Office

Laeralsford - After months of fruitless coalition negotiations, Progressive and New Democratic leaders met at Republic House to discuss creating a coalition government in the National Assembly. This meeting, headlined by President Liu Mei-han and Prime Minister Tanvi Misra, was held behind closed doors, with President Liu saying afterward that talks had been 'productive'. This meeting has sparked speculation that Progressives and New Democrats may enter a coalition government, possibly with the assistance of other parties.

Under the procedures for coalition negotiations, President Liu was first given the chance to lead negotiations. On January 20th, Liu named Jeremie Naudeau, a four-term representative, as informateur, responsible for leading negotiations. Naudeau held weeks of talks with the People's Party before concluding that the "ideological differences are too great" following the bruising presidential campaign. Naudeau later led talks with the Progressives, and was rumored to have discussed with Laeral Unbowed!, before failing to form a government by March 1st, at which time LPP leader Damien Vendorme was given 45 days to form a coalition. Vendorme similarly failed to meet the April 16th deadline, passing the baton to Progressive leader Tanvi Misra, who now leads negotiations.

Misra, a veteran dealmaker, has nevertheless encountered similar obstacles to Naudeau and Vendorme. With 194 seats in the Commons needed to form a majority government, at least three parties would be necessary. Sources say that Misra is considering a Progressive-New Democratic-Conservative coalition, which would have exactly 187 seats, with the remaining seven votes coming from small parties such as the Greens or the Secular Democrats. Obstacles to this plan involve Conservatives' reluctance to enter a coalition, which many of their leaders see as a recipe for electoral oblivion. President Liu, meanwhile, has hinted that she is tiring of the extended coalition process which has stalled her legislative agenda, and has publicly mulled forming a minority government, which would form ad hoc coalitions as needed.

While today's Progressive-NDA meetings were closed to the public, Prime Minister Misra echoed Liu's statement, saying that the meetings had provided "a road map for further negotiations". In addition to Liu and Misra, attendees included Liu's Chief of Staff Alexandre Herault, political advisor William Debray, and Delegate Nicolas Martin, while Progressives present included Delegates Benjamin Lin and Sophie Meng as well as Representative Émeric André. Del. Benjamin Lin's (P-LF) presence came as a surprise to some, as he has previously voiced concerns regarding a Progressive coalition with the New Democrats.

by **Laeral** » Tue May 14, 2019 6:29 pm

Narrative: Misra At the Crossroads
April 29, 2019

Republic House, Laeralsford
"She's crazy, absolutely certifiable, if she thinks she can make that coalition work," Liu Mei-han said as she walked down the red-carpeted hallway of Republic House. She'd just come from the talks with Tanvi Misra, where the sitting Prime Minister had outlined a crackpot plan to forge a coalition from her own Progressives, Liu's New Democrats, the Conservatives, and one of the small center-left parties, Mei-han couldn't remember which.

"I'll admit it sounds crazy," said Alexandre Herault, her Chief of Staff, as he hurried to keep up with her. He'd never worked with anyone who had quite as fast of a stride as his new boss. "But it's less far-fetched than some of the other coalitions people have been suggesting. Did you see that opinion piece about having us ally with Unbowed?"

"Her plan just doesn't make sense," Mei-han said. "The Conservatives are already gun-shy about governing with her, especially with the hit they took in the last election. They'll never agree to it. Misra's just trying to buy her way so that she stays in power a little longer, because power is all she wants, and she's trying to sell us this crazy idea because it would keep her with her nice office in Assembly Hall."

Alexandre waited patiently for her to finish. "I think that we shouldn't dismiss this idea out of hand. I liked what she said about finding our common policy goals, and I think her intentions are probably genuine."

"You don't know her, Alexandre," said Mei-han, a tight, jaded half-smile on her face. "Trust me, that woman doesn't do anything that doesn't help her, and her alone. I'm of half a mind to just start working towards a minority government, Progressives and everyone else be damned. Every minute that we spend bargaining with people like Misra is a second we don't have to start governing."

"You know as well as I do how fragile a minority government would be," Alexandre said. "The agenda is important, but we can't govern like that, fighting to make a coalition anew on every single one of our bills. No, we can't go into a minority government. Billy and Aurelie agree with me." He was naming two of Mei-han's political advisors. "We have to make a coalition somehow. If we can't do something, we head into a snap election, and you know as well as I do how much of a disaster that would be. I say we trust Tanvi and at least see what she can come up with."

"A four-party coalition," Mei-han said, "with Tanvi Misra herself trying to win over the Conservatives to join. They'll never do it."

"If anyone can pull off the impossible like this," Alexandre said, "it's Tanvi Misra."

April 30, 2019
Office of the Prime Minister, Assembly Hall
The knock came on the door of Tanvi Misra's personal office near the end of the working day.
"Ammiji?" her daughter's voice came. "Do you have a moment?"

"I'll be out in a minute," Tanvi called. She took a moment to check her appearance in the mirror, straightening out her necklace, carefully selected to match her earrings and her sea-green sari. She gathered herself and opened the door. Her daughter Priyanka, now a member of her caucus as a Progressive Representative, stood there. "Priya," Tanvi said, with a smile. "How are you?"

"I'm well," Priya said. "I was hoping that we could walk together to the Desi caucus meeting?"

Tanvi nodded her assent and set off down the hall, passing her assistant, Nathalie, as she went. "Make sure that idiot Gerard gets back to me before tomorrow," she said, "and I don't care what work he has, he gets back to me or I'm throwing him off every one of his committees. So tell me, daughter, what is it you were hoping to discuss?"

"The coalition plans," Priya said, "and what we're really going to do with Liu and the New Democrats."

"Every reporter in Laeralsford wants me to tell them that," Tanvi said, a slight smile on her lips, "and they will never get a true answer out of me. What makes you think I'll tell you?"

"Because I'm your favorite daughter," Priya said.

Tanvi sighed. "I will form a coalition with the New Democrats, the Conservatives, and the Greens or possibly the Secular Democrats, whichever I can buy off more easily with a ministry."

"Lin Zheng will never approve," Priya said. "He's already been speaking out about it. A lot of our backbenchers don't want to go into coalition until they're sure it won't hurt us at the polls."

Tanvi made an expression that, on another woman, might have been seen as a smirk. "Benjamin can't stop me," she said. "I will see him off, as I have everyone else who's tried to challenge me on matters like this. We have a golden opportunity to make our mark, the Progressive mark, on the Liu government, and I fully intend to take it. Benjamin Lin has nothing, and I won't let him consign us to the opposition."

"He...has a lot of support," Priya said. "I've seen him talking with the other new representatives. He is very popular among them."

"Perhaps," Tanvi said. "But I can win him over, and if he is not open to persuasion, then I will defeat him. All of this has happened before, beti, and all of this will happen again."

Meeting Room, Assembly Hall
"Bernard!" exclaimed Tanvi Misra, "how lovely to see you!"

"Tanvi," Bernard Errante, leader of the Conservative party, said, turning to greet her.

"Tell me, how is Pauline?" Tanvi said, naming Bernard's wife. "She's recovered from her fall, I hope?"

"Pauline's doing wonderfully, thank you," Bernard said. "But what is your point, Tanvi? I've been around long enough to know that you don't strike up conversation for the sheer pleasure of it."

"I'm getting old," Tanvi said. "Entirely too transparent for the life I lead." She was lying, of course. She didn't see herself as old, nor as transparent, and that was all that mattered. But anything to put him at ease, if her standard tactics wouldn't work.

He managed a mild grin at her comment, which was something. "Is this about the coalition?"

"It is," Tanvi said, with a slight nod of her head in acknowledgement that he'd guessed correctly. "I'm putting together a coalition with the New Democrats and the Secular Democrats, and I'd like to invite your party into government."

"We've been in government," Bernard said, "for the past nine years, four of them with you. We just lost half of our caucus. We're down to 34 in the Commons, 14 in the GA. We're not doing another coalition."

"What if I promised you Defense?" Tanvi asked. "And Agriculture, and Transportation. A sizable haul for a party bringing only, 15% or so of our total seats. You'd be able to set defense policy, protect the farm subsidies, finally build the cross-strait tunnel."

"That's a generous offer," Bernard said, "but I can't support going back into government."

Tanvi crossed her arms. "I can get you the Defense ministry. You, yourself. And your choices for Ag and Transport." Bernard was tempted, she could tell. There was always a tendency among politicians his age to end their careers with some major position, set it as the climax of their career.

"I would be lying if I said that the thought of being Defense Minister hadn't crossed my mind," Bernard said. "One last hurrah before I go back home to Choisel."

"So you'll consider it?" Tanvi said. That was all she needed.

"I- Tanvi, what you don't understand is that I don't control the Conservative party anymore."

"You're still leader, are you not?"

"Listen," Bernard said. "My brand of politics lost a lot of credibility with the last election. We lost half our caucus, Tanvi. Half our caucus. Can you imagine if that happened to your Progressives? The masses would be out for your head. The only reason I haven't resigned already is because I don't know who'd take it up. Actually...I do. Gwendoline Schneider, Tanvi. Gwendoline Schneider will be the next leader of my caucus, and she's coming for my head. If I do anything that makes it look like I'm getting too cozy with you and your party, then I'll be out. I'm barely hanging on as it is."

"Gwendoline Schneider..." Tanvi said. "I've told you what you and your party can do for me. Let me see what I can do for you." Tanvi knew of her reputation in Laeralsford; building that reputation had in some ways been the work of her career. She smiled, a mirthless smile, knowing that he would see it and fear on behalf of Gwendoline Schneider. She was partially bluffing, of course. But if Schneider knew that she'd angered the grande dame of Laeralsford, she'd be more hesitant to move, and that would make it easier for when Tanvi made her next move.

by **Laeral** » Sun May 19, 2019 4:26 pm

La Sentinelle

Trending: Zamastan Presidential Siege | President Liu | Sanctaria | Jinhua

Teahouse Chains Expand Overseas as Boba Tea Wars Intensify

After years of narrowly dominating the Laeralian market, Chaspot plans to open locations abroad.

May 11, 2019
Laeralsford - They're nearly ubiquitous nationwide- the fast-service teahouses that seem to be located on every street corner, college campus, and mall food court. Now, leading brands in the world of fast-service chain teahouses hope to bring their products overseas. Industry leader Chaspot, with a name derived from the Chinese word for 'tea', has announced plans to open dozens or hundreds of locations in four countries around the IDU as part of a massive international expansion known in company circles as the 'Third Phase' of growth.

Chaspot, which has over 3,600 locations in Laeral and several hundred locations in neighboring High Fells and Malabra, announced on Saturday that it would be expanding to Sanctaria, Zamastan, and Libertas Omnium Maximus, as well as expanding its reach in several countries with existing Chaspot locations, such as Lauchenoiria and High Fells. This move comes on the heels of reports showing above-average earnings for Chaspot in the first quarter.

Chaspot, which focuses on selling milk and boba (bubble) tea as well as standard tea products, has attracted a wide following since its founding in Nanhai in 1992. Chaspot popularized the slogan 'My Cha, My Time', and brags that it sells a cup of tea every second. "We've seen tremendous interest from foreign markets, and we're well placed to capitalize on young customers in search of a fun new drink that's refreshing and affordable," said Chaspot CEO Rowan Chen. "With this in mind, we're prepared to bring our drink into the hands and social media feeds of young people around the IDU."

Chaspot has worked extensively to court the 18-34 demographic, hiring influencers such as pop singer Jane Tao to promote the brand, while providing props to encourage customers to take a picture of their tea drink. New flavors such as mango passion fruit, as well as flavored tapioca bubbles keep the brand's products fresh, while hashtags such as #chaspot and #mychamytime have hundreds of thousands of mentions on Setsuzoku. "They're really a media phenomenon and an example of how to effectively market to youth customers," says Emmanuel Gautier, professor of business administration at the University of Loiraine. "If you look at any college campus, you'll find a Chaspot, or even two, full of students studying or just hanging out."

Chaspot's first forays abroad were initially rocky. The initial wave of 20 stores in High Fells produced low sales, while consumers in Lauchenoiria were initially unsure what to make of bubble tea. The company persisted, however, and now has over two hundred locations in High Fells and dozens in Lauchenoiria. CEO Chen says that his company has learned from previous mistakes and is preparing for success. "We've invested millions in market research, and we understand that each new country we expand into is a different operating environment." He points to deals signed with universities in Sanctaria and Zamastan, to bring Chaspot locations to university cafeterias and campuses. Meanwhile, the company has invested in advertising in each new country to make consumers aware of what Chaspot has to offer.

Pastries on display at a Blithe Tea.

The brand's expansion faces challenges following the Second Lauchenoirian Civil War, a brief yet devastating conflict that raged across much of northern Lauchenoiria. Chaspot is undaunted, however, planning to open over 80 new locations, particularly in northern Lauchenoiria, which avoided much of the fighting, and the islands of Butterfly and Aeluria. Chaspot was previously forced to close dozens of locations during the fighting, although many have reopened since the Haven Accords were signed in September of last year. Business groups have since reported that consumer sales in the nation have risen since the cessation of hostilities.

Not to be outdone, domestic rivals Yao Cha and Blithe Tea have announced similar plans for international expansion, in what appears to be an escalation in the 'Boba Wars' in Laeral. Chaspot commands around 35% of Laeralian market share, while Yao Cha and Blithe Tea have around 25% each, and small or independent locations make up the remaining 15%. The intense advertising blitz all three of these businesses have embarked on, especially in the last five years, has led analysts and the public to refer to their competition as the 'Boba Wars'.

Blithe Tea, which is a bakery and teahouse, has already seen considerable success in Lauchenoiria, focusing on selling small pastries and maintaining a quiet environment to relax in. Blithe Tea has since announced plans to expand to Conternia and Sanctaria, although the timeline of expansion is not clear. Yao Cha, meanwhile, advertised extensively during the IDU Football Championship, becoming the official drink of the football (soccer) competition in order to court international viewers. Yao Cha is in the process of expanding to Sanctaria, in addition to existing locations in High Fells, Serriel, and Malabra. "It's remarkable," says business analyst Amandine Sicard, "how profitable these chains have become, and how much effort they're putting in to outlast their rivals." With so many ambitious plans for international expansion, it looks as if the Boba Wars show no signs of a cease-fire soon.

by **Laeral** » Tue May 28, 2019 6:46 pm

Les Couloirs

Within the Corridors of Power

New Dem-Progressive talks allegedly near completion
Inside the four-party coalition talks
By Elisa Charette, published May 26, 2019

President Liu addresses the media following another day of coalition talks with National Assembly leaders.

Laeralsford- President Liu again attended closed-door coalition talks with various National Assembly leaders today, a sign that a coalition government may finally be within reach. Liu, accompanied by NDA Commons leader Jeremie Naudeau and Deputy Chief of Staff Esther Mei, met with Progressive leaders including Tanvi Misra and figures from the Conservative and Green parties. Bernard Errante, current leader of the Conservative party, said that talks have been "fruitful", adding that a coalition agreement "dozens and dozens" of pages in length is being drafted. Although meeting attendees were evasive on a time frame for the release of the coalition agreement, Liu Mei-han's statement yesterday that she aims to have a government in place "within the next two weeks" still stands.

The proposed coalition, an ideologically diverse four-party agreement extending from the Conservatives to the Greens and Progressives, still faces obstacles. Although scheduling constraints have prevented the Conservatives from calling a vote on whether to enter the coalition, Representative Gwendoline Schneider, a foe of the proposed coalition, is widely expected to declare a bid for party leader, challenging Bernard Errante, at the Conservative party conference in Rilos scheduled for next weekend. Schneider has been making visits to various Conservative elected officials nationwide, including members of the Conservative National Committee.

Sources say that the Conservatives are being lured into the coalition with a package of enticements including the Defense, Justice, and Agriculture portfolios, as well as various policy commitments. The Greens, meanwhile, which have taken part in a governing coalition only once before, are reportedly being offered the Housing and Urban Affairs or Energy ministries, as well as commitments to carbon reductions, although it is unclear whether Liu, a proponent of nuclear power, is willing to accept the closure of nuclear plants, a long-held Green demand. It is expected that the Progressives, as the largest partner in the coalition, will be offered either the Foreign Affairs or Finance portfolio.

The name of the prospective prime minister is still unclear. From the Progressive side, Delegates Sophie Meng of Loiraine and Benjamin Lin of Laeralsford have both been proposed. Tanvi Misra, who has previously expressed interest in continuing as Prime Minister, is reportedly toxic to President Liu and the Conservatives. Jeremie Naudeau, leader of the New Democrats in the General Assembly, remains the favorite as a candidate acceptable to all parties involved. All of these preparations could of course be jeopardized should the Conservatives suddenly get cold feet and withdraw, inviting the specter of snap elections or a minority government. Regardless, observers remain hopeful that a coalition agreement is forthcoming.

About the Author

Elisa Charette is a Political Correspondent for Les Couloirs. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and Statistics from the University of Bethune before attending the Laeralsford Institute of Political Studies, and she is currently pursuing a PhD. Her writing has been featured in various newspapers and scholarly journals. She lives with her family in Laeralsford. You can follow her at @elisacharette on Setsuzoku. Her email inbox is elisa.charette@lescouloirs.net .

by **Laeral** » Fri May 31, 2019 1:16 pm

La Sentinelle

Trending: Kerlile | Coalition Talks | Sanctaria | President Liu

Kerlian Government Legalizes Opposition Party

Kerlian President Joanna Greenwood, in a still from a recent video released on state media.

May 29, 2019
Melissa City, Lauchenoiria The ruling Council of the authoritarian matriarchal state of Kerlile today approved the creation of the nation's first opposition political party, a surprise move on the part of the government. The new Reform Party will advocate for more moderate government and greater rights for men, according to the state-run Kerlian News Service.

The Reform Party will compete with the ruling Women's Party of Kerlile, which has led Kerlile as a one-party state for for decades. The Kerlian government has made plans to host parliamentary elections, although a date has not yet been set. The ruling Council will also select one of its number to become President to replace outgoing leader Joanna Greenwood, with a debate beginning June 28th. It is expected that the Reform Party will compete in these elections, although candidates have not yet been named.

The Reform Party includes among its members four of the ten members of the hereditary Council of Kerlile, which acts as the nation's de facto executive. "The legalization of the Reform Party, and the fact that members of the Council have joined this party, finally brings out into the open the dissatisfaction with [President] Greenwood's leadership that have been building for a while now," says Maxime Richard, Professor of Central Hespian Studies at the University of Harcour. In a break with precedent, the Council voted in a narrow split decision, with six of ten members voting in favor of legalizing the Reform party. Analysts such as Richard believe this to indicate that the competition between the Women's Party and the Reform Party is a proxy battle for palace intrigue at the highest levels of Kerlian government. "Kerlile has never had free and fair elections in its history," Richard said, "so any real political competition that occurs in these elections is just a stand-in for struggles between hardliners and reformers at the top of the power pyramid."

The Reform Party will be led by Councillor Rebecca Arnott, a member of the Council of Kerlile since inheriting her mother's seat in 2002. Arnott is a familiar reformist figure in Kerlian government, having attempted a vote of no confidence in the hardliner Chair of the Council in August 2018. She is expected to contest the selection of the next President, which will be held on June 28th. Arnott is joined by three other Councillors in leading the party, including Councillor Carmen Robinson, who is currently being held under house arrest by the authorities on charges of having leaked sensitive information to foreigners. Councillors Natalia Hart, an independent, and Lia Chiu also voted in favor of legalizing the party. In a rare statement of dissent, Councillor Anita Patel released a statement blasting the decision, calling it "a threat to the continued existence of the matriarchy" and alleging that the new party's policies could be affected by "patriarchal manipulation".

Outside observers cheered the Council's decision, seeing it as a chance for reform to the nation's authoritarian structure. Renowned Kerlian dissident Hannah Sinclair, who lives in Althea, called the decision "a profound step forward," adding that the decision "demonstrates the growing majority within Kerlile favoring change and a transition toward democratic norms". Isabella Monaghan, Executive Director of the Laeralsford-based Kerlile Human Rights Initiative, a human rights observatory, cautioned outside observers not to read too much into the decision: "There is every possibility of subversion of the reformist faction by regime insiders," she said in an interview with the media. "Kerlian leaders have often reneged on promises of reform." President Liu has yet to comment on the development.

by **Laeral** » Sun Jun 02, 2019 1:26 pm

Le Pays
Schneider Endorses Conservatives in Coalition with Liu

Conservative Representative Gwendoline Schneider gave her thoughts to reporters this morning.
By Grégoire Foulon
1st June 2019
Rilos- Speaking to reporters before the start of today's Conservative Party National Conference in Rilos, Cenefort, Rep. Gwendoline Schneider announced that she is in favor of entering a governing coalition with the Progressives, Greens, and New Democrats, a surprising reversal from earlier statements. Schneider also announced that she intends to run for Minority Leader, or leader of the Conservative caucus in the Assembly of Commons, contrary to earlier predictions that she would seek to unseat incumbent Bernard Errante as Chairman of the Conservative Party.

"Entering the governing coalition will allow us, as Conservatives, to demonstrate our vision for the future of Laeral," Schneider said. "I've spoken to Misra and Naudeau, I've seen the coalition agreement, and I'm confident that participating in government will allow us to live up to the promises we made to the voters, without compromising on our core principles." Schneider, as a member of the parliamentary Conservative caucus, is entitled to cast a vote on Resolution 2, which entails entering the New Democratic-Progressive-Green coalition. Delegates from each of the 33 provincial Conservative parties, as well as a variety of Conservative elected officials, will vote on Resolution 2, several other policy issues, and elect various party officers.

With Gwendoline Schneider's surprise announcement that she will not contest the role of Party President, few challengers are in position to oppose incumbent Bernard Errante. The Party President is responsible for overseeing party operations and the general operation of the party. With most would-be opponents having seemingly cleared a path for Schneider to run, it appears that Errante has few if any opponents to his serving another two-year term. Victor Bailly, a five-term representative, announced following Schneider's statement that he would run for Party President, although Errante is favored to win.

Schneider faces no real opposition in her quest to become Minority Leader. Having become well-known nationwide for her heartfelt stance on social issues, she has become one of the most well-known figures in a party that nowadays seems lacking in high-profile politicians. Schneider has more Setsuzoku followers than any other Conservative politician, and has raised more funds nationwide than any other member of her caucus.

National observers will be eagerly watching the Conservative conference, which takes place at a Rilos convention center, for signs of whether the proposed coalition will proceed. Should the Conservatives approve entering the coalition, full details, including the text of the coalition document, will be released to the public, ahead of a vote scheduled for Monday. This coalition would be the first to take office following last year's elections; the incumbent government has remained in office with Tanvi Misra at the helm.

by **Laeral** » Thu Jun 06, 2019 2:46 pm

La Sentinelle

Trending: Nicolas Martin | Lauchenoiria | Kerlile

Commons Approves New Gov't; Martin Takes Office as PM

Marc Coulogne; June 4, 2019 at 3:28 a.m.

President Liu Mei-han walks to Assembly Hall to announce the coalition agreement.
Source: Republic House Media Office

Laeralsford- Despite the worst fears of everyone from Gao Heng to Bernard Errante, Laeral will not be heading back to the polls for fresh elections. After months of secrecy and deliberation, with rumors and speculation swirling like dust in a windstorm, President Liu appeared on the floor of the Assembly of Commons yesterday evening to publicly introduce the new coalition agreement. Following hours of largely perfunctory debate extending into the early morning, the Assembly of Commons voted along party lines to approve the new government.

As expected, the new government will consist of the Progressives, New Democrats, Conservatives, and Greens, together comprising 197 seats, or a narrow four-seat majority (since the President breaks any ties in the Commons). The government will also have a three-seat majority in the General Assembly. The agreement itself is almost 60 pages in length, containing various policy details and signed by the party leaders. Opposition leaders such as People's Party leader Florian St. Marc have criticized the agreement. "I've read the deal," St. Marc said, "and it seems to be nothing but vague platitudes intended to paper over the irreconcilable differences between the governing parties."

Many held doubts that the Conservatives would enter government again, having suffered a dramatic loss in vote share following eight years of coalition government with the Progressives. Voices in the Conservative party, including Representative Victor Bailly and Delegate Jean-Baptiste Chen, publicly opposed the coalition agreement, although it was approved by a narrow margin at Saturday's Conservative Party National Conference. Rep. Gwendoline Schneider, who will become Education Minister under the new coalition, had also been an opponent of the deal before unexpectedly reversing her stance. Bernard Errante was reelected as Party President at the conference, demonstrating the strength of pro-coalition forces within Conservative party leadership.

Nicolas Martin of Meridoc will soon be taking up residence at the Hôtel de Aumont. Martin is the leader of the New Democrats in the General Assembly, and a former Conservative. Martin was reportedly Liu's second choice, behind Rep. Jeremie Naudeau, but Martin was the only candidate acceptable to all four parties. Other notable figures in the new government include Tanvi Misra as Foreign Minister, Conservative Bernard Errante as Defense Minister, and economist Jin Liqing as Finance Minister. "This new government," Prime Minister Martin said in a statement, "will now allow us to take up the task of moving Laeral forward, in accordance with the will of the Laeralian people."

Author: Marc Coulogne
marc.coulogne@lasentinelle.net
Setsuzoku: @marccoulogne
Marc Coulogne is La Sentinelle's Senior Political Writer for the National Assembly. He has covered the National Assembly for over fifteen years and is the author of Hardball: Political Journalism in a Combative Age.

by **Laeral** » Thu Jun 06, 2019 2:46 pm

Les Couloirs

Within the Corridors of Power

Who's who in the new coalition government?
The makeup of Laeral's next government
By Malcom Cadiou, published June 4, 2019

Nicolas Martin, Delegate from Meridoc, was unexpectedly named Prime Minister under new coalition agreement.

Laeralsford- Laeral has a new government, consisting of the Progressives, New Democrats, Conservatives, and Greens. The new government contains an equal number of men and women (disregarding the Prime Minister himself), fulfilling a Liu campaign promise. With the various ministries apportioned out between the parties, here's a closer look at who will be joining the new 'Martin I' cabinet.

Prime Minister: Nicolas Martin (NDA)
While pundits were expecting New Democratic leader Jeremie Naudeau, a fresh-faced representative and former member of the now-defunct Moderate Party, to become PM, the coalition instead opted for Nicolas Martin. Martin, who currently holds office as the junior Delegate from Meridoc, was formerly a Conservative politician before rising to lead New Democrats in the General Assembly. Martin has an undistinguished record in the General Assembly and formerly as a MPA in Meridoc. It seems likely that Martin was a compromise choice- and with so many leading figures in the new government, it seems likely he'll be overshadowed by his ministers.

Foreign Minister: Tanvi Misra (P)
As befits the largest party in the coalition, the Progressives land the most coveted ministry, Foreign Affairs. Tanvi Misra, outgoing Prime Minister and Delegate from Fuxing, will become the next Foreign Minister, her first time as head of a government ministry. As a preeminent figure in national politics (to put it mildly), she'll undoubtedly have the spotlight shining on her throughout her term. What's not clear is the nature of the relationship between her and President Liu. The two women parted acrimoniously several years ago, while Liu, as former WA Ambassador, has strong-held opinions on foreign policy that may conflict with Misra's. Note that Liu named a career foreign affairs official, Cedric Prevot, as WA Ambassador after a respected career including a stint at the World Assembly mission and a term as ambassador to United New England. While conflict often exists between the Foreign Minister and WA Ambassador, expect it to be greater than ever under this government. Speaking of conflict, Misra rival Benjamin Lin has a spot in the cabinet as well, as Justice Minister, a sign that Misra's control over her party is weakening.

Finance Minister: Jin Liqing (NDA)
Liu Mei-han reached outside the normal realm of bureaucrats and bankers in finding her Finance Minister. Jin Liqing is an influential economist from outside the fiscal policy mainstream, who currently is a faculty member at the University of Hanshui. Jin has never served in the Ministry of Finance nor held political office, although he is the respected author of various academic journal articles and a book on macroeconomics. He was one of the few economists to support the Liu campaign in 2018, helping to write the candidate's economic policy. Jin is also known for his support of unorthodox economic ideas, and has spoken positively of Universal Basic Income (UBI) policies. Stocks fell slightly in early trading this morning upon news that Jin would be taking the reins of the Laeralian economy.

Defense Minister: Bernard Errante (C)
Only two weeks ago, pundits were predicting doom for Bernard Errante, Delegate from Choisel and leader of the Conservative party. Having headlined the disastrous 2018 Conservative electoral effort as a candidate for president whose campaign never really seemed to get off the ground, his position within the party seemed decidedly weak. Having been reelected, against the odds, as Party President, Errante now seems to have some breathing room to focus on his work as Defense Minister. As part of the coalition agreement, PM Martin has agreed to a multi-billion mark modernization and buildup program across all branches of the military, a key Conservative campaign promise. Errante will now be in charge of overseeing this buildup, and he's doubtlessly counting his blessings to have this chance to win over Conservative supporters again.

Labor and Industry Minister: Séverine Huang
A stalwart of the Laeralian labor movement, Representative Séverine Huang served as Mayor of Fengwei, Jianguo, and ran for Governor of Jianguo, before being elected to the Assembly of Commons. She proclaimed herself a "friend to the worker" in her 2000 campaign for Governor, even joining in singalongs of "The Red Flag" at campaign rallies. In the Commons, she aggressively fought against right-wing attempts to strip unions of political power. Her presence in the government seems intended to assuage fears of left-wing voters that the neoliberal Liu will bear workers' rights in mind.

Simon Zhou, a lifelong civil servant from the National Health Agency and former director of the Duchess Louise Hospital of Althea, one of the largest hospitals in Laeral, has been appointed as Health Minister. President Liu reportedly selected him herself, having interviewed a short list of contenders.

Benjamin Lin (Lin Zheng), a Progressive Delegate from Laeralsford, has been appointed as Justice Minister, the portfolio formerly held by ex-President Nicholas Brennan. Lin, a lifelong clean government activist, has vowed to devote increased resources to fighting corruption and embrace 'smart policing' strategies.

Gwendoline Schneider, a Conservative Representative and leader of her party's caucus in the Commons, will become Education Minister.

The new Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries will be Conservative Rep. Antoine Lambert.

Newly-elected New Democratic representative Yang Wanzhou will take up the Housing and Urban Affairs portfolio. Yang was previously the leader of a nonprofit group specializing in issues affecting residents of public housing. The coalition government manifesto presented to the public yesterday contains extensive details on Liu's plan to reform public housing and address the Riverlands housing crisis, which Yang will presumably take charge in implementing.

The Progressives' Raoul Chen, a Representative hailing from Bethune, will become the Trade Minister.

Anaïs Wen-Guyot, a microbiologist and former host of a children's TV science show, becomes the Minister of Energy and Innovation, replacing the disgraced Paul Chou. She is a political independent, and has endorsed a transition away from nuclear energy, a key Green campaign promise.

Surprisingly, Representative Elise Pernot, a first-term Conservative from Cenefort, will become Minister of Transportation. She has endorsed the proposed Corday-Arquien tunnel to replace the existing ferry system.

Liao Mei, the newly-elected New Democratic delegate from Peichen, will become the Minister of Culture and Tourism. She is also a Minjian Priestess, offered a special dispensation by the Minjian High Conclave to participate in electoral politics.

Representative Alexis Fleury, leader of the Green party, has accepted the position of Environmental Minister.

Representative Felicité Marin, a Progressive from Côte d'Argent, will take up the position of Minister for Inclusion and Women's Affairs.

The Ambassador to the World Assembly, customarily allowed to attend cabinet meetings, will be Cedric Prevot, a career foreign service officer and former policy adviser to then-WA Ambassador Liu Mei-han.

About the Author

Malcom Cadiou is a Political Editor for Les Couloirs. He graduated with a Master's in Political Science from the Laeralsford Institute of Political Studies. He's been called "one of the sharpest minds in Laeralsford" by Le Diplomate, and is the author of the book Pale Red Politics: How Nicholas Brennan Won in 2010 and Minority Rulers: Arrivée in Western Laeralian Politics. His work has been published in numerous journals and scholarly articles. He can be reached at malcom.cadiou@lescouloirs.net , and is active on Setsuzoku at @malcomcadiou.

by **Laeral** » Wed Jun 12, 2019 8:46 am

Les Couloirs

Within the Corridors of Power

National Assembly approves Lauchenoirian aid package
M1.2 billion pledged in aid to Lauchenoiria.
By Lilie Hollande, published June 11th, 2019

Relief supplies destined for Lauchenoiria are assembled for shipment in St. Clair, Aumont

Laeralsford- The National Assembly on Tuesday passed a supplementary aid package totaling 1.2 billion marks in aid to the Federation of Lauchenoiria in order to rebuild the nation. This aid marks the first large-scale aid package directed at the Lauchenoirian rebuilding effort following Laeralian involvement in the Second Lauchenoirian Civil War, which ended in September 2018.

The package, formally known as the Lauchenoirian Rebuilding and Recovery Act, passed the Commons by a 241-132 majority, with the Radical Left's 13 representatives abstaining. All members of the governing coalition supported the bill, while the People's Party, Laeral Unbowed!, and several smaller parties voted against. In the General Assembly, the Socialists joined the governing coalition in supporting the bill, which passed with 48 in favor and 18 against. Foreign Minister Tanvi Misra spoke in favor of the bill on the Commons floor, calling it "a major step forward in restoring prosperity and security to our allies in Lauchenoiria". The bill had already been introduced to the Commons by Rep. Victoria Yuen (P) and co-sponsored by dozens of Representatives, while support for the bill was written into the coalition agreement.

Following a coup against Lauchenoiria's Prime Minister Laura Moore by Home Secretary Suleman Chaher, Laeral joined a coalition of nations in launching an invasion of the Central Hespian nation in support of pro-democracy resistance fighters. The conflict quickly turned into a proxy war, with the nations of Gonhog and Kerlile supporting Chaher, resulting in immense destruction. While Laeralian troops were mandated to withdraw under the peace agreement ending the war, the Laeralian government has faced criticism for not 'cleaning up its mess', so to speak, with the bulk of aid to Lauchenoiria coming from Shuell, a non-aligned nation.

The law allocates an additional 1.2 billion Marks (876 million NSD) to the Agency for International Cooperation and Development (AICD or LaeralAID) ahead of the new budget bill. While last year's federal budget included only limited funding for aid to Lauchenoiria, this bill is intended to allow LaeralAID to increase operations in Lauchenoiria before such funds are formally allocated in the budget. It was not immediately clear whether these funds would be withdrawn from the agency's budget for the following year (which totaled M5.4 billion in 2018) or would be withdrawn from government funds.

The aid package will provide a variety of goods to Lauchenoiria, including assistance in rebuilding the education system, foodstuffs, medicines, and construction supplies for physical rebuilding. Josephine Fievet, Director of the Agency for International Cooperation and Development, said that the bill will provide for "a wide-ranging approach to address the issues faced by Lauchenoirians following the conflict". A delegation of aid workers numbering in the low hundreds is expected to be sent to Lauchenoiria in the coming weeks, while arrangements are being made to bring food, water, temporary shelters, and medicine to Lauchenoiria within a fortnight. Of particular priority are southern areas that were directly affected by the Laeralian advance.

Muted criticism was heard from fiscal conservatives regarding the cost of said aid supplies, while some voices have called for other participants in the conflict to take a role in rebuilding as well. Lauchenoirian officials have yet to grant formal consent for Laeralian aid supplies to enter the country, although Foreign Minister Misra announced her intention to negotiate entry arrangements as quickly as possible. Lauchenoiria will hold its first post-war elections this Saturday.

About the Author

Lilie Hollande is a Political Correspondent for Les Couloirs. She previously worked as a political writer at Le Auvergnat, and before that, she was on the staff of several members of the National Assembly. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and Political Communications from Sun Jia-wei National Open University. She lives with her fiance and two cats in a 'cozy' apartment in Laeralsford, and in her free time enjoys cheering for Laeralsford AC, trying new restaurants, and following election news.
You can follow her at @liliehollande on Setsuzoku. Direct any comments, corrections, or vaguely-coherent rants to her inbox at lilie.hollande@lescouloirs.net .

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