The Realm of Balder: Announcements and News

[The Nice Commandant]

It's good to see that Balder has reformed its PNG policy. Keep up the good work!

[Fooooooooo]

Balder Bugle Issue VII

A publication of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Realm of Balder.


Statsminster Election

November saw the first Statsminster elections under the Constitutional Reform Bill 2019, which saw Balder's two legislative chambers put forward candidates for the position. In the Lagting - the upper house, consisting of Balder's princes and nobility - Theoden Sebastian, Duke of Aalborg put himself forward for the position, and received the unanimous backing of all those who voted. In the Odelsting - the lower house, consisting of all eligble citizens who choose to take their seat - two candidates were proposed, with Theoden Sebastian and Bowzin both standing. Theoden ultimately won the Odelsting vote with a two thirds majority.

With the backing of both houses, Theoden Sebastian was put forward as the presumptive Statsminster for the new term, awaiting his appointment by the King.


State Opening of Parliament

With the Statsminster and Talman (speaker of the Odelsting) elections concluded, King North East Somerset formally opened parliament. Appointing Theoden Sebastian as Statsminster, the King stated "[Theoden's] immense experience within this Realm and abroad, shows his ability to exercise this Office successfully and to work to secure the betterment of the Region".

In his speech, the King thanked outgoing Statsminster Zander Cerebella for his hard work the previous term, saying that Zander's "exemplary service is a shining example of what Leadership means to us all. We all owe a great debt to him for his dedication and competence in moving the Region forwards during both challenging and productive times, over the past year and beyond"

Speaking of the constitutional reforms and Balder's current position, the King stated "The reforms are just one achievement from the past term, although an important one as they have unlocked opportunities to broaden the structure and depth of participation, whilst maintaining an unique perspective on our Constitutional Monarchy system, which is proving to be a real dark horse in terms of its ability to combine both dynamism and stability. I said last term that our spirit, identity and unwavering commitment to sovereignty and independence have made us a force that it would be foolish to underestimate. And so that has proven to be the case."


New Honours and Titles awarded

The King ended his speech by awarding a number of honours to deserving members of our Region:

Knight of Forseti - Sir Griffindor - for his dedication and service as Lawspeaker, ensuring the voice of the legislature is heard and our Parliament is run efficiently.

Knight of Bragi - Sir Bowzin - for his commitment and drive to furthering the Culture of the Realm, including in the NS in-game events, for example in coordinating Balder's efforts at the forefront of N-Day activities.

Knight of Mimir - HRH Prince Fuzzy of Ribe - for his excellent service in Cabinet as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, playing a crucial role in multiple significant developments including the signing of the Treaty of Aarhus.

Baron of Brattahlíð - Aexnidaral - a fitting peerage given his long-standing service as an MP in the Storting, his immense and demonstrable capability in the game as a legislator, and also his behind the scenes work here in regional security.


Treaty of Aarhus signed

The recent coup attempt in The East Pacific saw Balder's Jomsvikings take swift action to help delegate-elect Marrabuk assume his rightful place as the region's delegate and leader. This event took place during the latter stages of treaty discussions between Balder and TEP, and once TEP was secure, the Treaty of Aarhus was ratified by both sides, coming into force in Balder on November 9th. This treaty sees Balder and TEP agree to mutual recognition, defence and intelligence sharing, and formalises the rapidly strenghtening relationship between our two regions. Balder is pleased to count TEP amongst its friends, and looks forward to a long and successful partnership.


Contact Fuzzy, of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with comments regarding the Bugle.

[Numero Capitan]

I hope the treaty was formally signed by all parties in the Rainbow Panorama in Aarhus?

[Lord Dominator]

Nice stuff Balder peeps, congrats to those so awarded

[Cormactopia Prime]

Congratulations to the new Statsminister, those who received honors, and Balder and The East Pacific on a successful treaty negotiation. Good stuff!

[Fooooooooo]

TNP Coup Attempt

The Realm of Balder notes the recent statement by The North Pacific demonstrating a plot to infiltrate TNP by the Confederation of Corrupt Dictators. We thank the Government of TNP for informing the world of the circumstances involved by releasing a detailed report outlining the details of the plot.

As an anti-Fascist region, Balder condemns CCD and its ideology. We now also additionally condemn CCD's conspiracy against the sovereignty of TNP and the acts flowing from that conspiracy.

Balder unequivocally supports the measures announced by the Delegate of TNP in retaliation for CCD's acts. As an ally of TNP, we stand ready to provide any diplomatic or military assistance requested by TNP, including undertaking operations against regions targeted as a result of their association with CCD.

[Queen Yuno]

Good statement and thank you for being: anti-fascist, anti-coup of TNP and supportive of TNP

[McMasterdonia]

Thanks Balder! I am sure there will be plenty of opportunity for military cooperation on this.

[Your Imaginary Friend]

I just noticed that Bowzin was elected as the new Statsminister of Balder. I've seen him doing a lot of good work in the region over the past year and I wish him and those he appoints to work with him the best over their new term. :)

Congratulations!

[Bowzin]

I just noticed that Bowzin was elected as the new Statsminister of Balder. I've seen him doing a lot of good work in the region over the past year and I wish him and those he appoints to work with him the best over their new term.

Congratulations!

Thank you for the kind words! As usual, we were working on an issue of the Balder Bugle to formally announce it, but my term has already started and we are already working on our projects for the next few months!

[Syberis]

I just noticed that Bowzin was elected as the new Statsminister of Balder. I've seen him doing a lot of good work in the region over the past year and I wish him and those he appoints to work with him the best over their new term.

Congratulations!

Thank you for the kind words! As usual, we were working on an issue of the Balder Bugle to formally announce it, but my term has already started and we are already working on our projects for the next few months!

My general harsh opinion of Balder aside, Bowzin, you'll do a damn fine job.

They're lucky to have you.

[Lord Dominator]

Congratulations indeed to Bowzin and to Balder

[Zevret AG-6]

I just noticed that Bowzin was elected as the new Statsminister of Balder. I've seen him doing a lot of good work in the region over the past year and I wish him and those he appoints to work with him the best over their new term.

Congratulations!

I misread "elected" as "ejected"

[Fooooooooo]

Balder Bugle Issue VIII

A publication of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Realm of Balder.

Statsminster Election

The second Statsminster elections under the Constitutional Reform Bill 2019 took place in February, with Balder's two legislative chambers putting forward candidates for the position. In the Odelsting - the lower house, consisting of all eligble citizens who choose to take their seat - Bowzin, a nominee in the last election and Minister of the Interior under Statsminster Theoden, was proposed and seconded by other members of the chamber. No other candidates came forward, and Bowzin went on to win the Odelsting vote with 8 votes in favour and one vote - from Bowzin himself - abstaining. In the Lagting - the upper house, consisting of Balder's princes and nobility - Bowzin was also proposed and seconded, with no other candidates coming forward, and went on to receive the unanimous backing of all those who voted.

With the backing of both houses, Bowzin was put forward as the presumptive Statsminster for the new term, awaiting his appointment by the King.


State Opening of Parliament

With the Statsminster election concluded, King North East Somerset formally opened parliament. Speaking of Bowzin's governmental positions here and abroad, and his status as a relative newcomer to Balder, the King stated "I think this shows there is great potential for Bowzin to lead the Realm over the next term, and I hope he will focus his drive and energy on moving us forwards positively. Indeed, Bowzin only became a Citizen during this my current tenure as King, and to me this demonstrates the opportunities of Balder."

Looking back over the previous term, the King noted that Balder has "begun to show our growing military strength in recent deployments, whilst in parallel we have maintained an active presence in World Assembly affairs." Hoping to see the same going forward, he thanked those who had served in the previous government and said "We must continue to engage with our allies and friends to ensure we progress our mutual interests with dynamism and enthusiasm."


Statsminster's speech and announcement of Statsraadet

Shortly after his appointment as Statsminster, Bowzin laid out his goals for the term in his opening speech. Noting the substantial changes that have happened in Balder recently, including opening the new bicameral legislature, introducing longer Statsminister terms, and providing new ways for citizens to get involved in Government, Bowzin promised he would keep up the pace, stating "now we must push forward to new territory and take advantage of the systems given to us".

Bowzin also announced his ministerial appointments in his speech, saying "I have a strong team behind me, and I have the utmost faith in them to accomplish great things this term." The ministers appointed to Bowzin's Statsraadet are:

Eriadni as Minister of Interior Affairs,

Vamperiall as Minister of War,

Fuzzy as Minister of Foreign Affairs,

Aexnidaral as Attorney General


Civil Service

One of Statsminster Bowzin's priorities for his first term as Statsminster is to see more citizens becoming members of Balder's Civil Service. To that end, the Statsminster has initiated a recruitment drive, asking all ministers to open a Civil Service application thread for their respective ministries, with the aim of making the Civil Service easier and clearer to access. Applications are now open across many of the current ministries, and the Government is looking forward to engaging with members of Balder's citizenry to move the region forwards. The Civil Service will, as always, provide an opportunity for citizens to engage with and take part in Government, giving them an excellent opportunity to help shape and implement policy and perhaps even start a Government career!


City Reform

The Princely Cities Act (February 2020) is currently up for debate in the Odelsting, following extensive Government level discussions. The Act, which if passed will be a Basic Law of Balder and therefore a core piece of legislation, aims to encourage activity at City level by legislating for the creation of City charters and governments. With each City possessing its own distinct culture, the shape of these charters will be left up to the citizens of each City, with the Prince who rules each City taking the lead on creating the charter, and having the final say in its shape and the scope of the powers any City level governments will have.


Trial of Griffindor13

On February 11th, the Realm of Balder brought charges of Treason and Deception against Griffindor13, for consipring to overthrow Balder's elected Delegate, King North East Somerset. In his statement announcing the charges, Statsminister Bowzin dismissed Griffindor13 from his position as Minister of WA Affairs.

Griffindor13 informed the Government of his intention to contest the charges and a hearing commenced on February 15th. Both parties agreed to appoint Crown Prince OnderKelkia to act as Arbiter (judge). Griffindor13 represented himself and Attorney General Aexnidaral represented the Government. Both parties were invited to present their arguments and evidence in turn, followed by a closing statement.

Five days of arguments followed, and on February 20th Arbiter OnderKelkia issued his judgement, finding Griffindor13 guilty on both counts. For Treason, Griffindor13 was sentenced to six months banishment from the region and forum, as well as a year long ban from holding an elected office within the region, beginning with and subsequent to the expiration of the six months banishment. A period of at least six months banishment, followed by a year long ban from elected office, is required by statute for all persons convicted of Treason. For Deception, Griffindor13 was sentenced to seven weeks banishment from the region and forum, to be served concurrently with his sentence for Treason.


Military Operations

Over this term and the last, Balder's military, the Jomsvikings, took part in a number of successful operations.

In December, the Jomsvikings deployed to Cretanja Queendom, supporting The Black Hawks in a raid they conducted of the region. The raid was completed successfully, and the Jomsvikings were recalled to Balder on January 1st.

At the beginning of February, the Jomsvikings again deployed in support of The Black Hawks, assisting in a raid they conducted of ASEAN REGION. The Jomsvikings were recalled to Balder on February 8th.

On February 16th, the Jomsvikings deployed to Slatos in support of the Eastern Pacific Sovereign Army's invasion and occupation of the region. The deployment ended successfully on February 23rd.

Vamperiall, the Minister of War, alongside the Chief of Defence and Viking Command, is working to further develop and expand our military capability, and the Jomsvikings look forward to a busy roster of operations in support of Balder's international objectives over the rest of this term. Anyone interested in working alongside the Jomsvikings, or as part of it, should contact Vamperiall via NationStates telegram or Discord DM at Vamperiall #2044.


Contact Fuzzy, of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with comments regarding the Bugle.

[Your Imaginary Friend]

Lazarus wishes the best to Balder's new Statsraadet!

[Yokiria]

Whoa. Didn't expect to see someone brought up on treason in Balder, mainly because it's such a ridiculous notion to try to coup Balder. Is six months the standard sentencing or was the judgement lenient in this case?

Regardless, as much as I've taken jabs at Balder in the past, I'm glad the delegacy remains safe.

[Lord Dominator]

Whoa. Didn't expect to see someone brought up on treason in Balder, mainly because it's such a ridiculous notion to try to coup Balder. Is six months the standard sentencing or was the judgement lenient in this case?

Regardless, as much as I've taken jabs at Balder in the past, I'm glad the delegacy remains safe.

Post says that 6 months is the minimum given by the law

[Yokiria]

Whoa. Didn't expect to see someone brought up on treason in Balder, mainly because it's such a ridiculous notion to try to coup Balder. Is six months the standard sentencing or was the judgement lenient in this case?

Regardless, as much as I've taken jabs at Balder in the past, I'm glad the delegacy remains safe.

Post says that 6 months is the minimum given by the law

I missed that bit.

[Gorundu]

Whoa. Didn't expect to see someone brought up on treason in Balder, mainly because it's such a ridiculous notion to try to coup Balder. Is six months the standard sentencing or was the judgement lenient in this case?

Regardless, as much as I've taken jabs at Balder in the past, I'm glad the delegacy remains safe.

It's even more unexpected given that they were a government minister and should know how hard it is to coup Balder. I wonder if anyone could tell me exactly what they did?

[Fooooooooo]

Whoa. Didn't expect to see someone brought up on treason in Balder, mainly because it's such a ridiculous notion to try to coup Balder. Is six months the standard sentencing or was the judgement lenient in this case?

Regardless, as much as I've taken jabs at Balder in the past, I'm glad the delegacy remains safe.

It's even more unexpected given that they were a government minister and should know how hard it is to coup Balder. I wonder if anyone could tell me exactly what they did?

We obtained logs in which Griffindor13 proposed creating a private Discord server to coordinate military operations to "secure the Delegacy" through unlawful means. To make seizing the Delegacy relatively more viable, Griffindor plotted to use his government position to gradually lobby for a series of initially small and then larger increases in the endorsement cap. Griffindor's planning was at an early stage when his plans were reported and thwarted. When questioned about his activities, Griffindor denied responsibility for the plot and lied repeatedly about the details, including by falsely naming an entirely uninvolved citizen of Balder (Danst) as a co-conspirator.

[Ikania]

Sounds incredibly gracious of Balder to give out only six months for lying about such a matter, even after caught red handed. Good catch.

[Bowzin]

NEW BALDER ORDER

THE COUP HAS BEGUN!

After sitting idly by as imperialist powers ran our region into the ground, I decided it was time to take matters into my own hands! I AM NOW KING!

That's right, you heard me, I couped Balder and have taken my rightful spot as King. Obviously this is what the people wanted. Anyway, turns out I am an awesome King! I even changed our endorsement policy, now no one can have endorsements except for me, showing how cool I really am!

In honor of creating a new Balder, I decided to follow fellow sinker Osiris' lead and make us defender, but its not big deal, I just want my DKP. @TGW

I also decided that since I am honestly the best, I'll just hold all the positions for the time being. So you can direct any concerns to me, no matter the nature.

Recently, Balder has been doing things like making an all citizen legislature and removing a variety of PNGs. I decided that this was terrible because it was done by a King other than me, so I am issuing a PNG on anyone who doesn't DM me that I am the best King. Also, citizens no longer have a choice in anything, in fact, there is no citizenship anymore unless you do exactly as I say.

I hope you all enjoy the new Balder, because the world's most awesome person is running it now.

-Bowzin
King of Balder

[Bowzin]

Someone said we should revive the FRA, so consider it done. I am in charge, though.

[Your Imaginary Friend]

LazCorp would like to make it clear that we consider egocentric ideologies, like the one you propose Bowzin, as deviant as more conventional non-neutral ones. However, considering the general lack of r/d participation that Balder has, we do not view you or your regime a threat to Neutrality.

Please, carry on.

[Drop Your Pants]

Second time Balder has done a New Balder Order. Wasn't particularly funny the first time, now it's just stupid. Try harder next time.