The Western Isles News

[Ioudaia]

ITV Breaking News

Six Kings Pleased by Surprise Littolyen Plebiscite Decision; Trade Agreement Coming Soon?

(Nykalessos, Ioudaia) Following the stunning decision by the Littolyen government to offer a vote to Littolyen-occupied Dovrone, the Six Kings and their ministers met overnight to discuss the rapidly evolving situtation. Just after dawn, several ministers left the Palace of Government, and the Ministry of State called a press conference, which has just ended.

Minister of State Shir bat Hekabe Ushria read a statement from the government. "The Six Kings are pleasantly surprised at the Littolyen decision to offer the Dovronian people a plebiscite on becoming Littolyen citizens or an independent people. Too often, the best intentions with armed forces devolve lasting injury and injustice to all parties involved. We support the bold decision on the part of President Drake and the National Party and Littolyen Party senators who voted for it. They have made the upright and proper choice for themselves and the Dovronian people.

"As part of their bold initiative, the Six Kings offer to provide election monitors for the plebiscite, to ensure that the will of the Dovronian people is recognized. Transparency will establish the legitimacy of the mandate that the plebiscite delivers, and will support the peaceful transition to that government.

ITV sources within Ioudaia's business community breathed a sigh of relief at the news. One large-company executive said, "There's been some favorable movement on trade relations between Ioudaia and Littolyo within the government. When the news of Littolyen troops crossing the border broke, we thought any chance of a deal was dead. But now, we're very hopeful that the momentum that's built up over the last few months will continue."

[Littolyo]

2020 October 25
Defense Secretary Flies to Massie for Damage Control


A government jet carrying Defense Secretary Raul Forters taxis before dawn at Arennica International Airport, shortly before departing for Massie’s capital of Laurigg.

ARENNICA—Defense Secretary Raul Forters left Littolyo today for Massie, in full damage-control mode after news of a call between President Leon Drake and Massie Prime Minister Mira Fairchild in which the leaders discussed the possibility of a Littolyen military base on the island ignited a public outcry and furious protests.

According to a transcript of the call, which leaked from the Prime Minister’s office, Kilroy House, last week, President Drake broached the idea of a basing agreement in the region of Mosel, to which Prime Minister Fairchild reacted that the idea could be a “positive step” that would be “worth the backlash.”

That theory may now be put to the test, as the predicted backlash materialized in the form of outraged statements from Massie lawmakers and popular demonstrations in at least two cities. Interviewed by the Times at a protest in Riedestel, Mosel’s capital, one protestor expressed displeasure not only at the notion of the base, but at the idea that negotiations were ostensibly taking place out of the public view.

In a speech last Monday to Massie’s House of Deputies, Prime Minister Fairchild was contrite and noncommittal, while studiously avoiding shutting the door to an agreement out of hand.

The subject of a potential Littolyen base in Mosel has been an item of on-again-off-again discussion between the two nations for nearly twenty years. The matter has regained momentum in Arennica following a reorganization of Littolyo’s armed forces, and the implementation of a new global strategy that prizes a constellation of foreign bases from which Littolyo could respond to international events more quickly.

Littolyen officials have also played up the potential boost a base might provide to the Mosel economy, as thousands of Littolyen sailors spend their stipends in Mosel’s shops and restaurants. Mosel’s regional chamber of commerce and the Littolyen Department of Commerce have been proponents of a deal.

While the current status of talks over a base are unknown—or even whether such talks are occurring—both governments were focusing publicly on the narrow matter of the leak itself. Kilroy House has launched an internal investigation, while a Littolaestaff spokesperson said, “It’s always regrettable when sensitive details of a call between heads of state are leaked. We always strive for maximum transparency, but any reasonable person can understand that there are sometimes elements of these calls that must necessarily remain private, especially when discussing sensitive topics of national security.”

A State Department spokesperson said only that, “Massie is an important partner to Littolyo, and we value our bilateral relationship greatly.”

[Martenyika]

Monday October 26, 2020
RKT - Royal Kessa Times

Kessa Basilica Renovations Finally Completed Following Controversial Government Subsidy

Overhead footage of the Basilica of Our Lady Queen of Peace, Kessa

Renovations began at the Basilica of Our Lady Queen of Peace a year ago, and they were finally concluded yesterday. The completion was celebrated with an exclusive religious service, most notably attended by President Maxime Zubele, as well as other governmental and religious officials. At the end of the mass, President Zubele delivered an address to those in attendance extolling faith and its value to the nation going forward.

Our Lady Queen of Peace began construction in 1957 during the reign of Lucrece, the final queen of Martenyika. The original construction did not draw significant concerns about its cost, as Martenyika was in the midst of a post-Imperial War boom. However the government subsidy to ultimately complete the renovations has met with criticism regarding its costs.

The Basilica previously underwent significant maintenance projects six years ago in 2014, a fact some skeptics are leveraging to say that this government expenditure was unnecessary. Those inside and outside of Parliament are already contrasting government funding for the basilica renovations with the lack of groundbreaking progress on projects associated with the Eastern Infrastructure Bill passed in July. The ambitious bill promised a wide range of improvements and new constructions for infrastructure despite worries that government funding would be insufficient to cover all intended projects.

[Littolyo]

2020 October 26
Littolyo Carmakers Crack Key International Market


A shipping vessel containing hundreds of new Camrol and Kudos vehicles, bound for dealerships throughout Ioudaia, at port in Pteleon.

CAROLJ, CAMREAL—Littolyo’s two largest carmakers, Camrol and Kudos, announced on Monday that after more than two years of challenging negotiations, they had reached an agreement with automobile regulators in Ioudaia that would yield final approvals for them to begin selling their cars in the country.

The deal gives the automakers long-coveted access to Ioudaia’s market of nearly 24 million well-heeled citizens, and sent the stock prices of both companies soaring.

In a sign of both companies’ eagerness to begin doing business in Ioudaia as well as their recently belief that a deal was near at hand, the carmakers have this year constructed scores of dealerships in cities across Ioudaia—more than 50 for Camrol and 32 for Kudos—and have had a shipping vessel loaded with hundreds of vehicles idling off the country’s eastern coast for several days.

In a news release, Camrol proudly shared a live stream of glimmering new cars being offloaded at the Ioudaian port of Pteleon. Jonathen Camrol, CEO of Camrol, has made repeated trips to Ioudaia over the past two years in an effort to help move negotiations along.

The main sticking point in the negotiations had been differences in environmental and safety regulations for vehicles between Littolyo and Ioudaia. The safety issue was resolved earlier this year, and the parties finally identified a path forward on environmental concerns in recent weeks.

Senator Vernon Ribo, who represents the Heath State district where Kudos is headquartered, called the deal a “major win for global commerce and for Heath workers.”

The development is consistent with a recent trend of tightening bonds between Littolyo and Ioudaia in areas of trade and diplomacy, which was celebrated in a statement released by the Littolyen Department of Commerce. “The arrival of Camrol and Kudos in Ioudaia is yet another welcome sign of the blossoming trade between Ioudaia and Littolyo,” the statement read.

Littolyen tourism to Ioudaia is up more than 80% over prior years after celebrities Kevin Richardson and Adelle Klunterschoft-Richarson bought a home on the country’s famed Coral Coast. Telgetu Cruise Lines, a titan of Littolyo’s travel industry, recently opened two new lines to Ioudaia and plans to open another two by the spring. And numerous Ioudaian food companies are now expanding into Littolyo.

[Ioudaia]

Pentapolis Business Briefing: Littolyen Treaty Brings Retail Food Industry Success, Other Expansion

(Pteleon, Ioudaia and Kolos, Ioudaia) Today's trade agreement with Littolyo opens Littolyen markets to Ioudaian foodstuffs, but Ioudaia's multinational food companies aren't the only ones benefitting. The whole Ioudaian agricultural enterprise is growing, as are companies that support it.

Jolly Baker CEO Yagur Amir described their preparations for the treaty. "Even before details were finalized, Jolly Baker had established bakeries in Littolyo, made test runs of breads, cakes, and cookies, and carried out marketing studies. We found that a few kinds of Ioudaian flat breads are similar enough to Littolyen flat breads that we can just ship them from our bakeries in Ioudaia, since our stay-fresh packaging will keep them cripsy and oven fresh on the way. On the other hand, nun-e shermil, the traditional Kabiruz honey and egg flatbread, was discovered to be a surprise success, as there's nothing in Littolyo like it.

"And several kinds of our cookies are also big test-marketing successes in Littolyo, especially a number of fruit-filled ones, and our ever-popular Lyposi chocolate-filled sandwich cookies. But we're also ready to start baking Littolyen favorites, including denadon chocolate cookies with white chocolate chips, poluta lemon shortbread cookies, and anavanena pine-flavored cookies."

"On the business side, we're finding that since Littolyo is a major food importer, there's little spare capacity in their food supply chain. So we're having to import many of our ingredients – flours, sweeteners, and fruit especially – from our usual suppliers in Ioudaia. Fortunately, Eastern Interseas Shipping has been a great partner, and has dispatched extra reefers to help us meet demand."

Thallogigas had similar experiences. "They [Eastern Interseas] have been incredible partners as we prepare for our Littolyen launch," said Speio bat Elna, Operations Director of Thallogigas. "On-time shipping is an absolute necessity for the frozen food industry, and we're no exception.
"Littolyo has a well-developed consumer food market, and we've found that Littolyens want the full range of frozen foods, from basics like frozen vegetables to entire frozen meal kits with appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Some of their choices are familiar to Ioudaians, such as buckling-steak wraps, but others were previously unknown like prekhla, a flaky meat and cheese pastry, and torni, a popular pasta entree. That is, until our taste-testers brought them to Ioudaia for test marketing. We'll be introducing them soon in select domestic markets.

"Since frozen food preparation requires tremendous plant infrastructure and since Littolyo is less than a day's sailing by freezer-ship from Pteleon, we're using our existing equipment, even for export-only products. Perhaps as our Littolyen markets expand, we'll establish plant there."

The TAK Fisheries Association also reports food processing in Ioudaia followed by shipping to Littolyo, but for them, it's the nature of industry. Fish need to be canned, refrigerated, or fresh-frozen on arrival in port regardless of whether they're ultimately headed for foreign or domestic markets. TAK Fish Market officials report that major Littolyen fish buyers, including restaurant and supermarket chains, have been placing futures orders for several weeks now, anticipating the signing of the trade agreement.

Aloadia-Araxia United Mills issued a statement in response to Pentapolis' request for an interview confirming that Jolly Baker's and Thallogigas' flour orders are way up, and they themselves have been looking for new supplies of barley and wheat. They expect Ioudaian barley plantings to expand next season, and for wheat imports to increase in the short term. But they say that Ioudaian farmers are also looking into higher-yielding wheat hybrids, now that there's clear new demand.

A highly-placed source in Eastern Interseas tells Pentapolis that the shipping company expects to purchase additional refrigerated ships to meet the new demand. "We have so many ships making the Pteleon-Petna and TAK-Petna runs that we will sign contracts shortly." Our contact refused to specify which shipyard or shipyards is or are building the new vessels, citing ongoing negotiations.

[Littolyo]

2020 October 27
Littolyo Establishes Military Base in Serpens Land


Richmond Naval Base in Serpens Land is being built in an environmentally sensitive marshland; the Littolyen military has promised to mitigate any impacts on the delicate ecosystem.

FORT CHARLOTTE, SERPENS LAND—Defense Secretary Raul Forters announced today that Littolyo had reached an agreement with Serpens Land to establish a military base in that nation’s Northland province. The announcement follows on the news two weeks ago that President Drake had entered into basing agreements with three other nations: Biaten, Martenyika, and Havalland.

The newest facility, to be named Richmond Naval Base, will be the command hub for the military’s Eterna Command, and will also host a major air base, giving the Littolyen Armed Forces a significant new foothold from which to project power into the Eterna Sea area. Significant amounts of infantry are not expected to be deployed to the site in peacetime.

Lease payments for the base were reported to be in the vicinity of $100 million per year, with a 99-year term. If true, this would put the lease agreement very much in line with Littolyo’s basing agreements with other nations.

The development comes as Littolyo’s military is deployed to Dovrone, the nation that was historically a pre-Littolyen Kingdom before being seized by invading Magaratis in the 8th century. The Dovronian military launched a coup d’etat against the autocratic former governor, but was itself removed from power just days later by Littolyen forces after Dovronian military units captured and killed two reporters for the Littolyen Times.

A small flotilla of Littolyen naval vessels visited Serpens Land on a goodwill port-of-call as part of their circumnavigation of the Western Isles last month.

[Havalland]

The Royal Cryer

MAR-19 makes a comeback

Replaced almost a year ago by the MAR-20 rifles the MAR-19 was seen as outdated until the creator of the MAR-20 converted the MAR-19 to 6.5 the standard round of the MAR-20, this excited soldiers dome whom missed the design of the old rifles. This in addition to the MAR-20’s more expensive metal frame compared to the wood furniture of the MAR-19 has seen a significant preference making the MAR-19 a preferred choice, however this is not the end of the MAR-20 as it was a new design there is room for improvement we don’t know what the next MAR rifle will look like.
The return of the MAR-19 also hailed the return of its brother the MAR-19S, discontinuing in 1989 the MAR-19S has been converted to 6.5 and re-entered production, the shorter rifle features a more compact design with a triangular side folding stock.

[Alteran Republics]

Argus Canal Crisis:
More migrants arrived in September than all of 2019

---

With the conflict and instability raging south of the Argus Canal and the Alteran Canal District, the influx of migrants - seeking to flee the economic instability - has increased dramatically this year.

Even yesterday, almost 400 migrants were intercepted by the Alteran Navy and Customs Office attempting to cross the canal, mostly in small boats.

Latest figures suggest more than 3,000 migrants attempted to make the crossing in September - more than in all of 2019.

A total of 1,732 migrants crossed the Canal in 2019.

Authorities south of the Canal insist there are preventing most of the crossing attempts, claiming to have stopped ten alleged crossings in the past week.

This is start contrast to statistics on the Alteran sector north of the Canal, which states that more than 26 boats of intercepted in the previous day alone.

Despite the allocation of extra resources to Alteran security forces in the canal, Customs Office officials state they are "close to breaking point" unless the military interveens.

Whilst some of the migrants include young children and families, the vast majority of those who cross are young men between the ages of 18 and 30.

The Curia has promised more resources to the authorities monitoring the situation.

Praetor for Defence Marcelo Q'Long has said that he aims to make the crossing "unviable", adding that "the only methods to intercept those making the crossing and turn them back, but also establish a presence on the other side to deter smugglers".

Q'Long has stated that the authorities south of the Canal have shown they are "not able to get a grip on the situation" and that "Alteran intervention is all the more likely".

The international response to the crisis has been mixed.

Whilst Altera has received support from many of its international partners - including Noronica and Segentova - so far there has been little response from the League.

Although Altera does not official recognise the League as a "stable and functional authority for good", it does monitor events and discussions from its members.

Members of the League have shown little prolongued interests in the crisis since the initial intervention by Altera and Segentova.

Regardless of international commentary, it remains clear that the migrant crisis is only the latest in a string of events surrounding the Canal that will only fan the flames further.

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The following is a paid advertisement.

[Biaten]

Saturday 31st October 2020
National Lion
Republic of Biaten

Accusations against Field Marshal Ralph Combs

Field Marshal Ralph Combs, the Chief of Staff of the Army, has, from some groups, been accused of being politically biased towards conservatives due to his former position in the Conservative Democratic Party. These groups, mainly consisting of socialists, have recently spread false rumours in the streets of Hachen. These rumours have only one purpose which are to damage the Field Marshal’s reputation and to attack a respected soldier and defender of Biaten.

It is true that the Field Marshal served as an MP for the Conservative Democratic Party back in the 1990s. What these liars do not say in their propaganda is that the Field Marshal left the party in 2002 before joining the military in 2003 in order to defend his nation against any potential threats, and over time he rose through the ranks. We at the National Lion urge you to ignore these attempts to attack the Field Marshal.

A Transgender Defence Minister?

The rumours of the appointment of Alana Straub MP, the first transgender MP to ever be elected to the National Diet, as the Minister of Defence has caused some dissatisfaction among a number of citizens. The National Lion has been approached by several citizens who do not believe a transgender person should be the Minister of Defence of the Republic.

Despite the fact that a few transgender people have joined the military since the passing of the Military Service Act 1995, which allows transgender people to serve in the military, LGBT rights are still an extremely important subject for many. We tried to get a comment from Field Marshal Combs, as Chief of Staff of the Army, as well as Grand Admiral Noel Thomson, as Chief of Staff of the Navy, but without any luck.

[Ioudaia]

Pentapolis Business Briefing: Ioudian Companies Win Bid for Martenyikan Mass Transit Lines

(Shariyath, Ioudaia and Kessa, Martenyika) Axouch-Kadaronezhad Civil Engineering, Behnam Tomer and Sons, and ZRE Operations have won the bid to provide a turn-key build and operate mass transit system in Kessa, Martenyika. The system will have two lines, the longer 37 km Bakele-Soukessé line will have 20 stations, while the shorter Ledou-Kazebala line will have 11 stations along 20 km. The lines join in downtown Kessa, providing maximum access to the city's congested business district.

Most of the rail lines will be above ground, running along existing rail alignments or on elevated tracks. However, in some places, the line will dive below ground.

"Above-ground construction is always the least expensive. However, in Kessa there are places where land-acquisition costs are so high as to make tunneling more cost-effective, and a few spots where existing roads and rail lines have tight corners. They would lower trains' average speeds, and make the system more expensive to run overall," explained Axouch-Kadaronezhad Planning Director Davidi ben Audax. "Our hybrid proposal, with 55 km of above ground track and 10 km in tunnels, maximizes cost-efficiency while keeping costs reasonable."

Behnam Tomer and Sons will provide subway cars, using their popular New City 2100 platform, customized to Kessan requirements.



As fifth-generation CEO Yitro Behnam ben Tomer Eukles describes, "The New City 2100 is fully automated, needing only a single conductor per train, to handle unusual situations. The New City is used throughout Ioudaia, and in several other countries, and has provided excellent, reliable service for 4 years now."

Planning for the Kessa Mass Transit System is expected to finish up in late 2021, with construction starting in 1Q2022. The first section to be built will be the stations from Soukessé to Downtown on the Bakele-Soukessé line, most providing key service between the Namasi Market and Rue Internationale. This section is expected to be in operation by the end of 2022.

The contract between Kessa and new company Kessa Transit Services, a joint venture between Axouch-Kadaronezhad and ZRE Operations, specifies that Kessa Transit Services will build the system at its own cost and then operate it for 50 years, providing the services it deems reasonable and setting its own fares. After that, the project will be turned over the the Kessa city government.

ZRE Operations manages and operates a variety of large installations, including both the Pteleon Hub mega-mall and Pteleon Nexus intermodal transportation facility, as well as the Chyrtiros Rapid Transit System.

Kessa Transit Services is floating construction bonds on the Ornemion Bourse, and has attracted interest from several large banks and investment houses. Based on the venture companies' reputations and previous bond offerings, Pentapolis Business News expects these bonds to be 30-year investment grade fixed-interest notes.

[Biaten]

Wednesday 4th November 2020
Hachen Times
Republic of Biaten



Breaking News: Vote of No Confidence in Chancellor Siegel Called

Earlier this afternoon, Leader of the Opposition Mattie Everly proposed a Motion of No Confidence against Chancellor Dyson Siegel on the National Diet floor. This was predicted by many, as rumours have been spreading that the Leader of the Opposition planned to propose a Motion of No Confidence, although she had not confirmed these rumours until today. Everly had the following to say to the National Diet before introducing the motion to the National Diet.

“Enough is enough, we have seen time and time again that the Social Democratic Party proves that it is not the party of Biaten nor the people. This government has been nothing but a tool of the civil servants, who have been given too much power by this Social Democratic government.

Mr Speaker, the Social Democrats have been in power for 24 and a half years, and yet they have failed to implement all, or even most of the Keynesian policies they have pledged to implement. While we recognise that there has been some economic growth under Siegel and Breitbarth, we are still falling behind many countries, and economic inequality is still a major problem, with the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer.

Need I remind you, Mr Speaker, that this government has struggled this year to keep our own military in line, with many of their members carrying out actions without the consent of their higher-ranking officers or their government. Speaking of the military, I call upon the Diet to remember that, not long ago, this government sold off land to a foreign country for them to hold a military base on. If this government remains, then how much longer will it be before all of Biaten is covered by military bases held by foreign countries? This government must be removed from office, and so I propose a Motion of No Confidence in this government before the Diet.”

Chancellor Dyson Siegel, who was also present in the National Diet Chamber at the time, responded with the following.

“Mr Speaker, I am very disappointed that the Leader of the Opposition has chosen to propose such a motion to the Diet, especially since we just had an election 6 months ago. I sincerely urge all members of this Diet to reject this motion put forth to us today, which is nothing more than a time waster, a publicity stunt and a pathetic attempt at a power grab by the Leader of the Opposition.

The Leader of the Opposition has attempted to paint my premiership, and the premiership of my predecessor, now our President, as dull and lacking progress, but it seems the Leader of the Opposition has either forgotten the many achievements and progressive actions made by our party since it has been in government or she doesn’t want everyone to know or remember. Knowing that the Leader of the Opposition used to be in our government, it is clear that the Leader of the Opposition intended for us to forget.

In the past 24 years the Social Democrats have been in power, we have brought progressive policies that have never been proposed by previous governments, some of which we were the first country to do so. For example, we have done more for the LGBT community than any previous government and almost any other government in the Western Isles, for we have made homosexual and transgender people effectively equal to heterosexual and cisgender people. In 1999, we legalised same-sex marriage before almost any other nation in the world, which the Leader of the Opposition would remember because it was her father, our President at the time, who signed the Marriage Act 1999 into law. In 2004, we outlawed conversion therapy, a homophobic custom that tried to stop people, mostly teenagers, from being their own natural self, despite in-party opposition to the ban from some, including the Leader of the Opposition, who was a Social Democratic MP at the time. The following year, we passed the Medical Services Act, that included a section which allowed the transgender people to undergo transition covered by the NHS.

The Leader of the Opposition has, for years, criticised our government for being a “tool of the civil servants”, but let me tell her this: any government with common sense will listen to those with expertise within the ministries and departments, so if a Communist government were to ignore or go against the civil servants, then we would have a government of chaos.

The Leader of the Opposition has also claimed that we have failed to implement the economic policies we were elected on, but this is again another attempt by the Leader of the Opposition to cover up our economic actions over the years. When President Breitbarth was elected Chancellor in 1996, he lowered the top tax rate from 90% to 50% in order to bring about greater economic growth and disperse the our nation’s brain drain. We had also introduced multiple stimulus packages to grow our economy, including a major one in 2008 that ensured that the effects of the global recession were minimal to our Republic. This government is dedicated towards creating income equality, for we will soon introduce a Wealth Distribution Fund, a form of universal basic income that will ensure people are able to afford basic necessities.

Mr Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition has made this government out to be weak and ineffective in our handling of the military. Granted, of course, our military requires restructuring, but we have by no means lost control over our military, and the recent incidents have been due to corruption. Speaking of which, although this government recognises that corruption probably exists within our government, as it does in almost every government in the world, the levels of corruption have been exaggerated by the Opposition.

And so, I ask that this Diet sees through the lies of the Leader of the Opposition and rejects this sham of a motion proposed by her.”

The motion is to be debated and voted on in the National Diet on Friday, and if it passes it is expected to be debated by and voted on by the Senate on Monday.

Can this Motion of No Confidence Pass?

You may be wondering whether this motion has the potential succeed. To understand how the National Diet might vote, we need to look at the party politics. The Social Democratic Party has 3 main factions: the Keynesians, the Centrists and the Marxists. The Keynesians, who consist of the majority of the party’s MPs are loyal to the Chancellor and are expected to unanimously support him, as he is one of them. However, there is a concern that the Marxists and Centrists might not vote against the motion.

Centrists have been critical of some of Chancellor Siegel’s more left-wing economic policies, such as increased taxes and the recently-proposed Wealth Distribution Fund, which could sway many Centrists to not vote reject the motion. However, the Centrists are also fearful of a Communist or/and National Revolution government, which might make them more willing to vote against the Motion of No Confidence. Chancellor Siegel is seen as a better alternative to Centrists than the Communists, however if this motion succeeds, an election is called and the government loses its majority, the Social Democrats may form a coalition with the more centrist Democratic Party, which is an idea that could have the support of the Centrists.

Marxists are less likely to vote against the motion, as a Communist government is not too much of a worry to them, and if the government were to lose its majority in an election the Social Democrats could form a coalition with the National Revolution Party, which is an idea that could have the support of the Marxists. However, the Marxist wing of the party have expressed greater support for the government in recent years because of their welfare programs and their dedication towards increasing income equality through higher taxes and the Wealth Distribution Fund.

It is unlikely that any Social Democratic MPs will vote in favour of the motion, as there is a very high risk that any who do will face expulsion from the party. The Communists, as the proposers of the motion, will of course support it, and the National Revolution Party, who have been displeased by the multiple cases of government corruption, as well has having multiple grievances with several government policies, are likely to vote in favour of the motion. The Democratic Party, the Movement for Justice and the Biaten People’s League abstained when Chancellor Siegel was reconfirmed back in May, and are likely to abstain again, although it is possible that a few of them may vote in favour of or against the motion. The Conservative Democrats have made it clear that they do not support this government at all, neither in social or economic policy, and so they will almost definitely vote in favour of the motion.

In May, the Chancellor was confirmed by a vote of 250-196, meaning that at least 50 Social Democratic MPs would have to abstain in order for this Motion to pass, which does not look promising to the Motion’s supporters. However, it is not unheard of for a government’s supporters in Parliament to stop supporting the government.

Auvian Regional Government to bring local councils to court over anti-gay bylaws

The Auvian Government is to bring the Councils of County Cloghburn, County Deshure and County Shanelogh to court over bylaws set by the three county councils banning certain sexual activities between homosexual couples on Sundays.

The 3 county councils, all controlled by the Conservative Democratic Party, passed bylaws over the summer prohibiting certain homosexual activities on a Sunday. Although violating these rules would only result in a fine of 1,000 Thalers, which is the maximum penalty a local council can implement without the consent of the regional or national government, the Auvian Minister of Justice Aoibheann Berne has brought the councils to the Auvian High Court to have the bylaws removed on the basis that they violate Section 4 of the Sexual Offenses Act 1974, which prohibits any non-national government, whether it be regional or local, from banning any sexual activity between two consenting adults above the age of consent, as well as the Homosexual Act 1961.

[Nhoor]

[Biaten]

Saturday 7th November 2020
Hachen Times
Republic of Biaten

Parliament rejects Motion of No Confidence in Chancellor Siegel

The National Diet has voted down recently-proposed Motion of No Confidence against Chancellor Dyson Siegel by 224 to 200. Although some Social Democratic MPs abstained from the vote, including members of the Centrist and Marxist factions, most Social Democratic MPs turned up to vote against the motion earlier today. The Motion, which was proposed by Leader of the Opposition Mattie Everly, was supported by the rest of the Communist Party, the National Revolution Party and the Conservative Democratic Party.

After the result was announced, the Chancellor told MPs that he will “continue to carry out the plans of the government, which are in the best interests of the people of this Republic”.

32 Social Democratic MPs abstained from the vote, with the rest of the party voting against the Motion. This has shown that there are some divisions within the party. Head of the Chancellery, MP Conall Auer, has said that the Chancellor will meet with Centrist and Marxist MPs.

[Littolyo]

2020 November 9
Diplomats Gather in Arennica to Discuss New Alliance


Diplomats from six nations met over the weekend at the Highland Plaza Hotel in Arennica to discuss the formation of a new military and economic alliance.

ARENNICA—Sunday mornings at the Highland Plaza Hotel in Arennica are typically a quiet affair. Well-to-do guests shuffle in and out of brunch, while local holiday makers ending a weekend getaway reluctantly check out.

Not so today. This morning, the marble halls of this grand and historic palace rang with the hurried steps of high-powered diplomats from around the world, and the hushed conversations of myriad support staff in numerous languages.

The occasion? A working weekend of meetings regarding the formation of the Great Flag Alliance, long a political goal of President Leon Drake’s. Ministers of foreign affairs, trade, and defense from five different nations—Biaten, Domanania, Ioudaia, Martenyika, and Littolyo—held several days of high-level talks, ironing out the details of what could shape up to be one of the most consequential alliances of modern history.

The nations cover a diverse swath of the Western Isles, and the facets of the alliance are said to be varied and wide-ranging. Military terms could include mutual defense agreements, minimum defense budget commitments, joint exercises, and more. Economic terms could range from a simple cooperative union (similar to the Western Seas Treaty) to some sort of single market-type arrangement. Civil/cultural terms could include regular cultural exchanges and visa-free travel.

The working weekend kicked off Friday afternoon, as diplomats gathered for a grand dinner hosted in the hotel’s ballroom. While the nations had agreed to evenly split all expenses related to the negotiations, President Drake made a brief surprise visit to the dinner to thank his guests for traveling to Arennica for the talks and announced that Littolyo would foot the bill for the evening’s festivities.

Negotiations began in earnest Saturday morning; on both Saturday and Sunday mornings, the entire coterie of diplomats and their scores of support staff met for vision-setting sessions. They then broke into a series of working groups throughout the day, the ministers of defense meeting in one wing of the hotel, trade in another, and state in a third. Both days wound down with large review sessions, followed by working dinners and a social hour.

As the diplomats departed for their home countries Monday morning, one reporter caught Littolyen Secretary of State Leslie Strivers. Asked for comment on the weekend’s progress, Secretary Strivers said, “I had high hopes going into this weekend, and I have to say, they were all met or exceeded. This was a hugely positive step forward, and I have a good feeling that we will all be meeting again soon.”

Domanania was invited to join as well, and may partake in future meetings of the working group.

[Biaten]

Monday 9th November 2020
Hachen Times
Republic of Biaten

Ministers Travel to Arennica for Talks

On Thursday, Minister of Foreign Affairs and President of the Senate Senator Carter Eldridge, Acting Minister of Defence Cameron Ashworth and Minister for Trade Waldemar Carroll departed Hachen Airport for Arennica, the capital city of Littolyo, where they met with representatives from Domanania, Ioudaia, Littolyo and Martenyika to discuss a military and economic agreement between the 5 countries. This is a major landmark in advancing the interests of Biaten outside the country, as Biaten abandons its isolationism to cooperate and work with nations with similar interests, both domestically and internationally. The government have been saying for the past couple of weeks that they are seeking to form an international alliance with Littolyo, Ioudaia and Martenyika, although had not gone into further detail until Friday, in which the Head of the Chancellery, MP Conall Auer, announced that the 3 Ministers had travelled to to Arennica, with a delegation for “discussions with representatives from Domanania, Ioudaia, Littolyo and Martenyika” regarding “economic, cultural and social partnership”.

The ministers, along 27 staff and delegates from their ministries, departed from Hachen airport on Thursday afternoon for Arennica, arriving in the evening. The ministers stayed in the Highland Plaza Hotel in Arennica, where the discussions were held. The following afternoon, the Ministers and diplomats, along with representatives from Domanania, Ioudaia, Littolyo and Martenyika, attended a dinner, which was paid by, at the surprise and gratitude of the ministers, President Drake. The Ministers and their departmental delegates then met with their counterpoints from the 3 nations on Saturday.

On Monday, the 3 ministers returned to Biaten, arriving back at Hachen Airport in the late afternoon. Upon their arrival at the airport, they were met with a crowd and several members of the press. The Minister of Foreign Affairs Senator Carter Eldridge took to the microphones.

“What a superb meeting we have just returned from with the members of the future Great Flag Alliance. The Littolyens were most receptive in their welcoming and the talks went splendidly well, with mutual respect for all sides. This agreement between our 5 nations is a crucial step towards improving the Biatenian economy. Building our relationship with Domanania, Ioudaia, Littolyo and Martenyika will see good, steady investment in Biaten and give us a chance to build up our fiscal credibility around the world. The Biatenian Government are most grateful to the 4 nations for their negotiations, especially Littolyo for hosting this deliberation.”

Speech on Motion to Restore the Monarchy

Vice Chancellor Denise Quigley took to the National Diet to address MPs regarding the recently-proposed motion by the Conservative Democratic Party that calls for a referendum to restore the Monarchy.



“Mr Speaker, I have in front of me a motion. The motion is titled, quote, “A motion to hold a referendum to restore the Monarchy”. Let me say, Mr Speaker, never did I think I would see the day. What a divisive, horrid and utterly gutless proposal. Although I raise the question, who could expect anything different from conservatives?

Of course, it’s easy to talk about the monarchy. It’s easy to look like one is being productive through a monarchy debate. Although, let me assure this chamber, that is quite honestly nonsense. They say they support the monarchy on grounds of democracy. Never have I seen such hypocrisy within the course of my career. The motion also says “the will of the Biatenian people must be respected”. They talk about democracy as if they have any idea of what it is. No, Mr Speaker, democracy is when you have a head of state elected by the people. It is a grave concern to every Member assembled here that we have conservatives attempting to rewrite the constitution. If something doesn’t suit them, they are at it like a pack of hounds. I’m afraid that is not how this country works, that is not how any democracy works. Our constitution was drafted by, and with the consent, of the people, and now the conservatives want to propose a whole new constitution, defying the people and defying democracy. It will not be long before they start motioning for the return of flat-rate taxes, or a feudal hierarchy.

Our President is a most remarkable exemplar. He is a man of the people, a man who puts his country first. The CDP want to replace him with someone who we don’t even know the identity of, let alone know what kind of head of state he or she would be, and who would nevertheless serve for life, with little to no legal accountability. Mr Speaker, I would like to assure this Diet that the Republic is safe. I urge the conservatives to withdraw this motion, and if they do not, if they continue to promote such an awful, dangerous agenda, I beg the Diet to vote against this motion.”

[The Federal United Republic]

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Argusian Carmakers unanimously call for the government to give them new grants | Fears of Argusian automobile obsoletion rampant

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The Massoin Rookland, the latest luxury coupe by Massoin, is considered antiquated compared to its competitors

|| Towards midday, various Argusian car manufacturers including Massoin and APB called for the devolved governments of both Appalumbia and Latreal, as well as the national government, to pump more funds into the car industry as various international competitors begin to gain the rights to sell vehicles in foreign countries. The announcement came after news spread of Littolyo's two largest carmakers, Camrol and Kudos, announced earlier in the week that they have been given the right to sell in Ioudaia.

Massoin, a luxury and exotic car brand once considered the most opulent brand of car to buy across the Isles, has in the last 20 years become somewhat of a 'granny brand', with their vehicles being outdated in both style and technology. APB is also the other notable company to denounce the government's ignorance, with APB owning five brands which sell varying degrees of vehicles from APB-Goulon's family-oriented SUVs and Estate cars to APB-Chatlionia selling executive-line vehicles. Five other automobile manufacturers also joined this abrupt condemnation, as well as the massive tyre manufacturer Vichellois, which has seen tyre sales to both consumers and other businesses decline gradually since 2014.

This statement from the car industry ironically comes after the Massoin Rookland, a large, Fa400,000 coupe, was presented to dazzled audiences in Massoin's primary showroom in downtown Chatlion. It is clear that brands in the UCA are gravely concerned with having to enter negotiations with foreign carmakers in order to survive.

President Jauvin sent a letter to the Director's Board of APB just a few hours ago, but it has not been confirmed what the letter actually consists of. Many have speculated that the Chief Treasurer of the Union, Paul Razore, will announce a large cash injection of Wednesday, but again, this has not been confirmed.

[Mokov]

Mokov: Riots in Ivanozavodsk!
Iohannes Zhulkorgan | Ivanozavodsk, Mokov, 11/10/2020, 10:25 AM

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This morning, riots broke out in Ivanozavodsk's Imperial Street Square during the unveiling of a statue of Tsar Ivan the Unifier.

Image: The statue that was unveiled

Tsar Ivan the First is known as the Unifier due to his actions during the Mokovī Civil War (1920-1948), in which he led the Royalist forces of Mokov to victory, establishing the modern day Tsardom of Mokov. He passed in 1984, and remains a controversial figure to this day.

Image: A picture of Tsar Ivan I taken during the Civil War

He has been denounced as a tyrant and a dictator thanks to his extremely authoritarian policies, and the focusing of all state power upon the position of Tsar. Also criticized is his persecution of the Khas-Kirati minority of Mokov, and the expulsion or execution of his political rivals. When Tsar Ivan died in 1984 from liver failure caused by his heavy alcoholism, many celebrated. His proponents point out that under the rule of Tsar Ivan I Mokov was rapidly modernized, and the brutal reigns of the Grey Legion and Nationalist Communist Party were ended. Civil rights were greatly increased under his rule, and the ties to Havalland that so many celebrate today were first forged by Tsar Ivan's marriage to Duchess Elizabeth of Havalland. His son, Tsar Zvonimir IV was the primary sponsor of the statue of his father, and was present for the unveiling. Tsar Zvonimir is a very unpopular figure, and some political theorists think that it was his presence that sparked the riots.

Image: Tsar Zvonimir IV

Shortly after the unveiling of the statue, during a speech by the Tsar, protesters opposed to the statue turned violent, throwing rocks and bottles at Tsar Zvonimir. The Imperial Guard, in defense of their monarch, opened fire into the crowd, killing ten and wounding forty-five. So far, Tsar Zvonimir has declined to comment, and the more radical democrats are calling for his abdication.

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Authorized by the Ministry of State Press, Government of Mokov

[Ostehaar]

7 KILLED IN ROVKA BOMBIMG, THE DEADLIEST IN YEARS

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NOVEMBER 12 2020 | FNN security commentator Dina Mahkhjer | Lovsk

7 people were killed and 11 injured in an explosion this morning in Rovka, Lovsk. Among the dead were 4 local residents, two CIB officers, and an Oster citizen; three of the wounded are still treated at the nearby Dorter Medical Center. According to the East Lovsk Police Force, a bomb concealed in the trunk of a parked motorcycle detonated when the two officers were on the adjacent sidewalk. The blast also caused severe damage to several parked vehicles and a shop.

The bombing, assumed to be the work of the Hirten group, was the deadliest since December 2017. Similar attacks in the past months resulted in the death of over ten officers and Oster contractors, which experts believe could be part of a deliberate campaign. So far the ELPF has arrested five locals in relation to the blast, and more arrests are expected in the next few days.

In her short statement today following the attack, Prime Minister Brahurer reiterated her call to the Levenburg government to crackdown on terrorism, referring to the event as "murder in broad daylight". Officials in Levenburg said in response that the ELPF has been put in charge of the Hirten case a few weeks ago already, and that they "simply do not have more resources" available for such an operation.

Dr. Dehren Si Braant, who has been monitoring the Lovsk conflict since its inception, commented on the attack: "The Hirten have been around for almost two years now and they are getting bolder in recent months. This could also indicate that the military is failing to deal with the insurgency with the tools it currently deploys, or that the co-operation with the ELPF is not working."

[Biaten]

Sunday 15th November 2020
Hachen Times
Republic of Biaten

Former Minister of Defence Tony Madison pleads guilty

Last month, Minister of Defence Tony Madison was arrested on charges of bribery and acts against democracy, in which he hired members of the military to use their power to arrest political activists, mostly communist and fascist, with either little evidence or questionable evidence that they had committed crimes. Today, before a magistrates court, he plead guilty to all charges against him, admitting that he did it to “protect” his “country from extremists”. His sentencing has been scheduled for the 28th. 16 other former commanding officers have also plead guilty to the charges, although as they played a smaller part in the conspiracy, they could receive a lesser sentence than the former Minister.

Allegations Surface of Voter Discrimination

6 months after the recent election, complaints have finally reached the public eye with regards to the handling of election by local authorities. Allegations originate from a black woman who said she was turned away at a polling station in County Deshure in Auvia. The Hachen Times have reached out to people of ethnic minority of all 4 regions and was able to find other non-white people claiming similar treatment. Minister of Justice Ruby Bernhard has said she will take the complaints seriously and that she believes that the Constitution prevents any adult person from being stripped of the right to vote.

[Domanania]

November 16th, 2020
Federation Broadcasting Channel
Domanania

Doman Company Launches First Smartphone

On Monday, November 16th at 10am, the CEO of the tech company Halitron Electronics announced its first smartphone during a public showcase. Among other announcements such as a new line of personal laptops and computers, the main focus was on the company's first smartphone; the "Razorback".

The Razorback measures in at 138.3 x 67.1 x 7.1 mm. The announcement speech states that the phone has 16gb of storage, with 64-bit architecture processor. While not revolutionary in its specifications, it is the first step for domestic phone sales. The phone will boast a 12 megapixel camera and motion stabilization with 5x optical zoom. It will also support video recording at 1080p at 30 and 60fps, with slow motion capture at 1080p up to 160fps. The phone was designed for the current generation of students in highschool and college, claiming that the phone will last 60 hours on a single charge. With a host of other features including USB charging and universal headphone jacks, the new phone promises much.

Skeptics have questioned the move by the defense contractor subsidiary. With some of the most vocal opponents saying: "What motive does a company owned by one of our nation's most powerful defense contractors to produce a mobile for its people. Why do this when foreign mobiles are far more advanced and already available?". To which the CEO had a response.

"We simply desire to provide a cheaper alternative to foreign mobiles. Not every person can afford the $6-800 phones being released. As part of the government's Affordable Education Act, students can acquire the mobile for a reduced price. For the average citizen it will cost ₺400 ($500 USD) but for a student it will cost ₺200 ($250 USD) under the AEA. This is the driving goal for our development"

Just as the critics voice their concerns, there were thousands that rushed to support Halitron Electronics. Many students were joyed to hear that they may have access to a cheaper phone. "Despite the fact i already own an imported mobile, I find the idea of having a cheaper one available to me a good step in the right direction" Said a college freshman during an interview.

The Razorback is scheduled to release next month, and pre-orders have already surpassed 2,000 by the time the showcase closed at 3pm. With the company also opening up sales to international buyers, this may be the start of a Doman smartphone industry in The Western Isles.

[Littolyo]

2020 November 18
First-Ever Littolyen Elected League Deputy General Secretary


Erika Lewis-Smith, a philanthropist and former governor of Altera State, gives a speech before the League in 2019.

International District—For the first time in the organization’s history, one of the top officers of the League of the Western Isles will be a Littolyen.

Erika Lewis-Smith, a wealthy philanthropist and former governor of Altera State, was elected Deputy Secretary-General of the League on Wednesday evening.

In a brief speech following the vote, Ms. Lewis-Smith thanked the nations of the Western Isles for their trust, reaffirming that she would be “an impartial voice for the advancement of all nations in the region.” She also pledged to faithfully support the League’s newly-elected Secretary General, Cirasephona Alfethis Refihhlia of Roendavar, declaring her “excitement to get to work.”

Ms. Lewis-Smith’s election became an immediate point of national pride for some in Littolyo, with more politically-attuned citizens on social media celebrating the result. In a statement from the Littolaestaff, a spokesperson for President Leon Drake lauded a “historic achievement” and said, “While we realize she enters this role in a neutral capacity, the nation is immensely proud of Governor Lewis-Smith.”

While it is not believed that the Drake Administration had any hand in urging Ms. Lewis-Smith to run, pundits are nonetheless casting the development as the latest evidence of Littolyo’s re-emergence on the world stage following decades of relative isolationism.

Ms. Lewis-Smith’s election, in which she narrowly defeated Prof. Alexandre Darcy Paquet of Segentova, means she will be working closely with Secretary General Refihhlia. While Ms. Lewis-Smith has experience working with the league through various international philanthropic efforts, she has little or no prior relationship with Ms. Refihhlia, and will be starting from scratch in that regard.

Civil rights advocates noted that this is the first time in history that the League has been led by two women, a fact celebrated by Littolyo’s ambassador to the League, Marsha Trindl, in a statement.

[Mokov]

Brötzmann Gang Robs Bank!
Wilhelm Schroder | Kaiserberg, Mokov, 11-19-2020

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This afternoon, the Imperial Kaiserberg Bank was attacked by the infamous Brötzmann Gang, leaving four dead and twelve injured. The gang, led by Ärtürus Schmidt, the right hand man of Joseph Brötzmann, entered the bank at 14:34, armed with Civil War era rifles and pistols. After ordering every patron of the bank to the ground, they used stolen explosives to blow open the vault, proceeding to steal  ŠB900,000,000 in banknotes and gold. As they exited the building, they shot three local police who attempted to stop them, as well as a brave civilian who tried to apprehend the criminals. During their escape, they fired at the pursuing police, causing the police car to lose control and swerve into a building.

As of time of writing, the whereabouts of the Gang are unknown, despite the best efforts of Imperial agents to track them down. Joseph Brötzmann currently has a price of ŠB100,000,000,000 on his head, and a reward of ŠB80,000 offered for any information leading to the capture of any other members of the Gang.

Joseph Brötzmann, leader of the Brötzmann Gang

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Authorized by the Ministry of State Press, Tsardom of Mokov

[Ioudaia]

Pentapolis Broadcasting Network

Six Kings Say Yes to Alliance

(Nykalessos, Ioudaia) After nearly a week of discussion, the Six Kings approved the Western Isles Democratic Alliance treaty agreed to in Arrenica, Littolyo last weekend. The vote was 5-1, with Great King Esdras Dorotheos casting his double vote for, King Nir Thoön ben Idomeneus voting against, and King Zamir Eumenes abstaining.

Minister of State Shir bat Hekabe Ushria and Defense Minister Prymneus ben Galal appear to have spent the entire time with the Six Kings in the Palace of Government, and Pentapolis sources suggest Intelligence Minister Batrachitsa was heavily involved as well. None of the ministers nor any of the ministries have yet provided public comment on the vote or discussion. However, a well-placed defense source tells Pentapolis that the Kings grilled Prymneus on practical matters of alliance defense, focusing on the relative costs and benefits of defending our potential allies vs their help in future conflicts.

The treaty now goes to the Assembly tomorrow, where they are expected to meet in closed-door session to receive the ministers' confidential testimony. Public comments by Assemblymen and their staffs suggest that the treaty will be approved easily, and there aren't the votes to even bring up the possbility of a veto.

That being the case, the Six Kings will likely take up the related free trade treaty next week. Public and business support for that seems overwhelming, and Trade Ministry sources are optimistic that the Six Kings will quickly approve it. As one Assistant Minster put it, "Just our limited trade agreements with Littolyo is already resulting in strong GDP growth, so think of how much more is possible adding Biaten and Martenyika to the mix!" The agreement, if approved, would also expand Ioudaia's long-standing cross-border trade agreements with Domanania.

ABRN Exclusive News Flash: Kings Comment on Alliance Vote

In response to ABRN requests, two of the Six Kings have provided short written comments on the Western Isles Democratic Alliance treaty. King Linus Abiyah Gatpatugozhad voted for the treaty and King Zamir Eumenes abstained from the vote.

King Linus explained his support: "Our new allies provide support for Ioudaia's long-term defense and foreign policy interests. While there may be short-term costs incurred by the alliance, they are far outweighed by the medium- and long-term benefits. Small alliances may grow, granting Ioudaia further benefits at little or no additional cost. And this is without considering new trade with our new allies, and expanded trade with our existing allies, which turn immediate costs into immediate gains."

King Zamir felt otherwise. "Whether the treaty helps us or not is finely balanced. Both the pro and con sides advanced good arguments, but in the end, they came down to guesses about the future. Without solid facts, I found it difficult to be confident either way, and I voted as I felt."

[Biaten]

Sunday 23rd November 2020
Hachen Times
Republic of Biaten



Auvian High Court rules anti-homosexual bylaws illegal

Throughout the summer, the county councils of County Cloghburn, County Deshure and County Shanelogh passed bylaws prohibiting certain homosexual activities between same-sex couples on Sundays. Over the past week, the Auvian government argued before the Auvian High Court to have the bylaws removed.

Yesterday, the Auvian High Court ruled that the 3 county councils were in violation of the Sexual Offences Act 1974 prohibiting local and regional from banning any sexual activity between two consenting adults above the age of consent, as well as the Sexual Offences Act 1993, which allows people of the same gender to engage in homosexual activity.

The legality of homosexuality and same-sex marriage is a very controversial topic of conversation within Auvia, as the region is staunchly conservative. The Conservative Democratic Party, the only party in Parliament that opposes homosexuality, draws most of its support from Auvia, and it is predicted that it could take the Regional Diet of Auvia within the next decade. However, liberal decisions, such as the legalisation of homosexuality and same-sex marriage, the legalisation, the legalisation of abortion and gun control, made by the Biatenian central government have, in recent years, resulted in a rise in support for Auvian independence, a policy that is not supported by the Conservative Democratic Party, who instead wish to rally the support of conservatives across Biaten to overturn controversial liberal policies. Auvian nationalists argue that Auvia is often forced to adopt liberal laws due to the 3-region approval system, which means that only 3 out of 4 regional governments need to approve a law passed by the national Parliament in order for it to apply in all four regions.

Social Democratic Party celebrates 150th Anniversary

Today, the Social Democratic Party celebrated its 150th Anniversary since its founding on 23rd November 1870. The party celebrated its anniversary through a major conference and party, attended by thousands of people, including President Petrus Breitbarth and Dyson Siegel, in Hachen, despite the poor weather.
Inside the conference centre, the President made a speech warning of the dangers of laissez-faire capitalism. In his speech, he condemned aspects of capitalism that bring about poverty, as well as explain the many ways the Social Democratic Party have helped the people of Biaten.

“We have represented the voices and interests of groups who have been excluded from power and privilege”, said the President.

The Chancellor also spoke, praising the party’s efforts and accomplishments throughout its existence.

“This party has worked tirelessly for the past 150 years to create a fair and equal Biaten. Thanks to our efforts, women are now equal to men, the poor are almost as powerful as the rich, the LGBT community are equal to heterosexuals. Equality is a key principle of this party that we have carried into government policy, and we will work and fight tirelessly to make sure it remains the policy of our government.”

[Littolyo]

2020 November 19
Unexpected Friendship Blossoms Between Littolyen, Roendavarian League Ambassadors

International District—The morning after the League of the Western Isles completed its leadership elections for the coming session, Marius Helathrien Thescamon-Orelacthilia received a call. Mr. Thescamon-Orelacthilia represents the Kingdom of Roendavar at the League, and on the line was Ambassador Marsha Trindl, his Littolyen counterpart.

Ms. Trindl was calling to ask Mr. Thescamon-Orelacthilia to lunch. A Roendavarian had recently been elected Secretary-General of the League last week, and just last week, a Littolyen was elected as her deputy.

While relations between the two nations have always been cordial enough, the government or Roendavar has traditionally held Littolyo at arms’ length; their cultures are markedly different, with Roendavarians uneasy about Littolyens’ embrace of a strong central government that wields a powerful military. When Ms. Trindl’s office announced her lunch date with Mr. Thescamon-Orelacthilia, many Littolyen pundits reacted with a shrug, writing the meeting off as a perfunctory formality.

So it came as a shock to the aides of both diplomats when their hourlong lunch extended for more than three hours, ending with an ambling walk through the gardens around the International Building as their wide-ranging conversation flowed freely.

While Ms. Trindl’s office wouldn’t divulge any of the specifics of their discussion, her spokesperson did offer that she and Mr. Thescamon-Orelacthilia had “discovered great personal commonalities,” and that Ms. Trindl “appreciated greatly the opportunity to get to know one another better.” In a tweet yesterday evening, Ms. Trindl said she expects increased cooperation on issues of mutual importance going forward.

The Littolyen-Roendavarian relationship will take on added importance over the coming year, as their two officials lead the League together. Erika Lewis-Smith, a former governor of Altera State and the newly-elected Deputy Secretary General of the League, has pledged strong support for the agenda of the League’s new Roendavarian leader, Cirasephona Alfethis Refihhlia.