The Western Isles News

[Arkley Commonwealth]

Monday, December 21st, 2020. Arkley, Warlington State, City of Warlington
Written by Frederick Smith

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THE GUNS FALL SILENT ACROSS THE SOUTH, FEDERALISTS DECLARE VICTORY

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Ruins of Berkley in the immediate aftermath of the battle following weeks of intense fighting.

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The streets of Berkley fall silent after 67 days of street fighting, marking the end of the Bread and Workers party in Arkley as members surrender in droves to the nearest designated rally areas for surrendered rebels as the bombed out husks of Berkley stand as a reminder while ruins across Arkley; "From sea to burning sea" as a political commentator states stand as a testament to the hard-fought battles that concluded on this day, December 21st, 2020.

And now, after 12 years of division between the Federal Government and the rebellious Peoples Republic of Tidewater which declared the succession of the Tidewater region of Arkley just a short 12 years ago. The end of the conflict was met with much celebration from both East and West, but a much more subdued response to the former citizens of Tidewater which have been caught in the crossfire with poverty and crime rates becoming higher-than-average in comparison to the North.

Members of the Pro-Federalist resistance, many of whom rising up in the turning point of the war has begun efforts to demobilize while former soldiers of the Peoples Army come under new orders, not from Berkley, but from Warlington.

The new orders essentially dictate that they are to march away to new rally points to be disarmed and processed before being sent home, imprisoned or even "Conscripted" under short-term employment as Prison Guards, Military Police and others under the Tidewater Federal Military Administration's Security Force.

The end of the war comes just 4 days before the start of Christmas, a decisive time as promises by the government to "End the war before Christmas" comes alive, in an almost literal sense as the process of demobilization is slated to start by next year. Meanwhile, many servicemembers have went on leave until the end of December with their roles being fulfilled by military contractors hired by the government such as from the famed Edward Corporation(EDCORP).

The nation, now effectively united after the cessation of hostilities and the signing of the St. Joseph's peace treaty has seemingly also secured the position of wartime President Jackson Reed as the "Great Unifier" who will now be tasked to heal, and rebuild a broken nation that has long been separated in two for what almost seemed to be an eternity.

[Martenyika]

Monday December 21, 2020
RKT - Royal Kessa Times

President Signs WIDA and WIDU in "Historic Steps" for Martenyika

President Maxime Zubele signed the adjoined WIDA/WIDU treaties into law today, in what he describes as "historic steps" for Martenyika. Although Parliament passed the Western Isles Democratic Alliance two days ago on December 19, the companion WIDU treaty took longer due to an increased level of scrutiny. Parliament passed the Union bill this morning, and it was quickly forwarded to the President to be signed along with WIDA. Expanding on the unprecedented nature of the agreements, Zubele has proudly stated that "these treaties offer Martenyikans what they have been yearning for since the founding of our Republic, and I am the one who signed them." This development follows the exciting round of negotiations between prospective allies in Kessa, and the recent passage of the treaties in those nations...[READ MORE >>>]

[Wachoviaa]

21 DECEMBER 2020
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY APPROVES CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT - BROOKS OUTLINES WACHOVIAN PRIORITIES ABROAD: "RECOMMIT TO JUSTICE"

After receiving approval from the National Assembly in an historic vote, Prime Minister Brooks speaks before the press in a televised statement outlining his vision of Wachovia's place in the world.

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NEW HAVEN — For two weeks, the National Assembly was gripped in debate about one issue and one issue only: a proposal to amend the Constitution, reversing 71 years of what scholars dubbed 'perpetual isolation'. First instituted as a foreign policy doctrine following Wachovia's civil war in 1949, it was codified under Article 48 of the 1996 Constitution. Armed neutrality had become a fixture in Wachovia's cultural, political and diplomatic practice which was once considered Taboo to challenge. Film Makers, Teachers, Clergy, Business Leaders, Politicians, and Common Folk alike declared the Republic - a nation "in the world, and not of the world". Neutrality was Wachovia's portion, dedicated to the pursuit of justice and the realization of the highest ideals of democracy within her own borders, while likewise being open to trade with others. It was only with the ascension of Wachovia's first woman Prime Minister, the late Annette Scarboro, that the first strike against this policy had been logged in 2009. After first pushing through a massive budget increase for the Maritime Defense Force, Prime Minister Scarboro made inroads in securing substantial trade agreements with Wachovia's neighbors while loosening corporate regulations, and establishing permanent embassies in nations throughout the Isles. In this, she broke the de facto practice of sending representatives to foreign states as-needed, and ensured that Wachovia would have a seat at every table that mattered in the international community. However, it wasn't until the election of Clarence Brooks to the leadership of the Union Party after the fall of Scarboro's successor in 2018, that the path to this moment was revealed.

As he did in his first speech as Prime Minister, Brooks once more declared a New Day for Wachovia after the Speaker of the Assembly announced the result of the vote.

Today, we the people of Wachovia - born on distant shores, bound as slaves in foreign lands, redeemed to freedom at Hopefield - have made our choice and signaled to the world our commitment to peace, stability, and progress in the present age. Cooperation shall replace Isolation, and we shall look to find brothers and sisters who hear the call of Justice ... Justice for all Humanity. [...] A New Day has come for Wachovia, and one soon for the Isles.

The vote, conducted in a historic manner in its own right, saw the creation of a new coalition of globalists factions within each of the major parties, resulting in the Amendment breaching the 2/3'ds majority required. What followed in the chamber was the deafening sound of jeers and applause, mixed with groans of frustration from members who opposed the Amendment. Of them, leader of Opposition and Chair of the National Republican Party, Anthony Keitt, responded to the vote on the floor in saying;

Today, this Assembly has made a mistake that will have lasting affects upon our people for centuries. If we thrust ourselves at the Prime Minister's pipe dream of a "New Day", we'll find nothing more than Wachovian slavery to foreign corporations, foreign institutions, and foreign ideals which will overwhelm our people, and bring this proud nation to its knees. God help us in the day that we find ourselves ill-prepared to address the issues of this world, when we have worked so hard to preserve our identity apart from it.

Publicly, reception of the Amendment was mixed as Isolationists and Globalists engaged in open battle on social media in debates ranging in arguments on Morality, Philosophy, Theology, and Ideology. Much like when the issue was first publicized by daRepublik, the issue remains polarizing with various public influencers taking opposing sides displaying the chief concern of Wachovians being the possibility of entanglement with foreigners and the potential that holds to draw the nation into conflict abroad. This concern, which touches reaches at the core of the Wachovian psyche forces a reckoning on the "Why" Wachovia came into existence. 153 years after the the first settlers arrived in the Western Isles, the terms Wachovia and Refuge are synonymous with each other. Wachovia is that nation of Refuge - of peace and safety from a world torn asunder by the very greed that caused men to enslave and dehumanize their brothers. To find itself staring at the possibility of enslavement by a foreign power, again, is a fear so large and inconceivable that a pure rejection of all things which may bring this possibility into reality is instinctual. To this, in his address to the Press Corps at the historic Hopefield Church of New Haven, Prime Minister Brooks was quoted as stating;

The history of our people forces us to be conscious of possibilities most people never consider. In all things, we must think of the consequences of today's actions in the decades to come.. However, our charge - our task - is to not let fear of what is possible prevent us from facing head on, the many faces of reality. People throughout the Western Isles are starving - facing environmental destruction - sleeping in darkness if they have homes, or beneath the light of stars if they have none. What blessings we have in Wachovia, what unique perspective we have - we must share with the rest of humanity so that all may enjoy peace, joy, and salvation in this life and the next. Our mission was Christians is to spread the good news.. the Gospel, but we are also charged with clothing the naked, feeding the hungry, caring for the widow and all other sorts of things as Christ exemplified for us. And so... in this new Day, Wachovia must admonish the world recommit to justice. For this is the only way that we may achieve lasting peace, and prosperity for every Human being.

The Prime Minister went on to highlight three key issues which will guide Wachovia's emergence on the world stage.

• REVITALIZE WESTERN ISLES CLIMATE CHANGE INITIATIVE; One of the most pressing issues of our time, Climate Change was identified as one of the chief focuses of Prime Minister Brook's foreign policy. Stating that the international community has made meaningful strides in this regard, the Prime Minister stated that recent Health and Energy related crisis in the Isles highlight the need for a new push on Climate policy. The Prime Minister called for the negotiation of a new Climate agreement that will reduce carbon emissions, foster research in infectious diseases, and incentivize the research and creation of new "Green Economies". In rehards to the latter, the Prime Minister noted that widespread power outages in Shanzie, and the energy void in Balnik which prompted their seizure of the Faronnes Islands warning signs of things to come if the region does not take seriously the state of infrastructure, and increasing energy demand which has far outpaced many nation's ability to produce. The influenza outbreak in Ainslie was another noted event, to which Prime Minister Brooks commented;
  
  

  Wachovia stands with our brothers and sisters in Ainslie, and stands at the ready to provide whatever assistance they need to face this new disease. Our medical experts, and Aide workers are here for you.

  
  
• REORGANIZE A WESTERN ISLES ECONOMIC FORUM; In tandem with his stance on climate issues, the Prime Minister called upon the nations of the Western Isles to reform, revamp, and reorganize a regional economic forum with which all nations may foster closer economic relations, establish common trade practices, and create investment funds for government projects. With this, Brooks made clear that the right of self-determination for all nations must be respected, but emphasized the point that "Conversation breeds understanding... Understanding leads to healthy competition, which protects workers and producers alike throughout the region". This Forum, Brooks declared, would be a fundamental step towards elevating the working conditions of people throughout the Isles, while also creating new opportunities for business expansion into once closed markets. Likewise, the Prime Minister announced that the Republic of Wachovia would begin to actively seek members in this new Economic Forum - which he clarified was not a Union, but a formal community of understanding and cooperation for the developing and developed economies of the world.
  
  
  
• CHAMPION "JUSTICE-CENTERED DIPLOMACY" Finally, Prime Minister Brooks declared this decade - the "Era of Restitution, Restoration, and Revival for the Western Isles.". In the most critical points of his statement, the Prime Minister listed the failures or shortcomings of the existing diplomatic institutions of the Western Isles in solving the issues of the times. In Mokov, the League was fanatic in its rapid response to the crisis there - with calls for the nation's removal from the organization, economic sanctions, and even suggestions that the Monarchy be forcefully restored. Yet, in comments echoing that of his Foreign Minister, the Prime Minister decried the League as Inept in hearing the calls for assistance from Roendavar following the landgrab by Balnik, the Refugee Crisis in the Central Canal and Mokov, and numerous issues which have been presented across national headlines from Ioudaia to Shanzie. "The League acts not in the interest of Justice, and Peace - but on the whims of would-be Empires and Hegemons", the Prime Minister stated before declaring - "What the League is ineffective in doing, the nations of the world must not be afraid of doing for themselves". In this, Prime Minister Brooks called upon the nations of the world to act not against each other, but with each other to solve disputes, crisis, and develop new and innovative solutions to our world's ever evolving issues which increase in their complexities daily. "Justice for all Humanity must be our guide."

With votes tallied, and a bombardment of questions after his remarks, Prime Minister Brooks made one final announcement - that Wachovia would be joining with other like-minded nations to push for meaningful reforms and changes throughout the region.



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[Reathwood]

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Alliance treaty narrowly passes, receives presidential approval

21 December 2020

WHITE BLUFF — The Landsall approved the landmark Western Isles Democratic Alliance treaty in a narrow vote on Monday morning after the vote was postponed weeks previously. Steeply divided about Reathwood's historic policy of armed neutrality, the legislature has been embroiled in passionate debate on the subject for a month. One White Bluff political analyst commented that the treaty has inspired the most passionate political discourse in Reathwood since the last election, and polls indicate that the populace has been divided by a very narrow margin on the issue as well. Proponents of the treaty only managed to secure a committed passing majority after President Elvewer provided a rousing speech to the Landsall on Friday commending the Reathwood diplomatic corps for its congenial work with fellow liberal governments. The President explicitly stated that there existed a "need for friendly brotherhood" with Reathwood's democratic peers, hinting at his personal views on the treaty and encouraging heightened support among legislators for accession into the Democratic Alliance.

As was highly anticipated, the President signed the passed legislation in the afternoon. The signing at the Bluffhove was thoroughly publicized, and members of the diplomatic corps were welcomed to visit the presidential residence to witness the occasion. Vice President Cowald, addressing members of the foreign press in common English, said of the occasion that "few greater steps have been taken toward understanding and collaboration in the history of this country than this".

[Ainslie]

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Your Weather: Arnton - Partly Cloudy, 10C/-2C. Now: 8.2C

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DOMESTIC: Restrictions lifted as influenza ‘false alarm’ declared
Arnton, Ainslie

Restrictions will be eased across Aprosia and in the town of Kianara following reassuring signs that the influenza strain introduced from overseas is not overly severe nor pandemic inducing. In total, 135 Ahnslens became infected with the virus and not one of them required intensive care unit treatment or hospitalisation. Further, the 230 people who have been quarantined following their return to Ainslie on Aprosian commercial boats did not require any significant medical treatment.

Whilst Chief Medical Officer Kelse admits that the restrictions in hindsight were not required, he defended his advice to the Prime Minister today at the press conference to shut the border, saying that ‘the symptoms and sheer severity of symptoms the early otherwise healthy Aprosian travellers were experiencing were particularly strange and worrying’.

The Prime Minister also defended the move, noting that if they had not done the alternative and the virus was as bad as they initially feared, many more lives could have been in stake.

Effective tomorrow 7am, Aprosians will be able to enter Ainslie through any ports, whilst those remaining in the conference centres surrounding Mandara and Arborai will serve out the rest of their stays at the expense of the Federal Government before returning to their hometowns and home countries. This is as a precaution, in the event that their condition deteriorate whilst returning to their homes or that this virus is not what the Ahnslen authorities now perceive it as.

Professor Kelse also gave an update about the strain of influenza, now that the Electoral Ministries for Health and the Federal Government itself have more of an idea of the pathogen.

“Our understanding now is much greater than it was when we imposed restrictions on travel and held a magnifying glass over the Wesland Ranges. This virus is definitely one that fits within the definition of influenza - it is towards the moderate range of severity and some healthy people can have very adverse responses to it. This is extraordinarily rare though, well under 1% of cases in healthy people have such responses. The fact that the initial travellers which alerted us to this strain experienced such severe symptoms and responses seems to be very strange and can only be put down to misfortune.

The best knowledge we have at the moment is that this strain is very unlikely to result in the hospitalisation of an infected person. For the vast majority of people, in our estimation this is quite a mild illness - 65% of people will experience symptoms similar to a mild case of the flu whilst about 35% are likely to get a bad case of the flu and 2% may experience cold-like or no symptoms. The reproduction rate without restrictions is between 1 and 1.3, meaning that 1 person may only infect one more and at its highest likely amount 3 infected may infect 4.

It is for these reasons that we no longer believe that this strain needs to be restricted with strenuous measures. Rather, it is acceptably safe to allow it to spread through the community as many strains do in any given year. However, those who are concerned about their condition during the time they have the flu or any other illness for that matter are encouraged to speak to their doctor.”

Soon after their respective speeches, the media had an opportunity to ask questions with one reporter inquiring as to what the precise event that eased their fears were. Professor Kelse replied with the following.

“Well, whilst I feel for those who had to spend ten days away from their families in isolation, it was really the opportunity health authorities had to monitor the individuals coming off of Aprosian vessels and into Ainslie that helped us reach the conclusion. Many of them were understanding and very open to us about how they were feeling and this helped us to reach the conclusion that the virus was not what we may have initially feared.”

The eased restrictions have been met with relief by many, but also frustration from some. Many in the Aprosian community in Ainslie continue to accuse the government of racism, including small business owner Lán Kudžaném.

“Gifford and her government obviously made a calculated decision here. The interests of a few have been ignored and disregarded for the many. This is not the reason why so many Aprosians like me have come to Ainslie but rather it is very worrying for us to be ignored like this.”


DOMESTIC: ‘Dangerous’ winter storm on track for Wesland Ranges
Arnton, Ainslie

Authorities are warning Weslanders today that a large and dangerous snow-bearing front is moving towards the higher parts of Wesland, with blizzard conditions a possibility. This front has been predicted to be similar to the one experienced in 2015 - which brought Arnton its lowest temperature ever, brought snow down to Herriden and isolated multiple small townships high up in the mountains of eastern Wesland. The warnings cover a significant area from the foothills west of Port Blaxland well through the tablelands to the eastern extremes of Arnton’s metropolitan areas. Forecasters are also keeping an eye on the border ranges and in particular Highland Range and Randaren where snowfall is also likely to be heavy.

Emergency Responders Ainslie Director Charlie Endaren held a joint press conference with the Ahnslen Weather Office to inform and reassure Ahnslens who may be in the path of this front.

“We are well equipped to manage this snow front. However, there are ways that you can help us help you. Firstly, stay close to your radios and televisions Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. If warnings need to be issued, this is the way in which they will be delivered to you. If you live in a particularly remote area or you are likely to decide to bunker down at home through the front even if there are warnings or evacuation orders you should check your supplies and top them up if necessary.”
Charlie Endarin, Director of the ERA

Meanwhile, arrangements have been made for search and rescue helicopters to be transferred to Wesland and community leaders and emergency services volunteers have been informed of the necessary processes that may need to be taken. A surge workforce has also been made available through the ARSF and by awakening additional Wesland emergency services resources to respond to any additional demand from residents for help over the time. Endarin also continued, addressing the obvious fact that the front is likely to come during what is a special time for Ahnslens.

“For those wishing for a white Christmas, you have almost certainly won the lottery this year.”, Endarin remarked before continuing by saying “However, if a warning gets to you you should consider the options that are presented to you as a part of that message - whether it be a radio announcement, text message or an interruption to the carols on Christmas Eve.”

The Ahnslen Weather Office also was at the conference and offered the media and locals an insight into the upcoming situation they are likely to be experiencing.

“-10 celcius in the Wesland Ranges, particularly in the hamlets surrounding Tentren is not something we can count out. Regardless, the strong winds will make it feel like that if not lower. We are forecasting somewhere around 80-140km/h winds through Christmas Eve and into early Christmas morning as the start of the front rolls through. Throughout the 25th, it should hold back to between 70 and 100 in populated regions. On the summits it could be well above that.

Also it is particularly important to draw your attention to Kianara and Venterra. Whilst Venterra often is shielded from the worst conditions and Kianara tends to be exposed to them despite being lower down the mountains, this will not be the case with this front. Those living in Venterra should be additionally cautious through the Christmas holidays as this front is likely to impact the township in the same way as it will Kianara although a bit worse.

As I’m sure Director Endarin will highlight, the roads around Venterra are much more prone to closure than those around Kianara and the conditions can be a lot worse in the hills between Venterra and Kianara.

Now - the question on everyone’s mind lower down the hills is likely to be whether the snow will make it down the mountains and into the hills. The answer to this is kind of. Herriden is likely to see widespread snow - roads will be difficult to drive on in the higher parts of the city so make plans early and decide what to do during Christmas Day well ahead of time. Arnton CBD could get some snow very late in the night or in the early morning however it is likely to be snow flurries and will not settle. As you climb through the northeastern suburbs the situation is likely to change notably. Settled snow could come down to Larriten. It is predicted to settle in Onivarah and around Sturt-Condor Airport. Flights could be cancelled.

Moving west to Highland Ridge and Randaren - Randaren is likely to see snow as well but Highland Ridge is not forecasted to. However, as we know the place is quite the snow magnet so whilst models may not be pointing towards it I would personally take an unscientific guess that it will happen. The potentially hazardous conditions we are forecasting over the Wesland Ranges is not something we expect to see near either of these two townships.

Snow could also come down to 600m through Norlands, particularly in the southern forests. Outside of Wesland and Arlanah, we are not forecasting any notable snow events.”

Wesland Governor Brianna Hailes also issued a statement encouraging people to play it safe this holidays and enjoy the conditions as long as it is safe to do so.

Many of the ski resorts throughout the Wesland Ranges are optimistic that a slow start to the snow season is likely to be made up for with heavy falls to finish off 2020. However, whilst the resorts have made clear that they are staying open despite the conditions they are urging along with local authorities for people who do want to come up to come up early before the front rolls in.

For warnings, further updates and more information keep checking Arendai, go to era.gov.an or tune into Ahnslen Federal Radio.

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[Almorea]

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ALMOREA ELECTS A NEW CONGRESS
Almorean Party captures Senate, with 18 out of 33 seats
Federal Party retains Chamber of Represenatives, with 110 out of 204 seats

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The Palace of Congress in Ellsburgh, Federal District, the national capital of Almorea, pictured in September 2020

ELLSBURGH (FBCA)- Almorea elected a new Congress on Friday, returning control of the upper house of the bicameral legislature to the President's liberal party, while the lower house was retained by opposition conservatives.

Voters in all 11 provinces selected 33 members of the Senate, three from each province, and a varying number of congressmen, based on population, to sit in the Chamber of Representatives.

The Almorean Party (AMP), led by President Alasdair Hallowell, won four Senate seats, giving it an 18-15 majority over the Federal Party when the new Congress assembles. The Federalists lost six seats in the Chamber, falling to a 110-93 majority over the AMP, with the Socialist Party holding three seats.

Political implications of the elections

The long-anticipated legislative elections, seen as a referendum on President Hallowell's job performance, were marked by months of intense campaigning across the country. The 59th Congress, which will convene for its first session in February, will be friendlier to the President, with the AMP-held Senate likely enabling him to pursue his domestic and foreign policy goals with greater success.

The new Senate, for example, will have to vote on Hallowell's pick to replace acting Attorney General Joe Avella, his longtime political ally, whose recess appointment will expire with the current legislative session. The President has indicated that he may choose Selaphiel Steele, the special congressional commissioner for organized crime, to replace Avella in early 2021. Additionally, the new Chamber of Representatives will be expected to negotiate the 2021-22 federal budget in the coming spring.

The 2022 presidential election, in which Hallowell will be unable to run for a second term, is sure to attract many politicians in both parties recently elected or re-elected to the 59th Congress. The upcoming session will undoubtedly see grandstanding and attention-grabbing from many senior members of the legislature.

Some powerful senators fall, others survive

The 2020 Senate races saw intense drama in some provinces, as powerful incumbent senators were toppled by challengers or withdrew from re-election.

In Queensland province, Federalist senator Robert Carruthers was defeated by his AMP opponent, 31 year-old feminist blogger Elaine Allard, who will take office in February as the youngest member of the Senate. Sen. Elizabeth Knighton (F-Roonmore), another Federalist from a rural farming province, managed to defeat her well-funded challenger, car alarm magnate Walter Tarnaco, with a 47% plurality of the vote.

In Frasyrland province, in the far north of Almorea, Senate presiding officer Jon Fitzlane chose not to run for re-election in 2020. His seat will be filled next year by Frasyrland governor Robert Janstran (F), who defeated ten challengers to win election in Frasyrland's populous first Senate district. Fitzlane's retirement sets up a fight for the Senate presidium in the spring. Sen. Telesphorus Radford (F-Roonmore), who won re-election, has indicated his plans to seek the prestigious and influential post.

In Baranor province, Sen. Patrick Concannon (A), who was appointed by the governor to fill a vacant seat in 2019, was defeated in the AMP primary by Deputy President Nora Soodalter's cousin, Barry Soodalter, who went on to win the general election.

Sen. Sarah Tolton (F-Gavshin), a first-term senator, was defeated by the AMP candidate, Gavshin transport secretary Julian Arteza, who will become the first Lusophone senator from Gavshin. In New Arvan, powerful Sen. Aloisio Figueirido, an ally of the President with substantial oversight of the Almorean Navy, squeaked by in his re-election with a majority of exactly 50%.

Federal Party finds consolation in Chamber results

Although the Federalists will be blockaded from control of the Senate until at least 2024, party leaders have found a silver lining in their 14-seat majority in the Chamber of Representatives.

Rep. Doug Merriman (F-Talavora), who won re-election, has already announced plans to seek the presidium of the Chamber, a position that would give him authority over the body's procedures and make him third in the line of succession to the presidency. Reps. Lucille Darrange (F-Adashawnee) and Teresa Marbury (F-Culawee) have also indicated bids for the presidium in February 2021.

Whoever wins the Chamber presidium will likely emerge as the de facto leader of the Federal Party, with a strong platform to influence the 2022 presidential race.

Although the AMP captured six Chamber seats from the Federal Party in the agrarian province of Queensland, the Federalists managed to hold onto most of their rural seats in areas like Roonmore and the northern provinces. They also managed to flip one AMP seat in Gray Hills after the incumbent, Rep. Luciano Silva, was convicted of aiding organized crime in October. Although the Federalist vote share was as low as 15% in some parts of Gray Hills, the province where President Hallowell started his political career, provincial assemblyman William Gadelha managed to win the seat with a 66% majority.

The Socialist Party retained the three seats it had won in the 2016 legislative elections, clustered in the Central Talavora electoral district.

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IN OTHER NEWS...
Tenth person dies of unexplained illness in Red Foxrun
Acting attorney general plans return to private sector
Almorean Dog Show 2020 - You Love Those Weimaraners!

Copyright MMXX. First Broadcasting Corporation of Almorea. All rights reserved.

[Biaten]

Friday 25th December 2020
National Broadcasting Channel of Biaten (NBCB)
Republic of Biaten

Presidential Christmas Broadcast

This is a public broadcast from the Office of the President.



"Good evening, fellow Biatenians. I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. Christmas is a time to celebrate the gift of family and community, values that are indeed sacred to our country. It is my hope that you are all enjoying Christmas with your friends and family and enjoying each other’s company.

But I would also like us to remember and pray for those who are not able to celebrate Christmas this year. Although we have seen a major reduction in homelessness in recent years, there are still homeless people on the streets. Let us not forget those abroad who cannot celebrate the holidays this year, especially those who are embroiled in conflict in Mokov, as well as those who cannot celebrate the holidays because they are prohibited or severely restricted by their governments. We must also give recognition to the good Samaritans across the world, those who help the less well-off.

Today marks the 2020th anniversary since the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, a man who preached love and compassion for all of the people of the world, and whose values I have always carried with me throughout my entire life, especially in the past 36 years I have been in politics. Whether we believe in God or not, there is altruism within all of us. This altruism can be found in the texts of many religions across the world, such as the Bible, the Qur’an, the Torah and the Athasmylan. Let this altruism show at Christmas, whether it be through showing love and affection towards your friends and family, or through the helping of strangers. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."

[Greater Qhaenya]

Thursday, 31th December 2020
Qhoyan News Channel (UNC)
Republic of Qhaenya


Presidential New Years Speech

"Hello dear citizens of Qhaenya! Today we are, for the first time celebrating the new year. The past was difficult. Our history is filled with stories of a thriving nation, but yet it was annexed by a country 3 times the size of ours. Now we celebrate Qhaenya's rebirth. Our country is amazing and we shall not let anyone say it isn't. Kho loa kyö yaste sa nemsha kasne a daxye yasne! Today is the day we start from scratch! Today is the beginning of a new era for us. Today we shall start our way to yasne. Today we leave the difficulties of our past behind and use the opportunities given to us by the great Qha! Rise up! Let us rise! Kho sya msha! Kho kyö yasne seya! Have a happy new year!"

[Trigel]

After passed through by the legislatives the bill was signed by the president of Trigel. Household guns are illegal! Guns are now banned to be bought and used unless by the police and military. The other night, at the Magrarat museum a group of gangsters walked in and started firing. The police came but artifacts were stolen. Luckily, the gangsters were found and sent to court. Some artifacts were found but others including the declaration of Athara were not found. 5 in total died and 18 were wounded. After this, guns became illegal.

RUNOFF FOR THE STATE OF FATAMA
For the representatives of legislation in the state of Fatama there are two runoffs between Ficenza - Bacomore, and Pelosa - Timorn. This is very important because Fatama is the 3rd most populous state in Trigel and holds the 3rd most populous city in Trigel, Fatanta. For the president of the legislatives Tavano won the election. In 2 years 78 positions including the president of Trigel, go up for grabs.

See you next time on TGAAN


TRIGEL GOVERNMENT ACTIONS AND NEWS

[Biaten]

Saturday 2nd January 2021
Hachen Times
Republic of Biaten



Foreign Minister Condemns League in Scathing Remark

In a press statement today, Foreign Minister Carter Eldridge condemned the League for passing Resolution 20, which would bar Mokov from the League, as well as encourage an international embargo on country.

“Good afternoon. Before I start, I would like to wish you all a Happy New Year. On Tuesday, the League of the Western Isles passed a resolution that would remove Mokov from the League as well as encourage an international embargo and condemn the new regime that has placed itself in charge. Our ambassador, Frau Steuben, voted against this resolution, and our government stands by this decision.

The passing of this resolution is completely unacceptable. It jeopardises the lives of the people within Mokov’s borders, both Mokovi and non-Mokovi, and obstructs discussion with the Mokovi government. This is a clear sign that the League is an organisation that has been poisoned by the monarchies that put their governments before their people.

Let me make it clear that Biaten does not take orders from any monarch, nor does it put government before people, and so we will not participate in the international embargo of Mokov. Goods, services and people may continue to go to or come from Mokov, at the discretion of the Mokovi government and any businesses that transport goods, services and people between our two countries, provided that regular tariffs are paid. We also call upon other countries to not take part in this embargo in the name of diplomacy and the safety of ordinary people.”

Ministry of Energy to buy Gorilla Limited, Completing Nationalisation of Electricity

Today, the Ministry of Energy announced that it has successfully negotiated the purchase of Gorilla Limited, an electricity company which provides electricity to houses across Huonia. Gorilla Limited is the last private-sector energy company in Biaten.

Gorilla Limited was created by businessman Cameron Waller in 1986, and brought the Huonian electrical grid in 1988, during the privatisation of public utilities by the Milford coalition government. After the 1992-93 political crisis, the new left-wing Fisher coalition government, and after 1996 the Social Democratic Breitbarth government, bought back most of the utilities that were previously privatised. Although most utilities were nationalised by the time Chancellor Siegel came to power in 2010, a few private utility firms refused to sell their assets to the government. However, Chancellor Siegel’s government have managed to persuade the remaining utility firms to sell to the government, and after 28 years the government has completely nationalised all vital utilities such as rail, mail, water and electricity.

In a statement outside a Huonian power station, Minister of Energy Cherry Porter called the purchase of Gorilla Limited a “historic day in the history of the Biatenian economy”.

Although this nationalisation was approved by the board of directors of Gorilla Limited, it is widely believed that the company was pressured by the government when it announced, in 2018, that it would issue a compulsory nationalisation of Gorilla Limited if it did not agree to sell to the government by 2025.

Despite the fact all utilities have been nationalised by the government, it is widely speculated that this is not the end of government nationalisation. Many government backbenchers have called for the complete nationalisation of private education and private healthcare. Additionally, in the past few years, the government has been purchasing shares in many private businesses. The government have ruled out the nationalisation of other industries, but the future of the private sector still remains uncertain.

[Roendavar]

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I FLORIN CELION EMBARKS ON THE IARVANISCALIA, AINSLIE AS FIRST STOP
Politics and International Relations
4th of January, 2021

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VLADIVESTI, ANDAVAR- The Athelaai Aragonus International Airport in Vladivesti City, the capital of Andavar State, was abuzz with activity as i Florin Celion Faunus Eleos Caenelren Iralethias embarks on the Iarvaniscalia or the Royal Tour, a tour of the Utopian Kingdom of the Union of Roendavarian States’ closest allies and friends. Thousands of Roendavarians gathered in Vladivesti to bid the monarch farewell and luck for their indefinite absence, a move that would prove either advantageous or not for the rest of the Royal Tour.

The Iarvaniscalia, or the Royal Tour, is a tradition by the Roendavarian monarchy that has its roots in the ancient Empire of Corinthus, when then Athelaai Aragonus, the First of Corinthus, would embark on several tours of the Thronai to ensure their loyalty and submission to the Empire. Today, while the country has long been removed from its imperial past, the Royal Tour has become a symbol of Roendavarian cooperation and friendship with its closest allies and as a way to acquire support from new nations that may be within Roendavarian interests. The Royal Tour is done once in every decade, the last being done in 2011 by then i Dragelis Celion Arvalius Carnathraen Theliris Iralethias.

The 2020 Royal Tour would be one of the most significant in Roendavar’s history as the country experiences an abrupt shift in its policies on all aspects: diplomatically, politically, and the like. It is no secret that under the rule of i Florin Celion, the country has begun to shift away from its policy of silent neutrality to an active nation. This comes as Roendavar is embroiled in a dispute with its neighboring country of Balnik, who has occupied the Faronna Islands and have refused to back down, the establishment of the Northern Isles Security Council, and Roendavar’s election as the Secretary General of the League through its representative, ai-Fel. Cirasephona Alfethis Refihhlia. All of these has put Roendavar into the crossroads of the Western Isles' political landscape once more, and the pressure is up to the i Florin Celion Faunus Eleos Caenalren Iralethias to repair and reform Roendavar’s current alliances while forming new ones in order to solidify Roendavarian interests in the world stage as well as secure its current exertion of power as a center of diplomacy in the international stage.

i Florin Celion is accompanied by numerous state officials and representatives. The Andavarian Thronai Caltheirn Therilis Valcaretherion, a close advisor and parental figure to the monarch, would be the only Thronai that would accompany the monarch in the Royal Tour, making it the first in six centuries where only a single Thronai has accompanied the monarch in the Royal Tour. It is believed that the Thronai of Sudever is busy attending to the ICJ case filed by Roendavar against the Federation of Balnik and that the Thronai of Vastaros and Tillianan were given separate confidential orders according to government official's. Other officials include the Araclan of the Roendavarian Royal Guard, Arthenius Caralthera Vacthaelis, the Roendavarian Lactheris of the Economy and Trade, ei-Fel. Ioaren Orcanthir Theustralina, and many others. The Queen Mother, due to ailing health, has decided to skip the Royal Tour.

According to official reports, i Florin Celion's belongings include around 26 different outfits, 37 pieces of jewelry, including the Acrain Diamond pendant which is valued as one of the most valuable pieces of jewelry in the region, 12 pairs of shoes and boots, 9 different fur coats, 4 orcaen, and the Crown of Iralia (Iralericanther) composed of a pair of carved ivory deer horns on a pure golden crown encrusted with various gemstones and has to be furnished with fresh flowers everyday. While the cost of the Royal Tour will be released by the end of the tour, it has been said that half of the cost shall be paid by the State while the other half shall be deducted from the Royal Fund and other contributions.

As is for the past decades, the Royal Tour will start in Roendavar’s closest ally and friend: the United Electorates of Ainslie. i Florin Celion is expected to arrive around 12 PM in Arnton Sturt-Condor International where the monarch will be received by Arnton, the capital city of Ainslie, followed by a visit to the Roendavarian Embassy and a meeting with the country's Prime Minister Eleane Gifford. The rest of his tour in the country include a meeting with the Ahsnlen Judicial-General, a visit to the University of Nature and the Environment, a close partner of the Roendavarian Twin Universities, discussions with NGOs and IPNO in Narara, talks with companies in Herriden, and a visit to the city of Port Blaxland, the city where the Roendavarian monarchy was exiled to during the Great Gael War. While the Ahnslen leg of the tour is yet to start, it is expected that relations between the two countries will remain close and unchanged.

Several countries are already confirmed to receive the Roendavarian monarch. While the final list are yet to be released to the public due to security concerns in part because of the current unrest in the Western Isles, countries that are confirmed to be visited by the Roendavarian monarch after Ainslie are: Thromsa, Altera, and Segentova. Unconfirmed reports have indicated that the Roendavarian monarch also plans to visit Aprosia, Eurania, Razzgriz, and Athara Magarat. The Tour is expected to end with a visit to the League.

[Mokov]

Several Gang Leaders Found Dead! New Crime Syndicate Suspected.

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January 5, 2020, 6:00 AM, Various Locations, Island of Mokov

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Early this morning, during a routine patrol, Krolecz Volunteer Policeman Sergei Bela happened upon a grisly sight: the mutilated body of Joseph Brötzmann, infamous gang leader of the Brötzmann gang. The body was in several pieces, and only identifiable as Brötzmann thanks to a tattoo on his upper back. The cause of death, while not confirmed yet, appears to have been a gunshot through his left eye, after severe torture. In the hours following the discovery of the body, reports came in about 12 more bodies, in various towns near Krolecz, in similar states.

These bodies, confirmed to belong to the most prominent gang leaders in Mokov, had been left in well traveled areas, and it is believed that the intention was for them to be discovered. Section 6, the organized crime division of the SKVD, in conjunction with local police forces, have come to the conclusion that a previously unknown crime syndicate perpetrated the murders as a way of solidifying control over the underworld of Mokov. A statement by Igor Pannowitz, head of Section 6, was made shortly after the confirmation of the identities of the bodies.

"I, and the whole of Section 6, and to a lesser extent the whole of the SKVD, are determined to track down the perpetrators of this heinous crime, and bring them to justice. Actions are being undertaken to uproot any and all organized crime groups operating within Mokov, and I am confident that by 2022, there will be no need for Section 6 to exist, as all organized crime will have been eradicated."

Following this statement, warrants were issued for the entire membership of the henceforth named 'Bloody Hand Syndicate', and any tips leading to their capture will be rewarded. Vozhd Markeviç has been unavailable for a statement, owing to his continued leadership of the Siege of Nový Litkov.

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Anatoly Shushkin, Senior Journalist
APPROVED FOR DISTRIBUTION BY THE MINISTRY OF MEDIA AND THE MINISTRY OF STATE SECURITY

[Doravo]

Imperial News Network
News - Weather - Sport - Politics

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Domestic: Press conference from His Imperial and Royal Majesty, Adrian II promises to “...bring great prosperity and order" to Doravo
Cadoc Erucius, Concordia, Kingdom of Arcadia

In an unprecedentedly long and reported conference given by His Highness, Adrian II earlier this morning, he made a shocking announcement. His Highness explained that the city's, and Doravan, crime, homelessness, and infrastructure problems will be coming to an end.

Going on to say,

Our great city of Concordia, birthplace of Doravan civilization, centre of art, science, innovation and industry, will no longer be plagued by vermin who tarnish the great name of Concordia. I, along with my fellow Praetors, are going to enact a sweeping reform to the police and surveillance of our great city and nation. This, along with other reforms to education, healthcare, and infrastructure will bring great prosperity and order to Concordia, and our great Empire!

His Highness went on to describe his “New Dawn Initiative,” an organized plan to bring forth a new era to not just Concordia, but the whole of Doravo and the Empire.

Political dissidents immediately attacked the reforms and plans as authoritarian, tyrannical, and “creating a police state.” All of which was responded to immediately by His Highness.

His Highness explained how he "hear[s] your concerns" and "urge[s] you to keep an open mind." Explaining how some of the more major reforms won't even be noticed by the average citizen. And went on to describe the education and healthcare reforms.

The education system will now incorporate more of Doravan history and achievements into the curriculum. Describing in detail the success of the empire, and the state.

Students will also be required to recite the Imperial Pledge every day before school. A task His Highness says will "revitalize the patriotic ideals of our ancestors."

Changes to healthcare include the required filing of the National Database, in which every citizen will be required to apply if they wish to receive "faster, affordable, and improved care and coverage."

Filing the database requires your full name, marital status, address, occupation, birth date, blood type, ethnicity, and family medical history description.

Once the database is filed, citizens receive a State Identification Card and associated I.D Number. Which must be carried at all times.

The database is required to be filled out for any major medical procedures. But only needs to be filed once. Any updates or changes must immediately be filed.

His Highness then moved on to describe the infrastructure developments and plans. Which he claims will be “monumental.”

These include the maintenance of all major roads and highways across the empire. Including new roads connecting all major towns and cities to Concordia. There will also be the addition of three more terminals to Concordia International, along with the expansion of the current runways. New zoning regulations within Concordia promise to "revitalize the southern districts and bring new opportunities to working citizens."

The southern parts of Concordia have historically been the location of the cities poor, homeless, and criminal populations.

At the conclusion of the press conference, His Highness described his major development: The Trans-Doravan Railway. A network of railways connecting Concordia with all cities and towns in Doravo. With a length of roughly 15,000 kilometres, it will be one of the longest railway-lines in the Isles.

The line will originate in Concordia, moving south along the eastern coast and crossing the Red Channel into the island of Kravia, then traveling west across the great Golden Plains and turning north, crossing back across the channel and heading up along the western coast until turning east, ending back in Concordia.

Minor lines will diverge to connect with central towns and cities, as will a line crossing the Lerion Channel into Leros.

Ending with applause, His Highness exited the forum, leaving Chancellor Makros to answer any questions.

Here's what she had to say... [READ MORE>>>]

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Federal police on patrol during the Alesian Riots, 2020.

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Domestic: Riots in Alesia worsen, government considers sending in military
Mariella Pola, Alesia, Kingdom of Dacia

The currently ongoing Alesian Riots, originating during the mass arrest and removal of nearly 5,000 homeless citizens from Alesia two weeks ago have reached an all-time high with thousands of citizens taking to the streets in riot.

Schools have been closed and all citizens are under a 6 pm curfew while being urged to stay indoors.

Many jobs have also been shut down due to the violence and mass shutdowns of streets by rioters.

Entire city blocks have been taken over and are under the control of rioters, while police and counter-protesters have struggled to maintain the ever-growing crowds.

The Mayor of Alesia, Antonia Liapis has urged the federal government to deploy members of the Imperial Guard to assist both the local and federal police forces.

Currently, an estimated 900 people have been arrested, with 28 people confirmed to have been killed and over 300 injured. Two police officers have been killed, and an estimated 50 have been injured.

The riots have sparked similar dissent in cities across Doravo. But the local police were quick to respond and effectively ended any protests.

The prominent voice and de facto leader of the riots, Rufus Nakos, has claimed that the violence ends when the injustice and tyranny within Doravo ends.

It is unknown when or if the riots will ever end. But may God help the brave men and women fighting this great evil within Alesia.

[Biaten]

Thursday 7th January 2021
Hachen Times
Republic of Biaten



Government calls for snap Senate Election

In a surprise statement outside of the Chancellery today, the Chancellor announced that the government will call for a snap Senate Election. The Chancellor may have been swayed by recent approval ratings that put the government at an approval rate of 54%, as well as the narrow Senate vote on the recent budget passed before the recess, in which the ayes and nays were tied and the tie was broken by the Senate President voting aye. He hopes to win a safe 51-seat (out of 100 seats) majority in order to help pass both domestic legislation and foreign agreements.

“This government has made great strides in creating a better tomorrow for our nation, but our progress is being hindered by the opposition parties. The National Revolution Party have rejected much of our legislation. The Communists have said that they want to grind the business of government to a standstill. The Conservative Democratic Party has vowed to fight us on every front.”

Under the Constitution, the Chancellor cannot, unlike with a National Diet election, directly instigate a snap Senate election. A motion to hold a Senate election must be proposed to the Senate by the Senate President, currently Minister of Foreign Affairs Carter Eldridge, and requires a two-thirds supermajority in both the National Diet and the Senate. Leader of the Opposition and Communist Party Chairwoman Mattie Everly has announced that the Communist Party will back the motion.

The Chancellor announced that the Senate election should be held on Thursday 6th May, with election filling occurring throughout February and campaigning happening throughout March and April.

The answers to your questions about this Senate Election

What is the Senate?

The Senate is the upper house of Parliament, consisting of 100 elected senators. It was created in 2018 in order to “add an extra layer of scrutiny of government action and legislation.”

How is the Senate elected?

The Senate is elected by a first-past-the-post electoral system, in which the country is divided into 100 areas called constituencies, with each constituency having roughly the same population, and each constituency elects a senator to the Senate. A candidate needs to receive the most votes in order to win the Senate seat.

What happens now?

The election needs to be approved by both the Senate and the National Diet. In February, election filling will begin, in which parties will select their candidates and the candidates will seek out the needed signatures in order to run.

Can I run?

If you are a Biatenian citizen above the age of 18 and not in prison or a mental supervision unit, you can run as a candidate in your constituency. You would need at least 5 signatures from 5 different people. These can be from anyone above the age of 16, even your own family, as long as they are a Biatenian citizen.

How do I vote?

You must be at least 16 years old, have Biatenian citizenship and not be in prison or a mental supervision unit. If you are not already, you should sign up to the electoral register on the government website or at your local government headquarters. A few weeks before the election, you will receive a voting card, which you must hand in at the polling station when you go to vote on election day. At the polling station, you will then be given a ballot paper with a list of candidates and a box next to each candidate’s name, and you must take it into a voting booth to private yourself with privacy while you vote. You must cross the box next to the candidate that you wish to vote for. If you do not wish to vote for any of the candidates, you may spoil your ballot or leave it blank. After you are done with your ballot paper, you must fold it and put it into the ballot box that is usually situated on the front desk.

What if I live abroad?

If you live abroad, you will be sent your voting card and a ballot paper a few weeks before the election. You should cast your vote, fold your ballot paper and send it in an envelope that also contains your voting card. For the sake of the private ballot, your ballot paper will be held unfolded until results day, where it will be taken along with a box of other expat votes to be counted. You will be voting for the constituency you lived in before you moved abroad. If you have lived abroad for more than 15 years, you cannot vote.

What if you have moved house since the last election?

You should inform the Electoral Commission either through the Electoral Commission website or through your local authority’s headquarters.

I have two homes. Can I vote for both addresses?

Nice try, but no. According to the Election Act 1957, you can only cast one vote. On the electoral register, you can only register one address.

Do I have to vote?

No, you do not have to vote. Although it is recommended that you do vote, as this is your chance to decide how the country is run, voting is not compulsory.

Will this election decide the Chancellor?

No. The Constitution states that a Chancellor must be reconfirmed after every National Diet election. However, no such requirement is stated in the Constitution in the event of a Senate election. If the governing party, currently the Social Democratic Party, loses the Senate, however, it will greatly hinder their ability to pass legislation.

Do candidates have to be a member of a party?

No, you can run as an independent. If you are a member of a party, your party can file for your candidacy on your behalf if you have their approval for candidacy. Different parties have different rules regarding dissenting candidates who run without the parties approval, but most of them will kick you from the party if you do run for election without your party’s approval.

What safeguards are there against voter fraud and election rigging?

Voter fraud almost never happens. In order to vote, voters need to sign up to the electoral register. When they sign up, the Electoral Commission thoroughly checks the details they’ve provided by using government registers and records to certify the authenticity of the details. A few people have been arrested in recent years for trying to forge voting cards or stealing voting cards to vote in another person’s name.

As for election rigging, several measures are taken in order to prevent any election rigging. One key component in making sure that elections run smoothly is the trustworthiness of the people administering the polling stations, the people who transport the ballot boxes and the people counting the votes. Most polling stations are held in religious buildings and are partially ran by the clergy, who are generally trustworthy. When ballot boxes are being transported, they have to be monitored at all times by someone from the Electoral Commission. When the results are counted, Electoral Commission monitors, all of which are politically independent civil servants, will monitor the counting to make sure all of the votes are counted fairly. Parties and candidates may also send representatives to counting places to make sure no one counts votes that were not cast, provided that they are always accompanied by an Electoral Commission monitor or a representative for a different candidate as to make sure they do not influence a counter to count any votes that have not been cast. If any candidate suspects any rigging, a recount may happen.

When do the polling stations open?

They open at 6am in the morning and close at 10pm in the evening. The results are counted throughout the evening and the early morning, although some results may take until late Friday afternoon to come through, usually as a result of under-staffing at the counting places.

What if the top two or more candidates receive the exact same number of votes?

This has never happened before, but is still a possibility, albeit a very small one. In such an event a second round would occur with those who didn’t receive the largest number of votes being eliminated.

[Almorea]

RAPID FLASH

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Winter storm paralyzes Westland, Faiche regions of FY

HALYBURTONPORT (APA) - A severe winter storm has dropped several feet of snow on the western and southern regions of Frasyrland province, in Almorea's north, shuttering schools and businesses and causing dangerous driving conditions.

In the Westland, many motorways were closed overnight on Thursday to allow snowplows to clear the heavy precipitation off the pavement. Officials in the Faiche, the rural region in south-central Frasyrland, closed schools beginning on Wednesday, forcing students to switch to remote learning. As of Saturday morning, more than five feet of snow had fallen on some parts of Frasyrland.

In Maverburgh, a family of three died when their car slid off an icy road and struck a guardrail. According to local affiliate WTBG, ambulance services in Halyburtonport had difficulty reaching an elderly woman who needed medical attention; she later died in hospital.

Frasyrland governor Robert Janstran (F), who is stepping down next month to take office in the Senate, told the public to "stay off the roads" and said he was ready to deploy the provincial militia to help with snow removal.

New AD governor frees 3,000 marijuana offenders

KINGSFORD (APA) - Adashawnee governor Marlon Caesar, who made headlines last autumn by surmounting a sex tape scandal to become chief executive of Almorea's most populous province, announced yesterday that he had pardoned over 3,000 people convicted of provincial marijuana crimes.

Caesar, a member of the Almorean Party who took office as governor in December 2020, used his executive powers to immediately free 3,114 nonviolent offenders, convicted in Adashawnee courts for possession of marijuana, from their jail cells. One of Caesar's main promises during his 2020 campaign for the governorship was to relax Adashawnee's notoriously stringent drug laws. On New Years' Day, two civilians were killed and a police officer severely injured in a shootout in Carnoustie, on the province's South Argean coastline, after police discovered ecstasy and cocaine in the trunk of an automobile.

The Adashawnee House of Delegates has so far declined to take up Caesar's proposals to repeal the province's 1995 Criminal Narcotics Law, which has led to one of the highest nonviolent incarceration rates in Almorea.

The governor's pardons were welcomed by the Association of Citizens for Narcotics Reform, which called them "a welcome step towards the decriminalization of harmless, recreational substances."

Federal prisons chief appointed interim attorney general

ELLSBURGH (APA) - Adlay Lugh, commissioner of the National Prisons Administration, became acting Attorney General of Almorea early on Saturday morning, a day after the resignation of Joe Avella, who had held the office since April 2020.

Lugh, 48, who had led the federal prisons bureau for four years, was appointed as Almorea's top law enforcement official by President Alasdair Hallowell, succeeding Avella, whose recess appointment was set to expire on February 18, the day when the new 59th Congress will convene for its first session in the capital.

Lugh will lead the Justice Department until the Hallowell administration announces its candidate to become the permanent Attorney General during the last years of President Hallowell's term, which will expire in 2023. Any of the President's nominees for the role would have to be confirmed by the Senate. A senior administration official told the APA that a permanent Attorney General will be installed sometime this spring, after the senators recently chosen in nationwide legislative elections take office.

Former attorney general Avella, who led the Treasury before switching to the Justice portfolio, is expected to take a position on the board of directors of Traynor World Markets.

ALMOREAN PRESS ASSOCIATION- ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ©MMXXI

[Reathwood]

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Government report raises concerns over Swisher monopoly

9 January 2020

WHITE BLUFF — The legislature's committee on corporate oversight presented a report to the Landsall in an afternoon session on Friday detailing the growing Swisher monopoly over automotive production in the Republic and proposing that a formal antitrust investigation be considered. Swisher, founded in 1919 and formerly known as Swisher Wainworks, has been Reathwood's leading manufacturer of automobiles for over a century, but the recent bankruptcy and dissolution of its largest domestic competitor—Outhwood of the now-defunct Fairwain group of companies—has aroused a public concern that Swisher is developing a stifling monopoly over its industry in Reathwood. Allegedly aggressive business practices under Swisher CEO Ditchel Shriver have been in the public eye for some time, but the scrutiny has only intensified since Outhwood's demise. As follows is an excerpt from the standard English translation of the report's opening summary:

. . . There now exist only small regional competitors to Swisher, which has become the only major national producer of automobiles. The existence of one national manufacturer precluding the rise of other manufacturing entities is unjustifiable, however, in that the industry composes such a large share of Reathwood's exports, and the legislative organs of the Republic must consider whether punitive action must be taken to prevent unfair business practices in the industry. . . .

President Elvewer's public relations representative, Couthwin Kendal, answered questions on the subject in a press conference early Saturday morning. When asked what the President's thoughts were on the alleged Swisher monopoly, Kendal replied in standard English that the President "opposes any monopoly" and that "proper measures" would be taken if proof of a Swisher monopoly emerged. Legislators provided their own thoughts on social media late Friday and Saturday—Har Goldwin Frithier of the Givelbund ("Liberal League") spoke in support of antitrust measures, stating that "no room in Reathwood" existed for companies that would aggressively put others down. The corporatocratic Theedstirth ("National Movement"), which holds a plurality in the Landsall, took a contrary stance—legislator Elfilda Browning of Hungerford showed support for Swisher, claiming that "what is good for business is good for Reathwood".

The legislature is expected to begin debates on antitrust actions in the coming week.

[Havalland]

The Royal Cryer

First VR trained pilot to take flight

Havallish interest in VR training has been growing ever since the reveal of the prototype haptic suits, VR training could be utilized for not only military, but medical and emergency response training as well.
Today a VR trained pilot took his first flight in an HC-7 training aircraft, the Pilot known as Jacob Tiller took to the aircraft as expected doing great although a bit rocky at first he seemed comfortable according to his copilot and a statement from Mr Tiller saying that it’s “just like the simulations”. with his successful flight the interest of VR has peaked, no longer just a fun gimmick, one day we may see VR take a larger roll in the training of soldiers, police, doctors and firefighters along with the many other professions that could utilize this tool.

[Ainslie]

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Your Weather: Arnton - Cloudy then Sunny, 10C/1C. Now: 3.5C

DOMESTIC: Retirements trigger new appointments
Arnton, Ainslie

In a shock announcement, Judicial-General Joseph Shirazi has signalled that he will resign by March next year from his position. This decision was made known shortly after three new appointments were made to the Collective Court of Ainslie, brought on by the mandatory retirement date of Chief Cosura Temas Dekin whose tenure expired on the 13th of December and the retirement of Cosuras Terry Unlen and Jacquiline Lerren who will resign early next year. Lerren and Unlen’s tenures are due to expire in July and August, respectively.

The Judicial Council, soon after Shirazi’s announcement, stated that there will be a new Judicial-General installed by mid February 2021 whilst Elliana Gifford today joined the outgoing official in a press conference.

“The Ahnslen people are profoundly and deeply grateful for the service of all four of these esteemed members of the judiciary. They have been instrumental parts of our society and have served in their positions with great wisdom, insight and skill. We wish the Judicial-General, the Chief Cosura and Cosuras Unlen and Lerren all the best for their future endeavours.

“I hear UoN [University of Norlands] and Universaire Unife [University of the Unified Electorates] are looking for chancellors!”, PM Gifford added with jest.

The retiring four, in order, gave speeches expressing their gratitude and the honour they felt for being able to hold the roles that they have.

Dekin replied to Gifford’s off handed comment in her speech, with the Chief Cosura exclaiming that they’d have to get someone to keep the Chancellor’s seat warm until she was ready to step down from the top job.

Gifford, in her unique power to appoint the Chief Cosura, has installed fellow Norlander Cameron Espen and endorsed him to take the top job in the Collective Court. Espen is widely regarded as a judicial conservative and one hesitant to deviate from tradition. He has extensive qualifications having served in the Court of the Ancients and as a Cosura since 2011. Unless he resigns earlier, he will hold the position until 2025.

Judicial-General Joseph Shirazi has announced his intention to swear in Amarin Kanera as a Cosura to take the place of Dekin as a Cosura. He will be the first jurist that graduated from an Arlanah University to hold the post in the Collective Court, despite entering into the Unified Electorates at the same time as the other electorates. Kanera studied at the Anertah University, serving as a senior lecturer and barrister in the area before sitting on the Electoral Court of Arlanah. His elevation is quite a dramatic step up as he has not served as a Chief Justice of an electoral court or as a Guardian in the Court of the Ancients. However, he was largely regarded as the second in command of the Electoral Court based in Anertah and led decisive majority decisions.

Chief Justice of the Electoral Court of Dallama, Amare Tenlek and Isaac Denrow, a leading senior barrister of international law and a government legal advisor will be elevated to the role.

Incoming Chief Cosura Espen is likely to take up the position at the start of February whilst Tenlek and Denrow will be sitting on the Court by the end of the year.


DOMESTIC: Gresswell steps up security amidst safety concerns
Greston, Ainslie

Nervous federal authorities today have announced that a group made up of Federal Police personnel and a small detachment of Ahnslen Regional Stability Force peacekeepers have been sent to Gresswell Island until the 20th of January. It comes after alarm has grown over the ability of local authorities to manage the significant and abnormally high amount of people arriving in Gresswell Island over the coming days. Many of these people are coming to Gresswell in order to celebrate the festival of Iralia, a holiday originating in Roendavar.

The focal point of this festival occurs on January 13, known locally as the day of Erosthegen. Clear skies over the period also suggest that if an aurora borealis forms over that morning, it will be visible to most people on Gresswell Island - particularly the tourists who have come to get the chance to see what many of them believe as the point at which Protacist mythological figures meet the human realm. If this does occur, it is likely that a very large celebration on the Island will occur that lasts well into the day.

Federal authorities are concerned that the police station which normally maintains security on the Island and its research stations would not be able to contain or keep the peace if the tourists went out of control. This point is punctuated by the comments of Minister for National Security Patrick Carboni, was the senior official at this morning’s press conference.

“Both our analysis of Gresswell’s capabilities to manage such a crowd and our intelligence community have suggested that the territory will require further assistance and support during the time in which this festival occurs. For this reason, we have moved fifty personnel drawn from the Ahnslen Federal Police and the Ahnslen Regional Stability Force into Gresswell Island and put many more on standby.”

Shortly after the press conference Green Hills Council - the authority directly in charge of the Island refuted the suggestion that their plans were insufficient for managing the festival.

“Whilst we do have an abnormally high number of visitors coming - particularly for this time of year - we have known about it for months and have been liaising with the Wesland Government as to what plans we should be putting in place and the kinds of things and people we need to have happen.

I must thank Governor Hailes for her constructive approach which has helped us immensely in working out how exactly we will handle this influx. On the other hand, Green Hills Council is disappointed by another example of federal heavy handedness against the Island.”

• Spokesperson for the Green Hills Council on behalf of the Mayor.

Arendai has contacted the Office of the Prime Minister but has not yet received any response to that statement by the Mayor of Green Hills Council.

A later statement from the ARSF confirmed that the initial fifty personnel have set up in the Greston township and are receiving final briefings on the plan made by Governor Hailes and the Green Hills Council as to how the Island will operate.

The ARSF have highlighted that within the plan is additional shipments of supplies to the island, traffic management plans, a strengthening of airport security screening, and an increased police presence on the island. Multiple scenarios for the sending of reinforcements have also been made available to Governor Hailes and the Council, a point which the ARSF stressed.

However, Indenats leader Lawrence Jackson has responded to both of the comments - offering in a statement that the measures designed by Hailes were “filled with shades of totalitarianism” and that the Federal Government “should not support the move [from Hailes], even if it did have business with Gresswell Island.”


SPORT: MAX11: The players and the teams

Ainslie’s domestic Twenty20 tournament is just around the corner, scheduled to start on the 31st of January. From then, six teams will battle each other for two months across the country to be crowned champions of the eleventh installment of the tournament. It is less than three weeks until the first showdown between the Arborai Anchors and the Arnton Wildfires and squads will largely be in the form they are currently in. Be sure to follow Arendai for news of any more signings.

Here are the current states of the teams:

• Arnton Rapids - 2nd in 2020
  Captain: Dean Patterson | Coach: Spencer Noland
  
  Coming off a good result last year, an exodus of players matched only by those leaving the Arborai Anchors has shaken the Rapids’ chances to take out the trophy this year. Opener Julian Arundel, star spinner Jeremy Lerena and reliable batsman Tristan Dedding have all left the side. However, in return the Rapids have received Joseph Drissen from the Firewasps and Dean Allare from the Wildfires. The team has also been bolstered by new international talent - Drake Stanford, a fast bowling all-rounder from Dormill and Stiura and explosive wicket-keeper batsman Max Fuller from Serpens Land.
  
  
  
• Arnton Wildfires - 4th in 2020
  Captain: Alex Daintree | Coach: Nathan Hester
  
  Daintree and Hester will be looking to improve the Wildfires’ result using a largely unchanged squad. The major transfer for this team has been a like-for-like swap between the two Arnton teams - Allare is off to the Rapids whilst the Wildfires will be getting Arundel. The Wildfires will be looking to Daintree and their two Townsiders to lead the side to victory this year.
  
  
  
• Mandara Firewasps - 3rd in 2020
  Captain: Jasper Canters | Coach: Dustin Sanger
  
  The Firewasps are the most successful team in MAX league history. Their astounding team lists and incredible performances over the past few years have only cemented this. A result of third seems to have lit a fire under the scouts and those in charge of building up the team. In doing so, they lost leg spinner Joseph Drissen. The team has a distinctly international flavour with the additions of Roendavarian slow bowler Lucarien Athegritn Varithei, Doraltic wicketkeeper Lanny Merrill and Len Forest, a handy batsman who also bowls leg spin. This is not to mention Allere Gannon, Tony Richardson and Tristan Dedding all joining the team from the Anchors and the Rapids. This is quite possibly the most balanced team the Firewasps have run with. They are in a real chance to be in the grand final.
  
  
  
• Arborai Anchors - 5th in 2020
  Captain: Kenden Kegala | Coach: Justin Domville
  
  The Arborai Anchors this year have lost much of its bowling stocks this year with Gannon and Richardson moving to the Firewasps and Pararen to the Seafarers. Xrevaran leg spinner Lerena has been a major signing for them as has Oscar Laurana. The largely Ainslie-dominated squad of last year is no more - four international signings underpin this year’s team with Doravan all rounders Aquila Bubo and Salvo Zotti to joining the squad whilst Nhooran all rounder Īphed Bīcela̦ch has also joined the squad. Roendavarian offspinner Carleis Raeseth Arcaneos has also joined the squad.
  
  
  
• Blaxland Explorers - 6th in 2020
  Captain: Connor Karalee | Coach: Owen Parkes
  
  The Explorers had a disappointing result last year, especially when considering their squad. Rumours that Pheyamlungba Rajbansi will leave the team have been met with very strong rejection from officials. If he did leave, that would represent a major blow to their chances this year. Two internationals join the squad - batting all rounder Cyprian Masson from Dormill and Stiura and batsman Henderson Suggitt from Serpens Land.
  
  
  
• Renderra Seafarers - 1st in 2020
  Captain: Cameron Sonnett | Coach: Ben Arden
  
  The Renderra Seafarers, once considered a minor team, took the league by storm last year and have made a real impression on the larger franchises. Off of the back of multiple captain’s knocks and a solid top order, the Seafarers will be looking to improve their bowling performances as they chase a second straight title. Doravan batsman Fulvio Cardelli joins the squad with faith being placed in an unchanged bowling unit.

We asked the experts as to what they expected to see over the months ahead and particularly their call for the winner. Out of the five of them - 2 backed in the Seafarers, whilst 1 said the Firewasps will win whilst the Wildfires and the Explorers had support from one expert each.

More information to come as we receive it.

[Roendavar]

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I FLORIN CELION VISITS AINSLIE AS PART OF THE ROYAL TOUR
Politics and International Relations
11th of January, 2021

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ARNTON, AINSLIE- Ahsnlens from all around the country watched as the Roendavarian monarch arrived in the Unified Electorates of Ainslie on January 4, 2021. His arrival was watched on television and outside theaters by the citizenry, especially in the cities of Arborai and Port Blaxland. Throughout the week, his visit was a topic in both Roendavar and Ainslie and is seen as an important event as this would be the King's first visit outside the country and the first visit of the newly crowned King to Roendavar's closest ally.

On January 4, 2021, i Florin Celion Faunus Eleos Caenalren Iralethias arrived in Arnton-Sturt Condor International Airport in Ainslie at around 12 noon. Ahnslen diplomats and a welcome ceremony at the airport greeted the Roendavarian monarch as he exited the Royal Jet. Arnton, true to its reputation as the capital of the United Electorates of Ainslie, was quiet as Ahnslens were busy with work at the afternoon, residents tuning instead to the broadcast of the Royal Visit. The Royal Motorcade proceeded through the streets of Arnton and made its way to the Roendavarian Embassy where i Florin Celion met with the Roendavarian Ambassador to Ainslie ei-Fel. Lisanthir Aiclerion Ithernael to discuss protocols in Ainslie. i Florin Celion met with the Ahnslen Prime Minister Eleane Gifford. According to the Royal Press, the talks were constructive and the Ahnsen Prime Minister expressed willingness for more minister-level talks to hammer out ties and agreements between the two countries. In turn, i Florin Celion affirmed Roendavarian support to Ahnslen interests, especially in the realm of diplomacy, environmentalism, and economy. The Roendavarian monarch commented on the meeting, saying "Talking with the Prime Minister was enlightening, especially on how important the ties between both of our countries and how it is essential and must be strengthened for the present, and the future."

On January 5, 2021, a meeting between the Roendavarian monarch and the Ahsnlen Judicial-General Joseph Shirazi. Law and order was the center of the conversation between the two as the Roendavarian monarch voiced concern about the growing unrest in the Western Isles, including the case of the Faronna Islands currently occupied by the Federation of Balnik and current attacks on Roendavarian soil, including the Thersos Incident more than a week ago that resulted in 39 deaths. The Royal Press refused to disclose the specifics of the conversation but they reported that i Florin Celion was pleased with the conversation. When Judicial-General Joseph Shirazi was asked to comment, he responded that the King was "“intelligent” and “The conversation was insightful. His passion and commitment to his people are admirable and it is always a pleasure to talk with him about how his country’s legal system adapts to the changing social order of Roendavar.”"

On January 6, 2021, the Roendavarian monarch arrived at the Ahsnlen University of Nature and the Environment and did a tour of the university, which specializes on environmental sciences and the like, a subject which links both the countries of Ainslie and Roendavar. UNATE is a close partner of Roendavar's Twin Universities, Althoros University and the Pilonas-Lacsandarieth Complex, and all three institutions cooperate on key research and study throughout the Western Isles. i Florin Celion Faunus Eleos Caenalren Iralethias spoke in front of the students in an assembly, quote, "The vitality of this planet of ours has been threatened time and time again. For years will come by when eventually the ignorance that plagues our relationship with Earth will poison our water, our land, our air, and there will be nothing left. It is our duty, a symbiotic being that cannot exist without the very nature that gave life to us, to understand that is needs us as much as we need it. To fight for it. To learn for it. To live for it."

On January 7, 2021, the King met with NGOs in Narara in the morning in order to discuss programs and other international initiatives. i Florin Celion discussed topics such as nutrition, healthcare, social programs, and education. In the afternoon, the Roendavarian monarch met with IPNO to discuss projects the two countries have undertaken in the past, such as the Ailecthria Nature Park in Roendavar, and to establish future projects that the two nations can start to "ensure that nature can be enjoyed by the people in a sustainable environment".

On January 8, 2021, i Florin Celion met with companies in Herriden, most notably pharmaceutical companies like Armex and Endar. The King toured their research labs and was interested in their scientific endeavors, mainly the research for new drugs and pharmaceutical components. The King inquired about the relationship between medicine and plants, in particular, how pharmaceutical companies extract chemicals in natural substances to use for pharmaceuticals, an interest sparked by Roendavar's large-scale production of herbs and the like. i Floring Celion also emphasized greater collaboration between research universities in Roendavar and Ainslie with companies to help further education initiatives and innovative studies to better improve pharmacy and health.

On January 9, 2021, the Roendavarian monarch and the Royal Motorcade departed the capital city of Arnton towards the city of Port Blaxland. During the drive, the King stopped at the cities of Herriden, Venterra, and Terala, a decision the Roendavarian monarch advocated for in order to "acknowledge everyone that he can get". Once the Roendavarian monarch arrived in Port Blaxland around sundown, he was immediately taken to the Vilesiel-Blaxland Estate that belonged to the Iralethias Royal Family after it was purchased centuries ago. The Estate is regarded as an important and personal site to the Roendavarian monarch as this was where his grandather, i Alcanis Celion Cornelius Decebal Iralethias, was exiled to during the Great Gael War.

On January 10, 2021, huge crowds gathered at the streets of Port Blaxland as i Florin Celion Faunus Eleos Caenalren Iralethias toured the city. In difference with his tour of Arnton, the Roendavarian monarch often stepped down from the motorcade and engaged with the crowds, reveling in the warm welcome he received in the city. At lunch, he dined at a local Ahnslen restaurant and purchased trinkets from walking around the markets and bazaars of Port Blaxland. In the afternoon, he met with Roendavarian exiles, now aged yet still revered the monarchy, that fled to Ainslie along with the past Roendavarian monarch during the Great Gael War. In the evening, the Roendavarian monarch met with the city's younger populace with parties in the city's nightlife spots.

On the early morning of January 11 and at the first day of the Festival of Iralia, i Florin Celion Faunus Eleos Caenalren Iralethias returned to Arnton with a final visit to the city and left the United Electorates of Ainslie at 2 in the evening. i Florin Celion is expected to arrive in Thromsa, another close ally of Roendavar, in the evening of January 11 and will be staying in the country until January 17.

The Royal Press released the full commentary of i Florin Celion earlier this day about his personal feelings about the trip to Ainslie. He described his visit to Ainslie as "productive, just like the country itself" and that "I am happy to be welcomed by our stalwart allies in such a warm and professional matter.". The Araclan of the Roendavarian Royal Guard, Arthenius Caralthera Vacthaelis, commented on the trip as "demanding and busy but the King was energetic and seemed excited about the whole thing" and joked "The King wanted to extend the trip in Ainslie due to the visit in Port Blaxland, perhaps from his hangover, and we had to pry him off the estate."

The Ahnslen trip was received overwhelmingly positive in both countries. While it is generally agreed upon that the relationship between the two countries would remain close and the trip will not change much on the already established links, it is seen as a diplomatic triumph in Roendavar.

[New Aapelistan]

Aprosia Daily

— 11th of January, 2021 —
All-Union Front Congress releases economic data; reinforces confidence on the Central Committee and Federal Government

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DAŠARÓD, DAŠARÓD CAPITAL REGION, STATE OF MÍNŠEI

The All-Union Front Congress of the Aprosian People’s Front has officially released the relevant economic data regarding the fiscal year of 2020 during its beginning of the year session on sunday. With the data supplied to the All-Union Front Congress by the Council of Federal Economic Affairs, aided by individual reports from the respective economic ministries of the states of the Aprosian Union, the Central Committee of the Aprosian People’s Front has declared the first year of the new economic system a success for Aprosia, with the gross domestic product of Aprosia leaping by 8.14% during 2020.

The 500-Day Program that started on 24th of March of 2020 and continues until 6th of August of this year has been the most ambitious Aprosian economic program, alongside the other concurrent economic programs focusing on infrastructure and agricultural development. During the privatisation campaign both the Federal Government and the respective national governments of the Aprosian Union have spent billions in assisting the new burgeoning economy, expanding and modernising Aprosia’s rail and road infrastructure and modernizing the newly privatized agricultural sector of the economy.

Several experts have claimed that while most of the increase in economy came down to the increase in efficiency in manufacturing and agriculture, both the significant rise in foreign investment into the Aprosian economy and the major investments, subsidies and loans offered by the federal and national authorities have built a perfect foundation for further expansion. The current growth was not slowed down either by the worries created by the influenza outbreak in Aprosia. Spreading within Aprosia and to Ainslie, the effects of the outbreak were only minute in the economy.

With the profound economic growth, several members of the All-Union Front Congress further endorsed the tenure of the Central Committee of the Aprosian People’s Front under General Secretary Alí Hamaném and Vice Secretary Mihál Ozén for its ideological guidance in the development of the Aprosian national economy and the political system towards the goals of the Aprosian People’s Front and the Aprosiatic people.

One of the most adamant supporters of the actions of the current Central Committee was Danír Zidahném, a Mirán-Townsider representative of the Front from Townside, proclaiming

”The Aprosian people once again show their talent under the leadership of the Hamaném Central Committee and Hamaném Cabinet. The advancement of the Aprosian socialist order in Aprosia is immeasurable under the current and will certainly continue as such!”

Vice Secretary Mihál Ozén, temporarily heading the Central Committee during the absence of the General Secretary due to his foreign visit to Keverai, was proud to promulgate that while the successes of the previous year were immeasurable, it would be only the start, stating

”[...] with national consultation regarding federal actions, the Central Committee shall use this to further direct the expansion of the welfare of the people and the Aprosain nation on the federal and the state level. For the goals we set, we will not fail to achieve and exceed.

The proclaimed expansion will begin, according to Vice Secretary Ozén, during the last months of the current economic plan and the development plan for the next fiscal year.

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President Hamaném visit to Keverai; Aprosian companies seek to use Keverai as a springboard to other countries

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KEVARA, KINSLAND, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF KEVERAI

The state visit of the President of the Union and General Secretary of the Aprosian People’s Front Alí Hamanem to the Democratic Republic of Keverai ended on sunday to an honorary banquet held between the representatives of the Aprosian diplomatic and business delegation and their Keveraite counterparts, held in the Palace of Independence. The banquet ended the President’s three day visit to Keverai, which started on friday.

Hosted by the Keveraite President Burnell Renaut alongside Vice President Arkane Zinaren and members of the Keveraite business community, including notable people of Aprosian heritage, the state visit was intended to further improve the bilateral relations between Aprosia and Keverai, especially concerning business, bilateral trade and cultural relations with the sizeable ethnic Aprosian minority in Keverai. Seeing Keverai as a reliable trading and business partner, many Aprosian companies welcomed the visit upon its announcement and sent representatives alongside the President to further discuss trade between the nations and investment to both Keverai and Aprosia. Principal members of the Aprosian business delegation included representatives from Zamanzá, MAC and Kadžátan. A representative from the Federal Economic Asset Administration also participated alongside a representative from the Council of Federal Economic Affairs.

The business portion of the state visit was centered on encouraging further trade and investment and visits to manufacturing facilities in Kevara and the rural areas, where members of the Aprosian business delegation were interested in remodeling former sweatshops and reopening them as modern manufacturing facilities. Such actions will be done in cooperation with the Keveraite government as a part of its rural development program.

With a sizable ethnic Aprosian minority in Keverai, the state visit had a cultural significance as well, with President Hamaném visiting Aprosian urban communities in the capital Kevara. Having migrated from Aprosia to Keverai during the post-colonial instability and the civil war, President Hamaném has often criticised what he calls “the absolute shunning of our own siblings abroad” and has shown signs of wanting to connect Aprosia more with the diaspora communities. As a part of the improving relations, both of the heads of state have agreed to expand Aprosia’s relations with its diaspora in Keverai, through what President Renaut has taken to calling a “cultural embassy”.

Following the scheduled events of the two first days of the state visit, President Renaut praised the visit, commenting

“President Hamaném and I have had an excellent discussion about what can be done between our two great nations. I call him a great ally in developing Keverai now - the ideas his delegation has presented to me and my people over the past few days all have a lot of merit and we look forward to collaborating further with Aprosia. I must express my sincerest gratitude to the President for his commitment to developing Keverai. Together we will be turning sweatshops into productive factories; the gravel roads in the bush will be sealed; trade and investment will skyrocket and Aprosia will become a great friend of Keverai and its development. Today is a great day for Keverai!”

President Hamaném also praised the visit

”This visit has been only beneficial to both of our states, helping each other to develop further in a globalized world. With the help of Keverai, our national economy will continue its course of victory in development and advancement and with the help of us, Keverai will renew itself into an even more prosperous state.

[Biaten]

Monday 11th January 2021
Hachen Times
Republic of Biaten



Parliament approves Senate Election

The Senate and National Diet have approved the government’s motion to hold a Senate Election on the 6th May. Both chambers approved the motion by an overwhelming majority, with the Senate voting 95-0 in favour and the National Diet voting 477-2 in favour.

Parliament is expected to be dissolved by President Breitbarth in late March, as convention mandates that this must happen 6 weeks before an election. Political parties and candidates will then focus on campaigning. A timetable is expected to be published within the following week by the Electoral Commission, outlaying the time period in which people can file for candidacy and the deadline for which citizens must register to the electoral register in order to vote in the election. Vice Chancellor Denise Quigley has called on the Electoral Commission to schedule the by-election in Eadshire, the National Diet constituency of the recently-convicted former Minister of Defence Tony Madison, to coincide with the Senate election.

According to a recent string of polls, the governing Social Democrats are predicted to win this election by a large margin, although it is uncertain as to whether or not they will receive a 51-seat majority. According to the polls, the Social Democratic Party currently has a 17% lead over the opposition Communist Party. Below is a current polling average.

Social Democratic Party: 44.4%
Communist Party: 27%
National Revolution Party: 11.7%
Democratic Party: 8.3%
Conservative Democratic Party: 6.7%
Movement for Justice: 0.8%
Biaten People’s League: 0.8%
Social Conservative Party: 0.2%
Other: 0.1%

Furthermore, polls are currently giving the government a 53% approval rating, compared to a 37% disapproval rating.

Many prominent organisations and individuals have already rushed to throw their support behind their preferred parties. Most trade unions are rallying behind the Social Democratic Party, the Communist Party and the National Revolution Party, while businesses are generally supporting the Democratic Party and the Conservative Democratic Party, with some smaller businesses endorsing the Social Democrats. Some socially liberal businessmen, have decided to endorse the Social Democrats in constituencies where they are fielding centrist candidates while supporting the Democratic Party in other constituencies.

As for regular voters, the Social Democrats generally receive the highest vote share amongst almost every demographic. The lower classes, young people and women are more likely to vote for the Social Democrats, the Communist Party and the National Revolution Party, while the upper classes, older people and men are more likely to vote for the Democratic Party and the Conservative Democratic Party.

[Domanania]

January 11th, 2021
Federation Broadcasting Channel
Domanania

New Bill Proposed! DFP Political First.

Earlier today a new bill was introduced to Congress by the far-right party known as the Domanania First Party. The party is known for far-right politics, often centering around ethnic and religious policy, with Doman primacy. However the bill proposed today is a political first for the party. The head of the party, Beyn Tarr, put a bill to the floor today that has caught many politicians off guard. The bill calls for an amendment to the constitution, regarding the Religious Permits, and religious requirements for all government positions. The bill would see these abolished and removed.

The current law states that every citizen (and later resident with a Visa) must register with the state the religion they follow. To privately or publicly worship any religion other than any of the three branches of Domanium would require a ₺50 fee to acquire a religious permit. Failure to register your religion or being caught of practicing without a permit would result in an additional fine or up to 6 months in prison. The argument against it is that the revenue generated from this program is not enough to offset the costs to enforce it.

The bill is considered odd to many, since the predecessor of the DFP were the ones who instituted the law back before the civil war in the 1920's. The law is about 100 years old, and has survived the civil war as a compromise to keep the DFP's predecessor passive during the writing of the constitution. The party now seeks to remove this from the constitution.

The Democratic People's Party (DPP) seem to support this bill, as well as the Green Coalition. The Doman Worker's Party are not fully behind the plan, with only 10 out of 17 members voting for the bill. The other 7 abstained, leaving it up to members of the National Party and Doman Labor Party to switch their vote from Nay to Yea.

Currently, after the first day of debate, the vote stands 85 For, and 95 against, with 8 members of the DLP abstaining. The DFP have until the end of the week to win over the votes necessary to pass the bill. They hope to pull members of the NP who are willing to break party lines and vote with the DFP. Since the Domanania First Party has introduced this bill, members of the DLP and NP are distrusting of the far right opposition party, and seem to be voting on purely partisan lines.

[Roendavar]

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I FLORIN CELION EROSITHEGON MESSAGE TRANSCRIPT
Royalty and the Crown
12th of January, 2021

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START OF BROADCAST

“Alaaera aftharia, people of Roendavar and to the humans of Earth, I wish you all good peace and prosperity in this time.

My heart pains to not be with you all during this time of great celebration in the country to which I love. No doubt that an empty throne has been carried to the peak of Mount Athalymos, and that my presence shall not be there when the Erosithegon is proclaimed once more. Worry not for while I am far away from you today, my thoughts and feelings are always with you in Roendavar and to wherever you may be in the world.

It was said in the Athalymos, in the stories of our old, that when the skies tore open and the colors and the essence of the universe poured forth, bathing the land in the mythic Erosithegon and the City of the Gods, great change unfolded upon these holy lands of ours. The First Celion descended, and under the blessing of the Arveim, we molded this whole world anew. We took the helms of Oranis upon our hands and led the Afaril into a reality that we, with our newfound free will, have created anew. Today, as we celebrate the Erosithegon, the Festival of Yralia, and the Unification of our great nation, we are reminded of these great sparks of change, and today is no different.

We are in a time of great change in Roendavar, its effects both advantageous or not. In recent years, we have soared through new heights and new boundaries. Our economy is robust. We have assumed new positions of leadership in the wider regional landscape and have exerted our interests more so than ever. Most of all, we, Roendavarians, are happier. People are more productive, more secure, more patriotic, and loving. We are united, more than ever, and most of all, we have not shunned away our peace-loving and compassionate principles.

Yet, we must not celebrate too soon, and worry is warranted upon these coming days. Selfishness and greed encroach upon our borders, upon our forests, upon our seas, upon our islands, and upon these holy lands of ours. Unrest and chaos ravages through the world around us, threatening to upend the scales of balance in this world and, in turn, ruin the haven that is our country. There are those who have grown jealous, wishing to undermine what greatness we have accomplished in what little we have. And there are those who, despite the proliferation of evil upon this world, continue to make friends with it for their self-interests. The latter ones, upon their guise of pragmatism, would see people die and burn in order for their pockets be lined with profit.

The measure of the good that this astounding change has brought us can be seen in the way how we all sing and dance in the streets, how we all face tomorrow with a smile, and how love and goodness still reign in our hearts despite all these things that threaten our very peace. However, unlike the past, never shall we play fiddle to the whims of powers greater than us, rather, we take it. Know this, my people, that we may be lacking in power, in material wealth, or in the aspects of which brute strength is needed, but we are powerful in other things.

We have the wisdom that has been passed down from an ancient tradition that refuses to die and give in under the yoke of others. We have the lessons and the teachings of the greatest minds that have lived and will continue to live upon these great lands. We have the elegance and grace befitting of a people who are sure and confident of their own fates and powers. We have the community that refuses to separate and leave those most needing compassion and welfare. Most of all, we have the love and peace that we have cultivated and treasured and has become so powerful throughout the decades that it triumphs in showing what makes us Roendavarian. No other country or nation, be it they are larger or greater than us, can ever surpass these qualities that we have.

Roendavar, heed my call. We celebrate not just the Erosithegon today or the Festival of Iralia, but on this glorious week, in the late 1800s, the four countries of our lands united under the Crown to form one nation under a common goal and ideal. Tillianan, our culture and our tradition. Vastaros, our glory and our passion. Sudever, our dignity and grace. Andavar, our ideals and our dream. These four states threw away all internal strife and ignored the chaos that enveloped this lands. Instead, they knew they were beyond the ills of what makes us human, and went forward beyond it. Today is no different. We must remember these ideals that allowed us to unify in the first place, and we need those ideals more than ever today.

Now, I address, not just the people of Roendavar, but of the citizens of this beautiful planet. We, as a civilization, have come so far with the dream and hope of building a better future for us and for generations to come. This was not built with hatred nor with destruction, rather, it was built by the very essence of what makes us human: peace, compassion, love, and aspirations. We pushed forward and created great change because we wanted to. It is because we had the great courage to stand against ills that spread throughout this Earth and to take the reins of fate and say “We stand for something far more greater”. I am a monarch to Roendavarians, that at least may be true, but I am also one of you, a human living in this wider world, thus, let my appeal be as close and personal as ever.

Great change is coming to the Western Isles and it is through unity and love that we may overcome all these evils that come with such. There is nothing to fear or to go against but evil itself.

I wish everyone alaaera iralithariel carfalia and the hope of a peaceful and greater tomorrow.”

END OF BROADCAST

[New Jacobland]

New Jacobland News
Wednesday 13 January

Early polls favour Nationalists

The Saxman government will be resting a little easier tonight after a solid first day at the polls. The Nationalists have got 42% of the current vote. Although only 29% of voters have voted so far, historian Dr Casey Russo says, "Historically, if you win the first day, you have a 70% chance of winning the election."

The Socialist Party have 30% of the vote, while so far the Liberty Party have only 20%. Astonishingly, 8% have gone to the Reform Party! If this continues, they could become the first party outside the Big 3 to win a seat in the Jicovian House.

UPI attack in Russaman

The Union for Palo Independence (UPI) have launched an attack on a restaurant in Russaman. Police were called to the scene after neighbours heard gunshots. A SWAT team was sent in, and the insurgents engaged in an intense gunfight. All three shooters were killed, along with four civilians and two SWAT officers. The attacks were condemned by many, and show the escalating violence these groups are showing in Palo.

Minor earthquake felt near Raelen Bay

A Richter 5.6 earthquake has been felt along the Raelen fault line. The ground could be felt moving, although fortunately damage was minor. This is the seventh earthquake along the fault in two years, stoking fears of increased geological activity in the region. No injuries have been reported, and thankfully damage is negligible.

[Dormill and Stiura]

Dyson's Second Administration On A Rough Start

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Sunday, 10 January 2021

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The Sixth Congress of the United Republics of Dormill and Stiura by the numbers
National Assembly
Total Seats: 265
Dormill and Stiura Forwards: 98 (36.98%)
Republicans United: 24 (9.06%)
Democratic: 67 (25.28%)
Liberal: 24 (9.06%)
Conservative: 28 (10.57%)
Labour: 16 (6.04%)
Non-Partisans: 8 (3.02%)

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States-General
Democratic: 60

Republic of Avillon
Republic of Lieurneux
Republic of Dormill
Republic of Ardeda
Republic of Tempel
Republic of Annecy

Dormill and Stiura Forwards (30)

Republic of Kapolder
Republic of New Friesland
Republic of Zwolle

Republicans United (10)

Republic of Eppendorf

Conservative (20)

Republic of Stiura
Republic of Feerwerd

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By: Jeremiah Vogel
KAPOLDER - As the Sixth Congress of the United Republics begins this morning with the inauguration of Cedar Dyson into his second and final term in office, it will be helpful for the Doraltic people to get a good feeling for how things look at the start of the next five years. In Congress, the new apportionment for the Assembly seriously changed the dynamic of the election, with Kapolder, Zwolle, and even Ardeda gaining several new seats ripe for the hottest election in the history of the reunited Dormill and Stiura. In the end, Forwards gained ground in the National Assembly, edging ever closer to a true majority but falling short thanks to a surprisingly diverse electorate making their mark in the stronghold of Kapolder, with the President's party ultimately only winning out 54% of the vote. At the same time, tensions within the National Reform Coalition seemed to be at their worst as Republicans United drifted closer to the Conservatives, taking advantage of a Doraltic Right that has grown more populistic and radical in opposition to the growth of Forwards and the Democrats over the past five years. Several of the newly elected Tribunes from this group of Dormill-Stiuraians ran on the message that both the Democratic Party and Dormill and Stiura Forwards were worryingly "liberal" and only concerned with gaining power over upholding traditional Doraltic values, this was used especially in Feerwerd and Eppendorf, where mounting fears over Balniki aggression has been allegedly ignored by the elite political class in Kapolder and Cour Rouge in exchange for worrying about international affairs such as Arvan or Charbagnia.

The Democratic Party also saw a large wave of support in the 2020 election, further sapping the Liberal Party of energy and fully establishing itself as the leading opposition party against Dyson and Forwards. Unlike Republicans United, the Democrats did not tap into left-wing populism, with Presidential candidate Johnathon Färber famously blowing off Labour as "too radical in all the wrong positions to be worth cooperating with" on the campaign trail. Alike to National Reform, this has also seen tensions within the Liberal Unity Coalition reach an all-time high, with politicians and voters across the spectrum using increasingly heated rhetoric against each other in the public forum. Some leaders of the Coalition, especially of Minority Leader, and now Eerste Stadtholder of the States-General Robrecht Lémieux expressing their desire to mend the wounds and come out stronger to create a better Dormill and Stiura. There is one other thing to bear in mind in relation to all of this, however, most of new Tribunes are relatively young, with the average age in this class being 26, the lowest ever in Doraltic history. This age difference may well cause a rift in the leadership of the major parties over the next term as the old guard will eventually be forced to compete against the growing tide of young members seeking their own political ambitions.

Meanwhile, Annecy's Municipal Broadband plan finally began last week after fierce political and legal opposition from the local area, with broad support from the public in several major appearances in local and Republic-level government hearings being instrumental in breaking the misinformation campaign headed by big telecom. However, with the Democrats gaining more ground in Annecy's legislature, the Republicans United-led government failed to accomplish one of its most important legislative agendas. Premier Rolland Séverin described it in 2018 as "a plan to give the people of Annecy the power to rule themselves", the agenda revolved around a goal of devolving the Republic's power to local authorities, which most importantly included the disbanding of the Republic's Police Force and the loosening of laws surrounding municipal incorporation, where at present that power is held by the Republic's legislature and where RU intended to cede a large portion of those powers to the Departments. However, in a stunning vote in the upper house of Annecy's legislature, the Democrats shot down the plan, citing concerns about functionally robbing the Republic of any real authority to maintain order in the predominantly rural landscape that made it up. This defeat is the next in a long line of struggles the Republicans United government had to face, with the upcoming 2022 Premier election seen by most analysts as the final nail in their coffin.

Early last year, the Conservative-led Stiuraian government announced plans to relocate from Veldzitch, the present capital of the Republic, to a new planned city on the Roggeveen River tentatively named the New Stiuraian Capital. Major strides were made throughout 2020, including the purchase of all the necessary land for the city, which is intended to be home to well over 2 million people in the course of the next century, and the initial construction of the city's grid. Contracts for the city's buildings, including the New Stiuraian Capital Complex, are still in progress as designers, architects, and everybody in between continue to compete for such a massive project.

Though progress remains good and the government is confident that they can begin moving government services to the new site as early as 2025, several auxiliary projects have begun to stall thanks to a lack of funding. Thanks mostly in part to initial policies promoted by the Stiuraian government in 2020, the Republic has kept its distance from financing certain parts of the project, with Stiuraian leaders proclaiming that the "free market will be at the forefront" of financing several key projects, leading to a raft of investments from across the Isles from private institutions such as the Bank of Kapolder, Noble Bank, Capital Volakh Bank, TaiBan, and Western Bank, alongside public institutions such as Elebank, the NIDF, and the Doraltic Federal Government. A major shortfall came at the end of November 2020 when public calls to investigate how Stiura was using federal funding allocated to it - which, while constituting the majority of the project's budget for 2020, came with the caveat that it's use was limited to key infrastructure and services, most importantly including provisions for the construction of a new federal highway and high speed rail connection from Veldzitch to the new site - forcing a Congressional investigation and a temporary freeze on federal funds to the project.

With federal funds frozen, construction on key infrastructure of this new city halted on 4 December and has yet to resume, causing tension between Stiura, the Federal Government, and those contracted to work on these projects. Simultaneously, this stall in work has given environmental groups, who are strongly opposed to the New Stiura Capital project, the time to reorganize. Their protesting in major parts of the project have also caused tension as Stiura Police have made several arrests of key protesters in what's being described as a concerted effort to suffocate the protests.

Internationally, President Dyson weighed in on the situation that developed between Roendavar and Balnik over the Faronna Islands. Though he did not go as far as to say either nation has an indisputable claim to the islands during his address on Friday, he did contend that the original Faronna Islands Agreement should be upheld by both parties, urging that the International Court of Justice hear the arguments fairly. In an unrelated coincidence, United Republics Army forces were also performing exercises in the alpine environment of southern Feerwerd over the turn of the month. Such exercises are said to be common and the Army always takes measures to avoid diplomatic incidents with Doraltic neighbors if it just so happens that it exercises relatively near international boundaries.

More in the paper edition...

The Vroomen Dispatch - Delivering the Kapitein's News since 1626
Editor-in-Chief - Zacharie Madison
VOL. CCCLXXXVI | No. 10
© MMXXI The Vroomen Dispatch Company