News Thread [Kylaris|Canon|IC]

by **West Miersa** » Mon Apr 12, 2021 12:27 pm

UNITY FRONT ESTABLISHED AT JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE
Aleksandra Wojdyla vows that "Zjednoczeni will unite all Miersans who want to rebuild and strengthen our democracy against despots"

SHARE

JUSTYNA SKARZYNSKA (@JustYnTime)
12 April, 2021 18:27 CET | ŻOBRODŹ, CITY OF

Miersan National leader Aleksandra Wojdyla

Today, the leaders of the three parties who accepted Aleskandra Wojdyla's invitation to establish a "unity front" for the 2021 general elections have officially established the unity front, Zjednoczeni.

"After several months of hard work between myself, and my two colleagues who are with me today, Mrs. Kaminsky of Nowoczesność, and Mr. Pyrchalayszwyly of Razem!, to create a common platform and agreement on how the unity front will work, we are delighted to announce the establishment of the unity front," Aleksandra Wojdyla declared.

"This unity front, Zjednoczeni, will unite all Miersans who want to rebuild and strengthen our democracy against despots like President Wrzesiński, while ensuring that we do not fight amongst ourselves to the benefit of Naprzód," Wojdyla said. "In a time where Naprzód is determined to cement their rule over the Miersan Sotirian Republic, and strangle our democracy, we must band together, to fight against tyranny, and oppression."

She was followed by Pawle Pyrchalayszwyly, leader of Razem! Pyrchalayszwyly said that "our common platform will be to repeal the Third Amendment [of the Miersan constitution], ensure the protection of minority communities like the Vedmedis and Lemovicians, and most importantly, to win this coming election against Naprzód, who will do everything to stop us and the Miersan people from exercising their God-given democratic rights!"

Finally, Aurelia Kaminsky of Nowoczesność said that "the members of all three parties will convene in June to nominate our common candidate for the Presidency and Vice-Presidency, so that it will represent all Miersans, not just the privileged elite in Krada or in Żobrodź!"

Government response
Justice Minister Szymon Krynicki told reporters that "this is the first time that such a coalition has been formed, so the Ministry of Justice and the National Electoral Commission will be assessing whether Zjednoczeni would be able to run candidates under the Zjednoczeni banner, or whether it has to use the banner of the constituent parties."

"The Miersan government is committed to ensuring a free and fair election in 2021, which is why we are beginning the work to determine whether candidates of parties part of Zjednoczeni can list themselves as Zjednoczeni and their constituent party, or if they're going to only be listed by their constituent parties," Krynicki said. "We intend to resolve that before July."

Comments [ 19,069 ] |

E-mail
© CODZIENNY 2021

MORE HEADLINES

Fourteen Aranoak terrorists arrested in Sechia, charged with terrorist offences [ 13214 ]
Paretia to upgrade border and maritime agencies to combat trafficking [ 11509 ]
Caldia's constitutional reform lumbers along [ 9237 ]
Spring snowstorm in Krada dumps 22 cm of snow [ 5951 ]
Miersan police to use the movie Cats as an interrogation technique [ 4684 ]

My Last.fm · by **West Kirkon** » Mon Apr 12, 2021 3:05 pm

Mariya Nazarivna - 12 April 2021

Home · Vinalia · Asteria · International · Politics · Finance · Sports · Entertainment · Health · Travel · Weather · Opinion

Vinalia and Rajyaghar to open embassies with one another in first step to strengthening international relations

President-Minister Omelyan Pavlov with Rajyani House of Representatives Speaker Devki Modhwadia

Vinalinsk -

Earlier this afternoon in Vinalinsk President-Minister Omelyan Pavlov received a delegation from the Rajyani House of Representatives Speaker Devki Modhwadia, in conjunction with another signing ceremony in Kinadica with Rajyani Foreign secretary Raksha Shangavi and Vinalian Minister of the exterior Hanna Maksymivna. Both signing ceremonies established that both countries would open embassies in each other's capital, for the purpose of strengthening mutual relations. Previously diplomatic relations were carried out in the Vinalian embassies in either Keisi, Senria or Sangang, Baekjeong where Rajyaghar was accredited, while Vinalia was accredited in the Rajyani embassy in Misto Myru, Chistovodia.

This agreement is the first step in growing Rajyani-Vinalian relations, Hanna Maksymivna has stated that intentions include extending Visa on arrival privileges to each other's nationalities, and a reduction in trade barriers between both nations. Vinalian automaker Red Coast Auto has expressed interest in exporting cars to the vast Rajyani market, with other companies expressing interest in importing Rajyani agricultural goods, while Rajyani companies have expressed interest in Vinalian mineral products. Both countries' educational institutions have also sought to expand research and cooperation agreements with one another with the New Samistopol University expressing that they were in talks with Rajyani Universities for the establishment of an exchange student program.

Such an agreement and the opening of embassies between both states seem to indicate that both countries are on their way to closer relations and economic cooperation.

Comments [ 29,526 ] |

E-mail
Бп United Media 2021

11,526 comments

MORE HEADLINES

Missing Lavanan national found dead in Tziran desert. [ 28,511 ]
Invictus bronze medalist Nargiz Kovalenko announces retirement from shooting after birth of twin girls [ 14,211 ]
Constitutional reform in Caldia continues on [ 13,911 ]
Vinalia apologizes for being so based. [ 13,726 ]
This week in 16,763,926,375 Photos. [ 10,959 ]
Opinion: Is Amogus the best meme of all time? [ 9,782 ]

by **Liecthenbourg** » Tue Apr 13, 2021 5:08 pm

Camille Chamoun - 1 Iyar AM 5781 / Seshanbeh: 24. Farvardin 2342 / 14 April 2021

Home · Tsabara · Bahia · International · Politics · Business · Technology and Science · Arts · Education · Health · Sports · Weather

Nazim al'Qutayni arrives in Poveglia to begin a series of diplomatic talks with Euclean leaders.

President Nazim al'Qutayni met with his Etrurian counterpart Francesco Carcaterra,
signalling the beginning of the former's 'Euclean Outreach'.

Poveglia, Etruria - Beginning his most significant international meetings of the year, President Nazim al'Qutayni has arrived in Poveglia, Etruria. The arrival signals a few weeks worth of discussion across eastern Euclea; where al'Qutayni is expected to speak to leaders from Etruria, Paretia, Gaullica, Estmere and Werania concerning Euclean involvement in Tsabara.

The talks had been planned since earlier this year, but were accelerated in importance across the Solarian Sea following a string of successes in the advances of the rebel forces before the Tsabaran military was able to halt them, and turn the tide in some places.

Currently, Estmere and Etruria have been providing direct military assistance to Tsabara's government. This assistance has come in the form of naval and aerial support; including missile and airstrikes on targets identified and prioritised by Adunis.

Instances of Euclean warplanes flying over Tsabara have become more common, which the government defends as occurring due to the "irrefutable evidence" of Zoroasani involvement and support for the rebels.

Werania's support for the government has come through highly publicised arms deals between both countries, which were domestically criticised in the northern Euclean country.

Gaullica, which was perceived to be the most hesitant country involved, has exercised naval forces in the theatre for the longest: but these have been relegated to ensuring strait stability; rather than providing the support the Etrurian navy has.

Other than this, most Euclean countries have been providing some form of humanitarian assistance to Tsabara in the hopes of 'stemming the tide' of a refugee crisis across the Aurean.

Carcaterra welcomed his Tsabaran counterpart warmly. The two have aligned on numerous issues before; with al'Qutayni praising the "conduct and determination" of Etrurian aerial and naval forces currently providing support for the Tsabaran government. Carcaterra had once referred to his nation as the "watchtower, gatehouse and battlements" of Euclea. In reference to this, al'Qutayni joked that he had been "let in".

Whilst the nature of the talks are largely unknown in specifics, it is expected that both sides will be aiming to negotiate an arms contract. It is expected that the domestic Tsabaran arms manufacturers are looking to be permitted to license production of newer Euclean armaments for their own usage, something that the President seems intent on making clear to "defeat the rebels." Some speculate that Nazim intends on asking his Euclean 'allies' in Carcaterra and Wilton-Smyth, who may not be an ally for much longer, for more dedicated support in future advances -- including extending the no-fly zone imposed by the government, as well as the operational zone of Euclean aircraft.

Both Tsabara and Etruria have signalled that they wish for these talks to be successful. In Etruria Nazim sees a Euclean power that isn't 'constrained by liberal doves', whilst in Tsabara Carcaterra quite possibly sees a proving ground on the international stage that says, despite their harsh rhetoric domestically, Etruria will tow the 'continental line' when push comes to shove.

Comments [ 312251 ] |

E-mail

312251 comments

tsabaranpizzacontainshummus · 1 hour ago
arrivederci capitano carcaterra :salute_emoji:

8,761 up · 5,186 down
REPLY · UPVOTE · DOWNVOTE

a white man in tsabara · 1 hour ago
soon enough all children in tsabara will be able to play with Beretta ARX160s.

43,195 up · 45,826 down
REPLY · UPVOTE · DOWNVOTE

postcounter · 1 hour ago
oh my god liec finally posted????

5,541 up · 867 down
REPLY · UPVOTE · DOWNVOTE

MORE HEADLINES

The Tsabaran Crisis: In Pictures. (10,654)
The Arms Smuggling of the TSWI. (21,777)
Tsabaran army successful in repulsing attacks into Qaa; see eastern suburbs trade hands to Adunis again. (45,996)
Analysis: Euclea's struggle with racism is captured in Bullmann's "bullshit". (18,420)
Paretian Maritime and Border Agencies to be 'upgraded' (4,132)

by **Caltarania** » Wed Apr 14, 2021 4:02 am

by **Etruria2** » Wed Apr 21, 2021 3:50 am

Roberto Aurelio Gualdoni - 21 April 2021

Home · Kesselbourg · The Continent · The World · Policy · Opinion · Features · Newsletters · Continental Pro

ETRURIA DESERVES A BETTER OPPOSITION THAN THIS

Chiara Mastromarino as leader of the PSD, has overseen a near miraculous turn-around for the party,
but more needs to be done.

If you listen the politicians of either the Social Democratic Party (PSD) or Citizens’ Alliance (AC) recently, you’d be forgiven for thinking the Tribune Movement government was about to implode and the five-year nightmare nearing its end. Sadly, this only reinforces the truth that Etruria deserves a better opposition than this, after all, this nightmare is as much on them as it is the Tribunes.

As the years pass under the far-right, racist, demagogic, and homophobic Tribune government, Etruria becomes an ever more focused case study in how weak democracies, even vibrant ones can truly be. If five years of rapid backsliding in Etruria have proved anything it is the inherent structural flaws within a parliamentary system. With a strong disciplined majority, a parliamentary government can lay waste to institutions, norms and values with ease and dispatch. Etruria has witnessed one of the most rapid declines on the Liberty House Index. The Tribune government under Francesco Carcaterra has proven almost frighteningly talented at rolling back the definition of liberal democracy, their ability to use crisis after crisis, even those of their own making to further degrade Etruria’s democratic structure is just as blood curdling as the inability of Etruria’s opposition to actually do its constitutional duty. If Etruria proves how vulnerable parliamentary systems are through the Tribunes’ majoritarian nihilistic demolition of Etrurian democracy, then the country is a stark warning of what happens when opposition proves utterly ineffective in resisting where and what they can.

It may seem contradictory to argue that Etrurian democracy suffers its miserable and drawn-out end because the Tribunes mercilessly took advantage of the inherent flaws in parliamentary government and weaponised majoritarian politics to the extreme, and then to blame the opposition parties, however, there are one in the same. I concede the blame cannot be apportioned equally on face value, after all, the PSD was almost obliterated in irrelevancy in 2016 and 2018, however, the PSD retains arguably the second most powerful and expansive grassroots network in the country, and it failed to utilise it when it mattered. The AC, as the official party of the People’s Opposition can take most of the blame, again, they possessed certain tools afforded to them under the constitution and they utterly failed to make use of them. The complete and total collapse of the Etrurian centre-right with the abysmal Democratic Alternative, a simple renaming of the criminally corrupt Federalist Party only speaks to the opposition’s culpability.

Parliamentary democracy on paper is superior to presidential systems in that they provide significant means for scrutiny and accountability on government policies. However, for this to work, the opposition needs to hold the government to account and to keep its feet to the coals in sessions and committee hearings. This is vital even when the government possesses a significant majority like the Tribunes do since the 2018 snap election. Sadly, since 2016, the opposition has failed to live up to its mandated responsibility. Time and time again, the Tribunes pushed parliamentary rules to the limit, such as cutting debate times over legislation to the bare minimum, under those same rules, opposition parties can interject with a “point of dissension” and force a compromise led by the President of the Chamber. The Citizens in the past five years only issue this tool once, to extend the debating time over the anti-abortion law. They failed to do this with the Civil Security Act, which the Tribunes claimed was only temporary and devised solely to confront the Mafia. The bill which in an functioning parliamentary republic would have been subject to days of scrutiny and debate – it was passed within 9 hours of it being tabled. If the Citizens had demanded long debate time, they may have clocked onto the bill giving the Tribune government the powers to seize businesses “directly or indirectly tied to organised crime”, businesses that include media outlets, if they had spotted that, they may have made it clear the Tribunes were given themselves the power to seize and silence media outlets who hold them to account. The Citizens’ failure has enabled the Tribunes since 2018, to steadily to erode media plurality, by seizing outlets and then selling them to pro-Tribune business groups, who then enforce a pro-government line on editors and authors. The Tribunes’ decision to federalise the National Agency for Advertising and stack it with party cronies went ahead without a fight and has added further pressure on Etruria media outlets to soften their criticism or risk losing government advertising and therefore, revenue.

The Parliamentary Committee on Media and Broadcasting Affairs, which is one of several chaired by an AC Representative even failed to address the Tribunes’ seizure of ARE, Etruria’s public broadcaster. In 2019, the Tribune government sacked the entire executive board of the broadcaster claiming they were “failing to provide sufficient service or products”, ARE has since become the most prolific mouthpiece for the Tribunes, their ideology and recently, their conspiracy theories. Instead of using the committee to call out ARE’s bias toward the government, the PCMBA decided to hold hearings on ARE’s documentaries, which the AC members accused of peddling “homophobic sentiments.” This hearing was serious, and credit is due, but it failed to actually address the problem of ARE being turned into an extension of the Tribune Movement’s media office.

The committee for policing and law enforcement, which is also led by an AC Representative regularly causes issues for the National Police Service, over its rapidly increasing cases of brutality and deaths in custody but has failed in its entirety to address the overly concerning relationship between the National Federation for Police and Penitentiary Officers and the Tribune Movement. They have failed to address the growing inability of the NPS to prosecute cases of political violence instigated by Tribune supporters and they failed to address why the NPS has not cracked down on violent Ultras supportive of the government.

Committee hearings and drawing out legislative debates do not win elections by themselves, but they serve to draw public attention to the continuous stream of anti-democratic legislation produced by this government. If the AC cannot be relied upon to use the tools at their disposal as the Party of Opposition from now until 2022 at the earliest, then in truth, they are not fit to serve such a vital position. The PSD for their part have vowed to “mobilise the parliamentary rule book” against the Tribunes “when” they supplant the AC as the Party of the Opposition at the next election. This is correct and inspiring, but sadly, a year or two (should the Tribunes go for a five-year term) is a long time under this government.

The PSD is hardly free of blame in this sorry affair, especially in considering the vibrancy and activist nature of its grass roots. The PSD, despite its horrific losses in 2016 and 2018, remains the second largest party in Etruria with an estimated 1.1 million members, behind the Tribunes and their 3.8 million. The PSD’s grass roots have a long history of being able to mobilise in protest quickly, it was these activists after all who began the process that led to the demise of the military junta in the late 1970s. The grass roots of the PSD could have been directed to protest the authoritarian Civil Security Act, they could have been mobilised to protest the near outright ban on abortion, but they were not. The PSD according to friends and sources, was frightened they would fall into a Tribune trap by orchestrating protests, a party and government who only like displays of ultranationalism by far-right protest groups. Under Chiara Mastromarino, the PSD seems to be far less concerned, and she has often stated she’d “rally the democrats of Etruria into protest.”

However, despite Mastromarino’s clear willingness to be militant in opposition, the PSD has yet to address some key vulnerabilities. There is much debate as to why working class Etrurians abandoned the PSD in droves for the Tribune Movement, especially the urban working class in some industrial seats. But the consensus, succinctly described a Tribune is that “the PSD speaks the language of EC centre-left parties, before we even learned to speak EC politics and after we said no.” The PSD’s policy priorities in truth, do not match the priorities of Etrurians. Case in point, there is no reason to speak excessively about the need for carbon emissions caps when most of the working class Etrurians work in manufacturing. The other issue is that the Tribunes when it comes to welfare and the economy are more statist and pro-working class than the PSD is. The PSD needs to a full overhaul of its agenda to competently compete for the working class vote again. The other vulnerability made clear over the PSD’s crowing that the corruption scandal in the State Council is the end of the Tribunes is that, still, the PSD has yet to apologise and accept the responsibility of its role in the Miraviglia Scandal, the largest and most damaging corruption case in Etrurian history since 1984. Etrurians see the PSD’s point scoring as hypocritical and self-aggrandising, that only serves to limit the damage the Tribunes suffer from this scandal. The PSD must address Miraviglia if it wishes to restore trust. For all the improvements under Mastromarino, she appears unwilling to talk about Miraviglia, hoping that Etrurians will simply move on – that won’t work against the Tribunes, who have built a savvy propaganda machine simply around reminding people of the PSD’s role.

The final issue is that the AC and PSD have opted to use the scandal to proclaim victory over the Tribune agenda. This is the culture of relying on opportunism over argument. If the opposition have to rely on Tribunes tripping over themselves, and not making the articulate and passionate case that the Tribunes are a far-right racist, homophobic and authoritarian disaster zone, then it is unlikely we will see an end to Tribune-led backsliding any time soon. It is a weakness not a strength in calling out the government’s mistakes or misdeeds and hoping that will do it. The PSD and AC need to do better and champion democracy, decency and compassion, before its too late.

Roberto Aurelio Gualdoni is a former Etrurian MP and served as the Deputy President of the Social Democratic Party between 2000 and 2006. His opinions here do not necessarily reflect that of the Continental

by **Nuvania** » Wed Apr 21, 2021 5:08 am

Proposed Bill Would Expand Rights, Recognition, Of LGBT People

SHARE

Klara Levy (@KlaraLevy)
21 April (1:00pm)|PIETERSBURG

Deputy Chief Minister David Verryn speaking in the House of Assembly (file).

Transgender people would no longer be barred from serving in the armed forces and legal recognition for non-binary and third gender individuals are among the proposed reforms in a member's bill introduced by Deputy Chief Minister David Verryn today in the House of Assembly.

The bill, titled the Transgender and Non-Binary Amendment Act, would amend a number of existing laws in Nuvania surrounding the recognition and protection of LGBT individuals. In addition, it would amend the Armed Forces Act 1938 to remove the amendment to that act passed under the Marten government in 2014 which prohibited transgender persons from enlisting and serving in the Nuvanian Armed Forces.

Verryn stated during a speech to the House of Assembly that the bill "represents the largest leap forwards for LGBT rights in Nuvania since the legalisation of same sex marriage in 2011."
"If this bill passes both houses, it will place Nuvania at the forefront of LGBT rights in Asteria Inferior," he said. "We will be ensuring some of our most vulnerable communities receive the highest protections as guaranteed by law in this country." He said that it was "righting the wrongs of the past" as well as "forging a new path ahead" for the protections contained within the act that would see Nuvania become the first country in Asteria Inferior to explicitly recognise and protect non-binary and third gender persons.
"To not support this bill is to demonstrate a willingness to stand on the wrong side of history and to deny people a right to an identity," he said. "Everyone deserves an identity unique to themselves."

Among the reforms contained within the Transgender and Non-Binary Amendment Act would be an amendment to the National Identification Documentation Act 1940, which would allow not only birth certificates to be amended to include preferred non-binary or third genders, but allow for driver's licences, passports, and other official documentation to contain the option of non-binary and third genders, in addition to a legal requirement for all government departments to include these options on all personal information collected on forms and applications. Current legislation only allows for legal name and sex changes on official documentation, and have done so since 2011.

It also would mandate the collection of data on transgender, non-binary, and third gender individuals in this year's census, which was delayed last year due to the Pico de Sangue eruptions. This would come from another amendment to the Census Act 1940, the legislation which outlines what the census does, and what information it is legally required to collect.

Anti-discrimination laws would also be strengthened under the proposed reforms, which include additional amendments to the Human Rights Act 1990, which among other things, issues protections for certain minorities in Nuvania, and covers both Nuvania's hate speech and hate crime laws. Current legislation only protects LGBT people with regards to sexual orientation and were introduced in 2011. Under the proposed reforms, amendments would be made to expand the protections to include gender identity for both hate speech and hate crimes.

Leader of the Opposition, Philip Ackermann, said that he supported the proposed legislation in principal but would want to make some proposed changes during the select committee process.
"Overall I believe we should be making progress with regards to further strengthening protections and rights for our LGBT community," he said. "However, we should be making improvements where clear disparities exist." Ackermann believed that most Nuvanians would support the proposals and therefore saw no reason to oppose the law in full.
"I think we've come a long way since 1989."

Although the bill is expected to easily pass its first reading in the House of Assembly, there have been some criticisms. Charlotte Edwards, a spokesperson for Equality Nuvania, a charity that advocates for the rights of Nuvania's LGBT community, said that while this was a major step forwards in granting rights and protections to Nuvania's LGBT community, she said that there were still stark absences from the bill that needed addressing.
"While this bill is making important steps to recognise non-binary and third genders, it still falls short in areas which need serious attention from the government," she said. "The bill does not include provisions to ban conversion therapy, nor does it include a requirement to publicly fund gender reassignment surgery, which is a massive barrier for transgender rights." She also said that there was no provisions to include gender identity within the reforms to existing discrimination legislation, despite it's inclusion in reforms for hate crimes. She said that Equality Nuvania would be making a number of submissions to the parliamentary select committees in the event the bill passes its first reading.

Verryn confirmed that the bill would face its first reading later this week, saying that he is expecting significant support for the passing of the bill. He said that he has received a number of correspondence and communications from both sides of the house in support of the bill.
"It's been quite humbling to see the amount of support for this bill from both sides of the house, which goes to show how much progress we have made."

OTHER NEWS

GIFA loan negotiations stall
Estmere PM calls snap election
Tsbaran leader lands in Etruria to strengthen ties
NAB MA appears in court over 2020 provincial elections scandal
Liebenberg announces end to social housing push, cites lack of funds

by **Etruria2** » Wed Apr 21, 2021 6:03 am

by **Etruria2** » Wed Apr 21, 2021 7:28 am

by **Liecthenbourg** » Wed Apr 21, 2021 8:38 am

Opinion: There's a long way to go for a genuine representative cabinet.
The case for a more representative cabinet facilitates more than a reshuffle; if the cabinet really intends on reflecting the people it serves it needs a good deal less of the same.

Jennifer Ancel
April 21st, 2021|Verlois, Gaullica

Vuyani Hachette, the mayor of Verlois,
is the most high profile Bahian-Gaullican.

Verlois, Gaullica -

There will, undoubtedly, be questions raised as to why this is being written about now as opposed to September of last year. The reason is simple, cabinets are rarely static entities. Usually, I would wager, within the first few months of a government is when a cabinet really begins to solidify. Half a year later, when things have really began to set, is when these introspective remarks can be made.

When she was elected in September of 2020, Monique Degar-Abdulrashid was juggling the legacy of her predecessor Jean Vallette and the successes that brought with it with her own charisma and ideals. She was, frankly, telling the electorate who had been content with Vallette that all would be well and that the ship would stay its course, whilst also telling new voters that where Vallette fell short -- but never in such a blunt way -- she would improve.

She rightly described the cabinet as "needing to reflect the people they serve". And in several fronts her first cabinet has 'hit it out of the park'. Headlines ran wild at the time of the first Selórzan, also called Kasavrine, Premier. Gordes were represented in the national government for the first time in twenty years through Olivier Alméras, the Minister for Health, and the coalition with Les Verts saw an Amañeihiz minister appear: Meriadoc Guernion for Minister of Justice.

To her credit, she continued the gender-balanced cabinet put forward by Vallette but under her women became far more prominent in the assembled cabinet of Turzyna. The positions of Foreign Minister, Interior and Finance, typically male dominated roles, fell to women and Corrine Robert, who had "long suffered" in the position of Minister of Culture, found herself promoted to Finance.

Not only that, but Roméo Vigouroux the Minister of Economic Cooperation and Development, is openly homosexual. Whilst not the first minister of a government to be so; his inclusion proved a commitment to the 'alliances' that propelled the PSD to another term in the presidency.

Gaullica's cabinet prided itself on the diversity it offered: three members of historically ignored ethnic groups: the Gordes, the Amañeihiz and the Selórzans. This was in addition to having a Rahelian-Gaullican as President and a Baean-Gaullican, Fleur Filipetti, as the Minister of Society and Culture.

Yet, what we have been awaiting for these past few months, were cabinet shuffles that never arrived. It seems that President Degar-Abuldrashid is content with the 'team' provided to her by Jean Vallette, and has not rocked the boat at all. Her one scandal arises from the resigning of one of her own ministers and a staunch 'Vallettist', Abeau Galopin. When this pivotal moment arrived, perhaps for a Bahian-Gaullican to be given a rightful representative position in the cabinet, the coalition turned to cater to their partners. There are, of course, countless members of Les Verts who are ethnic minorities -- yet the position was awarded to Jules Barnier who is prioritising a 'green economy'.

So the question must be raised: has the government intentionally ignored the strong Bahian communities in Gaullica? The most notable figure of Bahian descent in the PSD's political machine is the current Mayor of Verlois, Vuyani Hachette. Vuyani's strong campaigning in the inner cities of Gaullica for his party can be accredited to a win away from the socially conservative tendencies of those communities; and these voters may feel unrepresented by the composition of the current cabinet.

I understand that there are often intricacies in the political alliance making of Gaullica's coalitions; and indeed there are historic numbers of persons of colour and women within either Chamber of the Senate, but the cabinet was described as being a reflection of society. It cannot be, in good conscience, a reflection of Gaullican society without representing the strong and vibrant Bahian communities that find themselves in Gaullica. Gaullica's Garamburan community is one of the largest immigrant groups in the country; behind only the Tsabarans, and when coupled with other Bahian groups -- outweighs them.

I am not saying, of course, that anyone should be sacked -- but perhaps the President and Premier should be entertaining a reshuffle if they really want to show people of all races that they are to be represented in her government.

The current cabinet is good, but it has to go further.

This article was written by Professor Jennifer Ancel of the University of Thorailles, where she lectures in Sociology and Political Sociology. An accomplished academic, she has written numerous works on the role that the state plays in normalising race relations, as well as the advancement of social groups by the power they have at their disposal. Notably, she served as an advisor on social policy to the campaigns of the newly formed PRCP.

Comments [ 48,114 ] |

E-mail
©LEMONDE 2020

48,114 comments

MORE HEADLINES

Gaullica to ramp up efforts in Bahia, sources close to the Foreign Ministry reveal. [ 36,238 ]
The Continental: Etruria Deserves A Better Opposition Than This.[ 15,509 ]
Etruria to increase military support for Tsabara. [ 25,136 ]
ARE criticised for anti-Coian headline. [ 11,951 ]
Nuvanian bill would permit transgender individuals in the armed forces. [ 43,684 ]

by **Union of Akoren** » Wed Apr 21, 2021 4:22 pm

by **Imperii Ecclesia** » Wed Apr 21, 2021 6:53 pm

CATHOLIC LABOUR WINS BIG IN SNAP ELECTIONS; CHEVALLIER NAMED PREMIER
SDP ousted from Government in snap elections called in wake of Eruption and Protests.

SHARE:

CATHERINE DECOUVE (@DECOUVECATHERINE)
^{21 APRIL 2021 19:01 | PORT DE LA SAINTE, SAINTE-CHLOE}

Leader of the CLP since 2020, Genevieve Chevallier is the first Gaullois to hold the office of Premier since the founding of the Republic.
Photo courtesy of RAYMOND AROIS.

PORT DE LA SAINTE, CAPITALE-

In elections held on Monday, April 19th, nearly eight weeks after snap elections were called, the Catholic Labour Party won a majority in the Chamber of Commons, winning 44 out of 75 seats in the Commons and 16 out of the 25 seats in the Senate. On Wednesday, April 21st, Genevieve Chevallier was named as the Premier of Sainte-Chloé by President Thiele with support from the majority in the Commons. Snap elections were called after political chaos and divisions within the Social Democratic Party led to a vote of no-confidence in Premier Montas and the dissolution of the fractured government by President Thiele.

In the previous 2020 elections, Montas and the Social Democratic Party won a majority in the Chamber of Commons and Senate and formed a government, but failed to secure the Presidency, beginning a period of cohabitation in government. Montas, who was named Premier, was at odds with President Thiele, and the two were known to disagree and did not cooperate in government, creating issues of passing legislation, as the SDP did not have enough votes to counteract the President's veto on certain legislation. Besides for these early issues, the 2020 eruption of Pico de Sangue greatly damaged the economy of Sainte-Chloé, and Montas's government response was considered inadequate and many were left homeless or unemployed. This led to increased anti-government protests as conditions failed to improve, at one of which a protestor, Francois Leran, was killed by police. This led to the protests becoming even larger in scale.

Around the same time, the crisis in the Arucian over Chistodovia's military aggression also decreased popularity for Montas's government, as many opposed Montas's policy of reconciliation and dialogue. This led to an open feud between Montas and President Thiele, who supported a strong stance against any Chistodovian presence in the Arucian, only further increasing tensions. As protests persisted and divisions began to grow between officials within the Social Democratic Party, including members of cabinet, Montas began to lose support, eventually leading to a vote of no-confidence being called on February 11th, with Montas losing the vote. However, after deliberations for who would succeed him as Premier failed to produce a new candidate, Thiele dissovled the Parliament, calling for snap elections to be held in April.

In the intervening months of campaigning, a caretaker government was appointed to oversee the most necessary functions of government. Catholic Labour was consistently strong in the polling, and Chevallier, who had been leader of the party since 2020, ran on a party of populist reform, promising to carry out the reforms which the protestors had been asking for and to restore the economy and livelihoods of those affected by the Eruption. The SDP attempted to distance itself from Montas, but its support was tarnished by recent events. Especially crucial in the upcoming election was the rural districts, which are usually the most contested and also saw some of the most anti-government agitation.

On Monday elections were held, with the exit polls showing that CLP had a strong lead over the SDP. After having 36 seats in Commons during the previous election, Catholic Labour gained 10 seats, getting a solid majority of 46 to 29. In the Senate, they gained 4 seats, moving from 10 to 14 elected seats, in addition to two more being selected by the President. The SDP, at the same time, lost their majority in both, from 13-12 in the Senate and 39-36 in the Commons. These mark some of the largest majorities in recent Chloéois politics.

After the election results were confirmed and certified, on Wednesday April 21, President Thiele invited CLP leader Genevieve Chevallier to form a government, appointing her as Premier of Sainte-Chloé. This had been expected, and she was ready to assume office. Chevallier, 41, won the leadership contest of the CLP in 2020 after their failure to secure victory in the election; she has remained leader since then. "I am extremely honored to accept this position," she said in a press conference after the event. "We have much work ahead of us as we will work to reform the damage done to our country by the national disaster and government incompetency. I will step up to the challenge and do everything necessary to set things to rights."

During the press conference, Chevallier laid out her plans and agenda for the upcoming legislative term. Among the things mentioned included a promise funding to those in need and the creation government sponsored jobs to respond to the volcano's fallout. "No longer will the vulnerable people be ignored by politicians; together we will rebuild Sainte-Chloé stronger than it was before." After being named Premier, Chevallier next plans on forming a cabinet and to have her first legislative period focus on response to the volcanic disaster and the repairing of the economy.

Chevallier becoming Premier marks the first time which a Premier has been ethnically Gaullois in the history of the Republic of Sainte-Chloé. Chevallier also has Mixte and Bahiaux ancestry. During the time of the United Provinces, however, Pierre Voloix, a Gaullois, served as Prime Minister, the post which preceded the Premier after the creation of the Republic in 1954. There have been several Mixte Premiers and one President, but most of them have been ethnically Bahiaux, including the current President, Michel Thiele. It is rare for a Gaullois to succeed in political office; she, however, does not make public comment about her ethnicity. When asked about her race at the press conference, she said, "I do not see any issue of why that matters. What is important is that I am Chloéois and that I serve the people; it should be no real concern what colour I happen to be."

In addition to being the first Gaullois Premier, Chevallier is also the third female Premier of Sainte-Chloé, with Gladys Dubous (2002-2004) and Stephanie Conille (2011-2014) having preceded her.

For a map of the election results, see HERE

Comments [ 8,887 ] |

E-mail
©LACROIX 2021

8,887 comments

MORE HEADLINES

Chevallier gives press conference after appointment as Premier.
Breakdown of the Snap Election.
Tsabara Crisis continues to escalate between Etruria and Zorasan.
Nuvania deliberates on pro-LGBT Bill.
OPINION: Are Sainte-Chloé's racial issues really solved?

by **Slirnija** » Thu Apr 22, 2021 5:47 pm

by **Nuvania** » Sat Apr 24, 2021 1:22 am

LGBT Reform Bill Passes First Reading

SHARE

Klara Levy (@KlaraLevy)
23 April (1:00pm)|PIETERSBURG

Deputy Chief Minister David Verryn speaking in the House of Assembly (file).

The Transgender and Non-Binary Amendment Act is one step closer to becoming law after passing its first reading in the House of Assembly today during a scheduled sitting of Parliament.

The member's bill, drafted by Deputy Chief Minister David Verryn, passed 151 votes to 97, with 49 abstentions. Only 297 out of 410 sitting MA's were present at the first reading, with 142 MA's from the National People's Party and 132 from the Democratic Action Party in attendance. Twelve of the sitting Citizen's Alliance MA's were in attendance, in addition to ten from the Nuvanian Agrarian League, and the Indigenous People's Party sole Member of the Assembly.

Despite being a conscience vote, the voting was split down party lines. All but four of the DAP MA's voted in favour, in addition to all of the attending party MA's from the government coalition. In addition, ten MA's from the NVP also voted in favour of the bill. 87 NVP MA's voted against the bill, as did all 10 NVP MA's present for the vote. Of the abstentions, 45 came from the NVP and four came from the DAP.

Deputy Chief Minister David Verryn said in a speech in favour of the bill that Nuvania would be taking "a bold step forwards" to progress the rights and protections of the LGBT community.
"This represents the biggest leap of progress that any government has made for the LGBT community since 2011," he said. "We know that this is the right step towards equality and allowing people the right to an identity that is uniquely theirs." He revealed that he voted in favour of the bill, and was happy that it had passed the first hurdle.
"I am humbled at the support that this bill has received," he said. "It's good to see that progress can be achieved with support from both sides."

Leader of the Opposition and leader of the NVP, Philip Ackermann, said that he had voted to abstain on the bill, as while he supported it in principal, he would want to see it more in detail during the select committee process before making a final decision on it.
"I think it's more that there's some aspects of the law that we would want to improve or should consider more in depth," he said. "Ultimately it comes down to whether or not what this bill intends to achieve isn't already being covered by existing legislation, and whether or not parts of it are necessary."

Voting figures showed that nearly the entirety of Ackermann's shadow cabinet voted to abstain on the bill, with Ackermann saying it was not organised but represented the apprehension with which the NVP largely regarded the proposed bill.
"I don't think that there's anything more to it other than we want to see it in more detail during the select committee process," he said. "That way we can determine whether or not we want to support it."

Ten MA's from the NVP crossed the floor to vote in favour of the bill, among them Deon Lartz, MA for Marievale in northern Etten. He said he voted in favour of the bill because "it was the right thing to do". He said that the government had no business in prohibiting people from serving in the armed forces if they wanted, and said that he "didn't believe in the scaremongering" from his more religious colleagues.
"The world didn't end when we legalised gay marriage and adoption for gay couples," he said. "I voted in favour of the bill in 2011 because I believed the joy of marriage should be shared by everyone, and I didn't wake up screaming in a pit of hellfire." He had managed to convince two other NVP MA's to cross the floor with him, saying it was one of his biggest achievements.
"If I can convince someone to help me vote in favour of giving people more freedoms and more rights, then I'll consider that a success."

The bill will now be put to a select committee in which it will be open to public submissions as well as amendments by members of the select committee. This process takes between two and three weeks before the bill will be put to the House of Assembly for its second reading. If it passes this second reading, it will then be passed onto the Senate for a final debate, further amendments, and a final reading before being signed into law by the State President.

Public submissions will be open from April 26.

OTHER NEWS

Chevallier wins Sainte-Chloé snap election
CM Bohn congratulates Chevallier on election win
Zorasani military planning major exercises
New malaria vaccine shows promise
PVM drivers to announce 24 hour strike

by **Poshyte** » Sat Apr 24, 2021 6:18 am

NEWS | South Kabu: BKMI in chaos after moderate government members fired en masse
Premier Susilo Dwi ordered prominent government officials to resign and to be replaced with BKMI hardliners
12.15am 23 April 2021

Ayukarta, South Kabu - South Kabuese Premier Susilo Dwi has ordered the resignation of several prominent moderate Government Secretaries in his government's latest push to "push the counter-revolutionaries out of the people's government". Among the fired Secretaries is South Kabuese Foreign Secretary Cahyo Wibowo who called the move "a shocking display of strongman politics pushed by this Premier and his allies."

Cahyo Wibowo was ordered to resign along with other Government Secretaries

South Kabu's hardline anti-reformist Premier Susilo Dwi has reportedly ordered the resignation of every 'moderate' Secretary in an unprecedented move for the communist nation. The move comes after months of pressure on Dwi's hardliner faction within the governing BKMI party to agree to a series of wide reaching reforms proposed by President Tirto Sutikno including a controversial proposal to end the South Kabuese 'state of emergency' that has been in place since the assassination of former South Kabuese leader Sutikno Harjo, the father of the country's current President.

Prominent Council members such as Foreign Secretary Cahyo Wibowo who was ordered to resign by the Premier on Friday Afternoon after returning from an overseas visit. Cahyo Wibowo is an ally of President Tirto and was his Vice-President from his landslide 2015 election victory until 2018 when she stood down to become the country's ambassador to the Community of Nations.

Cahyo Wibowo was replaced with an ally of Susilo Dwi shortly after her forced resignation, the case was the same for all of the fired secretaries, all of whom have been replaced by allies of the Premier. After the series of firings, the council was comprised of only BKMI hardliners and loyalists to Premier Dwi.

After learning about the forced resignations of all moderate Secretaries within the state's governing Council of Secretaries, President Tirto allegedly threatened to exercise his state of emergency powers and remove Premier Susilo Dwi from office and suspending the South Kabuese legislature until his reforms can be implemented without opposition from the party's extreme wings. Such a move would throw the nation's political society into chaos.

Premier Dwi explained his reasoning for the string of forced resignations in a statement posted on South Kabuese social media. The statement accuses the former secretaries of working with the North Kabuese government to seek to destroy the revolution which created the Socialist Republic. His statement goes onto accuse President Tirto of failing to exercise his responsibilities as President and disavow the former secretaries.

by **Caltarania** » Sun Apr 25, 2021 7:07 am

by **Etruria2** » Sun Apr 25, 2021 9:30 am

by **Saul Volcano** » Mon Apr 26, 2021 9:40 am

Premier Cerqueira meets with Tsabaran President al'Qutayni
Premier Isilda Cerqueira and President al'Qutayni discuss humanitarian aide, refugees, naval support, Paretia's new border defense plan, and proposed naval patrol boat deal.
Felipe Faria (@FelipeFaria1988)

Precea, Luzela:

Premier Cerqueira(left) and President al'Qutayni(right),
and Primavera Palace(bottom), where they met

Early this morning President Nazim al'Qutayni of Tsabaran landed in Precea to meet with Premier Cerqueira, this comes shortly after he visited Etruria to meet with President Francesco Carcaterra. This is Premier Cerqueira's first time meeting with the Tsabaran President. Al'Qutayni also met with King Erasmo at the Do Solo Royal Palace afterwards.

This comes as part of multiple meetings expected between President al'Qutayni and many Eastern Euclean leaders from Etruria to Werania. He had just recently completed meeting with President Carcaterra of Etruria in Poveglia, which was described as "warm and friendly" and saw more Etrurian assistance being sent to Tsabara shortly after. The meeting is being stated as "friendly" between Cerqueira and al'Qutayni, and the Premier had some kind words to say about President al'Qutayni, calling him "strong" and "determined to save his nation". It is expected they Cerqueira and al'Qutayni with discuss humanitarian aide, patrolling the Aurean, and military aide.

The first things discussed was Paretian aide for refugee camps in western Tsabara, Cerqueira has stated that they discussed food, water, shelter and medicine being sent. Cerqueira stated she was open to sending more Paretian aide workers to the country. Cerqueira stated that she wants to "Commit to Tsabaran refugees not having to worry about getting sick or hungry, we will send as much as we can afford to send and help them".

They also discussed the new upgrades being made to the Paretian Border and Maritime Agencies, called the Lei e ordem renovadas(Revamped Law and Order) Package. with plans for constructing new fences, bases, and new ships to patrol to Aurean. They discussed how this could help deter an influx of refugees crossing the strait into Paretia. Cerqueira says Paretia will "protect the Aurean Staits and maintain security for those using the straits. For Paretia this is more than commitment but instead a duty, as the Aurean Straits is one of the greatest geographic locations of our nation, we will keep it safe for us and our neighbors".

A new topic discussed was Paretian military aide to Tsabara. Cerqueira is more towards limited involvement of Paretia in foreign conflicts, and wishes for it to stay that way. This was probably discussed between the two. However, they talked about possibly sending military supplies to Tsabara, naval-oriented supplies in particular. Cerqueira has proposed a possible arms deal for naval patrol boats being given to Tsabara in order to help aide in the migrant crisis and patrolling Tsabara's coastline and rivers. Paretia has been growing it's navy recently, and of course has been building new patrol boats, which Cerqueira believes they have enough that some can be given to nations. Al'Qutayni has said that he is likely to agree upon the deal, as he is in need of Euclean support to fight foreign-backed rebels. He believes this can be a first step to new relations and support from Paretia to Tsabara. The exact numbers of the deal proposal are unknown as of right now.

Al'Qutayni spoke well of the Premier, this meeting being their first. He stated that "I expect many future meetings with Mrs. Cerqueira. Our discussions have definitely lead to knew ideas that could help strengthen the relationship between our countries. I also hope for good relations with Paretia to continue, Paretia and Tsabara are the gateways to their respective continents. I hope good relations between us will continue into good relations between our two continents." Al'Qutayni is expected to meet with other eastern Euclean leaders in the near future.

LIKE or SHARE
Public Media Network of Paretia

In Other News:
EUCLEA - Etruria to send more support to Tsabara
PARETIA - Premier Cerqueira plans on "upgrading" Maritime and Border agencies
ASTERIAS - Genevieve Chevallier and Catholic Labour win in Sainte-Chloé snap election
COIUS - Zorasan responds to Etruria with naval and air exercises
ASTERIAS- Nuvania's LGBT Bill passes first reading

REPLY | LIKE | DISLIKE

709 Comments

by **Liecthenbourg** » Tue Apr 27, 2021 4:37 pm

Mariano Rajoy - 28 April 2021

Home · Kesselbourg · The Continent · The World · Policy · Opinion · Features · Newsletters · Continental Pro

THE FEDERALISATION OF EUCLEAN POLITICS.

ASE party leaders, heads of government and state,
both current and former, have rallied around in support for Halivar.

Morwall, Estmere - Sometimes, former politicians lay down their thoughts and opinions on candidates in their own and neighbouring countries. It has been a popular worldwide feature; with former heads of government or state, who are no longer in politics, to offer an 'endorsement' of a movement, candidate or party outside of their own borders.

Such a thing is quite common, especially within the countries of the Euclean Community -- and sometimes their neighbours -- because of the fact that many of these politicians and movements are part of something larger than themselves. There are associations of political parties in Euclea that meet at the Euclean Parliament, for instance: the Alliance of Conservatives and Democrats for Euclea, Forward and the Socialist Alternative for Euclea all come to mind in an instant.

What was unheard of until this recent Estmerish snap-election was active heads of state and government throwing their lot in with candidates to the seat of governance. It is not wrong to say that two months ago the idea that the sitting President of Gaullica would actively endorse the leader of the Estmerish opposition against the sitting Estmerish Prime Minister would have been absolutely ludicrous. Think of the scandal! What if the sitting Prime Minister were to win and face off their challenger? How would you reason to explain that the next time both individuals were sat down discussing matters from Tsabara to the environment; the looming presence of the "well, you endorsed someone against me -- you clearly don't think I'm fit".

Yet that has happened. And it represents a dramatic shift in the face of Community Politics for the years to come; because domestic Euclean Politics is undergoing what I have called 'federalisation'.

In January of last year, the coveted endorsement of Jean Vallette in the SRPO leadership election was given out to a candidate who did not win. But such an endorsement, within party politics, is normal. It is common for important people to show preference on scales such as this, because ultimately they are exercising a preference and whilst they could potentially shift the results the electorate is usually incredibly small. Less than 200,000 people voted in a closed party process.

A national election is, or was, different. Domestic politics in the framework of the Euclean Community were often where the hard borders came down. What happens in one country affects all countries, yes, but the remnants of the nation-state were found in that these were mere facts that had to be dealt with. An endorsement from a sitting political figure did not happen because it could be construed or criticised in numerous ways: election interference and 'foreign intervention' come to mind. Euclean Community Politicians like President Walker do not offer their endorsements to candidates because they want the Community to maintain a-political and constructive with any government that may be elected. It also poses numerable problems (as aforementioned, a candidate actively endorsed against winning their seat and the definite degradation in relations that would entail). A sitting head of state or government actively aiming to undermine one of their counterparts is absolutely revolutionary. No longer does the argument of national sovereignty seem to defend Euclean politicians. An endorsement offers a clear showing of preference. It shows more than that: hope for a candidate.

So, how did the 'Federalisation of Euclean Politics' begin? And what does it entail?

The groundwork of 'Federalisation' was laid on the 1st of December 2007. The first Euclean Presidential Election, which saw for the first time in human history individuals from twelve separate countries participate in the same election to vote for an executive. This included campaigning not for specific countries or parties; but for singular individuals. Campaigns were conducted outside of country bounds: the ASE, Forward (and their predecessors) and the ACDE operated themselves as entities that were above traditional domestic politics; they were international entities. And this continued again when Lévesque was elected and, lastly, when Walker was elected in 2017. Their campaigns were broad, sweeping affairs, with participation and involvement from all twelve member states of the Euclean Community. Endorsements became normalised, and whilst Euclean Community officials do not endorse politicians, they themselves were endorsed.

Even so, the most recent election -- the 2017 President of the Euclean Community Election -- has blurred the lines the most. The ACDE and Forward rallied behind a singular candidate, Alexis Walker, in an attempt to consolidate the votes to prevent EC Speaker Carolein Dykstra from ascending to the Presidency. The endorsements that flowed to Walker's campaign were, ultimately, instrumental in her victory as notable conservative and liberal politicians from the continent rallied behind a singular figure to prevent another ASE president. Heads of government and heads of state, leaders of the opposition, former ministers, mayors and governors and town councillors and politicians of all sorts, from twelve separate countries, proceeded to campaign and throw their lot behind Alexis Walker, including former Euclean President Alexandre Lévesque. For many, such a thing became 'normalised' in what is the largest exercise of democracy on the planet.

And it seems the ASE has decided to learn from this endeavour.

At the time of the writing of this article Zoe Halivar of Estmere's Social Democratic and Co-operative Party has received the endorsement of numerous sitting heads state or government, including: Gaullica's President Monique Degar-Abdulrashid and Premier Mathéo Turzyna, Azmaran Thingspseaker Sofija Anasdohter, Caldish Taoiseach Stiofán Mac Suibhne, Hennish Premier Rupert van Bleiswijk and Alslandic Premier Ottila Möller. Halivar has also received the endorsement of ASE opposition leaders from across the community including: Alexandra Aurelia of the Amathian League of Equalists and Democrats, Clara Hverman of the Borish New Left, Esmeralda Falcão of the Paretian Social Democrats and Luise Höcherl of the Weranian Social Democratic Radical Party. Endorsements from such figures, as the usual leader of their party, indicate the support of those parties behind the SDCP.

Not only that, but she has continued to receive the support of individuals no longer in government; former Gaullican President Jean Vallette was quick to rally 'the red flag' for Halivar, as did the former Euclean President Bonne Zijlstra.

If this is successful, Euclean politics are fundamentally changed forever. The risk was worth the reward and another state joins the growing 'pink tide' that Hervé Bachelot promised to continue at the ASE Congress in Jorś-Hylager. If this is successful; one of the bulwarks of Euclean conservatism was toppled not only by his own unpopularity and recent sleaze and scandal; but by an effort of the common cause of the ASE.

However, if it is not successful, the ASE faces an unanswerable dilemma: was this hand played too early? Will Estmerish voters not be swayed by 'outsiders' telling them how to vote? Will they perceive this endless list of Euclean politicians as proof of an establishment of 'liberal-minded' elites?

At the moment, it seems that Halivar is on course for a victory. And that the ASE's gamble will have a greater payoff than the cries -- however justified -- that will inevitably escape politicians across the Community.

But this poses the question: why Estmere? Why at this snap election? Why take the risk in Estmere, for instance, as opposed to Alsland in December? The pay-off would not have been the same, no, but the risk of alienating a member of the Community if the effort had failed would be non-existent. Alsland cannot exist as a foreign policy presence outside of the Community; but Estmere can.

And if one answers: "well, because toppling Reginald Wilton-Smyth and securing Estmere is a greater victory" the question becomes "why not for Monique Degar-Abdulrashid?"

The answer to this question, I feel, has many factors. Ultimately, an ASE party achieving victory in Gaullica is not news. The PSD of Gaullica commands an authority that its sister parties on the continent wish they could emulate: from the Etrurians to the Estmerish, there is likely an underlying sense of envy. The ASE would pat themselves on the back for winning a safe seat and 'Federalisation' would amount to the ASE rallying to support easy and safe politics with little political capital to be gained. And for this show of force, for this rallying of something that could rightly be seen as a cry of the Workers of the World Uniting, there needs to be a victory.

Enter: Estmere. Reginald Wilton-Smyth is, to put it bluntly, unliked. He represents an uncompassionate form of conservatism that has been embroiled in scandals over pensions of all things. It is incredibly unlikely that he will win re-election, just having faced an internal party challenge and will likely fail to court Reform again.

Zoe Halivar represents many things; she's young, minority ethnic and a woman -- groups of individuals who now look like what ASE voters look like. Toppling 'RWS' for Halivar would show that the ASE mean business, that the ASE is more than willing to dirty its hands in its own form of scandal. And it will show Euclea that, if successful, mass mobilisation of a political machine will work.

'Federalisation of Euclean Politics' means to indicate that this is going to become normal. It is an unforeseen consequence of the way the Euclean Community is structured, but it is something that the ASE has struck first on.

In closer races it likely wont be prominent, but in races were the gap is wide enough for foreign politicians to throw their weight in a way to increase that gap expect it. Anticipate it. Predict it. Because Reginald Wilton-Smyth is not likely going to sit in Morwall come June. In races were a candidate is embroiled by sleaze and scandal and an internal party fracture; well, the MDA's of Euclea will come circling with a smile and an endorsement.

For the sake of argument let us say he does. If he does, say, by a month of powerful campaigning, what does the ASE do? Feign ignorance? Or merely tell Reginald that they were merely showing their preference and it was obvious even if they didn't say it outwardly?

Like many things in the Euclean Community it is likely that a treaty will be signed deciding what needs to be done about that.

But if the wind is blowing rightly its likely the end of Reginald for the time being. And this means that Euclean politics fundamentally changes. Hervé Bachelot's "roadmap of the decade" begins by giving Estmere a new car. And soon enough the ASE wont be the only people pulling these punches. And we'll likely see external influences too; as the Tribunes in Etruria begin to pick their favourite bunch of nationalists to promote to the forefront to try to further their own interests.

And with the topic of enlargement courting Slirnia and Piraea; we can expect to see soon Euclean politicians likely beginning an endorsement race in these countries to provide 'a stable route to join the Community.'

Mariano Rajoy is a former Esmeiran and Paretian politician and congressman. Now he lectures at the University of Ocerto in both political science and cuisine and food science. An esteemed academic, he has written books on the unique formation of the Paretian state and how various institutions have sought to emulate it. His most famous work: 'The Euclean Community; Paretia in Macro' deals with inter-state relations and the trade-offs a state makes to be a member of the community. His views do not necessarily reflect that of the Continental.

by **Eskaeba** » Wed Apr 28, 2021 3:57 am

Three organisations with links to MZ to be audited for failing to declare foreign funding
The government alleged that undeclared funding was flowing from eastern Euclea to organisations affiliated with the party and its high-profile figures.
April 28, 2021 - Yashkul, Zalykia

Soravian police raided the headquarters of the three organisations, all located in Yashkul, this morning.

Government sources today confirmed the successful police raids and scheduled audits on three major political organisations and think tanks with links to the Rally for Zalykia (MZ) party. The leaders of the organisations have been placed into custody and will be questioned on their role in the illicit funnelling of eastern funding for "political motives".

At a press release this morning, a government spokesperson admitted that information was "hazy" at the moment, but did declare that the funding was thought to have originated from "undisclosed Gaullican donors". The organisations were acting in violation of laws which prohibit undisclosed foreign funding. Organisations which do take foreign funding must clearly and obviously display disclaimers that indicate they are funded by foreign forces.

Kuzma Husak (PF), neighbouring governor of Shumsk province, condemned the organisations in an interview with the press this morning.

"It is saddening to see the lengths that people will go do to undermine democratic freedom and the people's will to determine who they want to govern them.", he said. When asked on possible Gaullican involvement, he remarked that he was "unsurprised" that the "eastern socialist agenda" had "once again" resorted to "unwarranted involvement in domestic affairs".

"You see states [of eastern Euclea] built on undermining national sovereignty, shaped by their own geocentric views. It is hard to shake off that influence."

Khermen Osor (PF), governor of Zalykia, has yet to comment. Boris Yudin (SL-P) refused to comment.

The audits and raids have come at a time of heightened opposition fragility in Zalykia. With two of its most high profile figures arrested for corruption, MZ vote shares have slumped massively according to independent pollster Novopol as well as news site pk.com.

With the election around two weeks from now, it remains to be seen what further effect these charges will continue to have on the opposition.

Zakhid, 2021

by **Caltarania** » Wed Apr 28, 2021 6:03 am

by **Nuvania** » Thu Apr 29, 2021 4:47 pm

Chief Minister Criticised For Alleged Social Media Endorsement

SHARE

Klara Levy (@KlaraLevy)
30 April (1:00pm)|PIETERSBURG

The Chief Minister has been criticised for making an alleged endorsement of a foreign political party leader on social media (file).

Chief Minister Andrew Bohn has faced criticism for a post made to Chirper yesterday which the Leader of the Opposition alleges endorsed Social Democratic and Cooperative Party (SDCP) leader Zoe Halivar in the upcoming snap election in Estmere, calling it a "breach of acceptable conduct."
"It's a significant breach in the supposed neutrality of the office of Chief Minister," Leader of the Opposition Philip Ackermann said. "It is a clear endorsement of Zoe Halivar, which goes beyond the remit of the office which he holds."

The post was made yesterday afternoon in which the Chief Minister said he "wished the best of luck" for the upcoming snap general election next month. In addition, the post was apparently made on the behalf of the Democratic Action Party (DAP), a statement which DAP President Stephen Malan said was "probably not the best idea in hindsight".
"It's easy to see how the message could be interpreted in a way that would imply that the Chief Minister was endorsing a foreign politician," he said. "However, that was not the intent of the post." Malan said that the DAP and SDCP had a long history of cooperation between the two parties, as well as shared views and ideals. He said that he had approved of a message of goodwill to be posted to Chirper on the behalf of the party.
"It was meant to be an act of goodwill from us to our friends in the SCDP."

The Chief Minister faced criticisms within the House of Assembly today, with Ackermann launching a barrage of questions, some of which directly asking whether or not the Chief Minister actively endorsed the SDCP leader. The Chief Minister said that it was a message of goodwill to the leader of the SCDP and said that he would not endorse politicians in foreign elections.
"I have not, are not, and will not, endorse any candidates or party leaders in foreign elections," he said. "This is pretty basic stuff." Bohn also said that he had approval from the party to post the message and that it would not be deleted.
"People can interpret it how they want, but it seems ridiculous that the message should be deleted because Members of the Assembly interpret it differently."

Deputy Chief Minister and DAP House Leader David Verryn said that Ackermann's criticism of the social media post were "hypocritical" given similar posts by politicians from the National People's Party (NVP) and the party's official account on Chirper also existed. Verryn also referred to numerous posts from former Chief Minister Robert Marten who had posted "numerous confrontational and undiplomatic posts on social media directly at world leaders."
"This is nothing compared to the tirades that your former boss went on [sic]," Verryn said, the comment directed at the Leader of the Opposition. "What he did was several magnitudes worse for our international relations than what has happened here."

Political analyst Samuel Hofmeyr said that while the post could be interpreted as a diplomatic faux pas, he said it was mostly a minor incident which likely would not happen again.
"Endorsements generally don't occur if a leader or party is in government on the basis that any future relationship between two countries would be damaged in the event the candidate that wasn't endorsed wins," he said. "If the post made by the Chief Minister was an endorsement, and it absolutely implies as much, then if incumbet Prime Minister Reginald Wilton-Smyth wins, the relationship between Pietersburg and Morwall would inevitably sour." Hofmeyr also said that endorsements were more likely to occur in Euclea, especially within the Euclean Community in which the federalisation of politics often meant rival political parties formed broader blocs above the national level, and thus different parties would endorse candidates from their own broader political blocs.
"This means that parties and party leaders who are in opposition have much more freedom to endorse political parties and candidates in elections elsewhere without much in the way of controversy, as they're less invested in the current relationship between the two countries."

Hofmeyr also said that a potential vote of non-confidence in the Chief Minister would be "out of the question" and would undoubtedly backfire on the NVP.
"Aside from the fact that the composition of the House of Assembly would render any vote moot, as the DAP can count on the support of its coalition partners in the Assembly to vote against any motion tabled by an opposition MA," he said. "It would also backfire because of the public support for the DAP after what has happened with the NVP government since 2013. As a result, the NVP could potentially end up losing a majority in the House of Assembly, and even the Senate. That is something Ackermann knows could happen and would prevent him from acting on it."

OTHER NEWS

"Messy debate" begins Estmerish election campaign
SDCP leads in Estmerish poll
Etruria pledges more support to Tsabara
Niemann Incorporated executives arrested over banned pesticide
Man arrested in Windstrand after assaulting cashier with mango

by **Liecthenbourg** » Fri Apr 30, 2021 10:13 am

Soravian Ambassador summoned as Verlois denounces "anti-democratic raids" in Zalykia.
With two weeks to go until elections in Zalykia, the government has criticised Samistopol's "blatantly autocratic" auditing, raiding and arresting of their strongest opponents in the region.

Moïse Baillieu
April 29th, 2021|Verlois, Gaullica

Lambert called the arrests "anti-democratic" and "highly suspect".

Verlois, Gaullica -

The Soravian Ambassador to Gaullica, Yevhen Pryjmak, has been summoned to the Foreign Ministry as of this morning, the Foreign Minister has revealed.

Tensions between Verlois and Samistopol have turned cold as of late, with members of the Gaullican government denouncing the recent arrests of prominent Rally for Zalykia leaders both within the legislature and without it.

Donduk Kichikov was arrested on charges of misusing almost €3 million of public funds for "campaigns, political advertising [and] personal luxuries". Kichikov's arrest has been widely seen and perceived in Eastern Euclea as an autocratic move on behalf of Valentina Goga and the Patriots' Front, who have wished to kneecap an important political rival in both the Duma and in his home state of Zalykia.

Elections in Zalykia are scheduled to happen within the next three weeks and international advocates of democracy and human rights have warned that Kichikov's arrest, as well as those of several prominent organisers for Rally, are attempts by Samistopol to weaken the strong showing they had in the polls.

Sylvain Lambert confirmed earlier today that the Soravian ambassador had been summoned to answer for these allegations, arguing that "it is widely believed by this government that the charges against these Zalyk politicians and organisations are further signs of autocracy." She would add that the raids were "anti-democratic", with the definitive intention of "weakening one of the strongest opposition parties to the Patriots' Front in Soravia".

She confirmed that had a serious of "pressing questions" for the ambassador.

"Two highly profile arrests within two weeks of an election; coincidentally aimed at the largest opposition party in the Zalykia province, is highly suspect. This is following the arrest of Donduk Kichikov, another Zalyk politician. The Patriot's Front is attempting to subvert its own democratic processes, that much is clear."

Lambert confirmed to reporters that she would bring up the issue of Soravian suppression of the Zalyk and their representative political party to the next meeting of Euclean Community foreign ministers.

She also vehemently denied the involvement of the Gaullican government in influencing the election in any way after the Kuzma Husak, a PF governor, accused "Eastern socialist states" of attempting to meddle Soravia's domestic affairs.

The Ministry of the Interior has also confirmed that the Gaullican police would be investigating "organisations and institutions with a vested interest in Zalykia" in an attempt to discover the source of the undeclared funding MZ reportedly received. Astier said that "it was in the vested interest of all parties to discover these 'undisclosed Gaullicans' who may have helped participate in the movement of undeclared funding."

Comments [ 48,114 ] |

48,114 comments

MORE HEADLINES

Gaullica to ramp up efforts in Bahia, sources close to the Foreign Ministry reveal. [ 36,238 ]
Nuvanian Chief Minister criticised over endorsement.[ 15,509 ]
Paretian Premier and Tsabaran President discuss "further support." [ 25,136 ]
Nobody wins in first Estmerish Debate. [ 11,951 ]
The Continental: The Federalisaton of Euclean Politics. [ 43,684 ]

by **Slirnija** » Fri Apr 30, 2021 11:49 am

by **Union of Akoren** » Sun May 02, 2021 2:57 pm

by **Poshyte** » Mon May 03, 2021 8:36 am

Can Air Alsland challenge Alsavia's flag carrier status?
Eke Mast's new airline will seek to challenge Alsavia's flag carrier status and provide "a more modern form of flight"

ANS Staff (@ANSOnline)
April 30, 2021 | Yndyk

An aircraft in Air Alsland colours was pictured on a test flight at Yndyk Hurdegaryp Airport earlier this year. Photo courtesy of ANS.

Yndyk, Alsland -
Alsavia's longtime former CEO Eke Mast has spoken to ANS about his brand new airline which is due to begin flights this summer from Yndyk Hurdegaryp Airport to several destinations across Euclea, Coius and Asteria Superior.

Air Alsland (Loft Aalslân) will operate it's first scheduled flight on June 10th with an inaugural service from Yndyk to Morwall. Following on from this the airline will launch several more Euclean flights to service the summer tourist market before launching flights to destinations in Coius later this year.

The airline's CEO Eke Mast agreed to an interview to discuss the airline's planned launch and future plans.

Mast who himself is a qualified pilot spoke of his excitement for the launch and his desire for the airline to succeed and break the monopoly on the Alslandic aviation sector that Alsavia currently runs.

"Obviously we're very happy that the process so far has gone along smoothly. We've spent two years since we were registered preparing for our first flight and we believe will shatter expectations. We're the only Alslandic airline that has a Business class cabin and from initial testings we think it is the best in the market."

When asked about if he thinks that Air Alsland can successfully challenge Alsavia, Mast responded with an attack on his competitor: "Alsavia was never meant to be our flag-carrier, it was founded as a low-cost subsidiary of Loftferfier. From the day of it's inception it has had a reputation for cost-cutting, safety hazards and an overall unwelcoming attitude to passengers. We won't have that."

"That whole airline [Alsavia] is an embarrassment and it shouldn't fly our flag and be the representative of our nation."

Air Alsland is avoiding scheduling flights at Yndyk International Airport and instead is operating out of the smaller Yndyk Hurdegaryp Airport which only has a few scheduled flights each day. Air Alsland in cooperation with the Middewald Provincial government agreed to schedule flights there in exchange for priority in slots at the airport. In exchange the airline agreed to pay for some of the renovation plans to the airport to accommodate the influx of passengers expected from the airline's launch in Summer.

The airport which was constructed in the late 60s has been described as dark, small and confusing but renovation works which are due to be completed next week have completely overhauled the airport's terminal and added space for more seating, a lounge to be used exclusively by Air Alsland passengers and more shops for passengers. However the plan was criticised by activists who said that the airport project would increase Alsland's total carbon footprint.

With the airline only months away from officially launching, a press flight was scheduled last week which carried members of the media on a flight taking off from Yndyk Hurdegaryp Airport and landing one hour later at the same airport.

Upon arriving at the terminal members of the press were greeted by airport and airline staff. The airport was quiet as only a few other flights had been scheduled for that day. The renovations to the airport were noticeable with the check-in area being modernised and additional desks being added, an upgraded bus stop with connections to Hurdegaryp's train station. The security area is much larger than it had been previously with security not taking much time at all.

The departure terminal's updated look also provides great views over the airport and the gates. The plane had already been stationed at the airport and from the gate it was possible to see several other Air Alsland aircraft. The plane for the press flight was the largest in the fleet with a capacity of 265 passengers in a 3-class configuration. Before take off there was a small speech made by Eke Mast who thanked the members of the press and airline staff who had volunteered to be passengers for the flight for attending. After this speech boarding began quickly.

The plane was only 1/2 full for the flight. The cabin crew came around and did their pre-take off routine. What is notable about Air Alsland is that it's crew are relatively young compared to other airlines. Most of the cabin crew appeared to be under 45 although there were some more experienced cabin crew to make sure all went well.

Take off was smooth and we soon reached our cruising altitude. The economy class cabin onboard Air Alsland's widebodies is in a 2-4-2 configuration. The economy class seats are modern and comfortable but the in flight screen for many people was glitching severely and was unusable due to technical errors the airline was still working through and expect to have fixed before operations begin.

One in flight meal was served during the flight. The meal selection was wide-ranging and orders could be placed through the in flight monitors for passengers who had working monitors. The cabin crew were extremely friendly towards the passengers onboard the flight and the meal was above average for airline food.

The aircraft began it's descent soon after and landed once again at Yndyk Hurdegaryp Airport where we returned to the gate where we had departed from an hour earlier.

All in all, Air Alsland has a promising future as a major airline and it provides much needed competition to Alsavia's dominance over the Alslandic aviation market.

Comments [ 5432 ] |

5432 comments

MORE HEADLINES

Estmere decides 2021: What is at stake [ 1111 ]
Yndyk Assembly member suspended after homophobic comments[ 3772 ]
Merrow Lake at lowest recorded depth since record began [ 2016 ]
Estmere decides 2021: How to watch from Alsland [ 2017 ]
Idk [ 55 ]

News Thread [Kylaris|Canon|IC]

Who is online