News Thread [Kylaris|Canon|IC]

by **Hennehouwe** » Sat May 15, 2021 10:38 am

Protests in s'Holle and Zilverzee, van Bleiswijk condemns Etrurian "backsliding"

NEWS • An estimated 8,000 took part in solidarity protests in the capital as international condemnation of Povelia's hastened descent into authoritarianism grows

Jurren Maas • 15 May 2021 • s'Holle

Protestors holding placards against Etrurian "LGBT free" zones in s'Holle

Thousands of people have taken part in demonstrations against recent developments in Etruria, including the declaration of so-called "LGBT free" zones in six states.

The largest of these protests was in the capital, s'Holle, where an estimated 8,000 people took part in a rally organised by the Independent Henno-Etrurian Solidarity Centre (OHES) and conjoined demonstrations organised by a number of political parties, including the youth wing of the Socialist Labour Party. Protesters carried both Etrurian and LGBT+ flags and marched from Cornelissen Square to the Etrurian embassy. An estimated 3,000 people took part in a similar protest in Zilverzee, whilst smaller demonstrations also took place in other cities across the country.

The protests come in the wake of a number of crises gripping Etruria. Early Friday, six states constituting half of Etruria's population declared themselves "LGBT free" zones. Later, the Parliament passed a Bill providing for a referendum that would force voters to choose between two significant reforms of the country's political system. Opponents claim that either of these options would turn the Senate into a rubber stamp legislature for the ruling Tribune Movement. Legislation has also been brought forward that would allow the government there to block "misinformation", with a focus on international media outlets.

Since the rise to power of the right-wing Tribune Movement in 2016, Etruria has experienced a level of democratic backsliding unseen in Eastern Euclea for decades. The lightning speed with which recent developments have been undertaken is seen to be a "distraction" from allegations of widespread corruption within the ruling party. On Wednesday, Kesselbourg-based The Continental published a wide-ranging expose detailing the links of senior Tribune figures to Soravian oligarchs.

Among those who took part in the demonstrations were many Etrurian-Hennish activists and protestors. Hennehouwe has one of the largest populations of ethnic Etrurians as a share of the the total population, with approximately 500,000 people (4%) identifying as either Etrurian-born or being of Etrurian descent. The attitudes of most Etrurians in Hennehouwe contrast sharply with those in their homeland: a GAP spot poll for HNO this morning of 877 Etrurian-Hennish showed that 81% believed Etruria was heading in the wrong direction, and that 74% did not approve of the declaration of "LGBT free" zones.

Yesterday, Social Affairs Minister Marko Zaccardi (SAP), himself the son of two Etrurian immigrants, was one of the first politicians in the General Assembly to condemn the "LGBT free" zones, referring to it in the Chamber of Deputies as a "homophobic onslaught". Zaccardi was one of the co-signatories of an open letter calling on the international community to pressure Etrurian authorities to reverse the declarations. The remaining signatures came from the five other Hennish-Etrurian members of Parliament: Deputies Pamela Piccola (SAP), Robert Marjanović (Links) and Nestore Romelli (NVP); as well as Senators Sergio Lanzone (SAP) and Alisa Antolin (VDP).

Earlier this morning, Premier Rupert van Bleiswijk (SAP) released a statement condemning what he saw as "overt democratic backsliding" and an "attempt to subvert civil liberties" in Etruria, and has expressed solidarity with the country's pro-democracy opposition and LGBT+ community. His deputy, the Foreign Affairs Minister Eva Kaestel (VDP), has also openly condemned the Eturian government's actions and has called for a "united, firm rejection" of its pathway by the international community.

Protests are continuing within Etruria itself this afternoon, as both pro- and anti-government rallies erupt spontaneously across the country. There have been reports of street clashes between opposing demonstrations in a number of cities.

SEE ALSO:
• LIVE BLOG • The latest from Etruria as Friday's aftermath continues
• ETRURIA • Zaccardi tweets condemnation of Etrurian "LGBT free" zones
• s'HOLLE ELECTION • 22 lists to contest June 11 election
• SPORT • Controversy as plans to expand Divisie A to 20 teams

by **West Miersa** » Sat May 15, 2021 1:01 pm

Wrzesiński praises referendum bill for strengthening Etrurian democracy

President Wrzesiński giving a press conference

ŻOBRODŻ - With yesterday's passage of the referendum bill in Etruria that would give voters the option between either abolishing the Senate or reforming the Senate to be reformed, Miersan President Sylwester Wrzesiński held a press conference to discuss the passage of the bill and praise it for its "protection of Etrurian democracy."

President Wrzesiński said that "the recent developments in the United Etrurian Federation have been for the good of the Etrurian people, and the good of the Etrurian nation. Over the past day, we have seen six states table legislation to defend themselves from the LGBT agenda perpetuated by the Caldish elites throughout the east, we have seen a vicious debate in which the Etrurian Social Democrats have tried to destroy efforts by the Tribune Movement to protect and strengthen democracy, only to see the Tribune Movement triumph over the left and pass a bill that will ensure that the people vote on the future of their government."

"Throughout it all, we Miersans wholeheartedly support the Tribune Movement in their efforts to protect democracy, just as we at Naprzód have done since we returned to government," Wrzesiński said. "Just as we passed a bill to reform the National Assembly and the constitution to be more fair for the people, the Etrurians are doing the same for their country. And like our brothers out west, Etruria and Miersa are holding firm against the degeneracy of the east."

Wrzesiński then took aim at those who criticised the bills, particularly Hennish Premier Van Bleiswijk, and Azmaran Foreign Minister Ana Freidriksdohter, saying that "even if you do not support what Etruria is doing to protect their democracy, to defend their traditional values, and what not, it does not mean that you should interfere in their affairs and persuade the Etrurian government to go against the will of the Etrurian people. As my mother always said, if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it at all."

Afterwards, Wrzesiński took questions, and was asked by a TVM journalist if West Miersa would be implementing LGBT-free zones.
Wrzesiński said "we will evaluate them and see how effective they are [in combatting the LGBT agenda] before we decide to or not implement them on a nationwide basis. If any voivodeships or municipalities wish to implement them, they have my blessing."

He was then followed by a journalist at Codzienny, who asked if The Continental would be banned.
"If it reaches my desk, I will sign it, no questions asked," Wrzesiński said. "But so far, no legislator has proposed to ban The Continental here, so we're not going to ban it."

Finally, one of our journalists asked Wrzesiński about Ramona Velesan's support of the Tribune Movement.
"The fact that Amathia, a member of the Euclean Community, has supported the Tribune Movement in their efforts to protect Etruria from eastern degeneracy, is a good thing: it means that Amathia is not yet lost, it means that the Euclean Community will be forced to consider whether progress for the sake of progress should be imposed or not," Wrzesiński said.

In other news
Sechia - Funding for the reconstruction of the Church of the Transfiguration granted by the Ministry of Culture
Zalykia - Foreign-backed Rally for Zalykia ties with the Patriots' Front: is Soravia vulnerable to eastern issues?
Amathia - Amathian Premier supports Tribune Movement's efforts to protect Etrurian democracy
Opinion - Could our deepening ties with Etruria jeopardise our relationship with Soravia?

My Last.fm · by **West Kirkon** » Sat May 15, 2021 7:05 pm

Mariya Nazarivna - 15 May 2021

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

President to not seek another term as president of the republic.

President Ersnt Rupold announced his intentions to not seek another term as president of the republic earlier today.

Vinalinsk -

President Ersnt Rupold announced earlier today that he would not seek to be appointed as President for the next term following elections on August, and that he intends on stepping down from his role on August 15th if a predecessor has been voted on already, Ersnt Rupold has held the position of president of Vinalia since 2008 and is the longest serving head of state in Vinalian history.

Ernst was born in 1966 in Morechia, to a Weranian immigrant sugarcane farmer, and his Vinakian interpreter mother. Ernst spent most of his life in Morechia until he moved to Orlavo in 1985, after his father died. In Orlavo Ernst became involved in the city's local politics as an independent, his strong Episemialist beliefs played a key role in separating him from the rest of the Socialist city politicians. Following reunification, Ernst campaigned for the Conservative party and earned a seat in Orlavo’s City council. Ernst would run for Orlavo’s 4th district in 1998 and win, becoming one of the few northern Conservative party House members. Inside the House of the People Ernst proved to be a key moderate voice, and voted based on personal belief rather than party line. This created a reputation of a moderate politician who worked with all parties in legislation. Before elections in 2008, the Conservative party postulated Ernst for the position of President shall Ulyana Hryhorivna be made Minister-President in a Conservative lead Parliament. The Conservative Party was heavily favored to win, and with support from both the Unionist and Workers Party, Ernst was easily made President. The youngest head of state in the republic's history.

Ernst continued his role working as a moderate, working alongside all parties to achieve common goals. This reputation and a good record on the job, made it easy for Ernst to be appointed President again in 2015 after the Unionist party became the major party in Parliament again. Ernsts moderate stance, and 3 successive southern Minister-Presidents are the reasons Ernst has become the longest serving head of state. Ernst has enjoyed high popularity during his various terms, as he’s praised for his moderate stances, and ability to work for the people.

Ernst Rupold stated in a speech to the Minister-President Omelyan Pavlov and the cabinet, that he hopes to serve as a guide for future presidents and his predecessor which he stated should be a woman. “Just as by law the Minister-President, and President may not be from the same constituent republic, by law we must also make a woman occupy either position” stated the President. Although he also mentioned he would play no role in electing his predecessor. By law the Minister-President and the President may not be from the same constituent state. As a result of the President's speech, it is highly suspected all major parties will seek to postulate their candidates in advance and backroom deals to be struck so that a president can be inaugurated alongside the Minister-President on the 16th. The president of the republic is appointed by the Senate of the Union. Omelyan Pavlov stated that he thoroughly enjoyed working with Rupold, and expressed that the bar for Presidents in Vinalia has been greatly increased.

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by **Saul Volcano** » Sat May 15, 2021 7:31 pm

Premier Cerqueira defends Etruria in statement, receives backlash
Cerqueira defends Etruria's six "LGBT-Free" states and praises the call for referendum. She was struck with harsh criticism from the Conservative Union and Social Democrats, and support from the far-right Patron League and populist Alternative Party. Her stance has lead to protests against Cerqueira in Precea.
Amadeu Florensa (@AmadeuFlorensa) | 15 May 2021 | Precea

Cerqueira at a press briefing earlier today, there she discussed her earlier statement and also and made a statement on the Mendes situation

Precea, Luzela: Premier Isilda Cerqueira released a statement today on the ongoing events in Etruria. She defended the states of Etruria and their decision to become "LGBT-Free Zones", as well as praising the Etrurian government's decision to let a referendum decide their government's future. Her statements have caused criticism, praise, and protests in Paretia.

In her statement earlier today she said that "I will not condemn Etruria today. The six states are doing what every good Euclean government should do, what the people voted for. It is the choice of the Etrurian people in these states to govern themselves as they see fit. The EC elite are of course furious they can't control them and force the LGBT agenda onto the people of Etruria. The Tribunes are a shining example of true leadership for the people. I would also like to praise Etruria on their decision to bring the power to the people by giving them a referendum on the future of their government, it is a true moment of democracy in Euclea. I wish the Etrurian people luck in their decisions this summer."

The statement saw immense uproar from parties in her own government's coalition, notably the more moderate ones: the Conservative Union, the Liberals of Paretia, and the Catholics for Liberty all made statements condemning Etruria and Cerqueira's statements. UC leader Marmeleiro said today that Cerqueira was "spouting nonsense about the EC and LGBT community." Even Cerqueira's Foreign Minister Bernando Arra disagreed with her statement today.

She drew heavy criticism from the Social Democrats, who's leader Falcão said the statement was "Pure garbage, a completely bigoted statement in support of Tribunes, what is going in Etruria is a blatant attack on civil rights and Paretia should be concerned." The SD also proposed a condemnation of Etruria in the Assembleia Nacional today, which they hope will be put to vote soon. There was also a protest of over 1,000 members of the LGBT community and others in Precea against Cerqueira, there are many smaller protests in other cities as well.

Cerqueira also received praise from the government coalition's populist right, mainly the Patron League and the Alternative Party. The Patron League praised Cerqueira's attack on the EC in her statements, Deputy Premier and Patron League Deputy Leader Paulo Sérgio Lima stated that Cerqueira was only "defending Etruria's sovereign right to make their own decisions. And if the EC doesn't like, that's their problem." The Alt Party's leader Pacau also praised Etruria's decision on holding a referendum on the Etrurian senate.

At a press briefing later today she answered questions from the media on her statements, where she defending herself and Etruria again. She also answered a question on the Tomé Mendes situation, where she stated her and Minister Arra are "still unsure" of the requests made by Dezevau.

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In Other News:
PARETIA - Pro-LGBT protests in Precea erupt after statement by Cerqueira
PARETIA - Cerqueira and Foreign Minister Arra "still unsure" of Mendes extradition requests
EUCLEA - Azmara, Hennehouwe, and others condemn Etruria's "LGBT-Free" states
EUCLEA - Amathian Premier defends Etruria
PARETIA - Border Agency tightens security on Etrurian border due to mass protests

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by **The Kingdom of Glitter** » Mon May 17, 2021 10:38 am

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MAC SUIBHNE EXPRESSES DISGUST OVER ETRURIAN 'LGBT FREE ZONES' AS HIS CABINET PONDERS ACTION

By CAOIMHE Nic DHAIRMAID

17 May 2021 at 13:33 p.m. EST

Senior government officials have joined their counterparts throughout the Euclean Community in expressing their shock and horror at the so-called ‘LGBT Free Zones’ by state governments in Etruria.

On Friday, Foreign Minister Séamus Ó Faoláin reiterated statements previously published by the Foreign Ministry. He called the zones ``barbaric” and urged Euclean leaders to stand together against them. Other government ministers swiftly condemned the proposal, being floated by six of Etruria’s federal states.

Taoiseach Stiofán Mac Suibhne issued direct condemnations of the proposal in a series of high profile interviews over the weekend.

The taoiseach labelled the proposals as “an assault on the very notion of human rights and dignity”. He went on to argue that they violated a series of Community of Nations protocols to which Etruria was a signatory.

“I am nothing short of appalled by this proposal. I join the Caldish people in their disgust. This measure is an assault on the very notion of human rights and dignity. It is an assault on the work and principles of the Community of Nations, of which Etruria has signed off on”.

“It is in my opinion and that of my government that, if enacted, these so-called free zones would be a direct violation of the Declaration of Universal Natural Rights. Caldia will take action to ensure that the agreements to which the Etrurian government is a signatory are upheld”.

Mac Suibhne confirmed that he had already spoken directly with EC President Alexis Walker and other EC national leaders.

“We are of a similar mindset on this issue” the taoiseach said. However, he said that Walker had shown a willingness to cooperate with the Tribune-led government in the past.

“I have urged [her] to reconsider this approach” the taoiseach claimed during an interview yesterday morning.

“The values of the Tribune Movement are not in line with our values as Eucleans. We cannot continue to treat them as equal partners until they are willing to treat citizens of their country as human beings with dignity”.

The taoiseach expressed his disappointment that some EC leaders had expressed their support for the Tribunes.

"Eucleans know that we cannot stand for this. It was a serious error in the judgement of some of my colleagues to much such statements" Mac Suibhne said in reference to support from the premiers of Amathia and Paretia.

He said that he had not yet spoken with Etrurian president Francesco Carcaterra, but indicated that he would take the call.

“I would make my position known directly to [Carcaterra] if asked”.

The EC has had a rocky relationship with Etruria since the 2016 referendum on membership in the bloc failed. The rise of the populist, anti-globalist Tribunes have increasingly presented problems for Euclean capitals, who have taken issue with press restrictions, judicial reform, and civil liberties issues. Caldia in particular has had a complicated relationship with Etruria, ranging from diplomatic scandals to corruption scandals that both saw Tribune involvement.

Mac Suibhne has largely shied away from the issue of Etruria, learning from the mistakes of his predecessors in the Liberty Party.

In a statement, a senior aide to the taoiseach slammed the Liberty Party and opposition leader Pádraig Mac Piarais for their complicated relationship with the Tribunes.

“This is the politics of the Liberty Party. This is who they align themselves with. This is who they conspired with. Mac Piarais has abandoned everything this country stands for to consort with these functionalist wanna-bes. He adopts their rhetoric and their tactics and is silent as they attack the existence of the very people they are supposed to protect”.

A spokesperson for the opposition leader declined to comment, but Caoilinn Ní Bhraonáinh, Liberty’s chairperson, said the PSD was “desperate” to boost itself in the polls and dismissed any links between Liberty and the Tribunes.

However, pressure has been building against Mac Piarais and his conservative allies that lead the Liberty Party. Many of the party’s TCs, who come from the moderate wing, take issue with Mac Piarais leadership and have been increasingly resentful of his approach to the job.

Scandals surrounding remarks the opposition leader made about King Kenneth IV followed by his inability to rally the opposition against or even slow down constitutional reform has left many rank-and-file Liberty lawmakers wondering about his future.

Roibeard Ó Catháin, a former foreign minister and Chief Mayor of Spalgeann, is reportedly examining the possibility of making moves to oust Mac Piarais, according to senior figures in Liberty’s parliamentary caucus.

Mac Piarais has not been recognized as opposition leader by Mac Suibhne or the government for several months, creating a complicated and embarrassing situation for Liberty. The Comhthionól’s presiding officer, Proinnsias Ó Loingsigh, has declined to force any member of the government to recognize Mac Piarais.

In the wake of the Etrurian ‘LGBT free zones’, Ó Catháin has publicly criticized his party’s leader as an “enabler” of the Tribunes.

“Such behavior is not acceptable, that is the stance of Liberty’s TCs today, tomorrow, and every day” he said.

Ó Catháin, a popular former mayor of Spalgleann and close ally of ex-taoiseach Séamus Ó Raghallaigh, is a homosexual and married to his male partner.

Many of Caldia’s LGBT+ lawmakers have been joined by Caldo-Etrurian politicians and civil leaders in decrying the creation of such zones. In an open letter that collected over 200 signatures, it was demanded that the Caldish government and the Euclean Community take swift action to combat growing extremism and homophobia in Etruria. The letter had support from across Caldia’s political parties and had signatories from all levels of Caldish governance.

Protests have also been held outside the Etrurian embassy in Spalgleann. Over one thousand demonstrators attended daily protests throughout the weekend. Some LGBT+ groups have called for the boycott of Etrurian products, while some have even demanded Caldish consumers stop supporting Etrurian-owned business in Caldia.

A statement released by the Foreign Ministry indicates that the foreign minister will travel to Azmara and later Hennehouwe to discuss the issue with his counterparts there.

“The [Caldish] government is looking for a joint approach to tackle this issue. In this approach, [Mac Suibhne] will play a high-profile role. As the leader of Caldia, he has an obligation to work to protect vulnerable LGBT+ individuals globally” a senior official in the Foreign Ministry said.

Ties between Caldia and Etruria, which were already lukewarm, are expected to become increasingly strained. The government is said to be evaluating all options in responding to the passage of any such LGBT+ free zone.

“Nothing is off the table” according to a senior cabinet minister.

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by **Etruria2** » Mon May 17, 2021 5:18 pm

by **Etruria2** » Tue May 18, 2021 2:13 pm

Good morning, today, the State Council will debate and vote on the State Council Reform Referendum Bill that passed the Chamber of Representatives last Friday. If they vote to pass the bill, it will enter law and it will then proceed to the Supreme Constitutional Court for review. Also today, four of the six Tribune-led states - Andora, Carinthia, Palestrina and Tarpeia, will debate and vote legislation on establishing "LGBT Free Zones." The other two states, Veratia and Torazza will do so tomorrow. We will also cover the ongoing protests against and for the government that have continuned unabated since last Thursday.

10.03am: SD's Chiara Mastromarino has demanded a full disclosure of the Civil Security Service's decision making in refusing to investigate the allegations made by 'The Continental.' Late last night, the CSS announced it would not be investigating the alleged links between the Tribune Movement and the Soravian government, on grounds that the article "was insufficiently grounded with permissable evidence." Mastromarino demanded the CSS debrief the Senate Committee for Domestic and Civil Security Affairs in a short statement.

"We have serious concerns over this decision, quite clearly it is not one that aligns with the expectations of Etrurian citizens. We are officially requesting the CSS explain their decision making process in relation to this announcement to the Committee for Domestic and Civil Seucrity Affairs. We need to understand how this decision made and to ensure that no external influence was present."
10.10am: Interior Minister Gianfranco Galizzia has dismissed Mastromarino's request in a quick statement to ARE reporters as he left his home this morning. He described the request as "unecessary and proof that the SD is searching high and low for corruption and inappropriate actions. The Continental article has truly unhinged the radical-left, they see plots everywhere and they call us conspiracy theorists."
10.35am: Quick update on the current protests across the country. Anti-government protests that first erupted in Faulia last Thursday have spread to every major city and town in the north. They continued overnight without incident. Numbers of protesters in the North have declined with the start of the working week, however, the National Police Service is expecting numbers to grow exponentially ahead of the State Council's debate and estimated vote at 10pm this evening. Pro-government protests in the South and central region of Veratia have continued also, though numbers declined yesterday, last night saw over 90,000 people take to the streets in Tyrrenhus condemning the radical-left and the patrician class. A total of 6 people were arrested last night for attempting to incite violence in both the North and South, bringing the total number to 58.
10.50am: "Major statement" by the Federal Electoral Commission is expected at 11am.
11.01am: BREAKING Federal Electoral Commission "not to investigate" The Continental's claims of alleged "links" between the Tribune Movement and the Soravian government, due to insufficient evidence.
11.03am: More on the FEC's statement. The body which is also charged with ensuring transparency in the financing of both campaigns and political parties stated that, "it is not appropriate for the Commission to initiate investigations or auditing procedures on the basis of published or printed articles alone. To commit to such, the Commission would be required to launch investigations into every single registered political party the moment an article was published, regardless of stature, renown or credability."
11.40pm: Carinthia's State Assembly begins its debate on the "State Charter for Family and Religious Rights Bill", its version of a so-called "LGBT Free Zone." The result of the vote is expected shortly before 2pm.
12.24pm: President Francesco Carcaterra rejects Mastromarino's request for the CSS to explain its position, speaking on 24o Radio, he said "this is a desparate move truly. Mastromarino and the SD can go look elsewhere for a witch hunt."
12.50pm: NPS arrest 6 people for possessing petrol bomb making equipment near the main protest in Faulia. Total number of arrests since last Thursday now 64.
13.18pm: Rep. Coriolano Crin Cioran (TM), is joined by Representatives Cincinnato Giuseppe Grillo (TM) and Catulo Giacomo Mestre (TM) in authoring a bill aimed at protecting the "Republic from foreign media outlets and productions that may constitute threats to the sanctity, integrity and quality of political debate and information. The bill will establish a list of Foreign Misinformation and Propaganda Outlets that may be blocked or censored per a court order issued by the Federal and or State governments."
13.31pm: Carinthia's debate has finished early and the roll call vote has begun. The Tribune Movement in Carinthia holds 59 out of 100 seats and is backed by the Carinthian Civic and Sotirian Party.
13.55pm: BREAKING Carinthia's State Assembly has voted to pass the "State Charter for Family and Religious Rights" 69-31. It will come into force on 1 June. More details to follow.
14.11pm: Carinthia's "State Charter for Family and Religious Rights" officially proclaims the "Republic of Carinthia to be a proud and patriotic community within the Etrurian nation, bound by traditional and indisovable traditions, values and customs rooted in our Solarian Catholic heritage and identity." The law does not reference the LGBT+ community directly, instead it states, "the Carinthian state will remain steadfast in the upholding of traditional family ethics, such as the definition of marriage as being a union between a man and woman", while also declaring, "an immediate end of same-sex education, the depicition of same-sex couples in commercials, advertisements and other physical imagery outside of televised media."
14.48pm: BREAKING Sources in Tarpeia are reporting that Prefect Nero Orlando may withdraw his admin's "Traditional Family Rights Charter" from the State Assembly over concerns it lacks sufficient support.
14.55pm: Protests in Praproče and Sveti Pavel, Carinthia have grown significantly since the State Charter Law was passed an hour ago. Prefect Hribar has issued a statement demanding protesters "do not test our patience with vandalism or petty criminality."
15.13pm: BREAKING Prefect Nero Orlando withdraws his "Traditional Family Rights Charter Bill" from the State Assembly, meaning Tarpeia has backed down. More details to follow.
15.18pm: News from Tarpeia greeted with cheers and applause in Faulia, San Alessandro, Auronzo, Carcoforo and Stazzona.
15.20pm: Prefect Nero Orlando has given a brief press statement saying, "over the course of the morning it was made clear to this administration that the proposal for a charter of rights for Tarpeian families would not receive sufficient support from Tribune lawmakers in the State Assembly. In light of the mathematics, I have decided to withdraw the bill from the State Assembly, it is much more important that we see the continued unity and discipline that has allowed the Tribune government in Tarpeia to deliver unparalleled success for our citizens."
15.26pm: Tarpeia's shock announcement brings into focus the reality that the Tribune Movement is not a monolithic political entity. For all of its discipline and unity, it is comprised of various factions, some of which are more liberal on some issues than others. Interestingly, Tarpeia's Tribune Movement is notable for being dominated by what is called the "National Consolidation Wing", which is more rooted in social conservatism, more balanced approaches toward economic and political reform and is less marked by nationalism. It is also important to note that not all Tribunes at the federal level are keen supporters of this kind of symbolic law, including President Francesco Carcaterra himself, who has expressed personal opposition. He has repeatedly stated that under no circumstances would similar legislation be tabled at the national level.

Andora and Palestrina are yet to finish the debate phase. A quick reminder that the Tribune Movement has a small majority in Andora of just six seats, meaning it may well be close or open for defeat. Palestrina however, is a major Tribune stronghold, the party holds a 20-seat majority in the 190 strong State Assembly.
16.01pm: Protests are starting to grow in size both in the North and South. The NPS has now confirmed that dualling protests have broken out in Solaria, Tyrrenhus, Turania, Stazzona, Sagrado, Caxeri and San Alessandro. The mayors of these cities have asked for the rival sides to be respectful, peaceful and avoid contact if possible. The NPS has also requested more units from rural commands to assist its efforts in Solaria and Tyrrenhus.
16.18pm: Debate in Andora coming to a close, the State Assembly's vote results are expected within 30 minutes.
16.20pm: In case you forgot, the Citizens' Alliance is currently engaged in a leadership contest between current leader, Gianluca Tozza and his challenger, Mauro Cesare Capra. The two were spotted in their respective constituencies meeting with party activists and leaders. According to several internal polls, Capra is leading Tozza 49% to 45%, having surged ahead over the weekend. Capra is calling for a complete overhaul of the party and its political platform to "fight for Etruria against this Tribune Government and hold the line against the SD which relies upon showy action, with nothing behind it."
16.49pm: BREAKING Andora's State Assembly rejects the Tribune administration's "Citizens' Charter for Traditional Sotirian Rights" 63-57. Five Tribune lawmakers defected.
16.24pm: More cheers and applause at the anti-government protests as news spreads of Andora's result. The state's Prefect Giorgio Maniero told the Assembly, "this is a set back for the restoration of Etrurianitas in Andora, but we will not stop. I assure you all, we will be back and we will enshrine a line of defence for the Sotirian values that makes us who we are."
16.38pm: BREAKING 19 arrested in Accadia, Andora after anti and pro government protesters met down a sidestreet and got into fist-fights. At least one person has been injured but only lightly according to the NPS.
16.45pm: Palestrina's debate is set to close at 5.20pm. According to sources in Tyrrenhus, Prefect Pietro Andrea Ercolani and his frontbench have a solid grip over the state's Tribune Movement. Should their law pass, it will effect a state of over 6 million people. Ercolani has also been one of the more vocal Tribunes in promoting traditional Sotirian values, having reportedly proposed to the national leadership a revocation of the law recognising civil unions between same-sex couples.
16.59pm: The "Lega di Ferro" a far-right ultranationalist street gang has posted on social media calling for similar groups to "rally and march forward, and wash our streets clean of the leftists and gays." The NPS has repeated its warning that it will react harshly to "violence, vandalism or disruption."
17.06pm: BREAKING The National Federation of Etrurian Workers has posted out ballots to members asking them to vote on possible strike action over the "LGBT Free Zone" laws. The NFEW has over 1.8 million workers across numerous professions, notably mining, manufacturing and transportation. These professions also form the bedrock of the Tribune Movement's working class base, the union had repeatedly stated that it might issue the ballot to pre-empt action by more militant members.
17.22pm: BREAKING Palestrina's State Assembly passes the "State Charter for Sotirian, Traditional and Family Rights" 186-54. The Tribunes voted along party lines and were joined by the Social Party of the Third Order, a Franciscan political movement that entered the State Assembly at the last state elections. Palestrina is home to over 6 million people, but notably, the law does not apply inside the municipal boundaries of Tyrrenhus, the country's largest city. The city's Tribune Mayor, Giulio Cicerone Albano has declared his opposition to such symbolic laws as "unnecessary."
17.26pm: Pro-government protests at the Piazza del Pretori roared in celebration at result of the Assembly's vote. The notably exemption of Tyrrenhus from the law's effects didn't appear to dampen the crowds. However, the law's passing may apply pressure on Mayor Albano to propose a Charter for the city, though the Tribunes only hold a thin majority on the city's council.

The response at anti-government protests was anything but celebratory. Howling, jeering and tears flooded San Alessandro's Piazza del Popolo, while anti-Tribune chants engulfed Faulia, Auronzo and Carcoforo. Anti-government protests inside Tyrrenhus also turned sour quickly.
17.30pm: Quick round up of today's events. Carinthia and Palestrina have voted to pass Charters covering Sotirian, traditional and family values which are described by the radical-left erronously as "LGBT Free Zones." Similar laws were defeated in Andora and withdrawn in Tarpeia, where Tribune lawmakers defected and were suspected to defect respectively. Tomorrow, the most populous state in Etruria, Veratia is to hold its debate and vote. Torrazza will also join Veratia tomorrow, where it is expected to be close owing to most Torrazzi Tribunes being aligned to the more national conservative wing.
17.39pm: Martino Panarello, the deputy leader of the SD has caused uproar after he described Tribune supporters, "the main source for shame and disgust this country suffers." The Representative made the comments while talking to panelists on Notizie sull'Orizzonte. He said further, "we need to open our eyes to the fact that this government does not exist in a vaccuum, they're backed by 46% of the population currently, and frankly that means 46% of our people are racists, homophobes, bigots and supporters of authoritarianism. We need to be creative in ways to confront that."
18.00pm: The State Council has begun debating the Referendum Bill. The debate will close at 10pm, where it is expected the bill will be passed due to the two-thirds majority held by the Tribunes and their allies, the Farmers and Workers Union.
18.16pm: Veratia's Prefect Giuliano Aurelio Vinci, who led the six states' into declaring their intentions last Friday has spoken out for the first time since this morning. Talking to ARE News he said, "it is a shame that Tarpeia and Andora could not succeed as Carinthia and Palestrina did today, but we press on regardless." Asked if he accepted the lable of "LGBT Free Zone" for the laws, he said no, "absolutely not. These laws do not criminalise homosexuality, they do not condemn homosexuals to reside underground like the past. No one in the Tribune Movement cares who you have relations with, sexual or not. What you do in the privacy of your own home is your business and the Lord's. What these laws aim to do is to protect the public space from the LGBT Ideology, that is the promotion of same-sex relationships in a very public way, in contravention to our Catholic faith, our very cultural foundation being around multi-generational families. We are free of the ideals behind this movement, not the people."

He was then asked if he was confident the law would pass in Veratia, where the Tribune Movement is more factionally defined than elsewhere. "Yes I am confident that it will pass, we are hearing positive voices from the Veratian Democratic Party and the Veratian National Party so, we shall see." The Prefect was also bullish about the State Council passing the referendum bill tonight, "we are going to score a major victory over the Patricians tonight, we're going to see the referendum bill pass and that will bring us one step closer to building a Republic that truly represents the people and responds to their needs and aspirations."
18.32pm: Clashes reported between police and anti-government protests in Tyrrenhus.
19.06pm: Clashes between police and anti-government protests now reported in Praproče and Carxeri, at least 19 people have been arrested in Tyrrenhus. Several far-right Ultra groups have announced on social media their plans to "stand by our police against the left-wing radicals terrorising our streets."
19.20pm: At least 3 people have been injured in clashes with police in Tyrrenhus. Protesters have begun throwing objects at police, who have responded with tear gas and batons. The National Police Service has confirmed it has redeployed a further 1,200 officers to the city.
19.24pm: A police vehicle has been set on fire in Tyrrenhus from a petrol bomb.
19.35pm: Further reports of clashes between protesters and police in Tyrrenhus and Praproče.
20.00pm: BREAKING The government has tabled an amendment to the Referendum Bill. The amendment which will be voted alongside the main bill is the long planned Second Electoral Reform and Enhancement Bill, which involves reducing the number of Representatives from 650 to 600, increasing the number of first-past-the-post seats to 500 and implementing the 2019 Constituency Boundary Changes. The changes will come into force with either Referendum option being chosen by the electorate in August.
20.31pm: More fallout from Martino Panarello's comments about Tribune supporters. Deputy President Vittoria Vasari has described him as the "ultimate mascot for the SD, he better than no one represents the disconnection between them and the Etrurian people, as well as their utter contempt for the Etrurian voter."
20.49pm: BREAKING The National Police Service has declared a major incident in Tyrrenhus over clashes with the 85,000 strong anti-government protest in the Quartiere degli Astrologi, at least 88 people have been injured, three critically in violent clashes. The NPS has turned to using tear gas, water cannon and unconfirmed incidents of rubber bullets. Interior Minister Galizia has ordered anti-government protesters to "Go home and be smart."
21.06pm: BREAKING At least 10 Citizens' have walked out of the State Council in protest over the inclusion of the Electoral Reform Amendment. This does not effect the roll call vote, however, it does mean that the debate will end sooner due to the loss of ten speakers. We can possibly expect a vote as soon as 9.40pm.
21.20pm: Clashes between pro-Tribune protesters and police in Solaria after a group numbering several hundred broke off from the main crowd toward the offices of Il Popolo near the harbour. At ;east 12 arrests have been made.
21.20pm: BREAKING State Council debate ends, voting has begun.
21.22pm: BREAKING Unconfirmed reports of the Tribune headquarters for Peravia in Faulia has been set ablaze by Fanutota agitators.
21.28pm: BREAKING State Council passes the Referendum Bill and Electoral Reform bill 333-117, with all Tribunes and FWU State Councillors backing the government. It will now head to the Supreme Constitutional Court, where it is expected to be challenged by opposition-led states.
21.33pm: Pro-government supporters have erupted in eurphoric celebrations across the country as the SC passes the Referendum Bill. In Tyrrenhus, the colossal crowd at the Piazza del Pretori have roared into singing O Bianco Fiore, the anthem of the party.
21.40pm: SD have once again confirmed that they will boycott the proposed referendum on state council reform should the law pass the Supreme Constitutional Court's review. The Citizens' have repeated thier promise to propose "democratic minded amendments" to the Law in coming days.
21.44pm: President Francesco Carcaterra to address the nation tomorrow evening.
21.48pm: BREAKING Faulia Firefighters are confirmed to be tackling a major blaze at the headquarters of the Tribune Movement in Peravia. Police clashes are now being reported in the city against anti-government protesters - unconfirmed reports of tear gas being used. At least 119 people have been injured and over 200 arrested in disturbances in Tyrrenhus and Faulia, including 14 police officers.
22.00pm: The NPS has declared a major incident in Faulia over violent clashes with protesters and the torching of the Tribune HQ. Antifon and Fanutota have both claimed responsibility for the arson attack. This follows attempts by pro-Tribune protesters to gain access to the offices of Il Popolo in Solaria.
22.06pm: Social media is alive with claims that Antifon and Ultras have come into contact in the Quartiere di San Pietro e Paolo area of Tyrrenhus.
22.14pm: Two anti-government protests have been hospitalised with serious injuries after being allegedly beaten by police in Faulia - per Il Popolo.
22.20pm: BREAKING Two shot dead in Tyrrenhus - per Euclo News and National Police Service reports.
22.25pm: NPS have secured the area in Tyrrenhus, at least 35 have been arrested in the Quartiere di San Pietro e Paolo area. More details to follow.
22.32pm: More tear gas in Faulia as riot police clear out the Piazza del Comune, it appears the violence in Tyrrnehus has pushed crowds to disperse in Tyrrenhus.
22.35pm: NPS have cleared most of Solaria of its anti-government protesters, at least 90 people have been arrested, with 22 people injured.
22.48pm: BREAKING Protester who was struck by a rubber bullet has died in hospital.
22.56pm: The SD has described the police's actions tonight as a "police riot."
23.01pm: Two people shot dead in Tyrrenhus have been identified by the NPS, their families have been informed. The NPS has confirmed that one was an active member of Antifon and the other, a prominent figure in the Soldati del Nero, a far-right Ultra group linked to A.S Tyrrenhus.
23.05pm: That is it for tonight. To recap, the State Council has passed the Referendum bill with an electoral reform amendment, the law will now head to the Supreme Constitutional Court, where a showdown between the government and states is expected. Earlier today, four Tribune-led states voted on "charter legislation" aimed at removing the LGBT Ideology, Carinthia and Palestrina passed theirs, while Andora's was defeated and Tarpeia saw its bill withdrawn over a lack of support.

Three people have died as a result of the anti-government protests turning violent in wake of the Referendum Bill's passing. One person was killed after being struck in the face by a rubber bullet and two others were killed in a shootout between far-left and far-right street gangs in Tyrrenhus. Over 200 people have been injured according to the National Police Service, who have also arrested close to 380 people.

by **Poshyte** » Wed May 19, 2021 3:51 pm

Government loses it's majority as Centrist Parties form a new bloc
A centrist group of Senators in the Folkssenat led by Margaret Klavan and Tomas Vos have proposed a third political bloc to counter the Progressive Alliance and National Bloc

ANS Staff (@ANSOnline)
May 19, 2021 | Yndyk

Former President and current leader of The Centre Drewes Brandsma is one of the supporters of the proposed bloc. Photo courtesy of ANS.

Yndyk, Alsland -

35 Senators have announced today that they plan to form a third political bloc to challenge the National Bloc and Progressive Alliance. The Senators are led by former President Drewes Brandsma who announced the proposed bloc at a press conference in Yndyk earlier today by calling modern Alslandic politics broken and unfit for the modern day.

The Senators come from several different political parties: The Centre, The Green Party, the Democrats, the Weranian People's Party, the Radical Party and the Progressive Party along with other minor provincially represented parties like the Future party and Vox Alsland.

The group of parties most notably contains the Radical Party which is currently a National Bloc member and the Green Party but not it's partner the Alslandic Socialists. So far the Greens and Alslandic Socialists have announced their separation over the plan, ending nearly 40 years of cooperation between the two. The Radical Party has not yet announced it will be leaving the National Bloc but it is expected to announce it's departure within the coming days, denying the Bloc of any representation in Yndyk.

The Bloc according to Brandsma will feature representatives in every province and the member parties will cooperate with each other to increase Liberal representation in the Folkssenaat. The proposed bloc is expected to have 35 Senators who will sit as members of the opposition, denying the government a majority.

Möller has not yet publicly commented on the new bloc but Lilliana Elliott, the leader of the National Bloc and SDF has called it regrettable that a member party of the National Bloc has decided to join the new bloc.

Details about the new bloc are scarce but what is known about the Bloc which has been informally designated by Drewes Brandsma as "Together for the Republic" (TFDR) is that it will have two co-leaders. One will be Margaret Klavan who is the first Kirenian to lead a political bloc since Villem Mand. Klavan is Brandsma's deputy within the Centre and ideologically identifies herself as a progressive Sotirian Democrat. The other is Tomas Vos from the Radical Party. Vos is the former Secretary for Euclean Affairs (2019-2020) and during his brief tenure he was regarded as one of the most liberal Cabinet secretaries.

There is concern that the new bloc will attract centrist Senators especially from the National Bloc to defect and potentially start a crisis in the National Bloc if enough Senators defect to the new Bloc. It is likely there will be a number of defectors to the new Bloc which may swell in numbers from the original 35 Senators. So far no defections have been recorded but defections may begin as soon as tomorrow as Senators weigh their options.

The government's loss of a majority is also notable as Möller must now decide to either attempt to negotiate with the new bloc or form a minority government with the Progressive Alliance. The former is unlikely as Margaret Klavan said in her speech that the bloc will neither support or oppose Möller. The words may offer little assurance to Möller as some within her own bloc are bound think her moderate views were not enough to court the centrists.

The move to create a new bloc also marks the end of the 40 year old relationship between the Green Party and the Socialist People's Party. After achieving their best result since it's foundation in 2020 the group of the Greens and Socialists is no more after the two parties confirmed their split after the press conference. Socialist leader Bene Feitsma in a short statement on chirper said she is upset over the loss of the Green Party and but that she will rebuild the Socialist People's Party into a strong left-wing party.

Green Party leader Sars Nicolai also shared his thoughts over the split calling it regrettable but necessary and offered his hopes that the party and bloc may work together in the future as coalition partners. The Green Party's 7 Senators will sit with the other TFDR Senators in the Folkssenaat.

The Bloc also includes the Future Party led by Pilgrim Wagenaar and the newly founded Vox Alsland which won seats in the Hamptonshire Assembly in January. The party's diverse range of members also makes it the largest Bloc in terms of number of member parties with 8 in total agreeing to the bloc. The Bloc's wide range of opinions from Social Conservatives to Progressives also makes it unique but may add to initial instability in the bloc.

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MORE HEADLINES

Möller criticised for silence on Etruria [ 1111 ]
2 dead after Etruria riots[ 3772 ]
Air pollution is getting worse in Yndyk [ 2016 ]
Man dies after being hit by a metro train in Nijestêd [ 2017 ]
Greens and Socialists split over new bloc [ 55 ]

by **Etruria2** » Wed May 19, 2021 4:23 pm

by **Poshyte** » Thu May 20, 2021 2:25 am

National Bloc and Progressive Alliance lose Senators to new centrist bloc
5 National Bloc Senators and 3 Progressive Alliance Senators have all resigned their party memberships and will sit with the new Bloc

ANS Staff (@ANSOnline)
May 19, 2021 | Yndyk

Some of the defecting Senators held a press meeting in the Folkssenaat building to announce their defections Photo courtesy of ANS.

Yndyk, Alsland -

8 Senators have resigned their party memberships and will now sit with the new Together for the Republic bloc within the Folkssenaat after it was launched yesterday. 5 Senators come from the National Bloc whilst 3 Senators come from the Progressive Alliance The 8 Senators have all joined the new Bloc and will sit with it in the largest wave of defections in recent times.

The Senators who defected are Leanne Duncan (SP→GP), Tryntsje Bijlsma (YSA→R), Marcus Fleischhacker (SdA→IS), Jannik Weisser (SU→IS), Rahel Gering (SU→IS), Jasper Heida (KP→IS), Hugh Sutton (SDF→IS), Isaac Jenkins (SDF→IS).

6 of the Senators have joined The Centre, 1 Senator has defected to the Green Party whilst another from Yndyk has defected from the Yndyk Socialist Alliance to the Radical Party. The wave of defections comes after the launch of the new centrist Together for the Republic bloc last night which has uprooted the traditional bloc politics of Alsland and may pose a serious threat to both Blocs at the next election.

The Senators were welcomed into the new bloc by Co-Leader Margaret Klavan on chriper who called it the first step in the realignment of Alslandic politics. Tomas Vos also welcomed the new Senators in a statement on the bloc's website saying that the politics of left and right are ending. Drewes Brandsma who leads The Centre where most of the defected Senators have joined said he welcomes the new Senators. Green Party leader Sars Nicolai also welcomed his new colleague Leanne Duncan as she sat with the party in the Folkssenaat for the first time.

The Together for the Republic bloc now consists of 43 Senators spread across 6 federally represented political parties making it the largest bloc in terms of amount of Parties. The new Bloc also has members at the provincial level like the Future Party and Vox Alsland.

This morning the Radical Party officially withdrew from the National Bloc leaving the opposition Bloc without any representation in the Yndyk Region. The Greens and Socialists also split over the new bloc as the Green Party joined the bloc as a founding member whilst the Socialist Democratic Party maintained it's independence from the Bloc system.

The new bloc also withdrew from the confidence and supply agreement that The Centre and the Green Party struck with the Progressive Alliance in January, depriving the government of a majority in the Folkssenaat and several provincial legislatures. However the bloc's co-leader Margaret Klavan said that the Together for the Republic bloc would neither support or oppose the government but it would seek to bring it's legislation to the centre and try to find compromises with both blocs.

Reactions to the new bloc have been negative among other party leaders with both Lilliana Elliott and Ottila Möller calling the creation of the new bloc and the loss of some of their members from their respective blocs as regrettable. Reaction from the public has been more supportive after a snap poll conducted by Yndyktinkts shows that about 30% of voters would support the new bloc in a Federal election. The snap poll also places it above the National Bloc and closely behind the Progressive Alliance.

After this wave of defections many within the Progressive Alliance and National Bloc may fear that Alslandic politics may never be the same and that more defections will happen in the immediate future. A National Bloc official who wished to remain anonymous told ANS that they expect at least 10 more Senators to join the defectors in the coming months which would severely damage the Bloc in the Folkssenaat and presents a challenge to Lilliana Ellott who leads the Bloc as the leader of it's largest party.

Progressive Alliance insiders also fear for the future of it as one Senator put it after the defections. Lukje Venema a SDyD senator from Middewald said that the Alliance could come crashing down if immediate action isn't taken by the Bloc's leaders to prevent more defections to the new Bloc.

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MORE HEADLINES

Möller condemns Etrurian LGBT+ Free Zones after silence [ 1111 ]
3 dead after Etruria riots[ 3772 ]
The Centre is now a viable political force [ 2016 ]
Nijestêd metro station reopens [ 2017 ]
Amathian government faces vote of no confidence [ 55 ]

by **Qianrong** » Thu May 20, 2021 6:16 am

DEMOCRATIC, FARMER-LABORER PARTIES TO MERGE
Opposition parties, allied for four decades, will begin merger process
following two months of private talks between their leaders

File photos of Akiko Hasegawa and Hidemi Ryouga, of the Democratic and Farmer-Laborer Parties respectively.

May 20, 2021 | Sunemasa Kusanagi in Keisi | After forty-one years as political allies, the leadership of the Democratic and Farmer-Laborer parties have formally announced that the latter party will be merging into the former in the coming months.

The merger reportedly follows several months of high-level, and intensely secretive, negotiations between the two parties. Should the merger hold, it could represent a change in direction for the Senrian opposition, which has long tended towards increased fragmentation in the face of the Aikokutou's stranglehold on power.

While few details have been given out at this point, it is clear that the leadership of the Farmer-Laborer Party will be integrated into that of the Democratic Party, with Democratic leadership positions to be created or opened up for Farmer-Laborer figures like Hidemi Ryouga. There are also plans to integrate the youth and student wings of the two parties.

That said, Ryouga also stated that there would continue to be a "Farmer-Laborer faction", persisting as a grouping within the Democratic Party. "We wish to stress to our supporters that we remain committed to the ideals of labor unionism and democratic socialism, and will continue our advocacy for those ideals within the larger framework of the Democratic Party."

In a statement, Democratic Party leader Akiko Hasegawa stated that the two parties planned for the merger to be fully complete by the end of June.

The Democratic Party was formed in 1940 by Isao Isiyama and his supporters following Isiyama's expulsion from the Kyouwakai by Nobusuke Takeo, and thus traces itself back to the left wing of the Kyouwakai. Since then, it has become the main left-wing opposition party in Senria. The Farmer-Laborer Party, meanwhile, was formed in 1937 after the Senrian Section of the Workers' Internationale - or Senroukaibu - formally adopted state socialism as opposed to council socialism or labor unionism, and expelled members of the party who refused to assent to the new stance.

The Democrats and Farmer-Laborer Party have been allies since 1980, when they formed an opposition alliance called the Republican Front, or Kyourengou; the Kyourengou became the Democratic Reform Alliance, or Minkairen, with the joining of several smaller parties to the alliance in 2001.

The two parties emphasized that this merger would allow for a consolidation of party resources and know-how, as well as reducing the possibility of vote-splitting. "It is our sincere belief that this merger will allow us to fight more effectively for the rights and welfare of the Senrian people, through the unification of our resources and our efforts under one banner," Hasegawa said.

The Democrats and Farmer-Laborer are the second- and fifth- largest parties in the National Assembly, with 83 and 26 seats respectively; the merger will bring the enlarged Democratic party to 109 seats in total, nearly twice as large as the Koumeitou, which holds 55 seats. The merger will also give the Democratic Party 861 seats in prefecture-level legislative assemblies.

A spokesman for Sousuke Huzioka - leader of the Progressive Alliance, a minor party also in the Minkairen political alliance - told reporters that Huzioka and Progressive leadership were "aware" of the Democratic-Farmer-Laborer merger talks as they progressed, but chose not to participate. The spokesman expressed support for the merger and reaffirmed that the Progressives would remain within the Minkairen. A similar sentiment was expressed by a spokeswoman for the Green Union, another smaller member of the Minkairen.

The Koumeitou and Liberal Party, Senria's two other major opposition parties, have not yet issued a response. As of press time, the Aikokutou had formally refused to comment, though it said that Aikokutou leadership would issue a statement "in the foreseeable future".

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Etruria - Tribune power-grab provokes riots across Etruria
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by **Imperii Ecclesia** » Thu May 20, 2021 10:21 pm

OPINION: THE UNCOMFORTABLE TRUTH ABOUT THE TRIBUNES
Should Tengarians really be looking at the Tribunes as allies?

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STANIMIR ISTINA (@stanistina)
^{21st MAY 2021 20:22 | LENOVO, TENGARIA}

Despite some recent positive developments in Etruria, Carcaterra and his Tribune movement still have much to answer for before God and man.
Photo courtesy of the Todor Zinevo.

Etruria has taken the forefront of international news recently, with an allegation of financial corruption from the Continental, unrest and civil disorder spreading throughout the country, and constitutional reform.

Most prominently featured in Tengaria, however, is the move by six Etrurian states to make laws which protect and promote ‘traditional family ethics’, which have been labeled by more progressive sources as “LGBT-Free zones”. These moves have been applauded by many in Tengaria, including President Kovacheva herself, who voiced her support in a twitter post this past Friday. “It is our duty as Sotirians to stand with the states of #Etruria which seek to fight against the increasing militancy of the #LGBTagenda”, she said.

Her sentiments were echoed by several other government officials on twitter. For example, on Monday, Foreign Minister Violeta Bogdaneva made several comments in favor of the state proposals in a brief address: “We support the initiatives taken by several Etrurian states to formally enshrine basic Sotirian truths and to combat recent erroneous ideas which have taken Eastern Euclea by storm. We hope that they will carry through to completion, but also stress that they are only the beginning of a longer process of moral restoration. We also note that the Eastern Euclean condemnations are quite indicative of the moral decay into which those nations have fallen.”

These comments, of course, are no doubt representative of what should be the citizen’s attitude towards these particular recent happenings. These also are, no doubt, good initiatives on the part of the Etrurian states, especially on the side of the continent deeply plagued by great moral evils. I myself fully support and commend these proposals, and realize that they can do much good.

This said, however, we must think about this carefully, and avoid falling into a certain intellectual trap. When we see good things happening on the international stage, we must also be careful and reflect upon the beliefs, circumstances and the motives of the people who are doing it. If we do not do this, we are in danger of identifying ourselves with foreign movements- that we are these, or that we think alike, or that we have the same final cause.

One might draw comparisons between the National Rally and the Tribune Movement of Etruria. In the sorely ill-defined and rather simplistic political classification system of the East, we would both appear as on the “right-wing” of politics. We both have supported promoting religious policy, combated partisan corruption, had some similarities in political and legal reform under strong Presidents (although our reformed system has endured for many more years than theirs), have emphasis on civic duty and national patriotism. We ourselves can see elements which appear to be similar. Many outside Tengaria would be quick to draw the comparisons. So, why should a Tengarian not identify with the Tribune Movement? Is there anything substantially different?

To answer, I bring up an old maxim often used by the scholars of the Tengarian Renaissance: ‘reject often, assent rarely, clarify in every case’. Before we assent to or reject this claim, we must clarify and make the proper distinctions. Doing this alone will help to avoid the trap of false equivalence and equivocation. Now, as the application of the political science deals with particular governments, this cannot have the same degree of scientific certainty as the knowledge of natural substances and their accidents, for example. Nevertheless, we will use these terms in an analogous sense for the upcoming inquiry.

It is immediately apparent that there are differences between the National Rally and the Tribune Movement. They differ in place, belonging properly to two different countries, differ in time, with the National Rally predating the Tribune Movement, in size, in appearance, and so forth- but none of these are substantial differences, only accidental ones. To determine the so-called ‘substance’, we must look at the core and fundamental beliefs of each movement.

The first issue in such an inquiry is that in many aspects neither really has an easily described, neatly packaged ideology like the cookie-cutter parties of East Euclea. On account of this, we will be analyzing the rhetoric and the actions of the leadership and members of the Tribunes rather than paying attention to what the East Euclean political theorists would classify it as.

One of the most important aspects is that the Tribune Movement openly considers itself as populist, as its leader Carcaterra has claimed that "tonic of the age" and has used the term frequently. Using the language of democracy and the people, it sees itself as a popular movement dedicated to ending the corruption of the political elites and bringing benefits to the lower classes. It paints political enemies of the establishment parties as “patricians”, as an upper class scheming to keep the disadvantaged people down. However true this sentiment is, nonetheless the rhetoric for the party is very demagogic. It is creating conflict in the nation by purposely creating a mentality of oppression and resentment. As long as this mentality is fostered, there can never really hope to be national unity.

This is reminiscent of Xenagoras's writings in his Politics in which he describes the struggle between the people and the rich as being the real primary factional struggle which occurs in the city, and that when either side prevails, a corrupt government comes about- either the rich establish an oligarchy which keeps the people in suppression, or the people establish a democracy, seizing power for themselves and persecuting the rich faction and driving the city into corruption based off of the whims of the people. No doubt this why we see such a stress on "democracy" coming from the We see that Thucydides brings up bountiful examples of when this political struggle comes into play in each particular city, and the violence and bloodshed each faction caused, and no doubt we can see the same fruits of this struggle coming in the protests which fill the streets of Etruria.

From its very beginning, National Rally is first and foremost a national movement which transcends the idea of political party, being a movement which unites the whole people to work for the common good of the Nation and put an end to partisan or factional struggles which led to the Civil War. The good of the whole is greater than the individual or that of a group, and it was never about one faction dominating or to oppose the many to the few. Rather, it brought together all Tengarians from all classes and walks of life for the sake of putting away factional struggle. It was never about the hollow and modern ideal of "democracy" based upon whims or the fickle will of the majority, but instead about a government which is ordered for the good of the whole people.

This diametrically opposes at the most fundamental level the Tribunes from the Rally. The Tribunes feed off of factional conflict and division, while the Rally requires unity and stability. This difference can never really be reconciled while it remains a party- inherently a faction- whereas the Rally has always avoided being a party to achieve a unity and purpose which no party could ever hope to obtain. At this most fundamental level, there is this difference, and it is not something to be pushed aside lightly.

Another fundamental issue is the different approach to the Nation which the Tribunes have. Their approach to the idea of the nation is taken from a joint ideological and historical approach- Carcaterra was a professor of history before he came into politics, and sees Etruria as the inheritor of all Solarian glory and culture, and of the Vespasian Renaissance. His idea of the nation is focused around these- culture and history, and the idea of succession. I do not deny that these are no doubt important, but it is important to contrast it with Tengaria, which sees that the primary end of the nation is the common good, and that the common heritage and culture are preserved for the sake of it. Precisely the difference of basing your concept of 'nation' upon true philosophy of the universal principles of the political science and intellect or instead solely upon historical lineage and particulars is what makes all of the difference in how the government will approach politics. History is good and vital to the wellbeing of any nation, but it must be subject to the higher sciences and ordered by reason.

The Tribunes have had a fine record on religious policy, especially in education- the reduction of sexual indoctrination of younger children, the permission of clergy to teach at state schools, and the display of crucifixes in public places. However, as good as these measures seem, one must ask- are we mere “religious conservatives”? What is the ultimate end of any religious policy of the state? We believe that the Sotirian Faith is necessary for the salvation of souls, and that the final beatitude of man consists in life with God. The state should protect the Church and support it through legislation, although it cannot save itself. We are not “religious” simply, but we are Sotirian first and foremost. And we should not forget the Solarianists separated themself from the Church of Sotirias and of the Apostles with its attempt to wield unjust and unapostolic control. Nor should we forget that they still possess heretical notions of the Trinity, claiming that the Spirit proceeds from both the Father and the Son. They call themselves “Catholic”, but in reality they lack this mark of the Church which belongs only properly to the Church which follows the actual Creed to its fullest sense.

These are not small differences to be brushed aside as accidental. The Tribunes might be “Sotirian” loosely, but they cannot be considered as true Sotirians or even as religious allies as long as they persist in their schism and heresy. To be fair, this does not mean they cannot be praised when they do things which the Faith would find praiseworthy, but it must always be tempered with the recognition that they lack the completeness which we have in Sotirias and the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apsotolic Church, and that are opposed ultimately by remaining separated from it, however admirable the correct opinions they do have.

To what extent the Tribunes are even fully Solarianist is also up for dispute. Carcaterra is personally opposed to the ‘traditional family ethics' bills, and the party has sought to keep the status quo on permitting same-sex unions consitently. Two Tribune-majority states refused to pass the ‘traditional family ethics', precisely because the Tribunes in both provinces waffled on taking that step. There are Tribunes who do support the abolition of such unions, but they are a minority. It is contrary to Sotirianity support civil sanction of a state of grave sin, and most traditional Solarianists have at least this aspect of Sotirianity right. In this sense, the Tribunes themselves fall short of really being a force for the ideals of even the Solarianists.

The Tribunes show little to no concern about a virtuous nation beyond a virtue of patriotism. Now, it is true, as Xenagoras shows, that the virtue of the citizen as such is not the same as a virtue of a man as such, and that good citizens need not necessarily be virtuous. Nevertheless, the felicity of a city is greatly increased and made more abundant by the virtue of the citizens as men, and so never to go beyond the virtue of the citizen is mistaken. The ethos which is formed by the government through the education and formation of citizens it needs will have a deep impact on the ethos of the people as a whole. The ethos which the Rally aims at is different in principle than that of the Tribunes, and so ultimately the two have fundamentally different and opposing ends to government as a whole.

It is clear from what has been said that the values and principles of each movement are intrinsically different at the most baseline and fundamental matters. The ethos of the Tribunes consists in factional conflict, an incomplete idea of nation, false religion, and civic virtue alone. The ethos of the Rally consists in unity, a nation of principles, the true religion, and the whole of virtue. At their very core, these movements cannot be equated or even really fairly compared, as they differ in kind and not in degree. With all of this said, however, it is not to deny that, in some aspects, either in appearance or reality, that the two are much closer than the Rally is to other political parties in other countries. It is always important to keep in mind that comparisons and classifications can only get so far before things are too generalized or obscured in the details.

However, this conclusion is important for every Tengarian citizen to bear in mind. Because of the principles which our nation rests upon as so important to preserve and to cherish, by equating ourselves with outside groups which appear to be similar to what we are yet which are fundamentally opposed to our principles, we ultimately confuse and muddle the very principles we are trying to preserve. One must never mistake good effects or good policies for good principles. One must take the example of Xenagoras, who, taking the principles of the his predecessors, made the proper distinctions, analyzing what is true and good while also making note of what is flawed or imperfect, and come to understand the true principles through it.

We are liberal men, free precisely because we know what our end is and how to achieve it, a vital tool given to us by our common education, and have the tools to do this if we put effort into it. See what is good and what is bad, but always have the fundamental principles of any political society or group in mind when judging the effects or policies. With a careful and discerning eye, the Tengarian citizen will be able to have prudence in regards to international affairs, and avoid the trap which false ideals attract. See the good which Etruria brings about, but also be wary of the underlying problems and issues, lest you fall into error and lose sight of the good of your own nation.

Stanimir Istina has been a tutor at the University of Lenovo since 1985, and has been its Chair of Postgraduate Political Philosophy since since 2007. He is a regular political correspondent to the National Standard, having written over 85 articles, most often on Philosophy or Opinion. He lives in Lenovo with his wife, Ioana, and has 4 children and 15 grandchildren.

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by **Empire of Falconia** » Thu May 20, 2021 10:40 pm

Ravnian National News
President Abramov to Initiate New Infrastructure Plan

Novigrad - In a change of pace from recent LGBTQ protests President Abramov, in conjunction with parliament, has initiated a new infrastructure plan aimed at renovating the rural Ravnian interior. Since the times of the Ravnian Kingdom, the interior has always been rural and underdeveloped. This has led to a large disparity between the interior and the highly developed urban coast. Abramovs administration has set out to change this. This new infrastructure plan will see the roads of the interior overhauled, as many roads and the central highway suffer from neglect. The plan would also see investments in the interiors many rail lines, which are in dire need of modernizing. All in all, the plan will bring much needed renovation to the infrastructure of the Ravnian interior, and is expected to pass through Parliament with little issue.

by **Caltarania** » Fri May 21, 2021 9:42 am

by **Liecthenbourg** » Fri May 21, 2021 2:28 pm

His Holiness invites the whole Church to "Pray for Peace" in Etruria.
Reaching out to the Ecumene, the Pope has called on the faithful to keep "Etrurians in their hearts".

Julio Mendez (@MENDEZJ)
21 May, 2021 AD | Tibernum, The Ecclesiastical States

Pope Joseph offered his "deepest condolences" to the families of those who had been killed and injured in the riots.
Photo courtesy of Enrico Maxwell

Tibernum, The Ecclesiastical State -

In response to the protests that erupted across three Etrurian cities on the night of the 20th the Pope has issued a call to all members of the Church, from its clergy to its laymen, to "pray for peace" in Etruria. The action came after three individuals were confirmed to have died; with over 200 injured and several still in critical condition.

Francisco Carcaterra, the President of Etruria, denounced the violence in the protests as "utterly disgraceful, unwanted and unjustified" - sentiments that were echoed by the Solarian Catholic Church.

The Pope invited the entirety of the Ecumene to be "united in prayer" during a Papal sermon at the square of Saint Peter. Following the sermon, he announced his beliefs in the need for "Etrurians to heal", but "understood the grievances of those in protest."

It is known that the Ecclesiastical position, as well as that of most Etrurian bishops, is against the "LGBT+ Free Zones." In December of 2020, it was revealed that the Ecclesiastical view denounced the "exclusion of LGBT persons from society": "We need not remind the Tribunes that they will find no stronger supporter for the commitments of the family than the Church. The family in which communion of God is found. Yet, we must remind many, that this does not extend into a dismissal of homosexuals. We do not accept a relegation of homosexual persons from society."

The Pope lauded the efforts of those policemen who "in the face of great tension, maintained their discipline" but the Supreme Pontiff denounced the "targeted attack" against "the three victims". Joseph also warned that "the escalation of violence has brought about these tragedies, these crimes" and that there was "no other option than to pray for Etruria; for these divisions to heal."

"In Tyrrenhus and in Faulia, mass tragedies began. And there are families in Etruria who have woken up today with members who will never return to them in the physical, families who are praying for the health of their loved ones and friends in hospital. In Solaria we were lucky much of the violence was halted and controlled, but the same cannot be said for Tyrrenhus and Faulia."

"Now there will come the time when many will blame 'the other side'. And there will be some who agitate and call for more justification in their violence, and they will try to come to excuses for wanting that violence. And I call upon the faithful to remember the Word; and to reflect and to think on Ephesians 4:32. 'Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.'"

Tatiana Grzybowska, the Ecclesiastical Secretary, confirmed that "His Holiness extends an invite to Tibernum to President Carcaterra: to have a one-to-one with him, to discuss the matters of faith integral to Etruria's passionate people."

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by **Caltarania** » Sat May 22, 2021 4:01 am

by **The Kingdom of Glitter** » Mon May 24, 2021 7:31 am

Home · Caldia · World · Politics · Business · Spálgleann City · Culture · Education · Sports · Opinion · Editorial · Archives

FIRST CABINET MINISTER PARTS WAYS WITH Mac SUIBHNE GOVERNMENT

By RÓNÁN Ó DUBHGHAILL

24 May 2021 at 10:29 a.m. EST

A government minister has announced his intention to part ways with the Mac Suibhne administration, stepping away from his portfolios.

Aliyu Ruma held a dual portfolio as Minister of Urban Development and Housing and as Minister of Urban Affairs and Municipal Relations. He announced his resignation in a statement published late last night.

In his statement, the former minister said that he was proud of the work his ministries had accomplished and offered praise to the civil servants that worked under him.

“The best part of the job was working with people dedicated to public service and the common good of the nation. Their resolve inspired me to do my work every day. I thank them for their devotion to the Caldish people and for the support they offered to me” the statement read.

Ruma is the first government minister to part ways with the Mac Suibhne government since it was inaugurated in February 2019.

A spokesperson for the taoiseach wished Ruma well and said that Mac Suibhne looked forward to collaborating with Ruma in the legislature.

Ruma, was one of several ethnic minority cabinet ministers, will continue to serve as a TC. The government has not yet named a replacement, but will do so in the coming days. In the interim, his deputy at the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing will step into both roles.

Having been among the youngest ministers, Ruma comes from the Social Democratic Party’s youth organization, the DSO.

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by **Caltarania** » Mon May 24, 2021 2:09 pm

by **Etruria2** » Mon May 24, 2021 3:06 pm

by **Liecthenbourg** » Wed May 26, 2021 4:11 pm

Minister for Society and Culture, Fleur Filipetti, announces "bill to ban animal bloodsports".
The government described the contents of the bill to "be a significant step towards greater animal welfare" in Gaullica.

Moïse Baillieu
May 27th, 2021|Verlois, Gaullica

A painting depicting 'The Games of Saint Fermin' showcase the historic and cultural legacy bull-fighting proponents claim it has.
Image courtesy of someone who paints bull-fighters.

Verlois, Gaullica.

At a press conference at Verlois' Parc Invictus Fleur Filipetti, the Minister of Society and Culture, indicated that the government was looking towards restricting, regulating and even potentially banning 'animal blood sports'. The announcement came alongside further declarations relating to the continued support for existing sports in Gaullica, like football, as well as the expansion and creation of new sporting facilities for what the government is calling 'up-and-coming sports' in the country, like ice-hockey.

The announcement comes after years of calls by animal rights activists and others, who view the practice of bull-fighting in Gaullica to be "barbaric" and "abusive to animals." In particular, advancements in the understandings of the workings of animals and in advancements in the views on sapience have led for more arguments to orient around the unethical nature of 'torturing' the animal until death.

Others argue against the sustainability of the sport, the glorification of violence, the danger the animals pose to themselves and to others and the slaughtering of an animal for 'waste.' Arguments relating to the fact that animals are not for human entertainment are also common, indicating a cultural shift in animals as subservient to humans to being free and equals in certain parameters.

Yet those in favour of the sport have argued throughout the years that it is "one of the last historic sports" still practiced in Gaullica; tracing its origins to the Solarian Empire. Others have argued that the bull is not wasted; with its meat being customarily eaten by the victorious matador and his or her associates. Additionally, those who support the sport argue that it is intrinsically linked in the development of the 'Solarian'-based cultural identities of Southern Euclea; though this is often-countered by the absence of bull-fighting in modern-Etruria.

Still, others point to a misunderstanding in the sport: individuals often claim that the bulls themselves are not victims for sacrifice, but fearsome competitors and worthy adversaries. Some are even in favour of permitting a bull that has gored its human opponent to live free from further fights.

Irrespective of the arguments, it is often held across all parties that bulls are often subject to "too much pain" and recent polls on the subject indicate that the Gaullican public is deeply divided on the issue. Many view the killing of the bulls as 'excessive': a high 68% of those surveyed. A similar percentage of the public seemed to wish for a ban in the sport completely; and some states have even done so already willingly. Bull-fighting does not exist in either of the overseas states and was banned in Verlois, Rayenne and Outremer by 1999, 2000 and 2002 respectively.

As of yet the government has supported the plans put forward by the Minister of Society and Culture; with PSD and LV senators "looking forward" to working with her in "drafting the upcoming legislation." The shift from it being handled by localities to a federal issue seems to have manifested from a lack of "progress" in the issue at the local level.

The UCT and the PRCP have had more apprehensive views; urging for caution as "urban elites" aim on "rooting out rural traditions without a proper understanding of what the people want."

The Gaullican Conservatives and the Front National have regarded this motion as an attack on rural culture; with both parties having vowed to vote against any bill that would change the current law surrounding the sport.

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by **Caltarania** » Thu May 27, 2021 8:01 am

by **The Kingdom of Glitter** » Thu May 27, 2021 9:15 am

Home · Caldia · World · Politics · Business · Spálgleann City · Culture · Education · Sports · Opinion · Editorial · Archives

RUMA'S DEPARTURE THE RESULT OF RACISM DISAGREEMENTS, SOURCES INDICATE

Aliyu Ruma, the first Mac Suibhne minister to depart, is said to have left due to disagreements over racism.

By RÓNÁN Ó DUBHGHAILL

27 May 2021 at 12:29 p.m. EST

The departure of the first government minister is linked to issues surrounding racial equality, sources close to key figures in the government of Stiofán Mac Suibhne indicate. Aliyu Ruma announced his resignation in a statement released late Sunday night. He held a dual portfolio as Minister of Urban Development and Housing and as Minister of Urban Affairs and Municipal Relations

The statement did not indicate the reasoning for his departure. However, senior cabinet and Social Democratic Party officials believe Ruma’s departure is the result of a growing row over racism and how to combat it within the Mac Suibhne government.

Ruma was one of three ethnic minority cabinet ministers who have served in Mac Suibhne’s government since it was inaugurated in February 2019. He had extensive ties to the party’s youth organization, the DSO.

Sources familiar with his departure have expressed that Ruma left the government over frustrations with the way that Mac Suibhne and other senior ministers handled issues of racism in other Euclean countries.

Ruma was frustrated by the government’s lack of response to Jörg Bullmann, the controversial Weranian Minister of the Interior.

“There was an entire debate raging over the racist and inflammatory remarks made by Bullman. Senior political leaders from throughout the EC spoke out. Where was Mac Suibhne?” one source who is familiar with Ruma’s thinking said.

“Mac Suibhne offered little more than a few reposts of other viral social media posts. He released no official statement. The same was true of the government. A total absence. It’s been well over a month and still nothing. Yet the instant LGBTQ rights come under attack in Etruria, Mac Suibhne and his entire government speak out”.

The source was referring to the Caldish government’s response to so-called “LGBT Free Zone” proposals by Etrurian state governments. The taoiseach and a number of senior ministers have condemned the plan and promised to work with other Euclean governments to hold Etruria accountable for violating the rights of its citizens.

However, no such statement or similar efforts were made to rebuke Bullmann’s comments made in late March. Ruma and a number of his associates in the party’s youth wing and ethnic minority group are concerned about Mac Suibhne’s willingness to confront racism.

“No effort was made to confront racism. Silence is complacency” a source associated with the DSO’s leadership said.

Ruma himself has made no official statements about his departure since Sunday and declined to comment on claims he lft over the issue of racism.

Allies of the taoiseach have pointed to the government’s work on ensuring the smooth passage of constitutional reform. One senior PSD source said that there was “no time to get stuck in the mud”.

The source, who is close with Mac Suibhne’s inner circle, did admit that “more should have been done” to confront racism.

“It is a lesson learned, a hard lesson. More should have been done and going forward I am certain more will be done”.

Ruma’s departure and growing discontent with the party’s youth wing could signal trouble for the taoiseach. Mac Suibhne has been able to rally the PSD’s once fragmented base back together in the lead up to the 2019 snap election.

Since his government was inaugurated, there have been some tensions between the establishment, trade unionists and young progressives. However, Mac Suibhne has largely been able to mediate those tensions.

Racism is a complicated issue for the party establishment to confront, given negative sentiments among many of the party’s working class voters. These voters had previously been wooed by the far-right Free Market Party, which capitalized on anti-immigrant rhetoric. In 2019, many of those voters returned to the PSD. Some of the trade unionists do not want to isolate them by taking progressive stances on racial equality.

The issue is further complicated by the abrasive nature of the leader of the Liberty Party, Pádraig Mac Piarais, who often deploys anti-immigrant rhetoric. His pivoting of the party platform to the right was an attempt to court those voters. Mac Piarais is frequently critical of those he identifies as “woke warriors” and “do-gooders”.

“It is a confrontation that Mac Suibhne wanted to avoid, benefiting from Mac Piarais’ hit in the polls and popular support for constitutional reform. It was all a very delicate political game” Catríona Mag Uidhir, former president of the Caldish Trade Union Confederation, said.

Mag Uidhir said it was important that the government held on to the working class vote in the run up to the 2022 general election.

“Liberty can almost always rely on the middle class. Mac Piarais is spoiling that, but igniting a debate he desperately wants would benefit no one in this country. It certainly would not benefit ethnic minority workers and their families”.

Despite defense from his allies, a party spokesperson promised that any and all concerns about the party’s approach to racism will be heard.

“We will be listening to all of those who found the approach difficult. We as a party are committed to protecting all citizens and residents of this country. Steps will be taken to address any wrongs” the spokesperson said in a statement to the press.

However, the party also assigned some blame to efforts to pass constitutional reform.

“The airtime was sucked up as everyone became laser-focused on passing this monumental legislation. Some things were unfortunately brushed aside”.

Since Ruma’s resignation, Mac Suibhne and senior members of his government have shifted their rhetoric on the LGBT ‘Free Zones’ and Etruria. There has been less of an emphasis on homophobia and civil rights and an increased focus on reported ties the ruling Tribune Movement has to Soravian dark money.

In an interview on Tuesday, the taoiseach said the Etrurian government was “desperate to distract the free world” from its “insidious ties to dark money pouring in from Samistopol”.

Reporting from The Continental indicates that many in the Tribune Movement have benefited extensively from Soravian money, using it as a means to boost campaigns and consolidate their political hold over portions of the Etrurian electorate.

A senior source inside the Foreign Ministry indicates that there is no relationship between this shift in rhetoric and Ruma’s resignation or alleged criticism, however.

Government sources indicate that a cabinet shuffle is on the horizon. So far, Mac Suibhne’s government has been stable. Ruma is the first minister to depart. A shake-up could help address growing tensions between the young progressives and the trade unionists.

However, one source close to the taoiseach said the reshuffle is the result of the passage of constitutional reform and changes that will be made to the ministries. While this may be the government’s official reasoning may be constitutional, Ruma’s departure will overshadow any discussions about cabinet assignments.

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by **Poshyte** » Fri May 28, 2021 1:56 pm

Government to introduce new anti-terrorism laws after 6/1 attack
The new laws will update the current National Anti-Terrorism act which was introduced in 2010

ANS Staff (@ANSOnline)
May 19, 2021 | Yndyk

The new measures were announced by Premier Ottila Möller Photo courtesy of ANS.

Yndyk, Alsland -

Premier Ottila Möller today announced that the government will be introducing several new anti-terrorism bills to the Folkssenaat in response to the growing extremist threat within Alsland.

In a press conference held in Martiland, Möller called for new measures to tackle political extremism in the wake of the 6/1 attack in Yndyk which killed 56 passengers on a train departing Yndyk. In her speech Möller stated her intention to "end extremism" and "prevent another devastating attack from occurring" . Möller who was then leading coalition negotiations with several different parties was widely praised for her response to the attack in contrast to Lilliana Elliott who faced calls to resign after continuing her coalition deal with the far-right National Rally party.

The move to introduce new anti-terrorism measures has been praised by security experts and law enforcement who say that the proposed laws are long overdue and dangerously outdated which they say can be proven by the security service's ignorance to the 6/1 attacks until the last moment when it was already too late.

The bill which has reportedly been in preparation since Möller's government was formed will grant police the ability to monitor extremist terrorist suspects and will increase surveillance on known extremist websites like the websites used by Richold Zuidema in his preparation for the 6/1 attack. At present the Alslandic security services have limited abilities to monitor terror suspects and the current anti-terrorism laws haven't been updated since Asser Toman's government launched a crackdown on Martish terrorism after a pipe bomb was thrown through the window of the Kirenian People's Party central office in Rahu.

Co-Deputy Premier Bonne Zijlstra stated in the Folkssenaat chamber said that the new anti-extremism laws will be used to target potential terrorists who may launch attacks in future against the Alslandic people. Zijlstra however stated that the best chance to end extremism in Alsland is re-education and rehabilitation of those identified as potential extremists.

"On the subject of what the government is proposing alongside an official Senate investigation into why the attacker was not identified until after bomb threat was reported and it was too late for a response, is for the new anti-terrorism laws which have already been discussed earlier in the session today. It's clear that if we do nothing there will be more attacks and these terrorists will not stop until their goal of dividing us and making us fear for our safety is reached."

The proposed law however has drawn criticism from the United Democratic Union who's leader Klara Fabel said that the new laws would unjustly target members of 'patriotic organisations'. Fabel defended herself after being accused of downplaying Zuidema's involvement in the National Rally party which merged with the UDU earlier this year after her speech to the Folkssenaat.

Other critics of the bill include human rights organisations most notably the Joonatan Laht Foundation which has called the new measures "extreme and dangerous". The bill also gained opponents such as Jonathan Sharp the leader of the Estmerish language minority political party the Estmerish Alliance who said that the government is marching backwards to the times of 24 hour surveillance of the collaborationist regime during the Great War.

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by **Caltarania** » Fri May 28, 2021 1:58 pm

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