News Thread [Kylaris|Canon|IC]

by **Nuvania** » Sat Oct 09, 2021 5:36 am

Mascarenhas East By-Election: National People's Party Retain Seat In Tight Race

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Alison van Molynecke (@AVMolynecke)
9 October (10:30pm)|PIETERSBURG

NVP candidate Leon Marten

The National People's Party have retained the seat of Mascarenhas East with a reduced majority following a terse election campaign. Their candidate, Leon Marten, son of former Chief Minister Robert Marten, will become the newest Member of the House of Assembly following his election victory.

Marten won the election with a majority of just 743 votes in what became one of the tighest by-elections in Nuvanian history, with at least one recount conducted in order to determine the vote from different parts of the constituency. The race came down to a three way race between Marten, the Democratic Action Party candidate Graham Plaskett and Liberal Conservative candidate Lukas Oostenbrink, who surprised many political comentators to consistently challenge Plaskett for second spot among preferred candidates within the election.

Of the 72,436 votes cast, Marten won with 25,381 votes. Plaskett came second with 24,638 votes, or 34% of the vote exactly. Oostenbrink came third with 21,549 votes, or 29.8% of the votes cast. Much of the remaining vote was split between the two remaining candidates. Charisse Newton, the candidate from the Citizen's Alliance, won just 506 votes, her worst performance. Independent candidate Brent Edwards also had his worst ever result, winning 217 votes. The remaining 145 votes were either blank or invalid.

Marten said that the win in Mascarenhas East had proven that despite recent controversies, the family name was still high regarded among voters within the constituency.
"It is very telling to see the level of support we still have both as a party and as a family in spite of what has happened," he said. "I believe that the voters have recognised the good work we have done for the communities here and in for all of Nuvania as a whole."

The nomination of Marten as the NVP's candidate was marred with controversy with allegations of vote rigging during the candidate selection process. The NVP held several meetings across the constituency where prospective candidates could put forwards their case to party members to be selected as the official candidate. Some members of the party alleged that Marten was not popular among the party members who believed his name would have tainted the party's image within the electorate. His selection as candidate for the NVP in Mascarenhas East was considered to be proof by some of the family's influence within the party.

DAP candidate Graham Plaskett congratulated Marten on his victory via telephone but said to media that the narrow margin of victory is indicative of a changing mood within the constituency.
"Less than a thousand votes is not what I would call a convincing victory," he said. "The winds of change are blowing through the streets and I would not consider this to be NVP territory much longer." He said that he would continue to offer an alternative voice for voters in Mascarenhas East, and focus on the next general election in 2024.

Lukas Oostenbrink also congratulated Marten on his victory and said that the result was "very encouraging" for the party. He said that the Liberal Conservative Party is an "emerging political force" within Nuvanian politics.
"This is but a taster of what we can do in such a short period of time," he said. "We'll be back again here and elsewhere."

Political analyst Samuel Hofmeyr said that the DAP would probably not be too unhappy with the party's performance given a seat like Mascarenhas East was "not typically a seat that would swing left."
"We're not talking about urban champagne socialist types," he said. "We're talking about very wealthy people who have the capital and the property that the DAP would very much want to levy taxes on, so it's a case of having to look at where they can push in 2024 and work on ensuring that it could swing in their direction come the next general election." Hofmeyr also said that the meteoric rise of the Liberal Conservatives could become a "wildcard factor" in future by-elections and even in the next general election.
"They've demonstrated that they have this ability to bring support from absolutely nowhere, so they're definitely a dark horse in future elections."

Hofmeyr said that if the by-election in Mascarenhas East had gone in the direction of the DAP, it would have made little difference to the DAP's problems in Parliament. He said while they would have extended their majority in the House of Assembly, it was in the Senate where the government coalition had problems.
"They are behind by ten seats in the Senate," he said. "The government is going to have to focus on the next general elections or call a separate senate election if it wants to have the majority in both houses of Parliament."

Neither the Chief Minister Andrew Bohn, nor Leader of the Opposition Philip Ackermann were available for comment.

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by **Xiaodong** » Sat Oct 09, 2021 7:09 am

KANTHAR - flat tax to be introduced "within a year".
Finance minister warns that the rate may be set higher then the current target of 15%.
Ferdinand Dünhaupt
9 October 2021 | Westbrücken, Werania

Wolfgang Kanther speaking at the Kotzenberg business forum 2021.
Photo courtesy of AV photos.

KOTZENBERG, WERANIA - Speaking to industry tycoons at the Kotzenberg business forum 2021 today finance minister Wolfgang Kanther has confirmed the Weranian government will be pressing ahead with legislation to introduce a new flat income tax by the start of the next fiscal year.

"The economic evidence is obvious - lower taxation means higher tax revenue. The more taxes are low the more willing people are to pay them and job creators spur new employment opportunities and higher productivity. That's why the Weranian government wants a fair taxation system that enables economic dynamism and growth" Kanthar stated.

Kanthar warned however that if Werania wanted to introduce a balanced budget amendment or "debt-brake" that the proposed flat tax rate - 15% - will have to be higher.

"Having a balanced budget is imperative if we want to have a small, lean government with an agile bureaucracy and zero waste. Therefore if we want to end the cycle of left wing governments coming to power wasting your money then we need a balanced budget amendment. And for that, well, the 15% rate may be to optimistic. A figure closer to 20% or even 25% may be more prudent in that scenario - not to say a 15% rate would be ruled out, but it would be more a long term commitment then an immediate one".

Back in 2019 Kanthar stated that the implementation of a flat tax was the "number one priority on the fiscal side" but that the government needed to streamline public services and lower costs before implementing them. However under the NKP-DA coalition debt has risen albeit some public spending has been cut.

Klemens Wank, a fiscal risk analyst, stated that the move to a flat tax was "much needed" but that much work will be needed before it can be implemented.

"A flat tax is a very exciting idea, and its something Werania sorely needs. We have very high income taxes and low consumption tax, so equalising the burden is more then needed. Plus you only have to look abroad to when Caldia had one and how that led to an economic boom...all very interesting stuff" Wank said.

"The problem is the current proposal is a bit unclear. Squaring it with a balanced budget amendment - also an excellent idea - will be tough. I wouldn't be surprised if rather then go for the full, one rate flat tax they simply flatten the structure. Possibly having a 15% lower rate and a 20-something higher rate, with the aim to merge them together down the line. It'd be a pretty big cut, but not punching a hole through the budget."

Wank also stated a flat tax need not be regressive. "If you look at what the NKP is saying they want a very high personal tax allowance. That will make sure the system is fair overall and really get the most out of this proposal".

The problem will be to pass the legislation. Whilst the majority of the NKP and DA want a flat tax passed quickly, fiscal hawks in both parties want a balanced budget amendment passed beforehand. It remains to be seen whether the deficit hawks or tax cutters win out.

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© Der Staatsmann Group 2021

by **Etruria2** » Mon Oct 11, 2021 5:32 pm

President Francesco Carcaterra: “Now we bravely undertake our duties with patriotism in our hearts, Sotirias in our souls and Etruria in our minds.”
President Francesco Carcaterra gives victory speech as Tribune supporters party for a second night in a row
ELETZIONE 2021 by Gavrillo Fillipo Carletto

09 October , 2021

President Francesco Carcaterra addressing supporters in Tyrrenhus.

The Tribunes have held a colossal victory rally in Tyrrenhus today in which President Francesco Carcaterra delivered his first address after Friday’s landslide victory. He told the ecstatic crowd, “we celebrate today and rejoice today, because the cause that is Etruria won. We won.” He vowed to see the full five term through and to “ensure that all that we do is delivered, all that can be done is delivered.”

Though celebrations took place across numerous Tribune-led states on Friday night in wake of the exit poll predicting a third Tribune landslide and majority government, the events in Tyrrenhus today were just as raucous. The Tribunes opted to use the Piazza Duomo as the location for their victory rally, though by the time the President came to address party supporters, Tyrrenians emerged in their thousands for a second night to celebrate the Tribune defeat of the liberal-left.

President Francesco Carcaterra took to the stage alone to greet the crowd before him, to the sides of the stage were the federal cabinet and Tribune Prefects and Tyrrenhus’ Mayor, Cassioduro Mario Scianni. Before the President could speak, the crowd entered into a rendition of Bianco Fiore, the Tribunes’ anthem.

The President after singing alone was finally permitted to speak, beginning with his now traditional “buonasera tutti”, he was again overwhelming by the cheers and applause of the crowd.

Leaning toward the crowd with his microphone and grinning he said, “we won”, once again receiving a roar of applause.

“A great battle is behind us, the battlefield has been cleared, the state of play now settled for all to see. We celebrate today and rejoice today because the cause that is Etruria won. We won” he said.

“First, I would like to thank you the volunteers, the activists, the crusaders and foot soldiers of the cause, you rallied when your nation needed you most and you, not me, not the people beside me, delivered the nation the victory it so desperately needed” he said further.

Top: Etrurians reacting to the exit poll in Tyrrenhus on Friday night.
Middle: Tribune supporters celebrating in Accadia.
Bottom: Tribune supporters amassing before the Basilica della Nazione.

“The election was an opportunity to defend the Etruria we love, to fight for the Etruria we want to see tomorrow, and an opportunity to defend the very things that make Etruria the greatest nation on this earth. We seized the opportunity and refused to let go, even as the polls tightened and our outlooked seemed bleak, but God lent us his merciful hand and we truly defended Etruria” he told the crowds who roared in celebration.

“Though our homeland and our beloved Republic is not yet where we would like it to be. We face issues that need addressing. But, with our decisive victory, the nation has turned to the path toward seeing those issues addressed. We will travel this path together, united as one people and one nation under God and the Tricolore.

“But this path requires much from us as a government and as a movement that has proven its resilience, its popular power and its commitments. Now is not the time for complacency, but focus, not arrogance but humility, not triumphalism but courtesy. What is required of government is not timidity, but boldness, not restraint, but radicalism. What is required over the next five years is that this government does all that it can to ensure that all that we do is delivered, all that can be done is delivered.

“To you my friends, Now we bravely undertake our duties with patriotism in our hearts, Sotirias in our souls and Etruria in our minds. We shall make in this country one of the most competitive, most productive and safe in all Euclea, in this country, we shall make a burning bright flame of Sotirianity and Sotirian Euclea, a bright flame that shall bring hope and calm to millions across the East, we shall make in this great nation an inspiration for the East. In this country, we shall make the best Etruria can be, so help us god.

“Thank you, god bless you, god bless our Republic and as always - Soli Deo gloria.”

From Monday, the President is to begin the process of appointing 60 members to the State Council of the Federation. The remainder are expected to be elected or appointed by State Assemblies over the coming days. It is also widely expected that the President will prepare to reshuffle his cabinet to include newly elected Senators from the Social Party of the Third Order and those from the Farmers and Workers Union, under the Patria Alliance agreement.

Two nights of euphoric celebration

In the cities of Tyrrenhus, Accadia, Turania, Sagrado, Porto di Sotirio, Povelia and Praproče, tens of thousands of people had gathered Friday night in Piazzi for the exit poll, which was broadcasted over large screens. The moment at 10pm that it was predicted there would be a third Tribune landslide, the cities erupted into celebration. Scenes across the country showed young and old, men and women embrace and scream in joyous relief that the radical liberal-left had been seen off and defeated.

In Tyrrenhus, crowds in the Piazza dell'Ecumene took to launching fireworks and firecrackers into the sky, while across the Trasimene River at the Piazza della Reppublica, crowds amassed before the Basilica della Nazione waving the Tricolore and signing Bianco Fiore.

In Accadia, thousands surged into the Piazza degli Apostoli with hundreds clambering over the statue of Cesare Augusto Leonardi, the heroic general of the First Republic waving flags and singing to the tops of their voices.

The scenes no doubt sent the left into piques of rage as they painted truer pictures of the Tribunes’ popularity more than any poll or election result could.

Tribune Movement unleashed

Though the Tribune Movement itself, and together with its allies, the Social Party of the Third Order and the Farmers and Workers have fallen short of the 400 seats needed to make fundamental structural reforms to the Etrurian state, the sense of euphoria is undeniable. The scenes on Friday night and tonight are truly jaw dropping, people of various ages taking to the Piazzi and streets flags in hand to celebrate the re-election of a government that draws as much negative emotion from the left.

The President took to the stage as the first Etrurian political leader to win three consecutive elections, and the prospective longest serving leader in Etruria’s democratic history. With his government possessing a 146-seat majority, he is now arguably the most powerful head of government and state in Etruria’s democratic history. The Tribune Movement as a political force and idea has been vindicated, even as it appeared that doom was approaching as the SD surged neck-and-neck in late September it all came to nothing.

The Tribune Movement as a political force is now unleashed, its bounds undone by an opposition that seeks total war and total resistance. With the issues that nearly brought the government undone now made clear, going forward the Tribunes know what must be done. The president and indeed his ministers know what they cannot afford to be complacent, let alone fail to address those issues.

The government knows it possesses a truly popular movement and its mobilised energy behind it, perhaps now it will use that gift to its fullest extent and go further than before in transforming Etruria and her society.

© Altrio Media. 2021

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by **Saul Volcano** » Wed Oct 13, 2021 1:01 pm

Government passes prison reform bill, possible amnesty for some cases
By: Nguyễn Thanh Thế

State Director Lê Tranh Lộc speaking before People's Senate

Prisoners at Kat Trai Facility

Trinhieu, Nainan: Today the People's Senate of Nainan passed a series of reforms pertaining to the nation's prisons. These included changes that are will introduce and allow new things in the prison system of the countr.

These included a bill that would grant some permission for conjugal visits for relatives of prisoners, conjugal visits have not been allowed in Nainan before, another one would begin a government-run sweep of prison repair and sanitation work, another bill would expand prison work programs and allowing possible chances for parole in some special cases, parole as well has not been allowed in Nainan, one more reform was the creation of education centers to allow prisoners, to quote from the bill, "reasses the nation's revolutionary ideals and goals, and understand their wrongs". State Director Lê Tranh Lộc also stated today at possible amnesty for some special cases where he believes there is "wrongdoing and misjudgement".

Director Lê Tranh Lộc spoke before the People's Senate today, stating that these will "Reform our prisons, despite their crimes we will become to continue our more nuanced approach to our great nation's national ideology, Tự Ý Chí, and allow chances for those imprisoned for smaller crimes against the state, a chance to return to the world new and ready to help continue our great Nainese society". The reforms are considered by the party's Patriotic Faction a step forward in their "less demanding" approach to Tự Ý Chí, and are going to begin changes that would according to Euclean viewers be seen as "liberalizing" the country's justice system.

Some critics from outside of Nainan have called the chances mostly theater to keep Nainan's "image" to the world less "authoritarian", Premier Quách An Tương responded to these claims to be "trying to stir up trouble, while we, are actively trying to alleviate the trouble in a meaningful manner". Some others claim that the education programs will just be "re-education camps" as they claim.

Most members of the more hardline side of the party, mainly in the Great Resolve Bloc, voted in favor of the reforms, said that the reforms are too lenient, but they are willing to allow chances for prisoners. As for non-political support, the Authority of Culture and Investigation's head, Lý Lý Huy, stated that they support the reforms and will act as managers for assessment of prisoners. The law made it through the Central Council with all votes in favor, including the military, intelligence, and law enforcement seats.

The possibility of amnesty would be a first for the country, as well as conjugal visits and parole, and these reforms are stated by the government to likely begin to come into place throughout the next months to the next few years.

My Last.fm · by **West Kirkon** » Wed Oct 13, 2021 4:33 pm

Mei Phoumsa - 13 October 2021

Home · Lavana · Coius · International · Politics · Finance · Sports · Entertainment · Health · Travel · Weather · Opinion

Premier announces 2022 budget

Lavanan Federal budget to increase.

Pers -

Premier Laina Keomany announced today to Congress the 2022 Budget for the People’s Republic. The budget for next year will see the highest increase in government spending since 2005, with the Lavanan government to spend an additional 48 billion Dunans (4 billion Euclos) in 2022 than it did in 2021. The 2022 budget is valued at 2.88 trillion Dunans (240 billion Euclos). Keomany cited the growing need of Lavana to establish itself in the world stage, and improve itself as the primary reasons for the increase in the budget.

The 2022 budget includes most prominently 22 billion Dunans (1.83 billion Euclos) for the Ministry of Transportation, doubling that Ministries budget for 2022. Keomany stated that the Ministry will begin construction on the ambitious Pers central tunnel, which will plan an underground highway connecting Pers and Thy Lucc, to begin construction in 2024. The budget also includes an additional 900 million Dunans (750 thousand Euclos), for repairs and reclamation projects to rehabilitate national roads. Keomany called Transportation an essential need in Lavana, and cited the increase in the budget, as essential to support the growing Transportation needs of the country. Among other increases include the start of a Federal electrical car program to incentivize Lavanan companies to design and build electrical cars, and also to incentivize consumers to buy more electrical cars, this plan also will see the birth of national Electrical Car charging stations in the country. The budget also includes more funding for traffic control and management, along with funding to further educate drivers on the dangers of speeding and dangerous driving.

The Ministry of Defence will enjoy an additional 12 billion Dunans (1 billion Euclos), raising that ministries budget from 2021 which stood at 460 billion Dunans (38.4 billion Euclos). The increase is the highest to the defence budget in over a decade, and is more than the last 5 year increases combined. Keomany cited the growing need for Lavana to enhance its defense and its ability to project power, and aid its allies. The increase will see the Airforce acquire a new type of fighter jet to replace its ageing fleet, the program valued at 4.2 billion Dunans (350 million Euclos) will acquire a new plane for the Airforce by 2025. The Ministry of Defence cited that they were interested in acquiring 100 new planes by 2030. The Navy will acquire additional ships in its biggest budget increase in history with 4.8 billion Dunans (400 million Euclos) additionally allocated, the Premier cited the need for Lavana to increase its Blue-Water capabilities. Elsewhere, the Ministry of Defence will receive 600 million Dunans (50 million Euclos) to improve its disaster relief operations. An additional 240 million Dunans (20 million Euclos) to train Kabuese military medical personnel in Lavana, along with donations to the Kabuese Health system. Keomany stated that Lavana is on the verge of becoming a global power, and stated the need for Lavana and the Brown Sea to enter the world stage.

The Ministry of Health will enjoy a 12 billion Dunan (1 billion Euclos) increase in its budget. The Premier stated that Lavana will between 2022 and 2024 build 2 Level A facilities, one in Laitaka, and another in Sureli, while constructing 9 Level B facilities, and 55 Level C facilities. The majority of the B and C levels will be built in rural areas of the country to ensure stronger coverage for the population. The Premier cited that her administration had committed a mistake in not increasing its funding for rural doctors, and stated that the generous guidance of the party, and the availability of more research have led her to reconsider. The Premier stated that Lavana will fund 300 Lavanan doctors and healthcare workers to study abroad, the Premier stated that these 300 brave entrepreneurs will return to Lavana furthered in understanding and capabilities, to better disseminate their knowledge. Lavana will also further target the medical field as an area of importance for graduating students, the Premier also stated that further funding into Lavanan medical research is essential for the betterment of Lavanans and the world at large. Other areas of funding include 12 million Dunans (1 million Euclos) to fund the development of Veterinary care throughout the nation.

The rest of the funding will be divided among other Ministries, with the Ministry of Mining to receive 1.2 billion Dunans (100 million Euclos), to develop the Lavanan petrochemical industry, most primarily “fracking” to exploit new oil and natural gas deposits in the country. The new budget is a groundbreaking improvement for Lavana, the Premier cited that the increasing prosperity, and careful guidance of the Section of the Workers International have allowed Lavana this new budget. She stated that the future of Lavana lay ahead of its brave and devout citizens.

Lavanan Financial Times 2021
Serving the economic needs of the citizens for 50 years. Lavana’s most trusted news source.

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Lavanan Financial Times 2021

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by **Eskaeba** » Fri Oct 15, 2021 2:05 am

BREAKING: Nesby expected to stay on as Premier as LFP and Radicals agree preliminary deal to govern together

Gudrun Boesen reporting from RIMSO, MESCONIA

October 15, 2021

After over a month of eventful negotiations in Rimso, a prospective government is expected to be confirmed in tonight's investiture vote in the Rigsdagen. After initial negotiations saw Nesby's LFP and Højkirke's Radicals part ways, both parties sought to reconcile their differences to produce an amicable deal as soon as Srimathi's proposed government — rejected by over two-thirds of the legislature — fell through.

Though the Radicals held brief talks with the SAP, an LFP spokesperson told Statsmand there was "no genuine fear" that the social democratic party, in government most recently from 2013-17, would be able to form a stable administration.

Political analysts say they expect the LFP to have conceded on a number of policies, including some fairly integral to the party's platform, including immigration policy as well as taxation.

There have been a number of reshuffles in the proposed cabinet, notably including Højkirke's appointment to the foreign ministry and full Radical control of the immigration ministries, including Margrete Veen's appointment to the new Ministry for Displaced Persons, Refugees and War Victims.

Not represented in the cabinet once again is the agrarian-centrist Agrarforbund (Af), who continue their role in providing confidence and supply to the incumbent government. With them, the government is expected to control 161 of the Rigsdagen's 318 seats, just two over the threshold for a majority.
© Mediacentre N.V., 2021

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by **Poshyte** » Sat Oct 16, 2021 1:39 am

LIVE BLOG • National Bloc voting on new leaders
Rolling coverage as the Bloc choses it's successor to Elliott: 6 candidates are running to become the Bloc's new leader alongside candidates for the leaderships of the SDF, Sotirian Union and Justice Party

ANS Staff (@ANSOnline)
15 October, 2021 | Yndyk

National Bloc delegates are expected to fill this conference hall in Yndyk to decide their new leader and new policy decisions

Yndyk, Alsland -

The National Bloc will select a successor to Lilliana Elliott and other party leaders after she announced her resignation earlier this year as support for her leadership dropped to record lows marking an end to her 4 year tenure as the National Bloc's leader. The Bloc is currently polling behind the centrist Together for the Republic behind and is far behind their traditional rivals, the Progressive Alliance.

The candidates are: Minister-President of Zittau Konrad Dünhaupt, Mayor of Wottested Ryk Monteverde, MEP Sjirk Rijpma, Dellish Minister-President Imma Hoogland, Siimon Peebo and Yge Jonkman. The 6 candidates will be elected in a series of rounds until one candidates has the support of 319 delegates in the extraordinary party conference. The candidate with the lowest support at the end of each round will be eliminated and voting restarted. Alongside the leadership of the bloc there are 3 party leadership elections occurring, one for the Sotirian Union, the Sotirian Democratic Front and the Justice Party.

The leader of the National Bloc becomes the party's official candidate for Premier, unlike in other parties and blocs where the two positions remain separate.

09:00 - Meet the Candidates
As the bloc begins to vote on potential successors to Lilliana Elliott's 4 years in charge, we take a look at some of her potential successors:
Konrad Dünhaupt: Minister-President of Zittau since 2006, Konrad Dünhaupt is the most right-wing of the candidates and is seeking to regain former National Bloc supports who defected to the Orange Party. Dünhaupt was seen as the favourite to win the 2016 National Bloc leadership election but his campaign stagnated in the final weeks and was sidelined by Lilliana Elliott despite both ideologically belonging on the bloc's right-wing. Most of Dünhaupt's support comes from Weranian members of the National Bloc and right-wing members who were sidelined by the previous National Bloc leaders.

Dünhaupt has maintained a consistent lead over other candidates in the election. Critics of Dünhaupt say that he is too right-wing for the modern bloc, many cite his opposition to same-sex marriage and support for the Tribune Movement and Patron League in Etruria and Paretia respectively. Many also cite his past support for Pan-Weranicism in the past. Dünhaupt has dismissed these concerns as fabrications by his opponents.

Imma Hoogland: The incumbent Minister-President of Delland from 2005-2008 and again since 2019. Imma Hoogland joined The Centre in University and led the party's youth wing in 1989. She defected to the National Bloc in 1990 citing irreconcilable differences with the leadership of the party. Hoogland became Minister-President of Delland in 2008 but was forced to resign after she refused to condemn the 2007-2008 Alslandic political crisis. Hoogland was rehabilitated into the National Bloc under Lilliana Elliott's leadership and won an upset victory against the Progressive Alliance in the 2019 Dellish general election.

Hoogland was endorsed by Elliott after she announced her candidacy. She is seen as the continuity candidate of Elliott, despite being considered more of a moderate within the Bloc. Hoogland has also stated her desire for a National-Together coalition to be formed in 2022.

Yge Jonkman: Yge Jonkman is the former Secretary of Defence under Elliott and is ideologically considered to be on the right-wing of the Bloc. Jonkman was briefly the frontrunner in initial polls before Elliott resigned but support for his leadership collapsed. Critics of Jonkman cite some of his comments as Secretary of Defence including a comment that was considered as sexist regarding servicewomen in the Definsjemacht in 2018.

Jonkman is likely to pull votes away from Dünhaupt in the initial round but most of his supporters will likely go to the former TV Presenter.

Ryk Monteverde: Ryk Monteverde is the incumbent Mayor of Alsland's second largest city, Wottested. Monteverde is a centrist within the National Bloc and has clashed repeatedly with some of the Bloc's more conservative figures. Monteverde is the first Etrurian-Alslander to win political office when he was elected to become Wottested's mayor in 2018, riding off support from traditionally left-leaning immigrant communities and suburban voters, the latter of which he called "the bloc's not so secret weapon". Monteverde is open to negotiating a coalition agreement with Together for the Republic and to create a "truly centrist government" in Alsland. Monteverde has also used his background as growing up in a Dellish-Etrurian family to present himself as the modern face of the National Bloc. In 2020 he went viral online after he condemned the establishment of LGBT free zones in Etruria.

Sjirk Rijpma: Sjirk Rijpma is the current leader of the National Bloc in the Euclean Parliament, a position he has held since 2014. Rijpma is outspokenly a Euclofederalist and a liberal, positioning himself to the left within the National Bloc, despite this Rijpma said if he wins he will include right-wing figures into his opposition team. Rijpma has held a consistent second place among polling of National Bloc members behind Dünhaupt but maintaining a slim lead over Monteverde and Hoogland.

Rijpma, like Monteverde and Hoogland has said he wants a coalition with Together for the Republic but acknowledged that the chances of this are slim as the bloc had previously rejected a coalition offer in June. Rijpma was also criticised for not being a member of the Folkssenaat with some saying he could not be an effective leader from Kesselbourg. Rijpma said he would stand in the next legislative election if he were to become leader.

Siimon Peebo: Siimon Peebo is the former Secretary for Martiland, serving from June 2020 until January 2021. Peebo is relatively unknown nationally but was endorsed by the Justice Party after he announced his candidacy. Peebo grew up in Kirenia but his family moved to Rahu when Siimon was 17. Siimon is the least well known candidate in the race, ideologically he is a liberal and is open to working with Together for the Republic in any coalition deal. Siimon has also presented himself as a modern Villem Mand much to the chagrin of Mand's descendants who also operate within his party.

Peebo is expected to become the Justice Party's leader even if he doesn't win the bloc's leadership.

10:17 - Peebo: "New voters have opinions that the current generation of leaders aren't listening to"
Candidates have began to make speeches to the Delegates who have now filled the conference hall in Yndyk. First up is Siimon Peebo who has focused his speech on his childhood story from immigrant from Kirenia to working his way up the career ladder and joining politics. Peebo is looking to win enough delegates to avoid being removed in the opening rounds. His speech has also focused on trying to convince delegates that he can win over liberal voters and modernise the Bloc.

Peebo has also highlighted income inequalities in a speech that wouldn't be out of place at the Progressive Alliance's annual conference. Peebo highlighted income inequalities between Martiland and the other provinces and within provinces like the inequalities between North Wottested and South Wottested. He has also claimed that the richer provinces like Garz who pay more towards the Federal government than they receive back in funding may seek to secede if issues aren't tackled.

10:34 - Dünhaupt: "Strong leadership, experience and real ideas are the way forward"

Konrad Dünhaupt has spoken to the National Bloc's delegates. The Zittish Premier has pushed his experience and credentials as a former Senator and as Zittau's Minister-President. He has claimed he knows how to win tough elections calling back to his election victory against the OVP in 2018 and against the Progressive Alliance. His speech is similar to speeches typically found at a party conference and has offered no stark contrast to the bloc's current ideology.

Dünhaupt says if he wins he will stop voters defecting to the Orange Party and Alslandic Resistance: "A vote for the Orange Party is a vote for Möller, Nieuwenhuis and Holtrop." Dünhaupt is by far the most conservative candidate running in the leadership election. He still opposes same-sex marriage but has dodged questions on the issue since the campaign began. In 2019 he said that despite being opposed to same-sex marriage he wouldn't seek to roll back LGBT rights because: "there's no appetite for it yet." Dünhaupt has also focused on climate change in his speech to the conference. He said that Alsland must invest in new technologies and conservation efforts to reduce the impact of climate change. The former Geologist said he wants a radical new plan to fight climate change adopted into the National Bloc's party programme. He also claims to have the experience to back it up as Zittau's provincial government was the first to aim to use 100% renewable energy by 2030. Dünhaupt has also in the past stated his opposition to Nuclear Power calling it "dangerous".

10:50 - Monteverde clashes with a heckler during speech
Ryk Monteverde's speech to the National Bloc's leadership election was disrupted by a heckler who was not a voting delegate in the election. As Monteverde was speaking about his time as Mayor of Wottested a heckler began shouting at him interrupting his speech. The heckler was removed by security and Monteverde's speech continued.

His speech focused on small businesses, education and immigration. Citing his own immigrant background Monteverde said that the tone surrounding immigration needed to change immediately or a culture of racism would be promoted within the bloc and the country. Like Dünhaupt he offered no specific policy plans and ended his speech quickly.

11:21 - Jonkman: "I have the ability to be leader and the experience to win elections"
Yge Jonkman has used his speech to the party delegates to try and claw back support he desperately needs as his campaign falters. Jonkman claimed to have the experience and willpower necessary to successfully become Premier in an election and criticised Möller's government on issues like security and the economy. Jonkman's campaign has seemingly collapsed in recent weeks as polling by Hjoed and The Continental shows him only receiving 6 votes from Delegates, meaning he would be removed in the first round of voting which will begin after each candidate delivers their speech to the delegates.

The former Defence Secretary talked about his time in government and noted how he could work with his foreign counterparts in negotiations against countries like Etruria, Shangea and Zorasan. He also attacked Bonne Zijlstra for endorsing the Social Democrats in Scovern against the incumbent government there which has now been confirmed for a new term: "The government of today has decided it will throw relations with other nations away as long as it means they can have another ideological ally in charge. This hasn't worked and from what I can tell it will inevitably lead to the breakup of the EC if this keeps happening. The ASE and it's allies have no other care in the world than power."

11:41 - Hoogland's speech focuses on building new alliances and working with other parties and blocs
Imma Hoogland, the Dellish Premier's speech has by in large focused on building new relations with other blocs and parties in the Folkssenaat and Provincial legislatures. Hoogland has presented herself as the alternative to Möller and has highlighted her endorsement from Lilliana Elliott and other prominent National Bloc officials.

Hoogland's speech to the delegates has all the hallmarks of a leader about to be crowned in a ceremony when in reality Hoogland needs to fight to defeat Dünhaupt and Monteverde who are both front runners. She has positioned herself between the two candidates, she's a liberal who isn't afraid to work with Together for the Republic or the Progressive Alliance whilst at the same time she has plans to stop National Bloc voters drifting to the Orange Party. She called for a Cordon sanitaire for far-right parties in Alsland and has vowed to never work with either the far-right or the far-left.

Hoogland has already attracted support from the Womens union within the National Bloc. Her speech left room for encouraging more women into politics. "We're proud in this country to have had 5 Female Premiers. Since 2015 Alsland has been governed by Women. The progress made for Women in Alsland has been phenomenal and we can't let it stop here."

11:59 - Sjirk Rijpma's speech plagued by errors
MEP Sjirk Rijpma's speech has failed to inspire delegates with a flat tone not helped by the candidate's ongoing chest infection that has hampered his campaigning over the last week. Rijpma would've liked his speech to the bloc's delegates would turn his campaign around instead his speech was full of technical errors, interruptions and errors in policy. He tried facing down criticism that he couldn't be an effective leader from Kesselbourg but came off as a dull, boring 'Euclocrat'.

12:27 - First round of voting underway

12:41 - Dünhaupt leads after first round, Jonkman eliminated
Konrad Dünhaupt has the most votes by delegates after results from the first round were announced. Dünhaupt had 192 votes in the First round, well below the required 50% or 319 votes but ahead of his nearest rivals. In second place was Ryk Monteverde who won 181 votes, Monteverde was seen celebrating his vote total after the results were announced. In third place was Imma Hoogland with 112 votes, Hoogland has exceeded expectations and may present a challenge to Dünhaupt and Monteverde if she can win enough votes in later rounds. In fourth place was Sjirk Rijpma with 71 votes, Siimon Peebo was not far behind and won 70 votes. Last came Yge Jonkman who won an embarrassing 9 delegates, eliminating him. 1 delegate voted None of the Above.

The results make the race much clearer as it's likely the contest will be decided between Dünhaupt, Monteverde and Hoogland. As no candidate achieved 50% of the votes a second round of voting will be held between all the candidates that qualified and wish to continue. Jonkman who came last was eliminated from voting and will not be on the second ballot.

Full Results:
Konrad Dünhaupt: 192
Ryk Monteverde: 181
Imma Hoogland: 112
Sjirk Rijpma: 71
Siimon Peebo: 70
Yge Jonkman: 9
None of the above: 1

12:44 - Peebo drops out and endorses Dünhaupt

12:48 - Voting suspended temporarily

13:07- Griġm Vaġner elected as the SDF's new leader
Griġm Vaġner, a liberal within the National Bloc has been elected as the SDF's new leader following a heated vote between Pro-Elliott and Anti-Elliott factions. Vaġner who chairs the Folkssenaat's Public health committee was elected with 122 out of the 208 Delegates in the leadership election in the second round of voting. Vaġner's leadership marks a departure from Elliott's conservative rule of the party. Vaġner has also become the first Zohist leader of a major party in Alsland after having converted in 2017 after marrying his wife in Shangea.

13:38 - Dünhaupt falls short of a majority in second round of voting
Konrad Dünhaupt has failed to achieve a majority of delegates or 319 after Siimon Peebo dropped out of the contest and endorsed him. He increased his lead from Monteverde with 251 delegates. Voting resumed after a break at midday. Both Hoogland and Rijpma failed to gain many delegates from Peebo with most of Peebo's delegates voting for Dünhaupt or Monteverde.

Sjirk Rijpma has also been eliminated after placing last in the vote. He has made it clear that he prefers Ryk Monteverde to Konrad Dünhaupt and has asked his supporters to support Monteverde for leader in the following rounds of voting.

Full Results:
Konrad Dünhaupt: 251
Ryk Monteverde: 192
Imma Hoogland: 115
Sjirk Rijpma: 73
None of the above: 5

14:04 - Hoogland: "I can't support either of these men."
Imma Hoogland has announced she will encourage delegates who have voted for her to vote for None of the Above in the next round of voting. In a statement to the press during the conference Hoogland said: "We've come so far, we've had a great campaign but the numbers just don't add up in our favour. I'm proud to be a member of the National Bloc but I cannot support either of these men for the leadership of our bloc. I will support whoever is our next leader but I cannot in good conscience ask anyone to support Ryk or Konrad."

Hoogland came short of withdrawing from the race and is on the ballot for the Third Round of voting which is underway. Hoogland is expected to be eliminated after the Third Round and her intervention effectively guarantees Ryk Monteverde and Konrad Dünhaupt will be forced into a final round between both of them.

14:22 - Monteverde ahead in third round, Hoogland eliminated
Ryk Monteverde has pulled ahead of Konrad Dünhaupt in the third round of voting to become the National Bloc's leadership election. The Mayor of Wottested attracted many Rijpma supporting delegates after he was eliminated which put him ahead of Dünhaupt. There is an 8 vote margin between Dünhaupt and Monteverde who will move onto the fourth round of voting.

Imma Hoogland was eliminated after many of her delegates voted for None of the Above following her intervention earlier this afternoon. Hoogland said she would not ask anyone to support either Monteverde or Dünhaupt and instead endorsed None of the above. She has said she would support whichever candidate was elected as the leader of the Bloc to preserve unity.

Full Results:
Ryk Monteverde: 260
Konrad Dünhaupt: 252
Imma Hoogland: 44
None of the above: 80

14:24 - Fourth round voting suspended by conference chair
Voting for the Fourth Round of the National Bloc's leadership election has been temporarily suspended by the Bloc's Presidency after Imma Hoogland called on her supporters to vote for None of the Above. The voting was suspended to try and calm the atmosphere in the conference hall and discourage any potential interruptions to the process.

14:41 - Siimon Peebo defeats challengers to become the leader of the Justice Party

14:50 - None of the above to be removed from Fourth Round
The National Bloc's Presidency has agreed to remove 'None of the above' from the ballot on the fourth round after negotiations. The decision was taken after Imma Hoogland urged her supporters not to vote for Dünhaupt or Monteverde in the Fourth Round and to instead vote for None of the above. The option was included in previous leadership elections; if the option won a plurality of votes a ballot of all every Senator in the Bloc would be taken and the candidate with the most votes would become the leader. This has never been used but the threat of it being used has swayed leadership elections in the past.

With the removal of None of the Above the Fourth Round will be the final round between Konrad Dünhaupt and Ryk Monteverde.

14:53 - MEP Andrej Kirschenbaum becomes the leader of the Sotirian Union

15:18 - Konrad Dünhaupt elected as the leader of National Bloc

Minister-President of Zittau Konrad Dünhaupt has been elected as the National Bloc's leadership after defeating Ryk Monteverde in a close election that in the end was decided by only 13 votes. Dünhaupt had 323 votes compared to Monteverde's 310, 3 votes were declared invalid by Bloc officials. The election of Dünhaupt marks a dramatic shift to the right for the Bloc which is in decline after losing moderate members to Together for the Republic, now Dünhaupt will be tasked with preventing voters defecting to the Orange Party and turn around the bloc's dire situation.

After the result was announced Dünhaupt gave a speech to the bloc's delegates thanking them for electing him and setting out his goal for his leadership. He said being elected as the Bloc's leader and candidate for Premier was the greatest honour of his life so far and promised to bring the Bloc back into power. Dünhaupt also confirmed he would seek coalition negotiations with Together for the Republic and if they were accepted he would do all he can to build back trust in the government and the bloc.

Dünhaupt in the end was congratulated by all of his rivals with Monteverde commenting: “I have full trust in Konrad [Dünhaupt] that he'll be able to bring the Bloc back into power and be a stable and competent pair of hands for the Bloc and the country.”

Full Results:
Konrad Dünhaupt: 323
Ryk Monteverde: 310
Invalid: 3

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by **Eskaeba** » Tue Oct 19, 2021 3:25 pm

Government hits rocky waters immediately as immigration minister caught up in scandal within his own portfolio

Gudrun Boesen reporting from RIMSO, MESCONIA

Bertram Ravn, who was promoted to
Minister of Immigration in the government that formed just four days ago.

October 19, 2021

Controversy has already struck the freshly minted cabinet of Ine-Linda Nesby, despite being in administration for just four days. The ongoing coalition between the Liberal People's Party and the Radicals, who have governed since 2017 and are scheduled to govern until 2025, was predicted by many analysts to be fairly unstable, owing to their minority status and LFP concessions on core policy.

The minister in question, Bertram Ravn, who was elevated from minister without portfolio in the new government, was accused by journalist Robin Stig Steffensen of Dagligeversler of "dismissing [an official] for trivial reasons", adding that an immigration ministry spokesperson told him it was down to "difference of opinion".

If true, Ravn would be in violation of constitutional and parliamentary code of conduct, and could come under investigation by the Lovråd, the legally-binding parliamentary committee that deals with constitutional affairs.

Statsmand asked for a comment from the immigration ministry, which was declined. Nevertheless, it is understood that the proceedings have already begun to affect the ministry's confidence in its minister.

Eyes will be locked on the ministry, and the government, in the days to come, as what could become a large scandal has already shaken its foundations.
© Mediacentre N.V., 2021

by **Xiaodong** » Wed Oct 20, 2021 10:04 am

Government to ban "homosexual and other sexual deviance" representation in media outlets to improve public morality
20 October, 2021| By Fu Bingbing

A pride parade in Baiqiao in June 2021

BAIQIAO - According to a report published by the Ministry of Public Morality the Shangean government is moving to implement a ban of "homosexual and other sexual deviance" representation on print, screen and online media in order to "combat anti-family social deviance whilst promoting national unity".

The reported endorsed by the Public Morality minister Xiang Pengfei highlighted that projections predicting that Shangea's birthrate would fall in the next decade means that "the promotion of the traditional family for the patriotic youth is urgently needed particularly from Euclean imports such as the modern conception of so-called homosexual rights that have no basis in our history and traditions".

"The Shangean government stands firmly against homosexual propaganda corrupting the mind of children and we will strive to ensure that we promote a patriotic society, not one degenerated by foreign decadence".

The new law would ban homosexuals or homosexual intent from being represented in domestic films, television, music, books and magazines whilst social media accounts promoting or supporting homosexuality will be removed or banned. Existing works representing homosexuality including foreign works will have to be submitted and approved by the Ministry of Public Morality who will exercise discretion on whether to cut or amend content that may promote homosexuality. Failure to comply will result in fines.

Although not explicitly mentioned in the initial report its likely the law will also ban various "trans" representation - the image of men and women behaving, dressing up as or pretending to be the opposite gender. The government hasn't confirmed as to whether it seeks to amend the gender reassignment law which restricts the practice to consenting adults over the age of 21.

The move comes after lobbying from parents groups, religious organisations and medical professionals to reduce the influence of foreign sexual deviances being imported into Shangea. The recent rise of effeminate men - known as niang pao (girlie guns) - has been highlighted as a key concern for parents as foreign influence has manipulated children towards decadent lifestyles. As part of the governments effort to improve public health and morality dealing with the proliferation of homosexual propaganda has therefore been imperative.

A poll released by the international pollster the Coian Centre of Political Affairs found that three quarters of respondents believed homosexuality to be "morally unacceptable" and akin to "psychological trauma".

Asked about the proposal, premier Jiang Zhongyu has stated that it "effects only a small proportion of media content" and that it is "not directed against any community in the nation, but merely intended to improve public morality."

by **Etruria2** » Thu Oct 21, 2021 2:39 am

Etruria’s NGO’s unite to condemn Shangea
Dignita alliance calls for a Euclean response to Shangea’s “violent and hateful regime”
POLITICS by Emilio Farinacci

21 October , 2021

Dignita’s president, Flavio Orsini denounced the Shangean government during an interview on Orrizonte24.

Dignita, Etruria’s largest alliance of NGOs and civil rights groups has issued an open letter excoriating the “authoritarian homophobia of Shangea” as the Coian power seeks to ban depictions of homosexual and sexual deviancy in its highly controlled media.

Yesterday, the Shangean government announced its plans to “ban of homosexual and other sexual deviance representation on print, screen and online media in order to combat anti-family social deviance whilst promoting national unity".

Dignita, which was formed in 2019 to unite Etruria’s civil society groups issued its letter on its website and confirmed it had been sent to the Shangean embassy in Povelia. The letter which was signed by the group’s 34 affiliated NGOs said, “the recent announcement by the Shangean government is a full frontal assault upon the LGBT+ community, who now face discrimination, social exclusion and perhaps worse as a result.”

“This denigration of Shangea’s LGBT+ community is just the latest mark left by an authoritarian state, whose human rights abuses are well known and disturbing. We will be calling upon our friends and allies across the democratic world to speak up and stand up for Shangea’s people long abused by an oppressive regime” it said further.

Flavio Orsini, the President of Dignita who was speaking on Orrizonte24 last night said, “this is deeply disturbing move by a government that has no qualms with torture, disappearances and other abuses. I do not think gay men or women, or trans people have any adverse effect on national unity. But this is a country that enforces unity at the barrel of a gun or the sides or batons.”

Orsini, who prior to his current role, headed the Etrurian Association for Liberty and Justice, a non-for-profit legal body providing advice and representation for migrants, refugees and the poorest, doubled down, “I don’t think Shangean society was fraying nor tearing itself apart over the presence of LGBT+ people on television screens, really, this is just a power play by an uncaring and frankly violent regime. They have the power to exclude millions, so they do it for the very sake of possessing it.”

The SD also criticised the Shangean government describing it as a likely “spring from which bigoted and hateful waters wash across Coius”, predicting other countries would likely follow suit in their own ways. The SD also demanded the Tribune government denounce the move, while calling for a “wider realisation in Euclea of the danger to democracy, freedom and human rights Shangea poses.”

So far, there has been no comment from the Etrurian government on the matter. Nor could the Foreign Ministry be reached for comment.

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by **Etruria2** » Fri Oct 22, 2021 6:22 pm

State Council takes shape as all parties game the new system
Every state passed legislation given appointment powers to the Prefect alone, benefiting all major parties
POLITICS by Emilio Farinacci

21 October , 2021

File photo: The State Council takes shape after reforms by the Tribune government

The 210 members of the State Council of the Federation have now been appointed. The Federal Government has sparked condemnation for appoint 33 former lawmakers to the 60-seat “non-partisan” caucus, while the opposition parties have taken a winner-takes-all approach to state delegates.

The Tribune government has as widely expected used the “non-partisan” 60-member caucus to appoint partisans. Under the August Reform, which was crushed at the referendum by voter apathy, the federal government is to appoint 60 members in recognition of their “contributions to the Republic”, be it business, science, charitable work and politics. However, the Tribunes opted to forgo most of the list – 33 of the 60 members appointed are exclusively former Representatives. Nine lost their seats as part of the boundary changes to constituency seats under the electoral reforms introduced in August, while 24 are drawn from the 29 Tribunes who lost their seats at the election. The remaining 27 are businesspeople, academics and Catholic trade unionists who’s social media profiles are drowning in pro-Tribune affirmations and polemics.

Under the August reforms, the each of Etruria’s 15 states are to provide ten members, selected in any way the states decide. Unsurprisingly for many, virtually every state passed legislation adopting the near identical method - appointments by the Prefect subject to approval by either the state cabinet or state assembly.

The Tribunes – governing nine of Etruria’s states each passed legislation in August affording to the appointment of the state’s prefect without any involvement of cabinet or the state assemblies. However, under the direction of the national party leadership, amendments are expected to pass which will see the state-party branches elect 10 candidates for the Prefect to appoint.

The SD stronghold of Chiastre is the only state to require a confirmation vote by the state assembly, but with its majority, it rapidly voted through the appointments. In the other SD stronghold of Dinara, where the party is in coalition with Popular Renewal and Green Future, Prefect Augustino Faustini strongarmed his partners into accepting a winner-takes all approach, enabling him to appoint Chiastre’s 10 members solely from the SD.

The Citizens’ for their part passed winner-takes all legislation in Peravia, Carvagna and Fiastria, delivering them 30 seats in the upper-house. Initial plans for the Citizens’ to hold open votes among state members was rejected by Mauro Cesare Capra, who saw that as a threat to his plans for the Citizens’ to become more politically cohesive. This plan however has been hobbled by Carvagna’s Annalisa Taddei, who appointed ten members drawn exclusively from the party’s left-wing.

While most states, including Tribune-led required candidates for the state council to possess some form of political experience, the Farmers and Workers Union appeared to have gone for the fullest extent cronyism could provide. Among Novalia’s 10 representatives appointed by the Tribune-aligned party, is Prefect Franjo Sarič’s son-in-law, youngest brother and former university roommate, who now owns “BrZrak”, Novalia’s number one regional airline. The remainder of the 10 of Novalia’s representatives appear to be drawn from the UAL’s long list of veteran politicians, including Zoran Bakić, who served as Mayor of Supetar from 1990 to 2018 and is widely accused of embezzling funds from the federal government’s project to transform the coastal port into a rival of Accadia.

This means the Tribunes, together with the UAL through their Patria alliance possesses 100 of 210 seats. Take those 28 dubious appointments, and the Patria alliance holds 128, they only require 12 of the remaining 60 government appointed to support their legislation and it passes a 2/3. The SD holds 20 seats, the Citizens 30 and the Farmers and Workers Union 10.

Analysis: Tribunes’ habits are rubbing off on the opposition

Taking the numbers regardless of identity, the partisan caucus of 150, the Tribune-led government holds 100 seats, though counting the blatantly partisan appointments to the non-partisan 60 members, it technically possesses almost 130 – this gives the far-right government a 2/3 majority in the upper-house, seemingly making up for the failure of the UAL to hold its seats in the lower-house following the election. We find ourselves, once again in a situation, where the Tribune Movement and its allies – now including the Servitium dominated Social Party, with the necessary numbers to amend the constitution at will.

As a side note before true analysis; the Tribunes juggernauting of the failed constitutional reforms in August also include a provision that if the governing party or coalition held 2/3 in the Chamber, only a simple majority would be required in the upper-house. Since the Tribunes failed to achieve that on the 8th October, they appear to have made up for it by gaming the very reforms they put through prior to the election.

As for the practices seen across all Etruria since the Tribunes violated every rule in the book to pass a referendum package rejected humiliatingly by Etrurian voters, it would seem that the Tribune obsession with majoritarian politics – the idea that anyone who wins an election deserves the spoils, regards of the nature of its win, has rubbed off on the opposition parties. The SD especially appeared to be sent into a spin over their state governments’ decisions.

Mastromarino quietly, but publicly, recommended SD state governments appoint representatives from their coalition partners as a sign of the party’s commitment to “plurality and fairness.” This “high brow” approach went unheard at the state level, where the party tends to be more militant.

Dinara’s Augustino Faustini defended his “winner-takes all approach” by saying “in this state like all others, the leader of the largest party, the most popular party forms the leadership of the executive. The SD won the state election, so really, its only common sense that we should send forward our state’s representatives.”

The SD, more so than the Citizens’ made much about the need to preserve plurality, fairness and democracy during the election. The Ctiziens, seemingly condemned to be annihilated only made references to it – the Tribunes made much about democracy, even if it is the dictionary definition of democracy. The Tribunes were always going to abuse their reforms, hence why they were presented in the first place, but to see the SD-led state administrations pursue winner takes all is rather disappointing. Many warned the Tribunes would govern by a race to the bottom, of which they’d always win. The SD and Citizens’ resisted this trap (though the SD didn’t do so well when doing a documentary on the EC referendum), but when it comes to the systematic, it matters.

Conversely, numerous SD officials have told this paper that considering the “battlefield” (used universally I might add) was so “tilted toward the Tribunes”, the party needed every tool in the bag to secure its position. Perhaps their right, but surely this winner-takes all, duly threatens the coalition governments the SD rely upon to hold Chiastre and Dinara.

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by **Nuvania** » Sat Oct 23, 2021 5:53 am

Major Growth In Pine Plantations For Carbon Farming Forecasted

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Willem Lion-Cachet (@WLionCachet)
23 October (1:47pm)|PIETERSBURG

A pine plantation in Mahaika

Pine trees are set to become the most valuable exotic tree species in Nuvania by 2030, fuelling a major increase in pine plantations as well as land use changes in favour of "carbon farming". This is according to data from a recent study conducted by the Bureau of Forests and from Nagel-Dreyer, an investment firm that specialises in commercial exotic forests.
"Pines are incredible at carbon sequestration," said Nagel-Dreyer spokesman Drew Pocock. "One hectare of mature pines can absorb 600 tonnes of carbon every year."

The study, released on October 22, points to significantly expanded growth of pine plantations in southern and northern Nuvania, particularly in the Arucian Range and South Asterian Range where climate conditions are more amenable to tropical species of pines. It is estimated that the amount of land used to grow pine trees could double by 2030 if carbon prices remain steady or increase substantially, increasing the individual value of the trees in accordance with the amount of carbon they sequester.

Sequestration is the natural process in which carbon dioxide is absorbed by plants and trees. Much of the carbon is retained within the plant matter itself, and is released only when burned. In trees, carbon is stored in the wood, which is then either ground down into wood chips and turned into pulp for fibreboards and paper, or sawn into lengths and used for a variety of purposes, particularly construction.

Collectively, the 40,000 hectares of commercially grown pine trees in Nuvania absorb 24 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, which Pocock said is worth 11.91 billion shillings (€850.8 million) at 496 shillings (€35.45) according to current carbon unit prices on the Nuvanian Carbon Market. Pocock said that carbon unit prices, which are different to that of carbon credit prices, are set to increase as more people look for a safer investment following the sharp decline of the Nuvanian stock market and the collapse of the property market.
"We're seeing a lot of people looking to put their money into safer investments and carbon farming is one of those investments that is seeing massive growth in interest."

So what is "carbon farming"? According to Pocock, "carbon farming" is where people convert a plot of land to grow monocultures of high carbon absorbing trees such as pines. As the pines grow and reach maturity, their capacity to absorb greater amounts of carbon dioxide, with fully mature trees at their greatest carbon absorbing potential. These trees can then be harvested for raw timber, or be left to continue growing and absorb more and more carbon. Pocock says that "carbon farming" is the perfect investment for those looking for low barriers to entry and guaranteed returns on profits.
"Basically you don't even have to grow the trees yourself," he said. "You can invest as a share in a forest and be paid dividends annually as opposed to monthly."

How much divident gets paid is dependent on factors including the size of the forest or plantation and whether or not the carbon is sequestered, that is absorbed and stored in trees, or converted, in which carbon dioxide is converted to oxygen. Unlike other carbon trading schemes, the Carbon Market has two sets of prices: those of carbon credits and those of carbon units. Carbon credits are purchased by carbon emitters, and carbon units by those who are providing means of carbon conversion or sequestration. Credit prices are determined by demand, while unit prices are tied to credit prices at a fixed rate of two times less than the credit price. The intent of this dualistic price structure is to encourage more conversion or sequestration and less pollution, rather than offset the emissions generated by holders of carbon credits. The carbon units essentially guarantee holders a price for their carbon sequestration or carbon conversion, and are paid out yearly, owing to the yearly budget in which companies that emit large amounts of carbon dioxide have to set an amount of carbon dioxide to emit, and pay higher prices for credits outside of those which they have budgeted for.

The introduction of the Carbon Market is directly responsible for the increase value of existing pine plantations according to Pocock, who said that if it did not exist, growth would be next to non-existent owing to the preference for eucalyptus trees which are better suited to tropical climates and which cover 90 percent of the 1.2 million hectares currently dedicated to commercial forestry plantations. He said that the ability for pines to absorb greater amounts of carbon dioxide compared to eucalyptus is driving massive investment in these, and is considered second only to native rainforests in their capacity to absorb and store carbon dioxide, the latter able to store 725 tonnes of carbon dioxide per hectare per year. Pocock said that the growth in pines, especially in areas which had been traditionally dominated by eucalyptus plantations, is evidence of the recognition of pine as the future of commercial forestry in Nuvania.

Pieter van der Waal, a spokesperson from Lindhout-Van Dalsen, Nuvania's largest forestry company, said that while pine was already part of the portfolio of exotic timber plantations, he said that the company had no plans to expand its current pine plantations over its existing eucalyptus plantations. He said that with carbon unit prices expected to rise over the coming years, he said the extant value of mature and harvest-ready eucalyptus plantations would also rise with those prices.
"The way we price forests is changing," he said. "So we're going to change with it and while overall our forests may be of lower value in terms of carbon sequestration, the value of the timber grown remains high." He said that pine would factor into what the company invested in long term, but this would be dictated by demand for sustainably sourced timber rather than through the value of the carbon sequestered. Van der Waal expects that pine will likely expand beyond it's current use, but says that pine is much more greatly limited by terrain and by climate than eucalyptus, which makes it unlikely, in his opinion, that it will replace eucalyptus in the long term.
"Pine is just not suitable for low elevation tropical climates, and so unless substantial progress is made in breeding more heat-resistent types or the introduction of genetically modified variants, it will be planted in smaller numbers in comparison with eucalyptus."

Martin Cooke, an ecologist from the University of Philipsbaai, says that the prospect of expanded commercial timber plantations, especially at the expense of native rainforest, "doesn't sit well" with him. He says that cultivated monocultures are often referred to as "green deserts" because of their negative impacts on the environment.
"These kinds of plantations have a detrimental effect on water quality and local biodiversity," he said. "They suck up vast quantities of water, disrupt the hyrological cycle, support a low variety of biodiversity, and depend on fertilisers and pesticides in order to achieve optimum growth." Cooke said that where monocultures have taken over in terms of land use, biodiversity reductions of up to 92% have been recorded.
"It's really devastation on a level most people cannot comprehend," he said. "It's essentially rendering species almost locally extinct, and has the potential to render endangered and undiscovered species extinct." Cooke says that the benefits of pine plantations have been overstated by "opportunist speculators" who want to exploit the Carbon Market in place of other speculative bubbles which have since popped.
"We saw the same mentality with the property market after the Great Recession," he said. "It's no different now." He believes that while investment in green projects should be welcomed, he said that forestry and investment firms were greenwashing the devastating impact monoculture timber plantations have had on the environment.
"Obviously they're not going to tell people the truth."

Cooke wants the government to intervene and to also closely examine which projects it funds after he revealed that the Ministry of the Environment had allocated 32 million shillings (€2.2 million) to reforestation projects that were essentially either planting land that had not been previously forested, or had been previously harvested and was to be replanted with new seedlings. He said that the government was "not keeping abreast" of where it's money was being spent.
"This was just the budget for this year, so it's difficult to know exactly how much money the government gave to forestry companies for these supposed 'reforestation' projects."

The Minister for the Environment, David Cupido, was not available to comment on the claims regarding government funding for forestry companies.

Pocock said that pine forests had significant benefits when it came to carbon sequestration, citing the substantially higher amount of carbon dioxide that could be absorbed by pine trees over eucalyptus, and that Nagel-Dreyer provided potential investors with clear information about where their money was being spent. He said that carbon sequestration through forests was "about as green as you can get" and said that this would attract capital in ways traditional environmental projects could not. He also stated that the claims made against the environmental impacts of monocultural timber plantations were overstated, and that environmentalists were "splitting hairs" about what methods were best.
"Ultimately this is about protecting the future of our country and our planet. That is something we can all agree on."

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by **Lunas Legion** » Sat Oct 23, 2021 6:58 am

Phillip Sternberg - 23rd October 2021

Military revolt in Midira Province and the declaration of the Iwa National Defence Army spark new threats to Iskinder's government
The revolt of the two ethnically Gero corps places a significant force at Iskinder's back

Soldiers of the newly-proclaimed Emergency Committee for the Restoration of National Unity in Terasa

Midira Province, Yemet -

The precarious situation of Yemet's President Iskinder deteriorated further this week following a large-scale military mutiny among People's National Liberation Army of Yemet units based in the northwestern Midira Province which has largely been untouched by the current conflict. The revolt was announced over local radio from the town of Terasa where significant elements of the 'General Moti' Revolutionary Guards Special Forces Corps and 'General Aweys' Revolutionary Guards Mechanised Corps are barracked, with sub-units of these two formations being stationed in smaller outposts across the rest of the province.

The revolt was announced by the commanders of the two formations, Lt. Gens Jagama Merga and Bekele Daba, following, according to Lt. Gen. Merga in the radio broadcase, 'orders from the Iskinder regime to undertake what I and my subordinate officers considered to be little more than a suicide mission in the form of an airborne assault on the city of Lehir.' Lt. Gen. Daba elaborated that this suicide mission was 'the latest in a wide number of slights and offenses that the President and his cronies have committed against both the PNLAY and the Gero people at large through neglect of both, the underfunding of both the military and local services in Midira Province which the Gero people can no longer stand for' and that 'Iskinder's selfish desire to retain power at any cost is what has led us here.' The two generals then declared that they had formed an 'Emergency Committee for the Restoration of National Unity', along with the Governor of Midira Province, Haile Sado, and a number of other prominent local figures.

The revolt places a large, at least on paper, military force as a dagger to Iskinder's back. However, the President, who from his actions judged the army to be politically and militarily unreliable, had previously drawn in multiple units of ethnically-loyal troops to the area around the capital, Girota in anticipation of just such a revolt so it is highly doubtful that between the President's own gathered forces and the continual arrival of more Zorasani troops that the revolt will amount to anything by itself. However, the declaration has reportedly sparked off a series of mass desertions from the majority-Gero Ist and Vth Corps, abandoning their positions to the various rebel groups to return to defend their homes and families.

Another troubling development in Zihoniswaia Province was the proclamation of Lt. Gen. Hamid Ephrem of the VIIIth Corps of the PNLAY, as 'Marshal of the Iwa National Defence Army'. This, however, seems to be little more than a confirmation of a de facto arrangement where the now-Marshal Ephrem is the highest-ranking PNLAY officer in Zihoniswaia Province and so consolidates his informal power over the various Iwa formations fighting the ANLA, including his own VIIIth Corps, the 1st Republican Guard Division which disobeyed the President to head to defend its soldiers' homes and the various Iwa militias that have formed to fight the ANLA. At least nominally, however, the INDA is still loyal to President Iskinder. Both the ANLA and the newly-formed INDA are alledged to have committed several massacres against members of the opposing ethnic group, but none of it can be confirmed.

by **Liecthenbourg** » Sun Oct 24, 2021 3:24 am

As Gaullican NGOs denounce Shangean homosexuality ban in media, light shines on Gaullican-Shangean relations.
An uncomfortable truth arises for the Gaullican presidency as close associations between Gaullica and Shangea are criticised following "horrendous backsliding" in LGBT+ rights.

Moïse Baillieu
October 22nd, 2021|Verlois, Gaullica

Mathéo Turzyna, Gaullican Premier, hosted Legislative Council Chairman
Wang Hongzhi when he visited Verlois earlier this summer.

Verlois, Gaullica - 'Amour Inconditionnel', one of Gaullica's largest NGOs, has condemned the Shangean government over a report published by its Ministry of Public Morality that indicated that Rongzhou is moving towards a complete ban on "homosexual and other sexual deviance" being represented in all forms of media. Amour Inconditionnel, an NGO and Civil Rights Association, has a long of history of the promotion of civil rights for LGBT+ persons in Gaullica and abroad; and received significant attention when it helped facilitate and recommend policies that were adopted by the early Vallette presidency.

In their open letter, they echoed many of the statements made by one of their sister organisations: Dignita, an Etrurian alliance of civil rights groups and NGos, and described the plans made by the Ministry as a "shameful, barbaric, disgusting backsliding on civil rights". Jean-Marie Le Sueur, one of the leaders of the NGO, signed the letter and condemned the "dictatorial reneging on civil rights that has, in essence, defined the Yuan Xiannian regime".

It was confirmed by a spokesperson for Amour that they had forwarded the letter to the Shangean embassy in Verlois, as well as having sent a separate letter to the offices of the Gaullican government to lobby for a stronger response to the "unspeakable discrimination being faced by LGBT+ persons in Shangea".

Initially, the Gaullican government did not make an official comment on the plans laid out by the Ministry of Public Morality. In their lapse of commentary, Coralie Barreau -- leader of the PRCP -- has criticised the "deafening silence of this administration" in the face of "a serious civil rights issue". However, the President did later state she found the publication "deeply distressing" and her "heart went out to the communities who are being unfairly targeted by the Ministry's new suggestions". This was followed by an official statement out of Verlois: "Human Rights are Human Rights, irrespective of the national borders that contain people. We look forward to working with our Euclean Partners on fostering a cohesive response to these human rights abuses in Shangea".

Barreau posted to her Chirpr that: "Its the epitome of the calibre of this government. They talk the talk but don't walk the walk; and will remain silent on this issue until some talking point is set by Caldian twitter-warriors, or we take the stance antithetical to Etruria."

Other parties in the Senate however have actually praised the elements of suggestion that entail on censoring all forms of "sexual deviance" in media. "Of course homosexuality should never fall under this banner," a spokesperson for the FN told Le Monde, "but there are many things you see on television for instance -- incest and rape are becoming popular to make 'TV shows engaging' and I think it would be reasonable to take those elements and apply them to Gaullica."

Yet what is being brought into the public sphere isn't the matter of the bill at all. What is being focused on across social media in Gaullican circles, and on trends on Chirpr and other platforms, is what is being called the 'unspoken friendship' between Verlois and Rongzhou.

Earlier this year Wang Hongzhi, Chairman of the Shangean Legislative Council, was hosted in Verlois by Premier Turzyna. The content of their meeting was not made public, save for it the fact it was said to be "fostering discussion about important trade connections from the Aurean to the Bashurat".

Gaullican-Shangean relations are built on what is rightly regarded as "alarming" foundations. Whilst historic discourse between the two states can be traced, in some form, to the early BCEs (through the Solarian Empire and Xiang Dynasty, respectively) in their modern form they took root in the mid 1800s and especially after Shangea's victory in the Etrurian-Shangean War. Since then, both countries have had a complex relationship revolving around their statuses as Great Powers, scarred by imperialism and Functionalism, and dotted by individuals educated in the same institutions.

In response to President Degar-Abdulrashid's comment, the official statement out of the State Presidium read as follows: "The Shangean government does not wish for domestic matters to effect our close cultural, economic and political partnership with Gaullica". And, according to some think-tanks and academics, it is incredibly likely that domestic matters will not erode any close relationship between both countries.

Georgia Harris, a leading expert on 'South Coian Politics and the Legacy of Euclean Imperialism', of the University of Morwall told Le Monde that: "The Gaullican government is similar to others around the world in looking over human rights in favour of business links and fostering cooperation in issues such as climate change with Shangea. Functionally those issues often take precedence over others in Gallo-Shangean relations, a trend measured in both centre-left and centre-right Gaullican governments".

When asked what the likely response would be, Harris replied that it would "most likely be a platitude and that's the reality of the situation. Especially when you have links considered as important as these between these two countries. The Shangean Government, for instance, is domestically oppressive of Sotirianity -- and for Eucleans that is often the kicker in public support and opinion, at least amongst governing elites. And they still conduct business with Rongzhou."

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by **Nuvania** » Sun Oct 24, 2021 5:33 am

Chief Minister Needs To Call Senate Election To Avoid Embarrassment

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Samuel Hofmeyr, Professor of Political Science at the University of Pietersburg and political analyst for Die Vrystaat (@SamHof)
24 October (1:29pm)|PIETERSBURG

OPINION: As Nuvania winds its way towards the end of another year, many of us will be reflecting on the optimism of the past year. Although the economy is still in the grips of recession, good commodity prices is keeping the Nuvanian economy treading water and with the Keisi Deal ratified and the first tranche of funding for various infrastructure projects issued, Chief Minister Andrew Bohn should be able to hold his head high, having survived his first year of government with no major scandal and still doing pretty well in the polls.

If only 2020 had given him a better deal.

While the DAP and its coalition partners still have a majority in the House of Assembly, albeit a slim one, the main thorn in the side of the government is the substantial deficit between itself and the opposition in the Senate, a deficit which can be used to bring down the government. Major pieces of legislation have therefore not been forthcoming after the defeat of the Transgender and Non-Binary Amendment Act in the Senate in August, something which is indicative of the government not willing to roll the dice and see which parts of its manifesto it can get through the Senate without triggering a snap election.

This however leaves a problem for the Bohn government. Although 2020 did reduce the gap between the left coalition and the right coalition by four seats, the governing coalition lead by the Democratic Action Party still faces a ten seat difference between the two, and will now have to negotiate with both the National People's Party and the Nuvanian Agrarian League if it wants to get any major legislation passed. This was, more or less, already done while the government was busy implementing the first parts of its infrastructure planning and assumption of assets from failed construction companies, and while this has been regarded as a success, the Transgender and Non-Binary Amendment Act has been the first strike of three before the government is constitutionally mandated to call new elections. This leaves the government having to become beholden to the NVP and NAB's fiscal and social conservatism, something which will inevitably damage the DAP's credibility as time progresses. In addition, trying to force through legislation will also see the government careening towards a snap election with the hopes of breaking the deadlock, and that in of itself is dangerous, especially given the governing coalition itself has the slimmest of margins in the lower house.

The alternative then is to make use of clauses in the constitution which allow the Chief Minister to call elections in either house within Parliament. Doing so is the lesser of three evils, given either position looks certain to end in defeat, especially if a snap election is called in which a double dissolution occurs and the focus is now on how many seats each party can get in the House of Assembly, which is the only majority that is required to form a government.

As with any decision, the pros and cons are to be weighed and while the risk is still present, a Senate election may at least tip the scales in favour of the government; if not an outright majority, then at least a reduction in the gap between the opposition and the government that would mean proactive discussions rather than DAP and Citizen's Alliance senators crawling to the offices of the NVP and NAB begging to get them to pass whatever legislation has been handed to them.

Calling a Senate election would be beneficial for the government given recent polling has put support of the DAP at 43%, the NVP at 40%, NAB at 10% and the Citizen's Alliance at five percent, which has the potential to swing even further in favour of the NVP if polling continues its upwards trend. But with the NVP in an enviable position of power, and having come off the back of a successful retention of a seat in the House of Assembly, not to mention Robert Marten found to have not engaged in acts of bribery by a jury of his peers (a decision by the jury which I am sure is the winner for hottest take of the year), any decision would have to be made showing momentum clearly in the government's favour. And with next year's budget facing a Senate that isn't banding together as an act of rare multipartisanship, calling an election is in the best interests of the government.

So how could the government win or reduce the deficit of seats? It has an outside chance of winning ten seats from the opposition, so it needs to focus on the reduction of the opposition's majority. Senate seats are based primarily on population but cover a much greater number of voters, and tend to differ by province. The DAP would need to concentrate on marginal seats as well as in Mahaika, where the DAP took the most votes for the first time. Mahaika's Senate seats cover the same areas which ever so slightly flipped red in the general election. It's also where the DAP gained two seats from the NVP, so further gains could be made with the focus purely on Senate seat races.

That being said, it's not without it's perils, and not without precedent. The last time a Senate election bad been called separately from a general election was in 1987, in which then Chief Minister Johnathan Keaton attempted to win back a majority in the Senate following the loss of two key seats in the 1985 general election, which saw the NVP's overall majority reduced thanks to infighting on the right and a resurgent DAP. Colloquially referred to as the "last roll of the dice", the election resulted in failure for the NVP as voters punished the party further. The end result was an NVP government that became impotent and unable to pass key legislation, and was promptly removed from power in 1989, ending four decades of NVP rule in Nuvania.

Since then, the voting public has favoured governments that have survived at least two terms, and have a broad bias in favour towards the DAP; in the 21 years since the turn of the millennium, thirteen of those years have been under a DAP government and seven under a NVP government. Both Arnold Hofmeyr and David Maritz got two terms and Robert Marten almost served a full second term, which indicates that the public also isn't fond of single term governments.

With this in mind, the government should seriously consider calling a Senate election next year, or face embarrassment at the polls if a snap election gets called.

OTHER OPINON

Pieter de Venter: Shangea's homosexuality ban highlights Euclea's soft power
Stuart Carlson: I drank coffee from a packet and it was disgusting
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Maisie Hattersley: I don't understand why I'm so white when I live in a tropical country
Sophie Kennedy: No, Satucin doesn't have deep fried alligators

by **The Holy Dominion of Inesea** » Tue Oct 26, 2021 11:28 am

by **Union of Akoren** » Thu Oct 28, 2021 9:39 am

by **Saul Volcano** » Fri Oct 29, 2021 6:13 pm

Tosuton Assembly passes bills to battle LP's national abortion law
Talia Caselles, SD member and Regional Premier of Tosutonia, and the SD-led regional government passed the bill today that goes against LP national abortion laws, are willing to take to court "if need be".
Jacinta Reynés (@JacintaRRMP) | 29 October 2021 | Precea

Talia Caselles and the Tosuton Assembly voting for abortion bill

Encerosa, Tosutonia: Today the SD-led government of Tosutonia proposed and voted on a bill that would approve government grants to private abortion clinics, as well as expand the definition of "life-threatening pregnancies" stated by the LP-led national government's recent abortion law and would effect it's extent in the region. The extent of the Tosuton "life-threatening pregnancy" rule would include abortions for minors, and those who cannot afford a child. This would greatly rule back the national law's extent onto the region. The bill passed the Tosuton Assembly with a 68-37 vote.

The Regional Premier said that "Today the land of Tosutonia will take a stand against the active war on women by the O Povo national government in Precea. We will make sure that abortion clinics in the region continue to grow in number, despite the national government's shutdown of many of our nationally-funded clinics. We will also allow the women's right to bodily autonomy resurge in freedom after the creation of the national law. As the sole region of Paretia not ruled by the far-right LP and Alt Party alliance, we will make sure that women's rights continues to stand in Paretia. Again, if need be, Tosutonia is willing to take this court if Cerqueira wants to, and there we will continue to fight for abortion rights."

The national leader of the Social Democrats, Esmeralda Falcão, defended the passing of the bill saying that "A moment of hope sprouts from Tosutonia, women must have the right to control their own body, and we back our friends in Encerosa today." The leader of the LP-led opposition in Tosutonia, Domènec Fortiana, stated today that "We have called upon our allies in Precea to help us stop this attack on life in Tosutonia, it completely goes against the national law and they must combat this, I have talked with Premier Cerqueira and we believe to fire back soon."

Premier Cerqueira has not yet spoken publicly on the passing of the bill, but they did shortly chirp this "The government of Tosutonia declares war on life!". Minister of Healthcare Mafalda Rodrigues today stated that "The government of Tosutonia wishes to take our government's bill and twist it's words to allow the killing of the unborn. We will likely take this to court, our bill is meant to protect life, not threaten it. It will happen soon, believe me." So far it appears the LP-led government will attempt to fight this, likely legally.

In regards to the legal situation of the bill, a court battle would turn into a decision of regional vs national powers and in this case, healthcare, the constitution of Paretia is quite vague on this area, and has little detail on which has more say on the matter. This would become a very heated court battle as it would likely decide the fate of healthcare and ultimately the LP government or regional government's role on abortion law.

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Public Media Network of Paretia

In Other News:
COIUS - Shangea bans LGBT in media
COIUS - Situation in Yemet furthers
EUCLEA - Etruria telecommunication nationalization
EUCLEA - Gaullican and Etruria NGOs condemn Shangean LGBT ban
COIUS - Zorasani forces engage with groups in Yemet

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by **Nuvania** » Fri Oct 29, 2021 9:32 pm

Mining, Steel Leading Nuvania's Economic Recovery

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Willem Lion-Cachet (@WLionCachet)
30 October (1:23pm)|PIETERSBURG

The Akwero Coal Mine in eastern Kanaän is Nuvania's largest and the principal source of Nuvania's coal

After the economic shock of the Pico de Sangue eruption last year, Nuvania's economic recovery has begun according to revised forecasts for 2022 issued by the Reserve Bank, which show modest gains of 1.6% economic growth foe the first quarter of next year.

Suzanna Kersey, a spokesperson with the Reserve Bank, said that the forecasts were made due to a number of positive factors, namely the rise in commodity prices across the board.
"We've seen prices for a number of commodities rise over the last twelve months that point to increase price growth well into next year," she said. "Prices of metals and other minerals especially as well as steel prices, are likely to continue growing. The growth in prices will absolutely result in substantial gains for commodity exporters."

Kersey said that declines in other sectors of the Nuvanian economy were being offset by the increased value in the production and export of Nuvanian minerals and finished products, with the mining sector leading the way thanks to the aforementioned commodity price increases. Parts of the manufacturing sector are also driving economic growth due to price increases for aluminium and steel. She said that steel prices were driven up by the new Buy Euclean initiatives which have begun to have effects on the markets outside of the Euclean Community.
"Higher prices for steel in Euclea translates to higher prices on the international market for steel manufactured in Euclea and sold internationally," she said. "This will likely see consistent increases in steel prices throughout 2022, potentially becoming a long term trend."

Steel prices internationally have risen by 24% over the last twelve months, with aluminium prices rising by 38% due to increased demand driven by higher steel prices. Precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum are all up as well, increasing by six percent, nine percent, and five percent respectively. Copper and iron ore have also seen price increases, rising by 24% and 32%. For other minerals, prices have also increased across the board, including coal, which has seen the largest price rise over the last 12 months, with prices increasing by a staggering 177% since October last year.

These price increases have allowed Nuvania's largest minining and manufacturing companies to post significant profits for the first time in over five years, with Genstaal OBM, Nuvania's largest steel manufacturer, forecasting a profit of 9.59 billion shillings (€685 million) this year, nearly double that of the profit posted last year and significantly higher than any profits posted since 2015. Genstaal OBM spokesperson Alwyn Kurpershoek, said that the Buy Euclean initiative as well as generally reduced domestic demand meant that the company could sell more steel internationally and get higher prices.
"It's been an interesting combination of factors," he said. "There was a lot of talk about exports to Euclea being subjected to higher tariffs with 'Buy Euclean' policy, but the end result has been that we can now sell to non-Euclean customers with Euclean pricing, which as been a massive benefit for us and for other steel producers." Kurpershoek said that Buy Euclean hadn't made Euclean steel cheaper overall, but instead raised the price of steel on the international market as the Euclean Community is a large consumer of imported steel.
"It's good for producers and exporters but bad for importers."

High coal and iron ore prices have sustained the profitability of Nuvania's largest mining company Alkmaar, which earlier this year expanded its stake in the Akwero Coal Mine in eastern Kanaän to 30% as part of a gradual takeover of the mine. Increased demand for coal and iron ore has seen prices increase overseas and that has resulted in higher prices, according to Chief Operations Manager Johannes Swanepoel. Strong economic growth in industrialised and industrialising areas of Coius was behind the increase in prices, with a majority of Nuvanian coal and iron ore exports going to Coian states for the first time. Swanepoel said that the company was "extremely interested" in expanding its portfolio in Coius. Precious metals producer Douglas-Hyman and mining company VKM have also posted increased profits this year and expressed interests in either expanding into Coius or expanding extant investments there.

While high prices have been good for domestic growth, they haven't resulted in substantially larger exports from the mining and metals sector, with statistics from the Ministry of Trade and Businesses showing that so far the amount of exports of extracted mining products looks to be about the same as 2020 in terms of tonnage. However, the value of these exports is likely to increase to beyond the 322 billion shillings (€23 billion) they earned last year, accounting for around 15% of total exports in 2020. Of the major producers of refined metals and raw minerals in Nuvania, only VKM said it was looking to expand existing mines in Nuvania, particularly of copper. Suzanna Kersey believes that the lack of interest in expanding existing mines and production facilities is due to the large amount of financial investment and time spent working with provincial and central governments on obtaining consents. In some instances, the lack of substantial reserves would mean that any expansion would be financially prohibitive.
"Increasing some of the smaller mining operations would be difficult with the costs involved in getting permission for those expansions."

While rising material costs benefitted some parts of the Nuvanian economy, other sectors are taking a hit. Matthys Rynhardt, a spokesperson with the Motor Industry Association, said that increasing steel prices were going to become a problem in the future, especially if steel traded within the Asteria Inferior Common Market would begin to rise concurrent with international market prices.
"While we can still acquire steel from elsewhere within the common market for the time being, it's still a question of whether or not manufacturers within that market will continue to keep up the supply," he said. "This is especially pertinent because we're getting steel at a reduced price compared with steel on the open market, and so we're unsure about whether or not those manufacturers will go after the higher profit margins on the international market." Rynhardt said that despite slow domestic sales, automotive manufacturers were looking to capitalise on key export markets, where demand was much stronger. However, he said that it could change if the Buy Euclean policy was expanded to protect other manufacturing industries. Nearly 30% of Nuvanian vehicle exports going to Euclea.

Suzanna Kersey said that while the return to positive economic growth was good, she said that it came at the expense of industries that had the potential to expand workforces, and as such leading a recovery based on resource extraction came with its own set of risks that the government needed to mitigate, among which was the sudden decrease in commodity prices.
"The government needs to be aware that growth based on commodities is inherently unsustainable, and therefore driving growth needs to come from policies that promote sustainable economic growth."

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by **Nuvania** » Fri Oct 29, 2021 11:59 pm

International Edition

President To Amend Constitution To Expand Military Size

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Nasim Safar Saadeh (@NSSaadeh)
30 October (1:48pm)|AMASSINE

President Sadid Bassou Sharifi (file photo)

President Sadid Bassou Sharifi has announced today that he will amend the constitution to expand the size of the Beheran Armed Forces in order to meet the changing security landscape within eastern Rahelia and southern and western Bahia. The announcement was made at a press conference in the Ministry of Defence, where the new Minister of Defence, General Safin Maziz Guerouabi, was sworn in.

The President said that the move, which is unprecedented in the post civil war era, would see the size of the Armed Forces return to a level similar to the size of the armed forces prior to the outbreak of the civil war. He said that this was to ensure that Behera had enough military personnel to respond to the "multiple and serious threats" that Behera faced in neighbouring countries. In addition, it would allow Behera to become a "positive shining light" within north-central Coius, promoting peace and stability in regions wracked by civil war and brutal conflicts.
"If we are to secure ourselves and our friends, we must have the military capabilities to do so," the President said. "This can only be achieved by making amendments to the constitution which will allow us to achieve the goal of being the beacon of hope and peace within north-central Coius."

According to Article Three of the Constitution, any amendments made to it must be approved by 75% of the sitting members of the National Council of Behera, the upper house of the Parliament of Behera. If successful, the amendment proposed by the President would then allow for him to raise the numbers of soldiers, airmen, and other personnel in the Armed Forces substantially.

Constitutionally, the Beheran Armed Forces is limited to a total size of no more than 110,000 personnel, with these limits imposed on the central government as part of the peace process to end the civil war.

The President believes that these limitations are preventing Behera from being able to respond to security threats adequately, especially as Behera shares borders with seven different countries. In the south, the Makanian Conflict continues to create problems with thousands of refugees from neighbouring Mabifia inhabiting nearly two dozen refugee camps dotted across the southern border regions of Riafa and Zouara. Here, the Beheran Army and Air Force have been deployed in order to protect the refugee camps from bandits and rebel groups operating in the Makania region of northern Mabifia. Although the conflict has mostly simmered down, cross border raids and attacks by bandits and rebel groups are not uncommon. In the east, the civil war in Yemet threatens to destabilise eastern Behera, particularly as eastern areas were where much of the fighting during the civil war took place, and disputes between the Beheran and Yemeti governments continue. In the west, Behera's large border with Tsabara has made it especially vulnerable to attacks from rebel groups operating in the east of the country, and large numbers of Army and Air Force personnel have been deployed there to protect the estimated half a million refugees that have crossed the border into Behera since the Tsabaran Civil War broke out in January last year.

These commitments, particularly in areas where continued conflicts are occurring and where potential conflict could occur, have put significant strain on the Armed Forces and their capacity to deal with adverse events should they arise. Newly appointed Minister of Defence, General Safin Maziz Guerouabi, said that he had spoken with local military commanders who were concerned that their capacity to deal with larger outbreaks of violence in these regions would be "severely limited". Despite this, General Guerouabi he had confidence in the capacity of the Armed Forces to deal with any and all border incursions or raids by any armed groups, and said that the proposed amendments would "vastly improve Behera's safety and security."
"I do not doubt that increasing our military capabilities, including adding personnel to our Army and Air Force, would vastly improve our ability to respond to threats to our security," he said. "More personnel would allow us to present a more intimidating face to those who wish to do us harm."

The President said that he would consult with the parties lying outside of the government on the matter. Although the governing party, the Beheran National Congress, has a majority, it does not possess the numbers needed to pass amendments to the constitution.

OTHER NEWS

Zorasani Supreme Assembly grands military control over Yemet intervention
Military revolt in Midira Province creates new threats for Yemeti government
General Guerouabi will improve benefits for military families
Drought conditions worsen in Riafa and Zouara regions
Aid groups say CN "severely underestimating" Tsabaran refugee numbers

by **-AlEmAnNiA-** » Sat Oct 30, 2021 9:04 pm

by **Xiaodong** » Sun Oct 31, 2021 7:24 pm

Politicians and activists across Shangea endorse new public morality law as Legislative Council bring it to a vote
1 November 2021| By Fu Bingbing

Mayor of Rongzhuo Tang Shanyuan speaking to members of the League for Patriotic Families

RONGZHUO - Ahead of the Legislative Council voting on a law banning representation of homosexuality and other sexual deviancy in Shangean media various civic activist groups and politicians have endorsed the new law staging a demonstration in Rongzhuo in support of the legislation.

"Homosexuality is unconstitutional" Rongzhuo mayor Tang Shanyuan told a crowd at an event organised by the League of Patriotic Families. "Its the duty of every healthy Shangean to provide the motherland with a family. It is not natural to skirt from that right, to deny the motherland a child so you can participate in moral deviance. Our children must be protected from this immorality and taught the principles of healthy, normal relationships."

"We won't allow barbarians to engineer the decline of the great motherland. Shangea will stand strong against such degeneracy!" Tang ended his speech to cheers from the assembled.

The League is one of many grassroots civic organisations, formed often by parents and community organisers, that seek to strengthen local communities and end anti-social behaviour such as violent crime. According to League co-founder Zheng Yingjie a lack of positive male role models in some communities has been a "decisive factor" in leading to such behaviour.

"You look on television, and you see these effeminate men, often foreign pop stars or actors, who aren't a positive role model for our young men" Zheng said. "As such you see boys and young men lack the discipline or moral compass to really participate in society, and either become weak or violent. Its not right that young men aren't being steered towards positive, male role models. So getting rid of perverts and homosexuals from the media will help show boys what not to be."

Many of these activists see foreign condemnation of the law as proof that outside forces want to weaken Shangea. "Why are we being targeted for protecting ourselves from degeneracy?" Jiang Ruolan told us. "Other countries like Etruria have also fought against the homosexual agenda, yet never got criticised for it to the same extent. Its typical Senrian and Euclean double standards."

"If they do say it makes Shangea less like them - good! Modern Euclea is totally morally debased. We will never surrender to deviants like they have".

The Legislative Council is expected to endorse the new law this week. According to a poll 77% of Shangeans support the new law with 12% against and 11% undecided.

by **Etruria2** » Mon Nov 01, 2021 3:39 pm

Foreign Minister Paolo Galba proclaims “golden age of relations” with Soravia during visit to Samistopol
Agreements made to boost trade, as well as major agreement signed between Patriot's Front and Tribune Movement
POLITICHE by Gavrillo Fillipo Carletto

01 November, 2021

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Paolo Galba has held talks with his Soravian counterpart Illarion Belovol.

Foreign Minister for Foreign Affairs, Paolo Galba has held talks with his Soravian counterpart Illarion Belovol. Among the matters discussed were efforts to increase bi-lateral trade, future economic agreements between Etruria and Samorspi. However, the bright point of the visit was the signing of a formal agreement between the Tribune Movement and the Patriot’s Front, Soravia’s ruling party. The Foreign Minister has described Etruria’s relations with western Euclea’s great power as a “true sea change, we are witnessing a golden age of relations.” He made the comments at a joint press conference with his counter-part Illarion Belovol, and further said, “throughout much of our modern history, relations between Etruria and Soravia have often been tense, a rivalry running back to the 19th century. But today, the 21st century has seen a transformation, it is the view of the Etrurian government at least, that we are the two pillars of Euclean and Sotirian civilisation in this continent.”

The meeting between the two foreign ministers resulted in a series of agreements, including promises to begin negotiations, both bi-lateral between Etruria and Soravia, and multi-lateral, between Etruria and Samorspi. The bi-lateral agreements include talks to extend the Tarpeian pipeline into Novalia, to enable greater import of oil and gas from Soravia, lessening Etruria’s reliance on northern Coius and Rahelia.

Construction of the pipeline into Tarpeia is near completion according to the Federal Ministry for Energy and Resource Development. Numerous business analysts believe that further extensions could aid the Tribune government in further reducing energy costs for households and businesses, a major plank of their platform in 2016, 2018 and this year’s election.

The two ministers also agreed to establish bi-lateral negotiations on mutual reduction of tariffs on goods. Foreign Minister Galba said, “there is always room for further economic cooperation and integration. By mutual reducing tariffs on select goods, we can establish a win-win scenario for our peoples and our economies.”

Also discussed with closer cooperation between Etruria and the wider Samorspi organisation. Soravia’s Illarion Belovol was keen to promote multi-lateral agreements between the bloc and Etruria. The agreement reached was for Soravia to propose talks between Etruria and the Samorspi praesidium of heads of state.

Foreign Minister Galba praised his counter-part’s proposal saying, “this is a logical step for both Etruria and the nations of the west. Etruria already enjoys closer ties with West Miersa, to see that progress replicated with all members of Samorspi would be beneficial for all sides.”

Right-leaning think tanks in Etruria have long called for closer economic ties between Etruria and Tengaria, which could serve as a vital gateway for Etrurian exports to Samorspi. The Institute for a Maritime Renaissance proposed a €2.1 billion investment in Ghiutrave, Tarpeia’s port-capital city to expand its serviceable capacity, ostensibly to boost links between the city and Tengaria.

Though the most surprising development was the signing of a formal friendship agreement between Soravia’s Patriot’s Front and the Tribune Movement. Among the provisions of the inter-party agreement are, agreement to hold joint policy consultations, exchange of experience of legislative work, work towards development of economic ties and "party building". Annual join-conferences, round tables and foreign policy seminars are also included under the agreement.

Foreign Minister Galba said, “this inter-party agreement marks a major milestone. The Patriot’s Front and the Tribune Movement share many commonalities, both in beliefs, aims and ideals. We both seek a strong Euclean civilisation and we both seek our Sotirian faith guiding our politics, be it from the Episemalist or Catholic point of view.

“As a proud Tribune, I am happy to include the Patriot’s Front alongside the Patron League and Napzrod as allies of the Euclean Sotirian movement” he said further.

Etrurian-Soravian reproachment goes ever deeper

Witnessing first hand the reproachment between Etruria and Soravia is truly a marvel to behold. Throughout much of Etruria’s history from even as far back as the revolution and First Republic, there has been an inherent anti-Soravianism. The First Republic depicted Soravia as the “great schismatic demon”, forever seeking to turn Etruria’s “unfortunate Episemalists” into agents of expansionism. The Caltrini monarchy, ever fearful of being overthrown by lingering republicans continued that thought. The Second Republic limited its anti-Soravianism to the view that “Samistopol desires dominion over all Euclea, through envy of the Easts’ inherent superiority.” The Greater Solarian Republic depicted Soravia as the “true enemy of Solarian Euclea, the great Marolevic horde hellbent on the annihilation of its betters.” The Third Republic depicted Soravia as the “inspiration of all Marolev citizens in rebellion.” The Military Dictatorship at least praised Soravia for “waging unrelenting war on Councilisim”, the Fourth Republic until 2016 depicted Soravia as the “illiberal democracy and potent threat to Eastern liberal democracy, plurality and liberty.” Under the Tribune Movement, it has radically changed.

“Soravia is not Etruria’s enemy, nor can we say with any seriousness that Episemalism is the root cause of disquiet among our western states”, President Francesco Carcaterra said back in 2013. Fast forward eight years and a sea change has been unleashed. The Tribune Movement’s euclospectism wasn’t solely rooted in doubting the benefits of EC membership, it was also rooted in what Carcaterra also described as the “divergence in identities.”

“As the East turns on itself, in self-loathing, historic guilt, white guilt, Sotirian guilt, Etruria says no. Who else says no? Soravia, the Euclean West says no. If that is the destiny of Euclea, then so be it. Etruria shall look west to those who regret nothing, hate nothing and loath nothing of itself” the President said last year. What has followed is a true transformation of ties, under the establishment parties, no pipeline nor cheaper energy would be on offer. Under the establishment parties, Etruria would still parrot the same condemnations and hysterical criticisms screeched from the East.

Instead, Etruria and Soravia are witnessing a very deep reproachment, a recognition of much deeper commonalities that diminish past fallacies. This is resulting in greater bi-lateral trade, investments and cooperation between Povelia and Samistopol, perhaps the reason for the Continental hitjob attempt this Spring.
No doubt this reproachment will lead to further developments and improvement in ties. A much-needed development as the East falls to social democracy and impotence.

© Altrio Media. 2021

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by **The Kingdom of Glitter** » Tue Nov 02, 2021 4:55 pm

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

PROMINENT CALDISH PERSONALITIES RALLY AGAINST SHANGEAN ANTI-LGBT+ LAW

Caldish pop group DEO was among the first to announce a boycott of venues in Shangea.

By SORCHA BREAC

2 November 2021 at 16:56 p.m. EST

In response to a anti-LGBT+ law pushed by the Shangean government, Caldish media personalities have come out against the measure. Many celebrities and high-profile politicians have condemned the law, which declares homosexuality as "unconstitutional". Pressure is also being applied to the Caldish government to respond with force.

Among those who have spoken out are pop group DEO. The group recently canceled performances at venues in Shangea, announcing a boycott and calling on other foreign performers to follow suit.

The group, which is touring after a re-release of their most popular songs, released a statement condemning the Shangnea government as "bigoted" and said that they could not "in good faith perform" in the world's most populous country.

Sinéad Nic Dhiarmaid, who is a member of the group, published an individual statement that she felt so strongly because she is married to another woman.

"This is an attack on the personal freedom of individuals to live their lives and be their authentic selves. It is a disgrace and one that I cannot enable".

She added that she was grateful for the support of her fellow DEO members, thanking them for "standing against tyranny".

Other performers who have announced they will not perform include Ashling, a former government minister and Euclovision star, the Duchess, Eithne, Me2, Caoimhín Wiles, Tenic Women, and Alaois Mac Toimin, who used to be in a relationship with King Kenneth IV.

Many of these celebrities have called on the Mac Suibhne government to bring the issue before the Community of Nations. A petition, which has collected over 15,000 signatures, is circulating that asks the Caldish government to argue that the Shangnean government is in violation of the Declaration of Universal Natural Rights.

For its part, the Caldish government has condemned the law. A statement released by the taoiseach's office called the law "barbaric" and urged the Shangean government to change course. An official from the Ministry of International Investment and Cooperation also said that the government would be putting together recommendations for Caldish businesses on how to approach business with Shangea going forward. The Caldish embassy in Rongzhuo is also set to fly the rainbow flag, a symbol of LGBT+ individuals, indefinitely.

In addition to the civilian government, a statement released by the palace indicated that senior members of the Caldish Royal Family would no longer conduct diplomatic business with Shangean officials. Instead, this would be delegated to more junior members of the family or members of the civil government.

The Caldish response has earned backlash in Shangea. Perhaps the most prominent example is from Yuan Qinqin, who is the deputy premier and daughter of Yuan Xiannian, Shangea's senior-most leader. In a statement made earlier today, she referred to Caldish citizens upset with the law "degenerate crybabies" and reiterated government talking points that this was a domestic matter of public morality.

It is yet to be seen how Taoiseach Stiofán Mac Suibhne proceeds going forward, but government sources indicate he is treating the matter seriously and will cooperate with Euclean leaders on the issue.

Comments [163] |

by **Union of Akoren** » Tue Nov 02, 2021 5:26 pm

ANALYSIS| Tensions mount between Zorasan’s “civilian government” and all-powerful military
A media briefing war has erupted between the ruling National Renovation Front and the military as First Minister Farzad Akbari takes his complaints public
03 Nov 2021
Zahedan - Zorasan- Tensions appear to be mounting between Zorasan’s civilian leadership and the military over the Yemet intervention and the growing antagonistic theatrics of the military owned state media outlets. Last night, during a visit to the Union Republic of Ajad, First Minister Farzad Akbari told party officials, “we must be ready to hold firm against efforts by other elements of the Union State to draw the nation toward a self-destructive disaster.” His words have unleashed a bitter war of words, visible if one looks for it and it spells trouble.

First Minister Farzad Akbari (L) with First Marshal Ashavazdar Golzadari.

Context – Zorasan, the riddle wrapped in an enigma, hidden by smokes and mirrors

To apply context first, it is important to remember that while on the face of it, Zorasan is one of the world’s few one-party states – a totalitarian and repressive construct, but in reality it is the world’s largest national security states, with true power resting in the hands of the military, all behind the pompous edifice of the one-party state under the National Renovation Front. The military, as the gatekeeper and custodian of Sattarism is the primary source for repression; mass surveillance, the AKHID secret police, the Hasedar prison system and of course, the mass disappearances. Constitutionally, it holds the power to veto candidates for senior party-state positions, has sole authority over defence and internal security policy and can veto foreign policy decisions. The NRF for its part, exists to govern over the nation on a day-to-day, mundane basis and to provide cover for the military and its cult-like position within wider society.

In 2005, when the military used a popular revolt against a liberal and reformist generation of NRF leadership in the Turfan, to essentially stage a coup d’etat and halt Zorasan’s descent into a more progressive, if still authoritarian state of governance. Since, the NRF and military have operated in lock-step, consensus being the top priority in decision making, but that now appears to be breaking down. Though the NRF is dominated by ideological hardliners, it remains laser focused on economic development, growth and dealing with the varying socio-economic issues plaguing Zorasan, the military, though supportive does not see this focus and exerting Zorasan’s burgeoning national power as mutually exclusive and herein lies the growing schism.

How Tsabara broke the relationship

Much has been made of Tsabara’s descent into civil war since Zorasan first indicated it would provide direct support for Yemet’s Retta Iskinder. What is not stressed enough is the impact the November Coup; that overthrew the pro-Zorasani government of Yahya Aboud, had on the Zorasani military. The NRF government was blindsided, but ultimately it sought to continue onward, focusing on the socio-economic issues undermining Zorasan’s economic growth, the military for its part, saw the coup as a grotesque Euclean assault upon the Union’s interests. What fuels the military’s fears is the scenario in which Nazim Al-Qutayni’s government restores federal control over the entire country, and in the process, dedicates his country to the will of Euclea. A pro-Euclean democracy on Zorasan’s northern border is simply unacceptable to the generals, as Tsabara also serves as a major steppingstone for the wider strategy of integrating Rahelia’s economies into Zorasan. This stark schism over the true threat posed by Tsabara’s descent into hell is made manifest by both action and rhetoric – the NRF government speaks more of the refugee problem and the need for a negotiated settlement to the civil war, eager to limit confrontation with Euclea for the sake of trade and growth, the military quietly, mostly through its mouthpieces in state media, regularly questions what Zorasan’s red line would be for intervention.

The military, with its own vast business empire is not dismissive of development or growth, in fact, some of Zorasan’s more novel and successful economic reforms were championed by the politician-generals, though ultimately for the military, greater economic growth means more national power, more money for defence and the continued rise of Zorasan as one of the world’s major powers. While the military concedes on the need for growth, this should not hobble the country’s ability to exert its influence or strength in defence of interests, be they economic or security. The intervention in Yemet is the marker for this position, while the NRF government reportedly doubted the benefits, the military seemingly argued that unless they aid Iskinder, the Prosperity Project signed last year with Mabifia and Yemet would go up in smoke, while Iskinder could either turn to Euclea for aid, or worse, be replaced with a pro-Euclean figurehead.

History repeating itself

The critical words of Zorasan’s head of government last night may seem tame to citizens of a liberal democracy, the concerned words of a man who perhaps prefers a dovish approach against a multitude of hawks, however, in Zorasan, this is far from tame. In fact, Akbari and to some degree, State President Vahid Isfandiar have both made comments indicating an NRF-opposition to military adventurism. Last month, Akbari said when visiting refugee camps in Irvadistan, “it is vital that we approach key regional issues with a calm mindset, we cannot lash out in impotent rage at events outside of our control, less we forget our national priorities.”

A briefing war has erupted between the NRF and military via their respective outlets in the vast state media apparatus, with the “Garden of Truth” an outlet owned by the Irfanic clergy describing the NRF leadership as “increasingly lame and anchored in place by a desire for navel gazing as thousands of Irfani burn.” The military’s “Banner of Victory” newspaper wrote last week, “it is lamentable that the party of the Union Fathers would be so cautious in the exercising of our right as a sovereign nation to take action in defence of our interests. The leadership today must do more to live up to the legacy of their predecessors.” The NRF controlled newspaper Alik, yesterday wrote, “the duty of the Union Government since the Turfan has been the dedication of all resources to the development of the economy, lifting citizens out of poverty, building the economy fit for this century. It would be a great transgression if one element of the Union Government denied this through foolish action and rhetoric.”

In a country where the media exists solely to celebrate the successes and progress of the Union, these kind of exchanges were once the preceding events of the Turfan, when the clergy and military united to denounce the reformist NRF of “undermining the Irfanic-Sattarist way of life.” However, unlike the Turfan or its preceding months, senior military officials are avoiding public criticism or condemnation of Isfandiar-Akbari generation, behind closed doors it is likely very different.

If this internecine skirmish continues, it will likely lead to a dramatic climax. The Zorasani military never countenances a renegade NRF, nor does it ever seek for divisions to become public ever again. Under the First Marshal of the Union, Ashavazdar Golzadari and the pitbullish General Sadavir Hatami, the military is likely to move swiftly and decisively to restore the status quo of a compliant NRF, present to exercise and aid the whims of the military. But in Akbari and Isfandiar, they find popular opponents, both are calm, seemingly friendly authoritarians who have an innate talent for addressing issues raised by the general populace with dispatch and competence, if the military takes such a decisive step to restore the status-quo, they’d struggle to find viable alternatives, how the military restores its primacy without removing these two from office will be a very small needle to thread.

@ Coian Monitor 2021

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