Noctur Press Association [CLOSED, Noctur Only]

by **Radiatia** » Thu Oct 01, 2015 3:38 am

ABOUT US

The Noctur Press Association is a not-for-profit news co-operative which is collectively owned by every news organisation, broadcaster and journalist who is part of its membership and headquartered in Exegrad, Alayenia.

The NPA operates all across Noctur including in every state of the Radiatian Federation and has a presence throughout much of the world. It is neither state-owned nor privately owned, but all news organisations which become a member of the NPA (whether they are state-owned or privately owned themselves) gain for themselves an equal stake in the ownership of the company.

The NPA proudly boasts that 75% of its staff are journalists, and that it has a proud record for independence, reliability and a strong network and embrace of technology that has meant it has consistently broken news faster than any other news organisation in Noctur, and has been the model for many other similar co-operatives.

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CONTACT US

by **Radiatia** » Thu Oct 01, 2015 4:53 am

RESTERBURY LEGALISES RECREATIONAL CANNABIS

October 2 LET 56 Last updated 00:02 Exegrad Standard Time

KUWESTANBUL, RESTERBURY
Resterbury has become the fourth Radiatian state to legalise the recreational usage of marijuana, despite facing a legal challenge from the federal government.

_{Resterbury becomes the fourth state to legalise marijuana}

Premier Hoshi Scarlett (SDU) signed the bill into law, following a series of scandals in which senior members of the Resterbury State Parliament, including the Premier, were charged with illegal possession and consumption of the drug.

Resterbury was one of the first states to legalise medicinal marijuana, and now follows three other states - including Alayenia, Radiatia's largest state - in fully legalising the drug.

The law, which was originally designed as a retroactive law which would legalise the drug "for Members of the Resterbury State Parliament or Executive Branch and immediately annul any outstanding legal difficulties for such individuals" was expanded to all citizens of the state after several backbench MSPs of both parties, who had not been caught in the cannabis scandals, threatened to block the bill.

"This bill is a disgusting example of corruption," Said Resterbury MSP Paul Dinkle (LCP). "And I'm all for it if the people and businesses of Resterbury benefit from it. Otherwise, this is the ultimate example of one rule for government and another rule for ordinary Radiatians."

The Fyoderov Administration reaffirmed its "tough on drugs" stance, with Attorney-General Paulina Reuter vowing that the federal government will continue to press for legal injunctions against those states which have "for any reason legalised the dangerous and destructive drug cannabis."

This follows a case in which a company in Saskenya attempted to open a "heroin clinic" which promoted the 'health benefits' of heroin as being "good for the skin, pain relief and a sense of general well-being."

The company in question are presently fighting the federal government in the Supreme Court, arguing that attempting to ban drugs represents an infringement of the constitutional right to do business.

A spokesman for the Supreme Court admitted that while no such constitutional amendment existed, "this company are paying us millions of Tsenyens and as such we're willing to let them drag it out and give it a fair hearing."

A spokesman for the Cannabis Growers of Radiatia Association has urged cannabis growers and supporters of the legalisation to act counter-intuitively and donate to President Fyoderov's re-election campaign.

"In LET 44 Guns 'R Us donated generously to Keldon Silviu's election campaign and despite his public opposition to guns, he quietly loosened restrictions on firearms. We believe President Fyoderov can be bought... err, I mean, persuaded to act in a similar way."

- RPNN

Nellie (Kelburn, New Vashura)
4 HOURS AGO
I'm against marihuana because my brother died from too much canabis. It fell off his shelf and crushed him to death.

204 likes

Janet (Taigluntz, Alayenia)
2 HOURS AGO
Legalising cannabis is WRONG WRONG WRONG!! there used to be a time when Radiatian states banned alcohol but now this!? DISGUSTING!!

10 likes

Gayguy (Das Engel, Amentra)
3 HOURS AGO
Medicinal marijuana helped me with my anxiety so I don't think the government should be banning it. Man I'm hungry though.

102 likes

by **Aazeronia** » Thu Oct 01, 2015 9:43 am

ANN

Lord Farcroft Appointed To Chancellory

Lord and Lady Farcroft

AAZERON - In a formal announcement to the press earlier today, Lord Farcroft, Matthias Vaalian, was named the new Chancellor of Aazeronia.

The Chancellor is second only in power under the emperor and presides of the House of Lords. Meaning that, without a significant opposition from the House of Vulgars and the Imperial Diet, Lord Farcroft's politics could soon become the politics and direction of the Imperium.

His appointment comes at a time when there is a rising level of nationalism amongst the Aazeronian people. Lord Farcroft has been known to harbor conservative political viewpoints and is someone who will put the good of his nation above all others. In response to several concerned citizen, a number of whom are not ethnic Aazeronians, Lord Farcroft has stated that, while he has every intention of expanding the armed forces and military budget, he will not allow the nation to become an aggressor on the world stage. His focus he says is at home first.

In other news...
- Negotiations with Radiatia set to introduce more industry to the Aazeronia
- Protest over rising nationalism in strong Crataan ethnic communities
- Leaders in the Tourism Board predict drop in profits as nationals take to the streets

by **Nui-ta** » Thu Oct 01, 2015 7:14 pm

NNN - Nui-tan News Network

Nui-ta to Enter Naval Border Negotiations with Hadin

RAKHU CITY, RAKHU, 16:45 NST, October 2nd LET 56

With tensions escalating once again between Nui-ta and Hadin, Chancellor Desden Haur has called for diplomatic negotiations to address the latest problem: disagreements on naval boundaries on the surrounding shores of western Hadin and western Nui-ta.

While it's safely assumed that Nui-ta lays claim to the southern waters of the Karasian Archipelago, and Hadin the northern waters, the waters between the two main islands are hotly contested. Until recently, both governments have accepted a dividing line at the Strait of Ar'dul, with the exception of two small deviations.

1. "The Ar'Dul Slant", an imaginary southeast line between the east coast of Hephazi, and the southeast waters of the island of Suile-Blan (Hadinian land). The accommodation was made to account for a small portion of Hadinian land which cuts close to the dividing line.

2. "The Yevzar Inlet", an accommodation made due to the Cape of Yevzar rising over the Strait of Ar'dul. Hadin and Nui-ta both control 50 kilometers from all land surfaces, with a small inlet between the two being an international area. Hadinian and Nui-tan ships both come into contact regularly on this No Man's Land, but interactions have been peaceful. International ships from across the world also regularly enter through this area, moving into Hadinian or Nui-tan water-space as their allegiances and destinations dictate.

The dividing line is now being contested at New Zanzes. Hadinian claims at their southwestern border respect the western shores of the Nui-tan island, but cut southwest of the line when entering the bay of mainland Zanzes. The most hotly contested area is a very small strip of ocean with an area of approximately 100 kilometers, just north of New Zanzes --- an area also claimed by Nui-ta. These new claims have not been added into a mutual agreement between Hadin and Nui-ta, the LET 33 "Hadinian/Nui-tan Waterspace Control Treaty", which was amended in LET 50 to address the problems with waterspace distribution along the Strait of Ar'Dul, as well as Nui-tan claims to New Zanzes.

Details on the negotiations have not been released yet, although a spokesman for the Chancellor's office has stated that the government is awaiting a response from Hadin.

Red Landmass: Hadin
Blue Landmass: Nui-ta
Pink and light blue areas are mutually acknowledged claims, settled upon within the LET 33 "Hadinian/Nui-tan Waterspace Control Treaty"
Yellow Landmass: Zanzes-controlled land, unexplored since the governmental fall of the Zanzeanic Empire
Purple Landmass: Tierra Azure
Lilac areas: New areas claimed by Hadin, contested by Nui-ta as being international waterspace.
Dark blue strip: New areas claimed by Hadin, contested by Nui-ta as being Nui-tan waterspace.
Orange-red areas: New areas claimed by Hadin, uncontested by Nui-ta.

Comments have been disabled on this article

In Other News
- Aazeronia Appoints New Chancellor
- OPINION: Marijuana, State Jurisdictions, and Fyoderov
- Traiyan Silviu Day Celebrations Pass in Radiatia
- Environmental Authorities Calling for Update to Yevzar Mining Industry Policies

by **Nui-ta** » Sun Oct 04, 2015 12:40 am

NNN - Nui-tan News Network

Waterspace - and Airspace - Border Negotiations with Hadin Peacefully Underway.

RAKHU CITY, RAHKU 06:21 NST, October 4th, LET 56

A spokesman for Chancellor Desden Haur's office has said that the Chancellor's office is "pleased to confirm" that border talks, conducted over a series of secure video calls, are "going smoothly".

"The Chancellor is satisfied with the results of the talks thus far, and feels a peaceful solution to the problem can be expected within the week's end," the spokesman's statement continued on to say.

Although full information on the content of the talks has yet to be released, preliminary reports from both Nui-tan and Hadinian authorities indicate that the talk not only encompasses waterways, but airspace control issues as well. The two islands have not shared a land border since territorial distributions at the end of the Partition in LET 27. In LET 32, after a four month civil war between rogue political parties in Hadin, and a joint Nui-tan/Radiatian coalition, the Northern Island was recognized as an independent country.

LET 33 saw a treaty defining Nui-tan/Hadinian land, water, and air boundaries. The treaty was amended in LET 50 to address issues with the Strait of Ar'Dul and New Zanzes. It is expected that the final outcome of the newest talks will become new amendments for the standing treaty.

Although the specific terms of each point have not been confirmed, talks included the following concerns.

Uneven distribution of Nui-tan and Hadinian waterspace, particularly along the Nar'ha-tal channels.
Ease of access for international ships through both sides of the archipelago.
The continuing use of the current dividing lines.
Airspace control in the area encompassing southern Hadin and northern Nui-ta --- for ease of international flight paths outside the Karasian Archipelago.
Compliance of new set terms within international law.

A successful negotiation between the two countries would mark the first joint venture between the two countries in history, since talks are rumored to go beyond the topic of division of land, water, and airspace, and discuss co-operation between the two countries in managing said space effectively. Proponents of a compromise are enthralled with the possibility of a thawing of frosty relations in the Karasian climate. Opponents, on the other hand, say that a compromise that is too lenient to Hadinian bids for more water and airspace may serve to infringe upon Nui-tan movement in the archipelago.

TOP COMMENTS

Augmentate401 301 likes 251 dislikes

My problem is not that Nui-ta and Hadin are trying to achieve some level of diplomacy. We all know the two countries surely need it. My problem is that the one responsible for managing the diplomatic crisis is our overly left-wing, spineless Chancellor Desden Haur. The Keldon Silviu of Nui-ta...but somehow less forceful, if that's possible.

PeacefulOne1 204 likes 407 dislikes

We are really to mean to Hadin. Just let them have the water. Better than starting a war, right?

CenterParty4ever 267 likes 356 dislikes
Are you kidding? I understand everything the Hadinians claimed above the line at Ar'Dul, but some of those new claims dip into waterspace we already claimed AND negotiated over a treaty six years ago. If they were so unhappy about that part, why wait until now? They should just be stopped at the Ar'Dul line. The only exception should be the uneven line at the Strait, because Suile-Blan dips below that, and even I admit the Hadinians can't move mountains around. That's their one plausible exception.

In Other News
- OPINION: Controversial Women's Rights Trial In Hadin - What It Means For Nui-tan Women
- A New Life in New Zanzes
- SCIENCE: New Evidence Suggests 'Superflu' Version of Kacha Helped Topple Zanzes

by **Radiatia** » Mon Oct 05, 2015 1:46 am

WE SPENT THE SAME AMOUNT OF MONEY ON FACT-CHECKERS THAT YOU SPENT TO READ THIS!

GREGORI FYODEROV REVEALED TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR FALL OF RPSU!
STATUE OF TRAIYAN SILVIU TO BE REPLACED WITH STATUE OF GREGORI FYODEROV!

By Sarah McDougall on October 5th LET 56

XERCONIA, FCT ---- Leaked documents from R-SOD have revealed, among other things, that President Gregori Fyoderov is single-handedly responsible for the collapse of the Radiatian People's Socialist Union.

MOST POPULAR:

ALIEN NEWS:

Beauty contestant disqualified
for not declaring the fact she
was really an alien in disguise

HOT GIRL OF THE WEEK:

Miriam Esser likes wearing high
heels on her hands not her feet

WEIRD BUT TRUE!

Goat born with two bodies
but no heads.

Gregori "God" Fyoderov adds the fall of the RPSU to his long list of achievements

A source within R-SOD has confirmed that the President - who is actually a godlike being from the 6th dimension - was the sole individual responsible for the fall of the RPSU.

"The pro-democracy forces had absolutely no ability to fight off the Liberation Army and I'm surprised more people haven't picked up on this," Said the source who wishes to remain anonymous. "The truth is that it was Gregori Fyoderov's supernatural abilities that won the civil war and forced the hand of the communists."

Fyoderov, who is known to be modest and self-deprecating, decided to credit a local shapeshifting alien lizard named Traiyan Silviu with the fall of the RPSU, and lived a mostly anonymous life in Jingyurin before becoming an MP at the unusually young age of 26.

But with the truth revealed, it is but another achievement in the impressive record of the first Radiatian President to ever visit Tuthina, the President responsible for an upswing in the economy and whose balanced but firm stance on foreign policy has won him the praise of even his enemies. Indeed, Fyoderov's approval ratings continue to be stratospherically high.

The Federal Parliament has already voted to tear down the colossal statue of Traiyan "the Pretender" Silviu in Exegrad and replace it with one of Fyoderov.

The President finally admitted his achievements in a comment to The Daily Tabloid, in the middle of solving world poverty and hunger in an environmentally and economically sustainable way.

"I've tried to keep this secret but I suppose I can hold it no more..." He said. "The truth is, yes, I am the greatest President of all time."

However, Senate Majority Leader Josko Ivers [SDU] has stated he vehemently disagrees with Fyoderov's statement.

"He is not the greatest President of all time, that's absolutely wrong," Said Ivers. "He's the greatest man of all time! He's just being modest yet again..."

Ivers has said that most of the internal divisions within the Social Democratic Union stem from the fact that "the entire Social Democratic Caucus secretly worships Gregori Fyoderov as a god" and "we just can't pretend to find faults in a President who, clearly, has none!"

But with the truth known, Red Noctur should live in fear of the supernatural judgement of Fyoderov.

Afterall, he is responsible for the downfall of three of Noctur's most notorious communist regimes: the RPSU, North Segland and the administration of Keldon Silviu.

© LET 56 The Daily Tabloid

COMMENTS (1003)

Sort by: Date Rating Last Activity

GREGORI IS GOD - 3 hours ago

+20

I've been saying for YEARS that Fyoderov is a God! And damn straight he crushed Keldon the Kommunist!

Megamum - 2 hours ago

-4

Who the hell actually supports Fyoderov!? He is the most corrupt, corporate/military-industrial controlled, dishonest President I think we've ever had. He's worse than Derro Vahnsehn, because at least Vahnsehn attempted to help the poor instead of shafting them off to war like Fyoderov does.

Sock - 1 hour ago

+2

Apparently one of Fyoderov's family members works for the Daily Tabloid in case anyone is wondering about the obvious bias.

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by **Algrabad** » Mon Oct 05, 2015 6:10 am

صوت للثورة عز وجل

Voice of the Almighty Revolution

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Xerox Edition

Higgins-Brown Imperialists engage in Futile Efforts to claim Buffer Zone for Themselves - Patriotic Revolutionary Guard shows them the penalty is Death!

The Department of National Unity today informed the nation of a number of military incidents in the Buffer Zone on Wednesday. The Higgins-Brownite reactionary leader Brian Treacy, in a bid to avoid being removed from office for incompetency by even-more reactionary factions, directed militants to attack legally-constituted Algrabadi military outposts in the Buffer Area, which is sovereign Algrabadi territory.

A vicious assault was carried out on Station No. 45 in the province of Qaghed. 4 Algrabadi patriots were killed in the initial action, and the station put under siege. Reinforcement by neighbouring garrisons fought back the invaders - 19 of whom died in the excise of their innoble deeds. This is notably an area formerly under the imperial control of the Higgins-Brownite regime, liberated but not settled after the Great War of Patriotic Endeavor.

The Vice-President of the Military Council, Tawfiq Canaan, immediately met the President and other Council members to determine the appropriate response to this violence. Artillery strikes against the offending military base exacted a fiery revenge upon those who had sought to poison the peaceful existence that Algrabad currently tolerates with Higgins-Brown. The strikes were so successful as to prevent any repeat offences in the week following.

Asked on her thoughts for the future of relations, Comrade Vice-President Canaan replied "We will fight for the Revolution, comrades, and for national unity. Never will we fall for the distracting tactics of imperialist fanatics."

What sentiments! We are sure that the Vice-President has the support of the entire people.

Supreme Court Reorganisation goes ahead as Planned
Comrade Justice Nadine Ayoubi was today risen up to the position of Chairperson of the Supreme Revolutionary Court of Algrabad. She was inaugurated on the steps of the Monument to the People in the province of Thalaq, with the President looking on. A groundswell of support was seen from local residents. Ayoubi's promotion was approved above other candidates in the Revolutionary Assembly, before a confirmation vote saw her unanimously approved by the body, in recognition of her experience and talents. Ayoubi replaces the late Comrade Justice Farousi, who tragically died from a sudden infection four weeks ago. Farousi's final will determined that her entire estate should be used to honour the everlasting mandate of the Court.

Content Approved by Director of Revolutionary Communications

by **Higgins and Brown** » Mon Oct 05, 2015 5:16 pm

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September 173 IE / LET 56

Prime Minister Dissolves Ministry

Akimoto Sacks every Minister as ULF and left of RSD reject Budgetary Plan

Prime Minister Akimoto

The Prime Minister has today utilised the ultimate constitutional privilege of her position and dissolved the Akimoto III Ministry. Prime Minister Akimoto convened a meeting of the Ministerial Executive today and informed the room that this would be their last meeting under the current arrangements. Every member of the Ministry, except the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers, are therefore staying in office only as Acting Ministers with limited powers until replacements are appointed. Members of the Executive will also technically remain in place (as Executive members, not Ministers) until a new Ministry has been formed.

However, negotiations on the appointment of a new Ministry and Executive will not be smooth. At the Executive meeting today, Deputy Prime Minister Suzanne Edwards tendered her own resignation as well, and told the Prime Minister and others that the United Left Front would not be re-entering a new Ministry without major changes to economic and fiscal policy. It is already known that the ULF - and many left-wing members of the Prime Minister's own caucus - would like nonpartisan First Executive Minister and Minister-to-the-Treasury David Lamont sacked.

Lamont of course has been sacked, along with every other Minister, but whether or not he stays sacked will be a matter for the leaders of the wider Popular Front coalition, which takes in the centrist Liberal Party, the Prime Minister's Republican Social Democrats, the Green Party and the United Left Front. This episode may well spell the end for the Popular Front altogether. :arrow:

Rolo Duborna is the Chief Political Correspondent for the HB24 Tithatribali office

Spencer to "Get Tough"

Deputy Prime Minister Lexi Spencer vows that negotiations on new Ministry won't be easy for Akimoto and RSD as ULF signals it will pull out.

Deputy PM Lexi Spencer

The Liberal Party has signalled that its leader, Deputy Prime Minister Lexi Spencer, will "get tough" with Akimoto Kumiko and the Republican Social Democrats in upcoming negotiations on the re-appointment of an Executive and Ministry. If the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers cannot re-constitute a Ministry within a matter of weeks, a new Prime Ministerial Conclave will be triggered in the Hoindopo.

The Liberals are likely to force the issue of Minister-to-the-Treasury David Lamont, to ensure that he remains in his role. A source close to Spencer had this to say:

The Popular Front was formed with a specific goal, and I think we are achieving that goal. But what the RSD caucus are now attempting, and what the Prime Minister is giving into, is to get rid of a key plank of the Popular Front Manifesto: a nonpartisan Treasury Minister with autonomy and leeway, to do what is necessary for our country. That pledge was a pledge we made to the people, and it was a pledge between the 4+ parties of the agreement. The Liberals simply won't serve if that pledge is broken.

The Popular Front was formed in advance of the last election; its main purpose to secure a majority that would not appease or facilitate the more popular far-right Front for a United Nation. One key objective of the Popular Front is to increase confidence in the democratic process among voters who have been attracted to the FUN in recent years - an objective that is surely under threat of failing now. :arrow:

Rolo Duborna is the Chief Political Correspondent for the HB24 Tithatribali office

President Defends "Pacifism" on Election Trail

The President defends his record in the aftermath of more clashes in the Buffer Zone.

President Brian Treacy

President Brian Treacy has been forced once again to defend the Algrabad Treaty, after clashes in the Border Zone between Settlement Security and Arab militants left 4 policemen dead. An estimated 24 Algrabadi Arabs were killed. Treacy was addressing a campaign rally in Newkiltra-Noelstown when heckled by a brave citizen journalist on his alleged pacifism. He responded:

Now listen here, no I mean it. Everyone listen, because this is important. To call me a pacifist is to demonstrate that you know full well what the alternative to that treaty could have been: war. We are not saints when it comes to bilateral relations, and the plain fact is that the Algrabadi government trusts us no more than we trust them with regards to border security. The Settlers in the Buffer Zone absolutely deserve security and peace. The treaty gave them that. Sure, there are going to be trouble-makers and there are going to be incidents and tragedies. But they are drops in the ocean compared to the tragedy of war. Do you want to send your children to war against Algrabad over a strip of land? Do you think many Algrabadi mothers and fathers want to send their children over here to wage war? No. They want peace and security. We want peace and security. So we both police the buffer zone, and we both become responsible parties. If that's pacifism then so be it, but its better than the madness of the alternative: an alternative that the Codenal Minority Leader would undoubtedly prefer!

Leader of the FUN Nicholas Francis has described the President's remarks as cowardly and treasonous. National Party presidential candidate Henrietta J.W. has critcised the President's insensitivity in the wake of the deaths. :arrow:

Hector Crobur is a campaign correspondent with the Brian Treacy campaign team. Beti Smith is a campaign correspondent with the Nicholas Francis campaign team. Leanne Underwood is a citizen journalist following the Henrietta J.W. campaign team.

Francis: Society Needs a Moral Reboot

Presidential Candidate laments failing values of bureacracy and political correctness.

Codenor Nicholas
Francis

Leader of the Minority in the Codena and Presidential Candidate Nicholas Francis has said in a landmark speech to supporters today that society needs a moral reboot. His remarks come after an intervention on live T.V. by members of his party, preventing a game show from continuing after revealing that one of the contestants was in fact the younger brother of the late gangland general, Mario Cáto. Samuel Cáto, a convicted drug dealer, had already won P25,000 on the game show.

Francis criticised what he called the "PC reaction" to the intervention, questioning both the bureaucratic culture that would allow a drug dealer to appear on national t.v. to win such money, and the pc culture that would defend him. Francis called for the "restoration of straight honest values, and a national willingness to halt moral decline". Francis promised that as President he would do all he could to "restore order to our streets, and respect to our society."

Francis' Presidential campaign has so far featured his proposal to amend the constitution to re-introduce the death penalty, a suggestion to lock up workers who go on "political strike" and company directors who engage in "policy avoidance". His platform also features the controversial "No Bullsh*t" pledge, as he promises to vastly inflate the powers of state security to prevent abuse and corruption, especially in the area of public contracts.

Brian Treacy labelled his speech "the vitriol of a mad-man", while Presidential Candidate and Camden County Ascogor Henrietta J.W. described his speech as "inflammatory given the unfortunate events on tv last night." :arrow:

Beti Smith is a campaign correspondent with the Nicholas Francis campaign team.

David Lamont: Profile of a Nonpartisan

Sacked as Treasury Minister today, what is it about this kindly academic that has destroyed the Popular Front?

David Lamont

David Lamont was plucked from the university campus in May of last year to serve in the most senior role in the gift of the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers - that of Minister-to-the-Treasury. Before that, he was a successful academic and social commentator, lecturing in Social & Economic Policy in the University of Newkiltra.

So who is this kindly academic, and why has his style of "non-politics" aggravated the left of the Popular Front so much in just 17 months? As First Executive Minister, he has held a uniquely senior, but relatively unaccountable, role. In this profile, we document his life before 172, his actions in office, and we ask what drives a man like this, and how does his controversial budget plan reflect his aims? :arrow:

Meg Thornton is a citizen journalist and is in tune with you, the average jo(ann)e.

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by **Higgins and Brown** » Mon Oct 05, 2015 6:26 pm

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October 173 IE / LET 56

#PresDebate

Three Candidates for President to debate each other final time before Election

Nicholas Francis and Henrietta J.W. will be joined by incumbent President Brian Treacy tonight for the national televised debate - the final time these three will face off before the election on Friday. Here is a breakdown of the candidates' campaigns so far:

Cdr. Nicholas Francis
Leader of Minority in the Codenor, and Leader of the far-right Front for a United Nation, he is by far the most controversial of the three candidates, though his message is resonating with more Higgins-Brownites than ever before. Francis took the Procourt on when they insisted he resign his political affiliation, and won his case, thus changing this Presidential campaign completely. The new voting system will work against him, with not many supporters of the other two candidates likely to transfer to him. He will benefit from continuing discontent over the economy - and his populist protectionist stance (and a boycott of Algrabadi goods) is part of an attempt to lead on the trade issue.
Vice-Presidential Candidate: Cdr. Vernon Darcy

Ascgr. Henrietta J.W.
Leader of the Opposition in the Camdon County Ascogo [legislature], her full name is Henrietta Jane Wrinklesprout. A conservative stalwart in the most left-leaning area of the country, she topped a heated National Party preliminary round field and only just made it into the Main Round under the new rules. She has brought a vision of "the radical centre" to the race, though detractors say she is all apple-pie and custard. Seen as the third candidate by most, but her charm and mediation will no doubt win her transfers from the supporters of the other two candidates, and that could be important. She has committed to pulling out of President Treacy's "Treaty of Vklarrbeg", which committed the nation to an unprecedented level of interventionism in foreign nations' affairs.
Vice-Presidential Candidate: Cdr. Jódi Davenport

President Brian Treacy
The incumbent President has been re-endorsed by the Alliance for Solidarity, Liberation & Ecology, though he has not taken advantage of the recent Constitutional ruling to rejoin a party. A controversial President, he has spent the last six years opening up relations with foreign states, though notably his signing of the Treaty of Vklarrbeg, with very few co-signatories, has left Higgins & Brown less friendly than ever with some states, including Radiatia and Segland. Moreover, the national debt is now a worry, and Treacy's flirtation with the arrest of creditors has sent interest rates on Higgins-Brownite bonds through the ceiling. He runs now against the far-right in a campaign marked by works like "sensibility" and "fairness", rather than the firebrand campaign he ran 6 years ago.
Vice-Presidential Candidate Vice-President Mary Clinton

The debate takes place tonight, and your questions are welcomed!

Elliot Boon is a Correspondent on the Presidential Election Campaigns

#Akimoto4
#AkimotoIV
#AkimotoGo
#RSDLeadership

New Ministry finally constituted and Lamont stays put, but Akimoto resigns Party Leadership!

Akimoto Kumiko, Lexi Spencer and Finnuala Saint were all smiles today as they celebrated the appointment of veteran RSD leftwinger and Party Deputy Leader Justin Powers to the position of 3rd Deputy Prime Minister. Later in the day, Powers became the Acting Leader of the party as events unfolded.

David Lamont, the controversial non-aligned Minister-to-the-Treasury, was retained in his job due to the demands of the Liberal Party. The right and left of the new, reduced, coalition, have thus been sated. The Ministry has been reduced from over 70 people down to 55, and the Executive now has 19 members.

Somewhere in the dealings and scheming, something big had to give it seems, and Akimoto Kumiko coupled the announcement of the new Ministerial team with the shock announcement that she is resigning her leadership of the Republican Social Democrats and will not contest the early primaries that will now be held. With 18 months left of the term, a question mark hangs over what the Republican Social Democrats will do now. Justin Powers, fresh from his appointment as 3rd Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister for Education, became Acting Leader of the Party. It is thought he will contest the party's leadership election. His chief rival among the younger Ministers is Sarah Barker, who today became Minister for Business & Enterprise, after previously holding the portfolios of Social Security and Budgetary Affairs. Former Deputy Leader and veteran of the left Kent Morton is also reportedly likely to consider a bid at the leadership, despite not having held a political position since being defeated for the deputy leadership by Powers last year.

The Republican Social Democrats, Liberal Party and Green Party are also joined by the Tadnami Inside Movement, giving the Ministerial coalition a notional majority of 13 in the Hoindopo. Hdpr. Powers' appointment to the leadership team was proposed by the Prime Minister and approved by a vote of 216 votes to 158.

E. L. Hemmingway is the a Political Correspondent in Tithatribali.

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by **Hadin** » Tue Oct 06, 2015 1:51 am

The Daily Ray

Kopurauth's Trustworthy News

October 6th, A.N 132

Waterspace Deal Reached

In a surprisingly generous move, the Nui-tan government has peacefully agreed to a Hadinian claim on waterspace, with only minimal objection.

The claim, sanctioned by High-Envoy Labriola as a correction to imbalanced distribution of the waterspace from 6 years ago, is a move to counter the imperialistic Southern Island's claims to annex large portions of the mainland.

"If Nui-ta can annex land that likely belongs to someone else, then we can annex waterways to balance the powers between our two nations. It is only fair!" High Envoy Labriola stated to a cheering crowd outside Kopurauth. "Thankfully, recent Nui-tan leadership can be easily persuaded by our grievances, and our claims were secured with very little opposition".

Although Nui-ta refused to cede a small strip of land, having also claimed that waterspace as its own, other claims by Labriola that Nui-ta tried to pass off as "international" waterspace were eventually allowed to pass.

"Chancellor Haur may be the best Nui-tan I have ever met," the High Envoy continued in his speech. "Of all the leaders that Nui-ta has offered up to us, here is one who is willing to concede and allow Hadin to follow the will of Septima. After all, if that water was not our god-given right, then why was it put next to Hadin?"

Overall, thanks to a combination of righteous negotiations by High-Envoy Labriola, and wise concession by Haur, conflict was avoided. God is truly great.

The Dangers of the "Free" Bloc

Although disaster has been avoided by Hadin and Nui-ta's unlikely co-operation today, Hadinians must be wary of the dangers of culturally impure thoughts from the "Free" Bloc of Noctur.

"These people in nations like Nui-ta, Radiatia, Aazeronia...and other countries I can't remember but certainly not Algrabad, our potential new god-fearing friend --- they call themselves "Free" because of their corrupt lifestyles, but they are really just slaves to their own demons and troubles", says political analyst Ulias Hagorro.

"They regularly deviate from the will of Septima, trapping themselves in a web of immoral lies and trickery. Did you know that in Radiatia, women are allowed to leave the home without an escort? Some are even allowed to run for positions of power. I remember reading about a case a long time ago, involving a problem that a woman caused because she was put in a position of power and her fragile, unfit nature caused her to have a mental breakdown. Radiatian citizens bemoaned this woman --- PMS Pavlovic, of which I'm fairly sure the PMS means Perverse Mutiny against men Syndrome --- for causing problems in their government. Hadin never would have let this happen. The people of Radiatia are misguided by a government that allows --- nay, encourages, this perversion".

"And not only that, but we are labelled by some as communists, which is blatantly untrue. Even the filthy WA acknowledges that we have a "Very Strong" capitalist economy, because we don't allow the poor to collect welfare. Hadin is very generous, finding young men jobs in the military or digging ditches for pay so that they can work to get back into society, unlike "Free" Bloc countries that force their unemployed to sleep in the streets without resource".

The "Free" Bloc is indeed very dangerous, as Mr. Hagorro has stated. To make matters worse, most countries are allied in vast, interlocking alliances, with military power that could easily overpower Noctur if Hadin isn't careful.

"The waterspace issue is a good issue, because it allows Hadin additional naval power to fight back against the tyranny of "Free" Bloc countries and heathen lifestyles like Nui-ta. Hadin's recent commitment to adapt missiles with nuclear gifts for heathen nations, by A.N 135, is another defensive measure we can all take. And of course, at home, there is the duty of every fine young Hadinian man to watch his wives and his children, and his community, and to weed out "Free" Bloc behavior."

Woman in North Hadin burned for Witchcraft, Envoys Issue Commendation to Child Who Reported

As if "women's rights", "allowing homosexuality", and "international etiquette" weren't enough problems for Hadin to deal with, a witchcraft epidemic has spread in Northern Hadin.

Alicia Vilenni, a 40 year old woman from Yazkoso, somehow managed to overpower and wound her husband during a marital dispute. Alicia maintains that she was acting in self-defense of her 13 year old son, who has been showing signs of homosexuality. Although her husband Halgo wanted to do the right and merciful thing and send the boy to a revolutionary new "Conversion Camp" (a place that uses the powers of Septima's laws and persuasive holy books to rehabilitate homosexuals, so they can live normal lives), Alicia lashed out in anger when Halgo struck the boy to get some sense into him.

Halgo Vilenni managed to recover, due to quick intervention by his son to call the appropriate authorities and report the injuries his mother inflicted. Local Envoys state that this reporting behavior is a sign that the boy can still be saved from the homosexual affliction. Mr. Vilenni has two other wives who show no signs of disobedience. Alicia Vilenni was found guilty of witchcraft and is sentenced to be salted and burned tomorrow morning.

by **Radiatia** » Thu Oct 08, 2015 11:19 pm

PRESIDENT FYODEROV SEEKS DIVORCE AFTER 30 YEARS OF MARRIAGE

October 9 LET 56 Last updated 18:47 Exegrad Standard Time

XERCONIA, FCT
President Fyoderov and his wife Patricia have confirmed that they are seeking a divorce after 30 years of marriage.

_{Gregori and Patricia Fyoderov have confirmed they are
divorcing after 30 years}

The couple, who ordinarily prefer not to let the media into their private lives, appeared before the press today at the Executive Tower to confirm the split, ending months of speculation.

"The fact is that we never see each other - I'm hardly ever at home in Tsukue, and Patricia is hardly ever with me in Xerconia. After 30 years we have drifted apart," Said the President.

First Lady Fyoderov stated that the couple had not lived together for a long time and that the marriage "Had only stayed together for the sake of our children, both of whom have now left home."

Speculation over the state of the Fyoderovs' marriage began as early as LET 53, when it was noted that the President's daughter Zoe had been doing the majority of the First Lady's duties and that Patricia Fyoderov had not appeared in public since the inauguration.

Despite the divorce it is expected that Patricia Fyoderov will remain First Lady, although there has been speculation that the title could be passed to Zoe Fyoderov, or possibly to the President's mistress, 23 year old ballerina and singer Katerina Bachmeier.

"The title of First Lady is not a legal or constitutional position, but merely a convention," Said a spokesperson for the Fyoderov Administration. "However, the President has indicated that he is not opposed to Patricia Fyoderov continuing to function as First Lady when such a role is called for."

- RPNN

Agatha (Palmerston, Tathika)
3 HOURS AGO
Divorce is wrong! When I was 14 my daddy married me off to a pig, but I stayed with him right up until the end and now I'm eating bacon made from him.

82 likes

Koolkrow (Exegrad, Alayenia)
2 HOURS AGO
| Agatha
| Divorce is wrong! When I was 14 my daddy married me off to a pig, but I stayed with him right up until the end and now I'm eating bacon made from
| him.
^ In every state other than Tathika, the "married a pig" thing would just be a metaphor. Up there, it's literal....

344 likes

Ball D (Hiphophiphapiya, South Corpshire)
1 HOUR AGO
I grew up in New Vashura where you can't divorce anyone because it's "breach of contract". Had to move to South Corpshire just to get away from my first wife...

22 likes

In Other News:

63 Radiatians confirmed aboard missing plane in Nui-ta
Fyoderov "likely to veto" proposed carbon tax
Greasy Joe's Corporation to sue foreign governments as part of ISDS provisions in trade treaties

by **Higgins and Brown** » Tue Oct 13, 2015 10:04 am

News2.4.hb

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hb24.hb/international/Buffer_Zone_Town_Evacuated

September 173 IE / LET 56

Buffer Zone Town Evacuated

Algrabadi Military cordons off town, forces civilians out due to "fire risk".
Higgins-Brownite Settler loses life in the flames.
Timi Peres was a father of eight and an entrepreneur in the Buffer Zone.
38 other deaths also recorded.

Things are heating up in the Buffer Zone once again. Forest Fires have taken root in the eastern 5th district of the zone, known in Algrabad as the Lizqueh province. The fire, most likely started by Algrabadi anti-government protestors, spread quickly through the area.

The Algrabadi town of Kelamah, resettled by arabs two years ago under the terms of the recent treaty, was completely evacuated, as the Algrabadi military moved in and ejected civilians, supposedly for their own safety. Intelligence officials here have casted doubt on the severity of the fires, and believe the military to be engaged in a ground offensive against the same anti-government rebels who may have started the fire.

The incident became a tragedy however as it emerged that the well respected travelling businessman of the Buffer Zone, Timi Peres, had been killed in the fire when caught up doing product testing in a forest cabin. TImi Peres, aged 49 from Tratermon in Athaton County (now the region of Athraltra), was a father of eight, including 2 twin toddler sons with his third wife. He had twice received pardons from the church for extra pro-creation, as reward for his evangelical work in spreading Brownite Orthodoxy among the caucasian buffer zone population.

The towering figure travelled around the buffer zone often, selling his wares from town to town, and even supplying the local police with firearms. On more than one occasion in recent years, he had been the target of intimidation from the Algrabadi military, who claimed his routes around the territory were suspicious, and that he was planning attacks on them.

In fact, no sooner had his death been reported, than the Algrabadi state propaganda agency claimed that he was a suspect in the starting of the fire. President Treacy, entering the last week of campaigning in the Presidential election, refuted the claims and labelled them "scandalous", calling Peres "a good man".

The rush to get to the truth led to clashes between the Algrabadi military and the Republican Armed Forces, as they seperately organised efforts to put out the fire. Algrabadi propaganda goes so far as to claim the RAF were needlessly funnelling the fires toward arab settlements. 12 people were injured today, 6 on each side, due to inter-military clashes.

38 Arabs also died in the fires today, rebels and militants believed to be amongst them.

Olivia Robinson is the Chief Correspondent for the Melila/Qaghed Office. No soldiers or military secrets were hurt during the making of this article. All hail our brave heroes.

Comments closed due to Algrabadi "camera phone evidence" propaganda.

by **Nui-ta** » Sat Oct 17, 2015 7:24 am

NNN - Nui-tan News Network

Desden Haur To Resign; Rasim Kulkanni Takes Place.

RAKHU CITY, RAHKU 06:21 NST, October 10th, LET 56

In the wake of the disaster following Flight 153, the where-abouts of which are still unconfirmed, Chancellor Desden Haur has announced that he will step down from power. Chancellor Haur's resignation came amidst criticisms of laxness towards the Hadinian government over newly-claimed waterspace in the Bay of Zanzes, which many experts say violates international law. To make matters more damning, experts investigating the disappearance of the plane are now "reasonably sure" that it was felled in relation to a skirmish between Hadinian and Nui-tan naval vessels.

"If Haur hadn't been so careless with foreign policy," a anti-Haur demonstrator refusing to give his name said, "we could have prevented such confusion from happening, and perhaps 188 people would still be alive right now. He has been so inactive to bring peace, he says, and these events will only escalate the war further!"

The skirmish between the two military vessels itself, presumed to be due to confusion over newly-drawn waterspace lines, was contained by higher military authorities within both countries. Both Hadinian and Nui-tan authorities report minor injuries and no fatal casualties. However, shortly before the incident was resolved, Nui-tan Airlines Flight 153 lost contact with air traffic controllers in New Zanzes. The flight was en route to Sain Kalistu Airport in New Zanzes, from Ocini International Airport.

Investigations by Nui-tan and international authorities are still underway to find the black-boxes and presumed wreckage of Flight 153, which are assumed to be somewhere in the southern portion of the Bay of Zanzes. An official report is pending the results of these investigations. Flight 153 held 188 passengers, 68 of which were foreigners, mostly of Radiatian origin, and 12 crew members.

Rumors were circulating around the country that the National Council would move to impeach Haur in light of the recent events. Speculation has only increased on this matter, since Haur's resignation coincided with a statement from the National Council that a new Chancellor, Rasim Kulkanni, has already been selected.

Kulkanni's appointment as Chancellor by the National Council marks a noted shift from liberal to conservative policy, especially considering rising tensions between Hadin and Nui-ta. From the conservative state of Yevzar, Kulkanni has been known for his right-wing social and economic policies. Such policies range from an increase in sanctions against Hadin and increased funding and power to the KDS, to revoking mandatory conscription and combat-service for females, and even to a decrease in regulations for foreign trade markets.

TOP COMMENTS

Logosia41 351 likes 145 dislikes

Kulkanni -is- pretty right-wing. I'm not so sure I like his views on women's rights: I hear he wants to decrease opportunities in the workplaces as well. He's not a big fan of homosexuals either... But when it comes to his handling of the economy and foreign policy, he might actually know what he's doing.

Give him my approval, or no? Hmmm....this is kinda hard.

LibbyGreen 351 likes 351 dislikes

WTF?! The same state that produced Trenta Crumlo offers us this sexist? He's going to remove servicewomen from the whole military! How's he gonna fight a war with half the soldiers gone?

T0000ry 401 likes 184 dislikes

With better technology, modernization, and capital. Yevzar was a total DUMP until Kulkanni showed up, and now it's an urban power-house with a budget surplus. And maybe women shouldn't be complaining so much. Kulkanni plans to increase conscription of men to make up for sending women home. You really want to complain about being told you can stay home instead of grueling away in boot camp?

Riiiiggght.

In Other News
- Fyoderov Family to Divorce
- Hadinian Officials Say Flight 153 "Probably Just Got Lost"
- Chaos in the Higgins-Brownite/Algrabadi Buffer Zone

by **Radiatia** » Sun Oct 18, 2015 12:48 am

FLOOD WARNINGS AS XERCONIA PELTED BY TORRENTIAL RAIN
SCIENTISTS WARN CLIMATE CHANGE BRINGS GREATER RISK OF FLASH-FLOODING

October 18 LET 56 Last updated 18:47 Exegrad Standard Time

XERCONIA, FCT
Flood warnings are being issued in Radiatia's capital - for the first time ever - after violent thunderstorms brought seven years worth of rain in over 48 hours.

_{Xerconia has experienced some flash flooding after unusually high levels of rainfall}

Xerconia - usually one of the world's most arid cities - has experienced "extreme" amounts of rainfall, which has caused roofs to collapse and surface flooding as the city's hard, dry ground fails to absorb the unexpected high levels of precipitation.

Dr. Hans Fedorski, Chief Meteorologist at the Radiatian Weather Service warned that a series of thunderstorms across the Great Radiatian Desert can "only be attributed to climate change".

Although rain in the capital has eased, many citizens are feeling unnerved in a city that usually experiences less than 14 rainy days a year.

"I thought we was bein' attacked by foreigners or somethin' cause I ain't never seen water fall from the sky like that before," Said Jakob Holtem, a 41 year old mechanic from West Xerconia whose roof was unable to handle the high rainfall and partially collapsed above his living room.

Dr. Fedorski has warned that similar situations may be become more common as a result of climate change.

"We can expect to see rain storms in the desert more often," He said. "Although in this particular case the dry ground does increase the risk of flooding."

Several companies have put out press releases denying responsibility for the severe weather.

"Global warming means less severe winters for you and your family and our products help achieve this," Said the CEO of Old Smokey's Smog Generators, Inc.

Scientists employed by Radiatian Petroleum also released a study showing that the evidence for man-made climate change "flies in the face of hundreds of pages of evidence put out by oil companies like ours showing the exact opposite."

Radiatian Petroleum have also suggested they may attempt to sue the Radiatian Weather Service for defamation.

"The climate change myths destroys hundreds of jobs and livelihoods every day," Said a spokesman. "A bit of rain never hurt anyone, but lies certainly do."

The Fyoderov Administration have stated that while it supports efforts to increase air quality and environmental sustainability, the President will veto a proposed Carbon Tax currently being debated by the Senate.

- RPNN

Mixtape (Xerconia, FCT)
3 HOURS AGO
This is sum pretty crazy shit yo! Lived in XFCT my whole life, neva seen nethin lyk dis!

102 likes

Call Me Dave (Slaw, Diigrao)
2 HOURS AGO
Fucking liberals. Every time there's any sort of weather - rain, sun, wind - they blame climate change to try and raise taxes to give to losers.

167 likes

Steven (Nepschu, Chongluntz)
1 HOUR AGO
Pff. Xerconians don't even know what rain is.

99 likes

In Other News:

63 people confirmed aboard missing Flight 153, along with 125 foreigners.
Rasim Kulkanni appointed new Chancellor of Nui-ta
Midgard Premier Owen Warsazeck announces plans to run for President

by **Radiatia** » Fri Oct 23, 2015 7:18 pm

RFSF APPREHEND 14 YEAR OLD BOY IN ANTI-PIRACY OPERATION
"OH, YOU MEANT THE OTHER KIND OF PIRACY!" - ADMIRAL

October 20 LET 56 Last updated 18:47 Exegrad Standard Time

HEILIG, CHONGLUNTZ
A 14 year old boy has been captured by the military after a daring raid on his home in southern Chongluntz during an anti-piracy operation.

_{Naval forces apprehended a 14 year old boy from Chongluntz for piracy}

14 year old Alexander Samsas was apprehended by a squad of 12 armed seamen, who stormed his family home on the coast of Chongluntz after intelligence suggested he had illegally downloaded a movie in the basement of the house.

Samsas was airlifted out of his house and onto the deck of the RFS Sakrileg, a guided missile destroyer belonging to the Radiatian Seventh Fleet, and tasked with anti piracy operations in the Oriens Ocean.

He was then taken to a military processing centre, found guilty of piracy and ordered to pay the 15 Tsenyens he had failed to pay for the movie ("Police Cops 3") which he had downloaded illegally.

"The Radiatian Federation takes a zero tolerance stance on piracy and I'm proud of the role of Central Command, especially the crew of the Sakrileg, in bringing this pirate to justice," Said Admiral Rolf Kagasawa, the commanding officer of RFCENTCOM. "We hope that we can build upon our success today and perhaps create a multinational effort to stop the wanton theft of intellectual property."

Defence Minister Kärtsy Nepula said that while the orders "were supposed to be for an anti-piracy operation in terms of armed pirates at sea", he would not condemn what happened on the grounds that "technically, it was a flawless operation."

Alexander Samsas, who has since returned home, has stated he has learned his lessons and will make sure he never torrents, file shares or illegally downloads again.

- RPNN

In Other News:

Bahamatsu Premier Melina Forst "yet to make a decision" over Presidential ambition
Skorptsch man acquitted of shooting wife, after dead wife fails to testify in court
Greasy Joe's corporation successfully sues Federal Ministry of Health after anti-obesity posters proven to result in less profits

by **Radiatia** » Fri Oct 30, 2015 6:09 am

POLITICAL ROUND-UP: THE SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC DIVIDE

October 28 LET 56 Last updated 18:47 Exegrad Standard Time

OPINION
With the Tchort Primaries just days away, the Social Democratic Union seems to have descended into all out civil war which threatens to tear the party apart. Dr. Boris Kahler looks at the main factions, the characters and their possible impact on the Presidential election.

It was always going to be a challenge to maintain a broad tent party of Radiatia's "left" - and today the Social Democratic Union is anything but united.

What began as a marriage of convenience between the centrist United Democrats and the historically socialist Workers Party to help prevent the dominance of the newly merged Liberal-Conservative Party has turned into factional warfare and infighting, the likes of which have not been seen in any post-RPSU political party.

The LET 56 primaries illustrate this more than ever before - Social Democratic Presidential candidates have had to endure more picketing and protests from members of their own party than President Fyoderov himself. In New Aliyas, for example, supporters of Josko Ivers barricaded the entrance to the hotel where Vladimir Angelov had been due to give a speech formally announcing his candidacy - the tactic led to a delay of half an hour.

Ivers himself was later mobbed in St. Angersburg by supporters of Owen Warsazeck, who bore placards calling him "spineless" and a "sell-out" after negotiating a budget deal with the Fyoderov Administration and refusing to shut down the federal government.

While there remain five key factions in the SDU - just as in the LCP - and the primaries effectively call for those factions to be parties within a party, the level of hostility between the factions is unprecedented - and stands to cost the SDU when whoever their nominee is finally goes toe-to-toe with Gregori Fyoderov.

As is traditional in a primary, five candidates have emerged, each representing one of the five factions - but as I will point out further below, this election will be more complex than what appears on the surface:

Premier Melina Forst of Bahamatsu
Progressive Faction
Melina Forst has made no secret of her ambition to become Radiatia's first woman President, and Bahamatsu's highly popular Premier is making waves on social media, with a #DraftMelina campaign well under way on CONFERO. Hailing from a key battleground state, Forst has all the makings of a nightmare for the LCP - she's intelligent, she's popular, and she appeals to the same demographic that Angela Pavlovic traditionally appealed to. It's not a lack of funding or popular support that stops her, but a lack of ambition - Forst has recently stated that she does not intend to run for President, or even for Vice President, and it may well be that she is gearing up for LET 60 - having concluded that Gregori Fyoderov is simply too popular to defeat. But if the SDU's civil war continues to deepen, the Draft Melina movement may be the party's only salvation.

Senator Josko Ivers of New Vashura
Centrist Faction
Senate Majority leader Josko Ivers has been a thorn in Fyoderov's side since the day the President took office - from threatening to jeopardise the RAFTA agreement to stopping the administration's plans to turn R-SOD into two new departments dead in its tracks. As an acolyte of Lena Toriah, Ivers can certainly benefit from this - under the condition that he is able to distance himself from Toriah's less popular former protege Keldon Silviu. Despite having had virtually no connection to the administration, Ivers is tarred with the Silviu brush the worst of all the candidates - mainly due to supporters of Owen Warsazeck's successful attempts at painting Ivers as "right-wing". It is perhaps for this reason that Ivers has gone to great lengths to paint himself as everything that Keldon Silviu wasn't - a foreign policy dove where Silviu was an interventionist, a protectionist where Silviu was pro-trade and tough on law and order where Silviu was vocally liberal. The former Vice Presidential nominee hails from New Vashura and stands to win over voters in blue states - if he can prove himself acceptable to the SDU's hard left.

Premier Owen Warsazeck of Midgard
Democratic Socialist Faction
Owen Warsazeck - the former trade union leader and self-described democratic socialist - is back with a vengeance and currently leads in several polls, having effectively campaigned continuously since the last election. The highly charismatic Warsazeck is huge on social media, while his supporters tend to be charged, zealous - and occasionally intimidating, according to some SDU sources. Paradoxically, despite his campaign as an advocate for the "working-class everyman" and his overtures to Radiatia's underclass, Warsazeck actually has the deepest pockets of any Presidential candidate, with his personal fortune rumoured to be in the billions. The hard-talking, beer-swilling, openly "pro-war" candidate is, if not a champagne socialist, certainly a "cigar socialist" and currently looks to be the man to beat.

Premier Vladimir Angelov of Alayenia
Social Liberal Faction
The Premier of Radiatia's largest state has a lot going for him in this election - he's experienced, he's likeable and he's respected. In fact he's probably the ideal compromise candidate between the Ivers and Warsazeck wings on the SDU, assuming that Melina Forst remains out of the race. Given that Alayenia is the only state with a bicameral legislature, Angelov knows how to negotiate a budget with the LCP and knows how the political game is played. His main drawback is the fact that, to many swing voters, he might not represent a major alternative to Gregori Fyoderov - the President is self-consciously liberal and has even made the occasional foray into policy areas dominated by the SDU, such as the environment. For that reason, it could well be that Fyoderov has already tapped into the kind of voter base that Vladimir Angelov would be likely to draw if he becomes the SDU's nominee.

Premier Anton Kaspar of Luntzbusch
Third Way Faction
It's unfair that Josko Ivers is branded as potentially "the heir to Keldon Silviu" when Luntzbusch Premier Anton Kaspar unapologetically makes absolutely no secret of the fact that he admires and seeks to emulate Keldon Silviu's presidency. The long-serving Premier of the Western State is undoubtedly on the pro-business end of the SDU - in fact he can lay claim to fact that thanks to his efforts alongside the Nocturian Organisation of Bankers, the Republic of Higgins and Brown(e) was forced to drop the e from its name, due to a town in Luntzbusch bearing a similar name. His dogged determination to stand up for small town Radiatia could well endear him to the voting public, although it could also call into question his suitability to represent the Radiatian Federation on the world stage. Kaspar at this stage looks more like a potential Vice President than President.

Three frontrunners have emerged - Owen Warsazeck, representing the SDU's radical socialist left, Josko Ivers, representing more conservative Lena Toriah-esque politics and Melina Forst who through clever social media use has gained a reputation as a trustworthy and progressive politician who could take on Fyoderov and win.

Forst, however, has stated repeatedly that she will not be running for President in LET 56. She probably sees the writing on the wall - with Gregori Fyoderov's approval ratings suggesting him to be the most popular President since Traiyan Silviu, she sees a second term as inevitable and thus would not want to waste her resources on an unwinnable election. It appears she is gambling on running in LET 60.

This leaves Vladimir Angelov as the person best placed to fill the Forst void - he's acceptable to both ends of the party, and while he's respected he isn't exactly inspiring. Where Owen Warsazeck can whip a crowd into a frenzy, Vladimir Angelov is able to whip up a respectable budget but nothing that will capture the imagination of anyone.

If Ivers wins, you can expect that Warsazeck's people either won't vote, or else may attempt to have the big-budgeted man from Midgard run as a third party candidate. Likewise, if Warsazeck wins, Ivers' people may well be inclined to hold their noses and vote for Fyoderov, rather than let a self-proclaimed socialist gain control of Noctur's largest economy.

The stakes are high and the end result will be anyone's guess, but if the SDU cannot bridge its internal gulf convincingly and soon, then the LCP can expect to get comfortable in the Executive Tower, as they may be there for a while.

- RPNN

Dr. Boris Kahler is one of the Radiatian Federation's leading political analysts. He writes from neither a Social Democratic nor a Liberal-Conservative point of view.

Saruman (Valar, Asgard)
3 HOURS AGO
I've been Liberal-Conservative for years but actually I'd vote for Owen Warsazeck if he wins - the man actually has principles, unlike Fyoderov who is just another puppet President. I'm no socialist, but I know corruption when I see it.

234 likes

Moloch (Midgard, Midgard)
2 HOURS AGO
WARSAZECK 4 PREZ N IL PUNCH NE1 IN THE GOB IF DEY DONT LIKE HIM

104 likes

Wertt (Radii,Radia)
1 HOUR AGO
The left are hopeless and doomed in this election. They bitch and moan but Fyoderov is going to win a second term and everyone knows it. And tbh - Fyoderov wouldn't be out of place in the SDU. The only reason Social Democrats hate him is because he's a Liberal-Conservative, not because of anything he's done.

300 likes

In Other News:

Noctur Press Association to begin laying off workers due to lack of news stories
CEO Radibank cleared of corruption in high profile public inquiry
Judge in Radibank corruption case dismisses case and retires after "finding millions of Tsenyens on the doorstep"

by **Higgins and Brown** » Sun Nov 01, 2015 7:58 pm

News2.4.hb

~~News When It Matters. Opinion When It Counts. Neutrality When Necessary.~~
Bringing Web 2.0 to HB24! Opinions Opinions Opinions! Goodbye Restrictive Standards!

EVERYTHING --- HIGGINS & BROWN --- INTERNATIONAL --- POLITICS --- CULTURE --- BUSINESS & INDUSTRY --- THE ENVIRONMENT --- SPORT

Our Pick --- Picked For You --- Opinions you'll Agree With --- Other Opinions --- Things you Missed --- #Trending --- In Pictures --- Citizen Videos

hb24.hb/politics/trending

September 173 IE / LET 56

Who's Who: The Akimoto IV Executive

Akimoto Kumiko	(RSD)	Prime Minister Minister of Governmental Affairs Minister of Setite Affairs
Lexi Spencer	(LIB)	1st Deputy Prime Minister Minister of Justice & Internal Affairs
Finnuala Saint	(GRN)	2nd Deputy Prime Minister Minister of Environment & Energy
Justin Powers	(RSD)	3rd Deputy Prime Minister Minister of Education
Emil Vassel	(RSD)	Executive Minister of Agriculture, Food, Forestry and Rural Affairs
David Lamont	(IND)	Executive Minister of Budgetary Affairs Minister-to-the-Treasury
Sarah Barker	(RSD)	Executive Minister of Business & the Economy
Renée Cantillon	(RSD)	Executive Minister of Communications
Frances Savage	(RSD)	Executive Minister of Equality
Patrisza Makavoi	(RSD)	Executive Minister of Health and Older People
Elán Keli	(RSD)	Executive Minister of Housing Justice & Urban Development
Ámé Soter	(LIB)	Executive Minister of Labour, Training & Industry Minister of Women's Rights
Thomas Gwent	(RSD)	Executive Minister of Social Security
Samir Al-Fayed	(IMT)	Executive Minister of Tadnami Affairs
Oliver Dardell	(GRN)	Executive Minister of Transport, Tourism and Local Industry
Ellen MacIntyre	(RSD)	Executive Minister of Youth, Sport and Community
Jozef Darren Kasidi	(LIB)	Minister of Culture & Religion
Morgan Lloyd	(RSD)	Executive Minister of Arts, National Memorials & Parks Executive Minister of Lletniite Affairs
Ana Stíls	(RSD)	Executive Ministerial Liaison to the National Commission Ministerial Secretary for Trade
Rachel Evans Whitaker	(LIB)	Executive Ministerial Secretary for Economic Affairs
Rashid Anwat	(RSD)	Ministerial Liaison to the Hoindopo Ministerial Secretary for Hoindopal Relations (RSD Chief Whip)
Yvon Meriwether	(LIB)	Deputy Ministerial Liaison to the Hoindopo Ministerial Secretary for Hoindopal Relations; (Liberal Chief Whip)
Shea Bernard	(RSD)	Attorney-to-the-Ministry

#Akimoto4
#NewMinistry
#Lamontgate
#RSDLeadership
#AkimotoOut
#KumikoSickness

After Hoindopo approves Justin Powers (RSD) as 3rd Deputy Prime Minister, Prime Minister Akimoto appoints New Ministry and announces her own retirement as party leader.

The Prime Minister today announced the appointment of a new Executive and Ministry, after weeks of tough negotiations between the government parties, but shocked the political system by announcing her own retirement as leader of her party.

The day began with the Prime Minister nominating her party's deputy leader, Justin Powers, to fill the position of 3rd Deputy Prime Minister, left vacant when Suzanne Edwards lead the United Left Front out of government some weeks ago. Powers was approved by day's end with 202 votes to 191, with the ULF notably voting against the appointment.

Following Powers' appointment, the Prime Minister then announced to a half-full chamber, that the new Ministry had been constituted by Letters Patent. A general reshuffle of the Akimoto III Ministry was then detailed, but notably controversial Treasury Minister David Lamont has kept his position at the demand of the Liberal Party and Greens. Lamont has been a thorn in the side of the Left ever since his appointment. The promise to appoint a non-partisan Treasury Minister was apparently a key step in getting the Liberals to agree to cosy up to the left at all before the last election.

This glorified reshuffle was derided immediately by the opposition, including both the far-left and the far-right.

Prime Minister Akimoto then dropped a rather hefty bombshell from the steps of Ministry House a mere half-hour later, when she announced her impending retirement as leader of the Republican Social Democratic party. Akimoto will officially step down in two months, once the election to select her successor has concluded. The National Executive Committee must now decide whether to hold an internal election, or to bring forward the RSD Primary by over a year, and hold an open election.

There was much speculation as to "who knew" before the announcement, with Akimoto's deputy Justin Powers remaining tight-lipped after the announcement. His appointment to Deputy Prime Minister will have been some consolation to the fact that his likely chief rival in the leadership election, Sarah Barker, was promoted to head up the powerful Ministry of Business & the Economy. Powers meanwhile stays at Education, which has been remerged with the "Higher Education" department set up for ULF ministers in recent times. Powers and Barker have both already let it be known that they would like to be leader in the future, and party factions are likely to consider them in the next couple of days. One spanner in the potential works for both of them is former deputy leader Kent Morton, who currently holds no political office. Morton retains support among the left of the Hoindopal caucus, and some of the membership, but will struggle to get on the ballot. A former Trade unionist and environmental campaigner, Morton served as Minister of Community, Lower Government, Youth & Sport in the last Hoindopo. However, he has never been elected to the Hoindopo, nor served on any county executive.

So the question now is, how long will the Akimoto IV Ministry last? Non party leaders have served as Prime Minister before, but the tension between a Prime Minister and a seperate Party Leader could very soon escalate and bring down the Ministry, particularly if the party leader wanted to replace the Prime Minister. However, it may well be that Akimoto herself is signalling the end of her Premiership today, after 4 years of her 3rd stretch in office. While young enough to remain, it is clear that Akimoto has mishandled recent events, and she may feel that her party should be given the space to make up their own mind. An altruistic notion, sure, but we must remember that Akimoto has adapted her style to several major challenges in the past, and perhaps this gamble - removing herself from a party role - will save the Ministry in the long term. Alternatively, it could be the end of her career... pending a 3rd comeback?

Livi Alan is a Political Correspondent operating in Tithatribali.

#PresDebate
#HBDecides
#Francis4Pres
#PresidentHJW
#ReelectTreacy

The final Presidential debate gets underway today, with the 3 candidates on the ballot battling it out for your 1st and 2nd preference votes.

Confero is abuzz with anticipation for the final Presidential debate tonight. Nicholas Francis, Henrietta JW and incumbent Brian Treacy will debate tonight in the National Convention Centre in front of a live studio audience picked by the Hobster Polling Combine.

How have the campaigns gone so far?

Nicholas Francis of the far-right Front for a United Nation changed the game when he won a Concourt case allowing himself to run for the office of President while remaining a member of a political party. He currently serves as Leader of the Minority in the Codena, though he self styles himself as Leader of the Proud Higgins-Brownites. His "No BullSh*t" campaign has focused on multiculturalism, security and society. Francis makes no bones about his desire to re-order the Higgins-Brownite political system, and his opinions on social policy are positively militaristic - and he wants to re-introduce conscription. On foreign policy he is ambitious, supporting a planned "land-swap" with Algrabad that would force the movement of the Tadnami population out of Brown. The very suggestion has seen Francis ridiculed and threatened, by judges as much as protestors. He has vowed that there will be very serious consequences for the vandals who marked his country home with "Racist Scum" repeatedly. Polling much better than expected, Francis is saying what many think on the economy. Due to the new "Borda Count" system, it would be a miracle if Francis were to win.

Henrietta Jane Wrinklesprout of the National Party, currently known as Henrietta JW. Embarrassed about her name, maybe, but not her political career. Henrietta serves as the Leader of the Opposition in the Camdon County Ascogo, making her the face of conservatism in the most left-leaning county in the country. Having only got to the final round due to rule changes by the Constitutional Convention, Henrietta has been the quieter of the 3 candidates, but is sure to pick up plenty of 2nd preferences from the other two. Henrietta has campaigned on a return to isolationism, after the diplomatic messiness of the Treacy administration so far. She has also vowed to undo some of the work Treacy has done, but would support joining an international league of nations, a similar position to Treacy, who attempted to push this in the early years of this term. Otherwise, Henrietta has mostly been taking the middle ground, and critics complain that she is sitting on the fence far too much.

Incumbent President Brian Treacy, unaligned by supported by the left. His term in office has been defined by Higgins & Brown becoming a much louder voice on the international scene, but that voice has often been one of a rowdy teenager speaking when they should be listening. Two treaties have defined his diplomatic efforts: the Treaty of Vklarrbeg and the Peaceful Co-Existence Treaty with Algrabad. Critics will say that one led to an international crisis and the other to the current chaos in the Buffer Zone. Supporters will say that one brought justice a little closer to Noctur, and the other brought us closer to our neighbours. Treacy has had a much higher profile than previous Presidents, but is framing his potential re-election as a rejection of Francis and Fascism. Treacy has also laid out a much more modest vision for his second term, in which Higgins-Brownite security and international financial regulation cooperation seem to feature higher than, say, saving the world, which appeared to be his goal for the 1st term. While the economy isn't the personal plaything of the President, Treacy is suffering as the economy continues to perform weakly, with the national debt almost doubling in the last 6 years. Treacy's dalliance with locking up international creditors has not helped Higgins & Brown's bond yield rates.

Bernard Williander is covering the Debate Live tonight on HBB1.

Leave your comments behind our pay wall.

by **Nui-ta** » Sun Nov 01, 2015 11:03 pm

NNN - Nui-tan News Network

Opinion: The Left and Right of Nui-ta Are Both In Deep Trouble.

RAHKU CITY, RAHKU 12:52 NST, October 31st, LET 56

Kalina Zorahn is an independent political analyst for the Nui-tan branch of the Noctur Press Association. Her opinions within this article are not supported or endorsed by any political party. The NPA maintains a strict policy of not endorsing any candidate as an agency. The opinions of opinion columnists are their own.

In order for me to make my comparisons fully understandable to the younger members of Nui-ta's voting population, I'm going to start off with the political climate before most of you were born.

Until LET 44, Nui-ta's Central Party had a large monopoly of the electorate. The party's unprecedented success, lasting from LET 28 to LET 44, is mainly attributed to a very successful political alliance between the late Evan Isaci and the late Trenta Crumlo i-Harendo (whom I'm going to refer to in the rest of this article as Trenta Crumlo, for purposes of international recognition).

Prime Minister Evan Isaci (front left), and Prime Minister Trenta Crumlo (then Minister of Internal Affairs), at the reinstatement of Parliament in LET 28 (A.N 105). Although elected in A.N 99 (LET 22), the Partition resulted in the temporary shift of legislative powers to the Emperor, which lasted 3 years. Isaci's 1st term was suspended due to this shift, and he was allowed to resume official governing powers when the Partition ended for what would have been the remainder of his term.

In most of the other countries of Noctur, it's safe to say that Isaci and Crumlo would have ended up on two different political parties. Isaci's economic ideals were in line with more conservative economic policy than centrism. As a matter of fact, Isaci-style economics are arguably more admired by Derch Party than Central these days. Trenta Crumlo, on the other hand, was much closer to the true center of the political spectrum in terms of economics, neither embracing nor rejecting Isaci's conservative economic policies too much, or too little. One could say that her economic policies remain the platform of today's Central Party.

So why did Isaci and Crumlo end up on the same party? Part of the answer lies in the historical and social climate of the nation. The youngest generation of the Nui-tan electorate today was born after both the Apartheid and the Partition. They are not familiar with the initial climate that both Isaci and Crumlo faced on their respective climbs to the top.

Prime Minister Evan Isaci was born in LAI 975 (A.N 51), in the middle of full-fledged apartheid. The number of Nui-tans who remember living in the stricter apartheid is declining every day as its population ages. Isaci not only remembered the Apartheid, but was already in his late 20's before it was relaxed in LET 3 (A.N 80). Isaci came from a generation of Nui-tans who remember being told they couldn't live in certain areas due to the class they were born into.

Isaci came from a generation of young men and women who faced jail time, or even treason charges, for defying the nobility-controlled government. Isaci himself was jailed for three years as a teenager, without ever being declared guilty in a court of law, for "insubordination" towards a Duke. And most importantly, as a young member of the first generation of commoners to claw their way into government positions meant only for the nobility, Isaci struggled against the social climate of his day for years.

Prime Minister Trenta Crumlo would not be born until LET 6 (A.N 82), during a time in which the Apartheid still existed, but was relaxed. Commoners were allowed more freedom of movement, and had gained some limited political rights. Even in this climate, they were still discouraged from running for office or holding positions of leadership.

Crumlo became an intern for Evan Isaci's campaign at 16 years of age --- a job that was actually quite common for undergraduate students such as Crumlo, who wanted to dip their toes into the political wading pool. Although originally from Northern Yevzar, she happened to be living in Eastern Rahku at the time, a district that had a hard time filling candidates for Central Party. Isaci quickly noticed Trenta Crumlo's intelligence and problem solving abilities, and pressured her into putting her name in, just to fill the spot. When Isaci and the rest of Central Party won an unexpected landslide in the next year, Crumlo's "just to fill the spot" run pushed the reluctant young woman into the backbenches, and further into Isaci's influence.

The Partition interrupted her term though, allowing Trenta to take a few years to study and wisen up. The events leading up to the Partition also created massive problems for Central Party. Trenta Crumlo probably never expected that the pragmatic, common-sense solutions she came up with would play such a heavy role in solving those massive problems. Once it became known that Trenta's intelligence and decision-making skills were on par with experienced MPs, Isaci didn't rest until he successfully got her to take over the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Isaci's economic policies and alpha-male personality appealed to the center-right. Trenta's belief in social reform, ability to tackle major political problems pragmatically, and youthful, ladylike demeanor appealed to the center-left. Furthermore, Isaci's long-standing political relationship with Crumlo, by A.N 105, molded the two MP's into a very powerful dynamic duo, who were able to work together despite being so different as individuals. Together, they were able to appeal to a broader range of voters, than if the two of them had ever run on separate parties. This strategy was so effective that when Isaci was invited to join Derch Party (which he aligned with more, on a political scale), he refused, so that he could keep Central's "two-headed dragon" alive and kicking.

I finally get to the crux of the point I was trying to make: because the two were able to compromise, because they were able to appeal to a broad spectrum of voters, and because they both understood and demonstrated pragmatic leadership, even with their respective political ideologies --- Isaci and Crumlo would go on to shape Central Party's success for over 16 years. I could write an entire article about how their resulting monopoly allowed for massive social and economic growth...but that's an article for another time.

I feel I've made my point about Isaci and Crumlo being effective leaders. Now let me get to the second portion of this article --- why both the CRP and Derch, the "general left" and "general right" of Nui-ta's political parties, respectively, are in deep trouble.

The left-wing CRP, led by Ultimus Renton (although not for long, as the writing on the wall would appear), fancies itself to be further progressing the social and economic policies of the center/center-left (sometimes) Trenta Crumlo. They couldn't be any less like Trenta Crumlo if they tried.

The same goes for the right-wing Derch Party, only they fancy themselves to be the inheritors of Isaci's economic style, combined with a grassroots movement for more traditional Nui-tan culture in terms of social policy --- a return to traditionalism, without the apartheid, as some have paraphrased it. Their similarities to Evan Isaci's politics are nominal, at best...

The CRP is in deeper trouble than Derch, so it would be best to start off with them. Ultimus Renton was once an upstart in a left-wing grassroots movement that didn't seem to pose too much of a problem to the still-dominant Central Party administration in Crumlo's second term. In LET 40, he etched a small claim to fame as a spokesman for the colonists and mixed-class individuals within Nui-ta, who had gained some increased standing under the current government, but yearned for a harder shift to the left than Trenta Crumlo was willing to give.

By LET 43, it was already becoming apparent that Renton was becoming a left-wing pain in Prime Minister Crumlo's rear end. In an effort to accommodate the left-shift across Nui-ta, Crumlo's policies shifted more towards the liberal-end of the spectrum. That shift was enough for most of the country, not nearly enough for Renton and his hard-left following, and too much for Crumlo's "new" home district of West Sangaur (which she moved to, from Eastern Rahku, in LET 34). The termination of list-seats in the election process forced Crumlo to have to circle back quickly to regain her diminishing numbers in the small, conservative region that had the sole say to determine whether or not she stayed or left Parliament altogether, despite her general popularity across the nation.

When she got news towards the end of the election season that she had lung cancer (in addition to already being physically fragile), she stopped campaigning altogether and withdrew from politics, seeing the writing on the wall for both her career and her personal life. With Trenta Crumlo literally dying, and the elections closing in, Central Party made the poor decision of picking a center-right candidate to replace Crumlo, disconnecting from the center-left portion of their voter base. Many of these disenfranchised voters then helped fuel the burst in the CRP's campaign to shift the government towards the hard-left, since a third Crumlo administration, which would have been the center-left they were hoping for, was no longer an option.

Renton's first term in LET 44 was actually a success, since he had a large majority and a wave of support with which to ride out a smooth term, full of social reforms. Although proponents hail Renton for striking down the remaining vestiges of Apartheid and Partition-era law, critics saw his diplomacy skills as "reasonable, at best" [according to the conservative Foroga City Herald], and his economic handling as downright dismal. The surplus that had boomed during Isaci's administration, and remained relatively stable under Crumlo, was quickly spent on massive social projects to help Nui-ta's underserved populations.

The LET 48 elections saw some slight panic on the part of the far-right, but Renton was given another chance to run, in the hopes that he could lead the CRP to close the deficit they had created. They didn't, refusing to compromise on cutting costs on the programs they had enacted. In addition to this, they inflated the value of the currency, making the already cheap Had near worthless for a time in the rest of Noctur. They instituted tax hikes to try and make up the balance, but it wasn't enough, and only served to anger those who weren't proponents of the hard-left.

LET 52 saw the hard-left and the hard-right fighting over whether to give the CRP a third term, or oust Prime Minister Renton and co., in favor of Derch Party, whose promises of economic renewal enticed those who feared the economy would not recover after LET 48. Swing voters were pulled in both directions, and neither party was able to attain a majority. In Derch Party's case, aligning with Central still left them 3 seats short of a coalition government. In the CRP's case, they -were- able to maintain the numbers to have a coalition government with Central, but many Central Party MP's revolted against the idea of working with Prime Minister Renton, who was getting less popular by the day. This led to the expected left-center coalition falling through, and in the end, the CRP and Derch had no other choice but to form a coalition government with each other.

This government, as we can all remember, as we're still in the third Renton administration, saw massive in-fighting, political gridlock, and in LET 53, forced a government shutdown, prompting Emperor Rowan di-Amori to enact edicts to force both Ultimus Renton and Derch Party Leader Benjamin Harvers to come up with some kind of compromise, as fast as they could. The first edict of withholding pay scared many other MP's, but did nothing to dissuade the hard-left and hard-right to immediately work out a compromise. It was the second infamous edict, limiting the MP's freedom of movement until such time that a budget was passed and the government was re-opened, that finally made most of the MP's back down. Turkey sandwiches and all...

Ultimus Renton lacked, and still lacks, Trenta Crumlo's ability to make pragmatic decisions, regardless of personal belief. While Crumlo could be described as a liberal politician, she was able to stick to the center, and shift slightly left and right as the situation demanded. Confidence in Renton's administration, even within the CRP, fell so low after Turkeygate, that Deputy Prime Minister Paolo Medici (who does display a sense of compromise and pragmatism) is the real CRP leader now --- Renton can barely get his voice heard these days, because of how much even his own government disdains him. The CRP will be split in the upcoming elections, with MP's split between the "moderate" Paolo Medici, and the hard-left (but very different from Renton in her own way) Elena Raashan.

If the hard-left gains more power, the center-left may be too fed up with Renton-esque politics to invest in the CRP altogether, and may be more inclined to vote Leftist or Central. Leftist doesn't really have the political mobility, since it half-assimilated into the CRP years ago, to win the election. In the meantime, we can't count out Central just yet, but must note that Central is still recovering from a lack of momentum behind their otherwise solid leadership, which is understandable, since whoever fills the role as the next notable leader of Central Party has some big shoes to fill, and needs to be very capable.

Conversely, if the center-left win with Medici, then the party will still be left to reconcile its internal struggles with the hard-left faction: and the CRP simply cannot afford any more mistakes. If the CRP flops in '56, whether they win the election or not, then they'll very likely lose the populace's trust for years to come, and may cause a reactionary right-shift that would only further doom itself.

Moving on to the right, Benjamin Harvers has been around since the first Crumlo administration, and he was already a middle-aged man at that point. The aging Harvers gets a slight pass for not being at the helm of the government --- even though I personally think he's as responsible as Renton. Derch also hasn't had as many screw-ups as the CRP, which has just failed its second chance --- so in general, voters will be more likely to give Derch a second chance, instead of a third to the CRP.

The massive failings of the CRP have already served to upset many Nui-tans though. The states of Sangaur and Yevzar in particular will be very unforgiving of the CRP in '56. "Moderate Medici" will have to fight an uphill battle to try and convince these states to help maintain the CRP --- and Raashan may as well not even run. We mustn't forget that West Sangaur voters were very unforgiving towards Crumlo in the LET 44 elections, and Crumlo wasn't near as left-shifted as Medici and Raashan. The failings of the CRP have only served to radicalize conservatives in those states, who are showing signs of rallying behind hard-right social and economic voices in Derch Party, such as Rasim Kulkanni: the governor of the state of Yevzar, with an extremely conservative social agenda that would undo many social freedoms of anyone who isn't a middle-aged male.

While Kulkanni's economic record is airtight (Yevzar's state government can boast that business is booming, if nothing else), his social policies may not be worth the acceptance. Kulkanni also shows less signs that he would be willing to compromise if pushed into a situation akin to what the CRP is going through now --- and if he wants to honestly say that he's the next economic maverick of Nui-ta, he's going to have to learn to work on his personality. Evan Isaci was equally as brash, and like Kulkanni, Isaci had some pretty frightening social policy views. However, Isaci's ability to maintain a better public image and hide some of the less-desirable points of his social policy behind his strong points was --- well....Isaci is the only one of the two to show any aptitude at these skills whatsoever. Kulkanni will need to develop these talents if he wishes to gain the votes of anyone who isn't a middle-aged man.

And when all else failed: brash, masculine Evan Isaci had young, pretty, charming, feminine Trenta Crumlo to make him look less prickly. Kulkanni could benefit in making a similar political connection.

That connection may exist in the form of Derch Party's Avalonia Haria. With a record as distinguished as Haria's (Minister of Internal Affairs during both Crumlo administrations, and Isaci administration #2), and the more moderate (as far as Derch goes) social policies that Haria has to offer to groups that Kulkanni would alienate on his own, Avalonia Haria could be a strong political presence.

However, Haria could just as easily manage on her own. Her economic policies are center-stage, as far as Derch goes, which will appeal to the right, and to swing voters in Rahku State and New Zanzes who want to return to something akin to Isaci economics. Her social policies, while having shifted right from her Central Party days, are not so far-right that they become alienating (although they may dissuade left-leaning swing voters). Most of all, Haria is the only one of any of the frontrunners of Derch or the CRP to claim connections or similarities to Isaci and/or Crumlo (really, she can claim both). I've already said that she's just what the center-right and far-right want economically, which ties her to Isaci, and although she's far more conservative than Crumlo, she obviously must have done something to impress Crumlo enough to let Haria handle one of the largest portfolios of her administration --- twice.

Haria still has to deal with dissent from the far-right if she ends up leading the party. In her long tenure as an MP, she was more of a follower than a leader, and the boisterous attitudes of the far-right MP's could be a huge test of her leadership skills. Although she's likely the person to beat in LET '56, that one weakness alone will be a huge determinant as to whether or not she can corral Derch Party away from the catastrophe of leadership problems that the party is closer to than it thinks.

And finally, although it is doubtful that they'll be the leading party in '56, we cannot discount Central Party's importance in this election season. In the time-out that was the Renton years, Central has had time to regroup, and has solid leadership in a newer MP from Mercuria by the name of Talia Dehran. Although Dehran lacks experience (which will be her main obstacle to overcome in this and future elections), she sits so firmly towards the center of the political board, that she could dominate swing-voters enough to force a coalition government, at the very least. Her strict adherence to centrist political philosophy will definitely dissuade hard-left and hard-right voters, but if she dominates the swing votes enough, whoever does better between the CRP and Derch will have to start paying serious attention to her.

The left and right have a lot to worry about in this electoral season. No matter who the winners are for the various party leadership battles, everyone has their own war that they'll have to fight if they win.

TOP COMMENTS

ViolaLover 193 likes 241 dislikes

I would really prefer to give Raashan my vote, but she's unpredictable. Although she's trying her best to distance herself from Renton, she may not be able to disentangle herself from the Renton web.

I may have to clothespin-vote for Medici...and he's extremely dispassionate. I wonder if there's a human being or a robot in that head of his.

RugbyBear 154 likes 193 dislikes

Haria is the closest to an actual leader, and she may not have the strength to deal with the far-right effectively. The only way I could see it is if she coalitioned with Dehran --- that would pull her more towards the center, and away from having to rely on the far-right.

SheePooky 401 likes 184 dislikes

LET 56 is the year of the feminists. Seriously, between Raashan, Dehran, and Haria, there's a serious chance that we could have a woman in power again. Anyone notice that?

In Other News
- Akimoto out of Higgins-Brown leadership
- Radiatian Elections (LET 56)! Likely Fyoderov vs... ???
- A counterweight to the Nui-Ra alliance may be in the works --- why Nui-ta should be more cautious abroad.
- Kalina Zorahn, long articles that take days to write, and the dangers of carpal tunnel.

by **Radiatia** » Tue Nov 03, 2015 5:24 am

IVERS VICTORIOUS IN TCHORT PRIMARY
SENATE MAJORITY LEADER CLAIMS NARROW VICTORY OVER RIVALS

November 4th LET 56 Last updated 00:31 Exegrad Standard Time

KUREI, TCHORT
Senate Majority Leader Josko Ivers of New Vashura has claimed a narrow victory in the first Social Democratic Primary, edging out rival candidate Owen Warsazeck in a race that grows increasingly bitter.

_{Senate Majority Leader Josko Ivers has won the
Tchort Primary}

The SDU campaign has undoubtedly wrapped itself around Ivers and Warsazeck as the two frontrunners - representing the right and left wings of the party respectively, while Alayenia Premier Vladimir Angelov - hoping to emerge as a compromise candidate - emerged a distant third.

Also notable were the abnormally high number of write-ins for Bahamatsu Premier Melina Forst - who recently announced she would not be seeking the nomination to run for President. 5% of the votes in the Tchort primary were write-ins for Forst - who would become Radiatia's first woman President if elected - influenced by the growing "Draft Melina" movement on social media.

Luntzbusch Premier Anton Kaspar received the fewest votes, but has stated that he will remain in the race and is gearing up for a stronger campaign in Chongluntz, where he predicts he will do better.

Ivers told supporters "though we celebrate tonight, the road ahead will be long and difficult. It's back to work tomorrow, so that we can purge this country of corruption and of the most corrupt President since Derro Vahnsehn!"

The Ivers platform - a mostly grassroots platform that is notably less well funded than that of any of his rivals - centres around plans to remove "big money from government" and a campaign against corruption - including allegations of corruption within the Fyoderov Administration.

Ivers differs from his main rival, Midgard Premier Owen Warsazeck, in two key areas - the main one being that while Ivers has stated his opposition to the cosy relationship between big business and the government, he has made clear that he is not anti-business.

Warsazeck, by contrast, is a self-described democratic socialist who says he is "not ashamed to be anti-business" and claims to be fighting for the rights of the Radiatian worker "in the face of greedy fat cats in downtown Exegrad who take from the poor and give to the rich."

"The establishment fear us, the status quo hates us because they know that we represent a new kind of politics for Radiatia!" Said Warsazeck to cheering supporters.

Warsazeck won the Tchort Primary in LET 52, however this time the semi-rural state has elected to back Josko Ivers - who, hailing from New Vashura, is perceived to be closer to and more understanding of Radiatia's rural heartland.

Interestingly, although Ivers is perceived as being on the conservative wing of the SDU - in the past affirming support for the death penalty and tougher restrictions on immigration - his campaign has taken a decidedly liberal turn, with Ivers pledging to downsize the Radiatian military and pursue a non-interventionist foreign policy.

Warsazeck, by contrast, has been vocally pro-military and has pledged "to defend Radiatians from threats abroad and from economic injustice at home".

The divide in the Social Democratic Union is also notable with the candidates representing the SDU's two predecessor parties - the Workers Party and the United Democrats.

Josko Ivers was a minister in Lena Toriah's United Democrats cabinet, while Anton Kaspar is the son of Nevan Kaspar - Toriah's deputy and briefly leader of the United Democrats.

Owen Warsazeck and Vladimir Angelov, on the other hand, were both members of the Workers Party when they were elected to the Premiership of Midgard and Alayenia respectively, and both have clear left-wing roots.

The neighbouring state of Saku will be the next state to hold a primary, followed shortly after by a primary in Chongluntz - Radiatia's second largest state, and arguably the first real test of the campaigns.

Meanwhile, in the Liberal-Conservative Party primary, President Gregori Fyoderov has romped home unopposed in Tchort with 98% of the vote (with a 2% margin of error).

Social Democratic Union:

✔ Senator Josko Ivers (New Vashura) - 39%
Premier Owen Warsazeck (Midgard) - 37%
Premier Vladimir Angelov (Alayenia) - 17%
Premier Anton Kaspar (Luntzbusch) - 2%
Other (write-in) - 5%

Liberal-Conservative Party:

✔ President Gregori Fyoderov (Jingyurin) - 98%

2% margin of error

- RPNN

Janet (Dunriu, Zorbakh)
3 HOURS AGO
The SDU are a bunch of clowns. #WeLoveFyoderov

87 likes

Drapants (Sukai, South Corpshire)
2 HOURS AGO
I'm a #WarsazeckWarrior and proud of it! Sick of there being no real difference between SDU and LCP... Warsazeck is real CHANGE!

304 likes

Megamum32 (Kuwestanbul, Resterbury)
1 HOUR AGO
i'm 81 years old and i have support ed the social democratic union and it s predecessor the workers party all my life but i am disgusted by what i see and i will be voting for gregori fyoderov and the lcp for the first time in my life this year

183 likes

In Other News:

Elections in Nui-ta and Higgins and Brown
Federal Assembly passes bill to loosen gun control requirements
Saskenya Premier Korbin Straub pardons death row inmate due to "questions over court handling of the case"

by **Segland** » Wed Nov 04, 2015 5:15 pm

The Republican
Segland's Premier Newspaper

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GROUNDBREAKING TREATY SIGNED BY NATIONAL SOCIALISTS AND HADINIAN LEADERS

The Ministry of Liaison was proud to announce on Monday the institution of a defense agreement between Hadin and the Republic of Segland. It was signed by delegations from both governments at the House of Friendship in Ryutsvaag.

Such a pact was made inevitable. The geopolitical climate of Noctur has, in recent years, become increasingly stratified. Nations such as Nui-ta move towards left-wing policies while disavowing the proven values of strong government and the capitalist system. Communist regimes like the one in Algrabad threaten to destabilize neighboring countries. It is a time of worsening paranoia and extreme ideologies.

The world may take comfort in the fact that there still exist some sane nations. The first step to bringing these nations together has been realized with the formation of what the more ostentatious politicians are calling the United Nocturian Cooperation Axis.

The Axis Treaty is twofold: it provides for a military alliance in the form of mutual defense and exchange of expertise, and it also fosters collaboration between Seglandic businesses and certain key Hadinian industries. Economic collaboration will be highly beneficial for both nations.

Bruno Het, Minister for Prosperity, said following the treaty's ratification, "After weeks of laboring in league with Hadinian diplomats to find the perfect terms for this alliance, our negotiation specialists have created an exemplary document. No doubt this will improve life for generations to come."

The highest elements of the National Socialist Party echoed similarly optimistic sentiments, some deciding to flood CONFERO with positive messages.

Regrettably, a major factor in establishing the official alliance was the worrying relationship between Radiatia and Nui-ta. Nui-ta is the epitome of the left-wing military dictatorship and Radiatia of the failed democracy, the latter being largely influenced by self-hating megacorporations. The United Nocturian Cooperation Axis is a means to offset the power imbalance represented by Democratic Noctur and decrease the likelihood of regional conflict.

For the world at large, one of the most noticeable results of the treaty will be the establishment of military installations in Hadin -- our first to be constructed in Terra Occidens -- including a naval base on the main island's northeastern shore. These locations will allow for the regular training and operation of Seglandic soldiers in the types of climates that are unknown in the Homeland. They will also be a palpable show of support for the sovereignty and security of the Hadinian state.

The economic provisions of the agreement are projected to boost Segland's already expanding technology industry while providing Hadin with much-needed infrastructure to improve the quality of life there. Working-class Seglanders will benefit from the deal as well, with increased profits trickling down to the lowest echelons of society.

In a splendid speech Monday afternoon, the Chancellor also voiced his praise for the Axis Treaty. "Now is the time for rational governments to rise and prosper," said Mueller. "Our alliance seeks to bring together the nations conforming to that standard."

The Republican News Network humbly wishes to add that it looks forward to an ever-advancing relationship with the government and people of Hadin.

In Other News:

Ivers ahead in Radiatian SDU primary
Presidential debates begin in Higgins and Brown
Conveyance Ministry to make preparations for bases in Occident

by **Aazeronia** » Wed Nov 04, 2015 9:30 pm

ANN

House of Lords "Courts" the Seglanders

"Lord Farcroft invites diplomats for conference on UNCA"

AAZERON - In what in sure to be stirring news for some and a godsend for others. The House of Lords of Aazeronia, presided over by Lord Farcroft, has voted in favor (28-22) to extend an invitation to the Seglandic "Empire" to send diplomats for a conference. The topic: "The role UNCA will play in Noctur politics and whether or not Aazeronia will be officially joining."

Noctur, once held together by the thin fabric of the Humanitarian League, is now becoming more and more polarized into political blocks. While the old alliances remain in place for the time being, Aazeronia's leaders have pondered what role and place Aazeronia will have in the "new" world political scene.

With the signing of the treaty and the formation of UNCA, Aazeronia again sees the chance for a unifying force in Noctur.

The opposition, however, sees this move by Lord Farcroft as "troubling", and rightly so. Radiatia, Crata, and Nui-ta are and historically been allies of Aazeronia. The opposition, headed by Lord Krae, fears that just entertaining the idea, let alone actually joining, of talks with Segland and UNCA could jeopardize relations with allied nations. Lord Krae gave this statement to reporters earlier today:

This move really makes no sense to me. Aazeronia already has loyal allies and trade partners. Why now are we looking for relations elsewhere, let alone with the Seglanders. These majority leaders must not understand where most of our goods come from....Radiatia that's where! Aazeronia throwing in its lot with UNCA could potentially ruin the economy by angering our Radiatian brethren! Not to mention that this could ultimately lead to conflict. Hadin is a part of UNCA and Hadin - Nui-ta relations are tense at best currently. The last thing Aazeronia needs is open conflict.

The majority has sought a position to continue to dismiss the concerns of the opposition, citing their "objections" as "wild speculation" and "fear mongering". Lord Farcroft offered his own response:

I do not understand the opposition. Aazeronia has always had a hand on international politics and has sought the unity of Noctur. We made our attempt with the Humanitarian League and to put it plainly...we failed. Now, there is renewed hope for unity with the treaty and formation of UNCA. I realize this may put us at odds with "allies" but now is the time for new alliances and new opportunities for Aazeronia. As far as the economy, my god, does the opposition not realize that Segland has industry! So we have to sign a few more papers to move around trade agreements, that's what secretaries are for. As for the military concerns, Aazeronia maintains a strong military presence and it is expanding daily with newer funding and patriots joining the cause. I do not fear a military conflict. I called this conference because I see a great opportunity for my beloved country and the majority agrees.

King Alexander VIII, while having no official power over foreign policy, has also expressed concern over the majorities decision to allow talks with Segland.

The conference is set to take place within the next month pending Seglands acceptance of the invitation. While, Hadin has not been formally invited, talks are proposed with them at a later time should Aazeronia proceed with its relationship with UNCA.

In other news...
- Cat memes are at an all time high
- Zombie films loosing popularity with Aazeronian youth
- Royal Guard military parade set to take place later in the week

by **Nui-ta** » Thu Nov 05, 2015 3:57 pm

NNN - Nui-tan News Network

Who's Who In Nui-ta 56?

RAHKU CITY, RAHKU 05:19 NST, November 2nd, LET 56

With lots to watch out for in LET 56 Nui-ta, voters find themselves doing lots of comparisons and research on all the different personalities, names, and specific constituencies. Although this is not meant to be a complete guide to the various elections, the following, compiled by our political correspondents, is a primer for those of us still confusing Talia (Dehran) and (Avalonia) Haria, and so forth...

Elena Raashan
CRP - Hard Left of Northwest Alinia District 3

First elected to her current constituency in the LET 48 elections, Raashan's start in politics was managing campaigns in Alinia that supported the CRP's political agenda. She helped co-write laws that closed loopholes in Partiton-era legislation regarding treatment of mixed/non-class individuals, and was one of the only hard-left MP's to oppose Prime Minister Renton's actions in LET 53 that led to a government shutdown. However, Raashan has been called "even more left-wing" than Ultimus Renton in terms of the economy, having voted on laws that sought to make school-systems and health services more socialist in their economic management. She's also very much for defunding much of the Department of Defense.

Raashan is relatively young, at 38 years of age (born in LET 18/A.N 94). She has quite a bit of appeal in liberal states like Alinia, which is known for having a higher population of ethnic minorities (of colonial origin - Hadinians, Kavians, and Tuvians) than the rest of Nui-ta. Alinia was also one of only states in Nui-ta to offer some political refuge in the Partition-era to mixed-class individuals. Raashan herself is one such individual, with a Kavian mother and a Zanzeanic Nui-tan father. Influenced by growing up in Partition-era Alinia, Raashan considers herself a social activist who is intent on ensuring that the codified discrimination and violence of the days of old do not return to Nui-ta.

Internationally, Raashan opposes further escalation between Hadin and Nui-ta, and advocates a diplomatic solution and possible peace treaty.

Socially, she opposes the draft, and wants to remove all legal restrictions on women in many social spheres of Nui-ta, involving employment rights, anti-discrimination, and protection from political marriages (this last one extends to men as well). She also advocates that Nui-ta require some A-track secondary schools to become "public", thus preventing admission monopoly to "M-track" schools for students with no other options for admission under the current state.

Economically, she plans on removing funds from the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Law, for the use of the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health, and to close the deficit left behind by the Renton Administration. She also supports tax hikes on wealthy Nui-tans to increase government funds. She advocates further expansion to "safety-net" laws involving health and unemployment left behind by the i-Harendo II Administration, which she argues are too minimal in their current state to be of any real use.

She has not given official endorsements to any candidates for election in Radiatia or Higgins and Brown, but is likely to support Radiatia's Owen Warsazeck, and Higgins-Brown's President Brian Treacy.

Paolo Medici
CRP - Moderate Left of Southeast Alinia District 5

DPM Paolo Medici has been with the CRP since the very beginning. A Hadinian colonist by birth, Medici fought in the back-half of the Partition as soon as he hit enlistment age, on the pro-monarchy side. He hails from Kiajara, a village that was destroyed at the end of the Partition in A.N 104 (LET 27) --- and was one of the primary people behind the effort to rebuild the town that once existed on the outskirts of Alinia's capital of Alin.

New Kiajara is one of several towns that exists because of Medici's experiences and views after the Partition and Hadinian War. Alinia was easily the most devastated state in Nui-ta by these wars. Over 70% of Medici's generation within Alinia suffered some major negative life-changing event because of the Partition (i.e widowed, orphaned, left homeless, left in poverty...). The "forgotten region" of South Alinia was revitalized by people like Medici, whose organizational efforts with funds and manpower rebuilt destroyed homes. It was Medici that pushed for many social initiatives to rebuild destroyed infrastructure, schools, and hospitals. It was Medici that advocated for rationing of food and supplies to the underserved, an economic protocol that still exists (but isn't as large-scale) in the state of Alinia.

Of course, it was also Medici that made businesses leave Alinia for more profitable states, like Yevzar and Ocini. It was Medici that trapped the economy of Alinia in the small scale agrarian culture that it remains today --- and while those actions were justifiable in the shattered state, particularly Medici's home constituency of SE Alinia-5 --- the rest of Nui-ta may not be so interested in Medici's economic views.
He's staunchly for increasing the economic "safety net", like Elena Raashan. What sets him apart economically is his willingness to break the hard-line plans of the CRP into gradual chunks, stating in a LET 54 interview that while "Nui-ta may not wish to take the whole meal at once, Nui-tans could be persuaded to take a taste, and one could go from there". Proponents consider him to be "a far-left idealist" at heart, but a "negotiator" in his head and actual practice. Of course, the hard-left of the CRP believe him to be something of a traitor, because of his willingness to pull back when his hard-left counterparts won't.

Socially, Medici is definitely more conservative than most of his CRP counterparts. While he supports increased freedoms for inter-class individuals, ethnic minorities, and women, he isn't as willing to keep the unemployed but able on government (or social) support for long. While he supports revisions to Nui-ta's conscription policy, he isn't for abolishing it as Raashan is, and while he supports relaxation of tight law and order in Nui-ta, he isn't for drastic policy revisions or defunding of ILOP. A Medici administration would likely be kinder in its cuts, if any, to the Ministries of Defense and Law.

Internationally, Medici is much tougher on the Hadin/Nui-ta problem. While he disdains outright war, he also is reluctant to state that there will be peace between the two nations any time soon. He'd certainly take a peace treaty from Hadin if the right one were offered, and would definitely be reluctant to send troops or otherwise further escalate tensions between the two nations unless absolutely necessary. With this in mind, he's most likely to keep Hadin at the "cold war"/"armistice" conditions that currently exist. This is understandable, considering that Medici defected from Hadin during the Partition, and doesn't have a good personal history with his "home" country. His ex-wife even defected back to Hadin in LET 51.

Since Medici was born during the colonial era and defected from Hadin to Nui-ta during the Partition, he is legally a Nui-tan citizen. Loyalists like Medici who remained after the Hadinian War were granted full Nui-tan citizenship by the late Emperor Vincentius III.

Medici also hasn't given any endorsements out for Radiatian candidates on the SDU. This will be quite difficult for him, as he falls in line with different candidates at different times. Economically, he's a likely fan of Premier Warsazeck. Socially, he falls more in line with Senator Ivers --- and when it comes to his leadership style, he's quite reminiscent of Premier Angelov. Medici has endorsed Higgins-Brownite President Treacy for the LET 56 elections in Higgins and Brown.

Talia Dehran
Central Party of Southern Mercuria District 3

Central Party can claim one clear advantage that the CRP and Derch cannot claim. Although not at the front of the race, Central is the only "major player" with solid leadership. Talia Dehran embodies just about everyone on the party in political views. She's also well-liked, intelligent, organized, and charismatic. Her only short-coming compared to others in the race is that while Dehran campaigned in LET 48, she only reached Parliament in LET 52. Her lack of experience will serve as a "con" on the list of perceived "pros" by her proponents.

Economically, she's neither too far left nor right. Socially, she takes a slight tilt to the right, but it's such a small tilt that most people either don't notice it, or overlook it altogether. She doesn't support changes to the minimal security net of the i-Harendo II administration, stating in her platform that she would re-instate that in its old form, and even takes some pages out of Isaci II, in that social welfare was important and encouraged, but not the de facto job of the government.

In the words of the late Evan Isaci: "Charity is a great thing, and I support it, but in a religious country like Nui-ta, it's not my job. It's a cleric's job." Talia Dehran openly maintains the same view, but extends the offers out to businesses and other institutions which may help take the social welfare burden off the state. Dehran also supports lowering the tax rates and cutting programs that were "over-inflated" by the Renton Administration. She's unlikely to either defund or add funds to the Defense or Law Ministries, and in a left-leaning move, she may even keep most educational programs in place that were put in during Renton's LET 44 and 48 terms.

Socially, she's not likely to make many changes to conscription policies. She is in favor of continuing laws that guarantee the rights of inter-class or non-class citizens, and in favor of a constitution that cements these rights, alongside the workings of the government, which until now has been a collection of codified laws, but no singular document like other countries. There isn't much else to say about Talia Dehran in a social regard, because she's in favor of the status quo - in a Dehran administration, the social strata of Nui-ta would remain roughly the same as it is now.

Internationally, she is something of a defensive peacemaker. Prior talks on the topic indicate that Dehran is likely to support war in the event of Nui-ta being attacked by Hadin, but unlikely to instigate or support any military action without prior instigation. She supports diplomatic talks with the Hadinian government, for co-operation between the two nations towards a sustained peace, but also calls out the Hadinian government for fascist, misogynistic, and homophobic policies...which doesn't exactly put her in the good graces of Hadinian diplomats.

Internationally, she hasn't endorsed any candidate. Her likeliest endorsements of the Radiatian elections are Senator Ivers and President Fyoderov --- but she's likely waiting to declare support for one of these candidates, as her decision will impact swing-voters who are also watching the Radiatian elections and rooting for one party over the other. It's also been speculated that she secretly supports Premier Forst; but there's no point in endorsing a candidate who hasn't stepped into the race yet.

It's extremely likely that she'll support Higgins and Brown's Henrietta J.W., though.

Avalonia Haria
Derch Party -Moderate Right of Eastern Rahku State District 1

Central's Talia Dehran is the least experienced MP in the spotlight of this article; her biggest rival, and the probable "person to beat in LET 56", in a recent article by Kalina Zorahn, is Avalonia Haria.

Despite being on Derch Party, Avalonia Haria had established and positive ties to the Isaci and i-Harendo administrations. She was an economic mastermind who helped Isaci shape much of the policy that would go on to become the mantra of many center-right conservatives in Nui-ta today. She was just as qualified as Isaci to become the Minister of Economics, but stayed on the side-lines of the Isaci I Administration. Her uncanny organizational skills and textbook knowledge of the inner workings of the state made her the perfect candidate to replace Trenta Crumlo i-Harendo as Minister of Internal Affairs, once i-Harendo became Prime Minister. Although Crumlo and Haria disagreed on many things, they definitely liked each other enough to upkeep their relationship across both of Crumlo's administrations, as well as the second Isaci administration. It's also no secret that Evan Isaci had quite the high opinion of Avalonia Haria as well, calling her "the unsung juggernaut" of his second administration.

Although Evan Isaci is widely considered the conservative counterpart of Crumlo, that distinction, due to their more stable professional and personal relationship, definitely belongs to Avalonia Haria.

Although she's unlikely to do quite so well in CRP-dominated states like Alinia and Hephazi, Haria's numbers and campaign are a force to be afraid of in swing-states. Conservative states like Yevzar and Sangaur are likely to vote for Derch anyway, if not for Haria, then for far-right Derch Party members like Rasim Kulkanni. This increases the likelihood of some kind of Derch government.

Swing states, however, disdain Governor Kulkanni's political existence --- and with a more moderate, economically centered approach to her campaign (capitalizing on the national dissatisfaction of the economic handling of the LET 52 administration), Avalonia Haria has the makings to convince many swing voters that she is just as reasonable as Talia Dehran, but with more political backing and experience.

Economically, this is mostly true. Like Dehran, Avalonia isn't set to make radical changes (even to the right) to Nui-ta's economy. Her main concern is the closing of the deficit, which is on everyone's mind in Nui-ta right now. Her only notable right-shift from Dehran in economics are plans to make Nui-ta more friendly to international companies like Greasy Joe's.

Socially, Haria is not as reformist as Medici (or even Dehran) in terms of civil rights. She's a proponent of the right to equal treatment across class-lines in Nui-ta, but is noticeably cold to ethnic rights, especially to Hadinian, Algrabadi, and Seglandic persons. She's definitely less misogynistic and homophobic than her counterpart Kulkanni, but hasn't been noted to openly confront him about his views --- and while Haria herself may not agree with anything he says, she's going to have to develop a spine and either confront him or distance herself from him altogether, lest a bad move on his part sink the ship with her on-board as well.

Her coldness towards the "fascist Noctur" nations could serve as an escalating factor in the Hadin/Nui-ta conflict, although Haria's record suggests that she wouldn't actually be crazy enough to advocate for outright war.

...if her far-right associates do, though, the main question would be whether or not she'd be able to pull them back.

Her main disadvantage is that she's not as charismatic as the other candidates. In the Isaci and i-Harendo administrations, she was more of a follower and an enforcer than a leader. There is a reason why Isaci called her the "unsung juggernaut", after all. In the Renton years, she was vocal about opposing the rival CRP's legislation, but noticeably quieter when problems surfaced on the Derch Party floor as well. When outgoing Benjamin Harvers allowed the shut-down alongside Renton, Haria abstained from voting altogether until the edicts were forced.

She may be the leader Nui-tans want, but is she the leader Nui-tans need?

Internationally, it is presumed that she will support Gregori Fyoderov (although she has yet to make an endorsement to anyone in Radiatia). If the cards fall in favor of the SDU, Haria may benefit from an Ivers Administration, but would definitely not find a counterpart in anyone else.

In Higgins and Brown, Haria would be most likely to support Henrietta J.W., although some could see her supporting Commander Francis.

Rasim Kulkanni
Derch Party - Hard Right of Central Yevzar District 5

Derch Party is quickly finding Governor Rasim Kulkanni to be a double-edged sword. The governor of Yevzar since LET 44, Kulkanni has no experience in Parliament, but makes up for this hole in his record with his position in Yevzar's state government.

Yevzar gets a lot of attention for being Nui-ta's industrial heart. Although other states (mainly Mercuria and Hephazi) also have stakes in industry, Yevzar's high yield of construction supplies (stone, coal, steel, etc...) was the driving force for putting together much of Nui-ta's existing infrastructure. It also helps supply other nations in Noctur with cheap construction goods. Nations like Radiatia and Aazeronia buy frequently from Yevzar, bringing high-value Tsenyens and Aazers into the country.

While most states, and the national government, raised concerns about the ever-mounting deficits resulting from Renton's high government expenditures, Yevzar managed to balance its state budget by LET 49, and has since been in a surplus, some of the funds from which keep the national deficit from going even higher. There's no doubt that Rasim Kulkanni is the driving force behind this economic boom, encouraging international businesses to invest in the state, increasing export output to support the cost of national programs, and lowering tax incentives as much as he could in the Renton climate, which resulted in Yevzarites having more expendable income and better consumer confidence.

It also helps that he has only complied with the bare minimum of Renton's social programs. When the Renton Administration required some A-track schools to become public, Kulkanni allowed only the bare minimum number to do so, and then incentivized enrollment into T-track schools instead. This move kept the Education expenditures of Yevzar low (since T-track schools are still allowed to be private, thus having less reliance/requirement on the government for their finances), and also allowed students to flood majors that would allow them to stay in the state and work in the trade dominated economy --- or outsource themselves to other states that are sorely short of Trade School graduates, allowing that branch of the job market to boom in-and-out of Yevzar. This move is credited to have helped some of the younger generation become independent tax-paying citizens quicker, rather than reliant on family for longer periods of time.

It should be said right now that his greatest strength is his masterful handling of economic situations.

However, what Kulkanni has in economic policy, he lacks in social policy. Nui-tans are generally regarded by Noctur to be a conservative bunch, but Governor Kulkanni takes that conservatism to a whole new level. He supports abolishing the draft (and restricting some military/industrial hiring) for women, and barring women with children from serving altogether. To make up for the loss of soldiers, Kulkanni proposes tightening conscription on men, and lengthening the mandatory period from 3 years to 6. He also proposes a "military-first" economy, allowing tax breaks for career soldiers (soldiers who stay in the military past their mandated conscription time), in order to keep terms even longer, and keep numbers high.

Kulkanni's draft policies aren't even the most controversial. A LET 36 law known as Independence in Working Rights For Women, championed by Crumlo and Haria, abolished the ability of men in some states like Sangaur and Yevzar to terminate the work contracts of their wives. Crumlo herself admitted that after moving to Sangaur in LET 34, she was "floored" when authorities required permission from her husband, rather than her, to add her name to the ballot. Of course, thanks to the LET 36 law, this is no longer possible.

Unless Kulkanni decides to try and bring that practice back --- a move that he is increasingly pushing constituents of his on the far-right to support. The numbers of far-right associates of Kulkanni's are higher than most would think --- left-wing shifts in social policy have created some reactionary groups who want to turn back the social clock, especially in Yevzar --- and there are also those who are terrified enough of the economic problems in Nui-ta to sacrifice civil rights they'd otherwise consider in the process.

If Kulkanni and Haria both make it into Parliament, Haria's lack of leadership skills could allow Kulkanni to make some radical right-wing moves anyway. If Haria, by some chance, doesn't make it in, then Kulkanni's chances of taking party leadership and driving Derch (and maybe even the government, if Derch takes over without Haria) to the far-right of the social spectrum.

Although he has no legislation/executive policies that discriminate against homosexuals, he's been known to make off-handed remarks, like homosexual men being "too flamboyant for the frontlines". His views on homosexuals are mainly inspired by his views on family planning. "Mothers with many sons are the most valuable women in the country", was a comment by Kulkanni that had feminist groups screaming in LET 54.

Furthermore, in a decision that would impact the civil liberties of both genders (particularly the young), Kulkanni has voiced that he has no intention to illegalize arranged marriages in the country: a practice which, while still existent, currently has safe-guards to allow for annulment and less social consequences for those unwilling to submit to a planned union.

Moving to international politics for a moment, Kulkanni is actually for a peace treaty with Hadin, not because he likes the state of relations between the two right now,or because of anti-war sentiments, but because Hadin's right-wing government may actually prove to hold more allies than enemies from the Northern Island. This may come as a relief to those worried about the possibility of war, because of all the likely candidates in Nui-ta, Kulkanni has the highest approval ratings in Hadin --- they're most likely to support a diplomatic approach if Kulkanni makes it into the government and pushes Nui-ta's politics to a point where it becomes more sympathetic with Hadin.

Of course, if his diplomacy falls through, and push comes to shove, he's also the most likely candidate to advocate open war.

With Kulkanni, it all comes down to whether Derch-aligned voters have become fanatical about the economy and Hadin... or not. With Nui-ta's deficit growing by the day, Kulkanni's economics hold enough merit to give him support he may otherwise never dream of. Of course, there are only so much of his gaffes that even conservatives are willing to take.

Kulkanni is the only one of those mentioned in this article to have formally endorsed a Radiatian candidate (President Fyoderov) in the LET 56 elections there. Although he hasn't officially done so, it's also quite reasonable to assume that he'll eventually endorse Higgins and Brown's Commander Francis.

What's the forecast for the various factions thus far?

Alinia: The home-state of both Raashan and DPM Medici, Alinia is split between the hard-left and hard-right of the country. On the one hand, they were one of the states driving the CRP's campaign for social change --- but many in Alinia were hit hard by Renton's economic policies and government shutdown, leaving a distaste for the CRP in many areas of the state. DPM Medici's long involvement with the affairs of Southern Alinia increases his chances in an otherwise hard-left climate. Moderates of both Derch and the CRP are finding it hard to swing people away from the harder factions of their parties --- without giving them to Central, of course. Either the hard-left or hard-right are most likely to win thus-far. The state holds 19 seats out of 176.

Hephazi: Hephazi has a similar political climate to Alinia, but with less polarization. This gives more moderate voices in the CRP and Derch, as well as Central, more opportunities to steal support away from the hard-left and hard-right. The state holds 23 seats out of 176.

Ocini: Central Party, as well as the hard elements of both parties, have considerably poor showing in unofficial polls currently running in the state. Ocinites have made it clear that they -have- allegiances to either Derch or the CRP, but prefer more moderate voices. The moderate-CRP and moderate-Derch elements have the best chances here, but which of these will win remains unclear. The state holds 15 out of 176 seats.

Rahku State: Everyone needs to be on guard in Rahku, with a population so diverse (and huge) compared to the rest of the country, that the state could really turn in any direction. Rahku State voters tend not to tip their hands until the last minute as to where their allegiances lie: they're also the most likely voters to change their minds. Preliminary counts are predicting that Central will have the greatest showing in Rahku State, but the rule still applies that the tides can always change at the last second here. It's still extremely important to pay attention to, despite being such a capricious state --- it holds 36 out of 176 seats.

Sangaur: Considered by some to be the smaller, more predictable version of Rahku State, Sangaur boasts a decent share of seats, but far more conservative attitudes. This is the state with the district that declared Trenta Crumlo too liberal to elect for a third term. One can easily guess, with this in mind, how they feel about the CRP --- but some Sangaurites have been mellowed out by 3 terms of the hard-left. With this in mind, Derch Party appears to be the fore-runner, but faces some competition by swing-voters who may reconsider Central in light of now knowing the true meaning of liberal. Even a moderate CRP member or two -may- slip through the cracks. The only "sure-thing" is that the hard-left is out. Sangaur holds 20 seats out of 176.

Mercuria: Mercurians are a strange bunch, with pockets of support scattered all-throughout the generally liberal state, for every party imaginable. Even Gold and Leftist Parties have some small showings here, despite being near extinct in other parts of the country. With campaigns still in full-swing, the more "scholarly" population of Nui-ta are taking their time to make decisions. With 28 out of 176 seats, all parties have their eyes on Mercuria --- while the state may take time to make up its mind, it tends to be less capricious than Rahku State when defined attitudes, platforms, and actions start appearing in the latter part of the election season.

Yevzar: The last of Nui-ta's "original" seven states (Alinia became part of Nui-ta after the Partition, at the cost of the former Nui-tan state of Suile (now called Suile-Blan), Yevzar is unique in Nui-ta for being an industrial powerhouse that puts more emphasis on business and manufacturing, over tourism and the environment. Some suspect that Nui-ta's rankings for "best weather" or "most environmentally friendly", according to the WA, would be at the top of Noctur if not for Yevzar. Of course, economically, Yevzar is booming. Under the far-right policies of Governor Rasim Kulkanni, Yevzar didn't feel the effects of the deficit and shut-down as much as most of the other states. Of course, the success of economic leadership from the far-right will tip voters towards the hard-elements of Derch Party --- however, there are also those voters who oppose Kulkanni's social politics (particularly of women's rights, education, and conscription), enough to at least consider candidates outside of his camp and party. Yevzar has 24 seats out of 176 to claim.

Kavia: This is the state that almost wasn't: narrowly voting in LET 45 to become a state of Nui-ta instead of an independent nation, after the Renton I administration removed colonial status for Kavia and Tuvia, to encourage class reform. Most of Kavia runs quite liberal as a result of only being in Nui-ta due to Renton and the CRP. They seem to be the most assured state of Nui-ta to continue CRP leadership, but only possess 5 seats, out of 176.

Tuvia: Unlike Kavia, Tuvia voted overwhelmingly to join Nui-ta as a state in the same LET 45 referendum. Tuvian culture is also unique for the presence of honor codes and social customs that don't exist anywhere else, and only have comparable counterparts in Sangaur. Tuvia will be interesting to watch, stuck between moderate CRP members who are the palatable portion of the party that made Tuvia part of Nui-ta, or the moderates in Derch Party, for their more social conservative policies. It only possesses 5 seats out of 176.

New Zanzes: Expansion of Nui-ta into mainland territory in LET 50 is the entire reason this state exists at all. Once part of the Zanzeanic empire, the sliver of land that Nui-ta possesses has been documented to be devoid of other people. Many people consider it a "ghost town". Of course, development in New Zanzes is booming, so people are flocking to the state to get their share in the development and state-building opportunities while those opportunities still last. In LET 52, New Zanzes was only populated enough to hold 3 seats, and voted Central overwhelmingly, due to what was perceived as general apathy. It has since jumped up to 11, due to mass immigration and the installation of a military base, fueling influx from soldiers stationed there. Attitudes in New Zanzes still aren't clear enough, in the new state, to determine exactly how and where this state will swing in particular. It's likely that with their military population, they'll either stay Central or shift right to Derch. Thus far, no one really knows for sure.

TOP COMMENTS

ForogaIsHome 321 likes 358 dislikes

I may have to clothespin vote Kulkanni. I really hate that he could set the clock back a few years on Nui-ta's social structure, but if it means that the economy gets fixed and Hadin leaves us alone, then maybe when it is fixed, we'll get the chance to kick him out and get someone better.

NoComp 412 likes 245 dislikes

ForogalsHome: I may have to clothespin vote Kulkanni. I really hate that he could set the clock back a few years on Nui-ta's social structure, but if it means that the economy gets fixed and Hadin leaves us alone, then maybe when it is fixed, we'll get the chance to kick him out and get someone better.

He's too radical for that. Even if he does wonders with the economy and Hadin, I don't think the damage he would do would be reversible. Haria's the best candidate, except for the fact that she has no spine.

Someone give Haria the spine of Kulkanni. Then this election would be a piece of cake.

SmoothieLover53 541 likes 397 dislikes

F**K DERCH. I FINALLY HAVE RIGHTS AS A HALFIE THANKS TO CRP. I DON'T CARE HOW BAD RENTON DID, HE'S OUT AND WE'LL GET SOMEONE ELSE. WITH MEDICI AROUND I COULD SLEEP EASY, WITH RAASHAN I WOULD BE ELATED, AND AT LEAST DEHRAN ISN'T LIKELY TO TAKE US BACK TO THE STONE AGE.

In Other News
- Ivers Comes Out Ahead In Tchort
- OPINION: Why the Segland-Hadin alliance could help Nui-ta/Hadin relations.
- OPINION: Why the Segland-Hadin alliance could hurt Nui-ta/Hadin relations.
- The dangers of carpal tunnel. Part 2.

by **Radiatia** » Thu Nov 05, 2015 10:22 pm

FYODEROV TALKS TARIFF REDUCTION
SECOND TERM WOULD SEE END TO PROTECTIONISM

November 6th LET 56 Last updated 16:30 Exegrad Standard Time

EXEGRAD, ALAYENIA
President Gregori Fyoderov has announced that he will push for the reduction of tariffs and trade barriers if elected to a second term.

_{President Fyoderov has said that he will move to lower tariffs if elected to a second term}

The President made the announcement during a visit to Exegrad's Tsenyen Row - considered by many to be the financial capital of Noctur - in which he blamed high tariffs for the Great Nocturian Recession.

"The reforms that began when this great federation overthrew the shackles of socialist tyranny are not yet complete," He said before an audience that consisted of some of Radiatia's wealthiest CEOs. "It is time to continue the march forward, towards progress and greater efficiency and away from outdated economic and trade policies.

"In short, what I am saying is that if I am honoured with a second term as President of the Radiatian Federation I will use that second term to fight for free trade and the reduction of tariffs and trade barriers. Radiatia is open for business and it is my view that business should be opened to the world, for we must realise that the globalisation is inevitable, and I for one intend it to be a globalisation in which the Radiatian Federation is a leader, not a follower."

Tariff reduction for the LCP has been likened to federal education and welfare reform to the SDU - it has remained the policy that the party has pushed for since its inception, but never been able to get through Parliament. The most recent attempt at reducing tariffs was vetoed by President Keldon Silviu in LET 49.

Tariff reduction and the opening of the Radiatian economy was last on the agenda during the administration of Soden Larssen - who famously reneged on this campaign promise due to fears over the global economic situation at the time.

The policy is a more controversial and adventurous one for a President whose first term in office has been one characterised by middle-of-the-road economics with no major reforms aside from minor tax cuts - the President thus far favouring stability over idealism where economic policy is concerned.

In a Q&A session Fyoderov stated that he felt there was "no excuse" for the late Soden Larssen, his former political mentor, to renege on the policy and said that there is "never a right time - you just have to take the bull by the horns and get it done."

Fyoderov also said that his proudest achievement in his first term had been the fact that he had not taken Radiatia into war, had presided over an economic recovery and had "ensured relative peace and stability at home and abroad."

The President admitted that he was "concerned" that Noctur appeared to be dividing itself into factions, and stated that Hadin joining the UNCA - making it an ally of Segland - could be the fuse of a "powder keg" especially if tensions between Hadin and Nui-ta erupt.

"We're monitoring the situation very closely, but at this point in time my administration's policy of co-operation and non-interventionism has created stability in the region."

Fyoderov pooh-poohed suggestions that Radiatia was "militaristic" as suggested by foreign journalists.

"The Silviu administration was interventionist, it's true. Mine certainly hasn't been and you'd have to go back to the Toriah administration before you can find even a hint of Radiatia attempting to shape world affairs by force.

"Interestingly - despite the LCP's reputation, it's the left-wing governments that tend to send Radiatian troops to battle. Troops made up of working class conscripts that they claim they care for and represent..."

The President expressed "concern" that Aazeronia was flirting with the UNCA but said that it tended to support his theory regarding the true nature of the international situation.

"I believe in Commercial Peace Theory. In other words, I don't believe that there are blocs consisting of Radiatia and its allies and Segland and its allies," He said. "Sure it may be that there are defence pacts. But the reality is that global free trade is the best way to alleviate tensions, poverty and ensure peace because it's not about ideology, it's about resources and the desire for prosperity.

"If there was a trading relationship between Segland and the Radiatian Federation, for example, the economic interdependence between the two nations, and their allies, would trump the need for military aggression."

The Radiatian Federation has refused to trade with Segland since LET 48, when the Silviu administration announced a trade embargo against it following the bombing of the Radiatian embassy which killed 41 people and a number of foreigners.

WARSAZECK EDGES AHEAD IN SAKU AND CHONGLUNTZ

CHON, CHONGLUNTZ
Midgard Premier Owen Warsazeck has overtaken Josko Ivers in the SDU primaries, winning first in Saku and then followed by an important victory in Chongluntz - Radiatia's second largest state.

Although his victory in Saku - which is known for its large university, where his support among students is high due to his policy on free tertiary education - was not unexpected, Chongluntz had been expected to back Vladimir Angelov, and the fact that the race continues to be a two horse race between Ivers and Warsazeck now throws Angelov's candidacy into question.

Warsazeck today capitalised on Fyoderov's announcement regarding tariffs, warning trade unions in Chongluntz that "You stand to lose your jobs to outsourcing and workers in third world countries if Fyoderov gets his way."

Warsazeck also warned of a "a race to the bottom", arguing that Fyoderov's policy on trade and immigration were part of a "grand conspiracy" to ensure that Radiatian workers will accept lower wages and reduced living conditions.

"This is Fyoderov's plan to combat inflation."

The outspoken Premier and self-proclaimed "democratic socialist" proceeded to attack his social democratic rivals not on economic policy but on foreign policy.

"As the dark clouds of fascism and communism gather in Noctur, conspiring against us, our President sits idly by, believing that selling out to foreign multinationals is the key to ensuring our nation's security," He said. "But even that approach is safer than the Ivers doctrine which states that too much money is spent on the military, too much manpower is wasted on conscription - which gave young people skills that could later go into jobs - and Josko Ivers, who somehow used to be our Foreign Affairs Minister, believes that there is nothing to worry about when even our allies are going cap in hand to Segland because they're no longer convinced that Radiatia still cares about them!"

Josko Ivers referred to Owen Warsazeck as "a time traveller who wants to take our country on a one way trip back to the LET 20s!"

"Premier Warsazeck - well the hint's in the name. He's all about war!" Said Ivers. "He's a man who wants to take us back to failed socialist economics, back to a military doctrine that doesn't work in the modern world - and didn't work back then either - and he wants to take Radiatia back into self imposed isolation. He's not a man for the modern age!"

There has been no word from Vladimir Angelov or Anton Kaspar who are both faring increasingly poorly, but remain in the race.

With Alayenia the next state to hold a primary, it is expected that Angelov will drop out if he fails to win his home state.

State:	Winner:
Tchort	Josko Ivers
Saku	Owen Warsazeck
Chongluntz	Owen Warsazeck

- RPNN

Barold (Witzer, Mendovium)
3 HOURS AGO
Ivers is the only one with any military experience. I served in the RFA for 20 years, no one is listening to us.

280 likes

Clean Harry (Tsukue, Saku)
2 HOURS AGO
I feel like I'm the only person on campus who didn't vote for Warsazeck. His policies were just bribes and we all know he'll never get his platform through Parliament.

94 likes

Snrub (Exegrad, Alayenia)
1 HOUR AGO
I and my other fellow working class scum... err, chums... will be voting for Fyoderov. We have no doubt that having our jobs outsourced or wages lowered will be very helpful to our struggling and generous bosses who do so much for us. Hopefully another tax cut for them too. Yessery, I'm LCP.

13 likes

In Other News:

Talks between Aazeronia and Segland "being monitored but nothing to be concerned over" says Minister Lichtenberg.
"Evening of the Sentient Deceased" a huge flop in cinemas
MAGAZINE: Manufactuing jobs threatened by technology

by **Poldania** » Fri Nov 06, 2015 1:59 pm

New justices appointed
PM Schmidt says senate to fill own vacancies

October 6, 2056

The announcement was made outside the Supreme Court.

VERDONA - President Robert Cesare has confrimed the appointment of eleven justices to the Supreme Court. Under the UNION act, the high court has been expanded from its original seven members to include one judge from each state, plus a chief justice appointed by the president. Today, the president has also appointed the two Merrinan judges, in light of the suspension of the northern states' governors, who would normally have that right.

In a speech outside the republic's highest courthouse, President Cesare declared, "Starting today, the Supreme Court will truly reflect the nature of our nation: ten states in eternal unity, sharing in a common, democratic government and all equally bound to enforce and obey the will of the people."

The court was previously filled exclusively by presidential appointment, a system which many regarded as unfair to the states. The change comes just ahead of the planned trial of the previous administration's leaders.

The president's reforms, of which the new court setup is one of the first, are intended to create a government which is both more effective and more representative of the Poldanian people.

Meanwhile, the prime minister and leading senators said they are planning to fill the parliamentary vacancies left by the suspension of the Merrinan delegation. The 153 Merrinan senate seats constitute nearly a third of the lower house, and have been empty for nearly ten years.

"There is precedent for the senate filling its own vacancies," said the PM. "When senate seats are vacated, the appropriate governor is supposed to appoint a replacement. If no appointment is made, either the president can do it or the senate can vote on how to resolve the issue. In this case the president has asked that the vacancies be divided among the parties according to the election results."

The senate will vote to approve new members once the parties have made their choices. The main issue, however, is in the Assembly of Governors:

"We are missing the governors of East and West Merrina, but we have no precedent for if the president or the senate has the power to fill those seats. It's constitutionally ambiguous."

The PM added that the new supreme court justices are being consulted on the matter.

In other news:

Nui-ta/Hadin maritime border negotiations come to an end
H&B presidential debate - Who won?
New Aazeronian chancellor appointed

Property of the Union Broadcasting Agency of the Department of Information and Education. Redistribution of this article or its contents without attribution is illegal.

by **Poldania** » Fri Nov 06, 2015 2:48 pm

Senate elections to be held next week
Government agrees on division of vacant seats

November 6, 2056

153 seats in the senate have been empty for nearly a decade.

VERDONA - Vacancies in the Senate at the end of each election will be divided among the parties according to their share of the popular vote, the prime minister's office announced today. The agreement among party leaders comes just in time for the final parliamentary election of President Cesare's first term.

"It's ridiculous, really, that these vacancies have gone on this long" said Senator Avon (U-LV). "We've had to round up nearly three-quarters of the senators every session just to meet quorum. And for ten years! No wonder it's been hard to get things done. Doesn't help that half the Progressives go on off on some kind of vacation every other month."

The newly-appointed Supreme Court justices have ruled that the constitution does not allow the national government to fill vacancies in the Assembly of Governors. Instead, the president assumes the roles of any absent governor until the state appoints one.

As acting-governor of both East and West Merrina, President Cesare has the constitutional authority to appoint the states' missing senators. According to the parties' agreement, each will submit their list of appointees to the president following the election.

The president is reportedly "very satisfied" with the arrangement, and expressed optimism that the Senate will be able to operate "much more effectively" in the coming years.

Meanwhile, the trials of former-president Jordan Calmes and other members of his administration are scheduled to begin the week following elections, to avoid politicization of the cases.

In other news:

Radiatian president to divorce
Tensions along H&B-Algrabad border
UNCA -- Aazeronia looks to join, should Poldania?

Property of the Union Broadcasting Agency of the Department of Information and Education. Redistribution of this article or its contents without attribution is illegal.

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