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Aurentina Today; Aurentina's Leading News Agency
Topic Started: Jun 7 2014, 07:02 AM (3,932 Views)
Battlion
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Conservatives form Coalition with Prosperitas after election Victory!



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NEW PM: HAROLD HAWTHORNE

22:04 - 5th December 2026

ELECTIONS 2026 - The thrilling conclusion to the 2026 Parliamentary elections came tonight after Conservative Party sources leaked the news that a Coalition deal had been done with Prosperitas after an election delivered the Conservatives with a majority of four in the People's Chamber but short of a majority by 3 seats in the Senate.

Conservative Party Leader Harold Hawthorne had been leading the opinion polls as the most likely Prime Minister since 2024 when it was revealed that senior Social Democrat officials had been abusing their posts with allegations including acceptance of bribes, manipulating the cabinet, replacing state advisors with friends and family and abuse of expenses.

The Conservative Party won a total of 305 seats out of the 700 directly elected seats available, alongside the additional winner's bonus in the People's Chamber giving him 405 and the right to govern Aurentina as the next Prime Minister. However, falling short of the fabled 38% of the vote required to guarantee a majority in the Senate the Conservatives managed to poll 34.2% of the vote and gaining 35 seats in the Senate as a result.

The Junior Partner of this Coalition, Prosperitas has been in Coalition with the Social Democrats for 6 years came third place in the elections after losing 64 seats but remains above the 100 seat mark with just 116 seats in the People's Chamber. Compared to the Conservatives who gained 100 seats in the election, the result for Prosperitas was bleak and the first time that being a Junior Member of a Coalition resulted in a loss of seats.

Prosperitas Leader, and newly tipped Deputy-Prime Minister, Catherine Nixon commented on the leaks earlier to Aurentina Today. She stated that it was true that Prosperitas would be forming with a Coalition with the Conservatives, when asked by one of our reporters whether it would be easy to govern with the Conservatives after their new partner spent six years criticising their record she responded calmly stating "We've been in Coalition with the Conservatives before between 2014 and 2020, we have been able to work with them before and we shall be able to do so again".

When we asked the Prosperitas Leader if she had managed to secure some key pledges of the Prosperitas Manifesto into the Coalition agreement, she was optimistic and said that "we have managed to guarantee major parts of our manifesto are implemented in government, ranging from taxation to our biggest promise a Basic Income Guarantee"

Conservative Sources denied that a Basic Income Guarantee was a set-in-stone policy, and instead argued that the Basic Income Guarantee would be the result of a Referendum

Both the Conservative Party and Prosperitas unveiled the Coalition Agreement simultaneously just half an hour ago which has confirmed that there is to be a Referendum on the Basic Income Guarantee and some more controversial policies including a Same-Sex Marriage Bill, Hospital and GP Charges, Privatisation of the Rail Network and a wide ranging consultation into the narcotic laws of Aurentina.

Acting Leader of the Social Democrats, Richard Milton MP has released a press statement saying that the Coalition Agreement was a "one way street down to further inequality" and that whilst the Social Democrats accepted defeat at the Parliamentary Elections they would "oppose the Coalition as much as possible.

Expect an Article from AurentinaToday soon looking at who won what in the Coalition Agreement



Edited by Battlion, Jun 8 2014, 06:00 PM.
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Government announces new "raft" of legislation



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The Prime Minister and Deputy-Prime Minister identified the new series of legislation as "phase two" of the government programme, with brand new policies alongside other Coalition agreement policies.

09:17 - 5th November 2027

LEGISLATION - Phase Two officially began today following the Cabinet Reshuffle with a barrage of new legislation introduced by the government to the People's Chamber today. If previous legislation is considered to be "Phase One" then there are still some remnants of Phase One to complete their legislative journey including legislation to implement the Prosperitas' "Road to Citizenship" currently sitting in it's final stage in the Senate and other measures including legislation to recall MP's, Senators and Assembly Members, increase the role of Regional Assemblies in Local Politics, repeal a vast amount of "damaging" economic and environmental regulations and legislation to increase the employment rights of minors.

The new measures cover a vast array of topics ranging from the National Health Service to Home Ownership, however one measure certainly to prove controversial amongst Conservative MP's and Senators is a proposal to open Devolution up to Regional Assemblies on further issues allowing Regional Assemblies to call the National Parliament to devolve further powers in new areas which can be seen as a response from the Conservative leadership to the Blackford Regional Executive where the Blackford Independence Party is the junior partner of the Regional Executive lending support to the Conservatives.

You can find a list of the new proposals below:

  • National Health Service (Efficiency & Reform) Act
  • Enterprise Investment Act
  • Home Ownership (First-Time Buyers) Act
  • Child Protection Act
  • Renewable Energy (Targets & Requirements) Act
  • Sensible Energy Usage Act
  • Citizen's Rights and Responsibilities Charter
  • Repeal: Conscription (Internal War) Act
  • Toll Road Act
  • LGBTI Discrimination Act
  • Law & Order (Prison Ownership) Act
  • Voting System (Referendum) Act
  • Devolution Act
  • Juries (Availability & Administration) Act
  • Heroism (Legal Defences) Act


The Social Democrats, Green Party and No2TheState also announced that they would be introducing their Opposition Legislation in the coming session, saying that they will be focusing on "different aims, different results but in opposition to the Conservative-Prosperitas Coalition"

The Social Democrats have indicated their three pieces of legislation will include proposals to repeal the FairTax, abolish the Healthcare Charges and to reduce the voting age to 16 years old. The Green Party of Aurentina said their piece of Opposition Legislation will focus on Environmental protection and No2TheState said their proposal would be the same whenever offered proposing a Great Repeal Bill abolishing the laws, abolishing Parliament and abolishing the government.

Check back with Aurentina Today soon for more news!
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Secretary of State for Health: "What if we sold shares of the NHS to the public"



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The Secretary of Health has privately suggested that the government should consider selling shares in the company that oversees the basic management and hiring of staff in the NHS as part of a new privatisation attempt, something that many Conservative governments of the past have failed to do.

15:39 - 9th November 2027

NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE - What were clearly meant to be private remarks, not government policy, have been blown wide open today as Social Democrats called for the Secretary of State for Health to be sacked after he privately suggested to a dinner for donors that the Department of Health could consider selling shares of the public owned company that manages the NHS alongside opening the Health Service up to private competitors.

The Secretary of State for Health proposed the ideas at a dinner for potential donors to the Conservative party, guests including high ranking business officials and many investment bankers however the list of guests have never been publicly released by the Conservative party.

Aurentina Today can exclusively reveal through recorded evidence that he would be "open minded" to a "radical privatisation of the NHS" if the Conservatives were to form the next government. Whilst he did not give detail to the plans he suggested that shares of the management company, Health Aurentina, could be bought by members of the public and investors pumping new sources of capital into the company allowing it to improve the quality of services and expand it's ability to use new lifesaving drugs in Aurentina. Currently, the company receives it's entire funding from the Health budget.

Secretary Samuel Bolton did not say that the government would completely retreat from the funding and would retain a 49% share in the management company, but would allow the government to re-consider it's funding arrangements. He also stated that he would be open to relaxing laws regarding private competitors to the NHS allowing them to provide NHS reserved treatments and making private healthcare more accessible and desirable for those that can afford to use private providers to "relieve the stress" placed on the NHS currently.

Social Democrats responded furiously to the remarks, the Leader of the Opposition called for the Prime Minister to fire the Secretary of State for Health stating that his proposals were "toxic" and would lead to a "NHS where profit comes above care".

Spokesmen for the Prime Minister have said that the PM backs the Secretary of State for Health and that his views were his own and not the view of the government, which has pledged to make private healthcare more accessible in it's own Coalition agreement.

The Secretary of State for Health refused to comment on the recording, but said that he was looking forward to "delivering the key healthcare plan" that the government was putting forward to improve care and quality of service.

Prosperitas has remained silent on the issue, however at the 2026 election their manifesto stated that they would "consider all the options" for healthcare reform and would not exclude privatisation or partial privatisation as a method of healthcare reform if it would be in the best interests of patients and taxpayers.

Check back with Aurentina Today soon for more news!
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Aurentine Citizenship (Road to Citizenship) Act becomes Law - Prosperitas "overwhelmed" from public support



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The "Road to Citizenship" was a key Prosperitas pledge at the 2026 election and also one of the final pieces of legislation lingering from the "first phase" of the government's plan for the country. It is to include a way of those without citizenship to show clear commitment to Aurentina, it's way of life and it's institutions as a method of application for citizenship.

19:43 - 20th November 2027

CITIZENSHIP - It seems that the end of phase one is where the dividends of Coalition shine in favour of Prosperitas as two key planks of their policy have been passed into law, previously the Basic Income Guarantee Referendum and now the Road to Citizenship.

The Road to Citizenship allows individuals who invest sufficiently into Aurentina, either financially or through direct investment on the ground through volunteering, charity work or investment in economic sectors to fast-track for an application for citizenship.

The proposal, criticised by the Social Democrats as a "bribe" has seen mild support and has been welcomed by a broad coalition of businesses, investors and charities which allows for anyone who makes a fair contribution to Aurentine society to be welcomed into society.

We'll bring you more as we know

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Railway Bids formally begin consideration for Five Regional Lines & 1 National Line



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Legislation to allow for the franchising of railway lines passed in Parliament earlier this year and formal bids began in May, the government has announced that the Department of Transport is now considering all the bids and will begin announcing winning bids in the next couple of weeks with franchises beginning between February and May 2028.

12:08 - 25th November 2027

RAILWAYS - The Department of Transport announced today that it has begun the consideration process for bids for franchised railway lines, it has also revealed details of how the process will operate providing the transparency promised by the Prime Minister during the legislation debate.

A total of five out of twelve regional railway lines and one national railway line are being considered for the first railway franchising, with a further three regional lines and the remaining two national lines beginning the process in Summer 2028 and the remaining lines in 2029 in time for the election. All franchising contracts are to last ten years and bids are required to include information on rail investment, job opportunities, passenger service, value for money and affordable train prices.

The lines currently going through franchising are:

  • Blackford Regional Line
  • Dellgate Regional Line
  • Evanshire Regional Line
  • Springhaven Regional Line
  • Aldbeach Regional Line
  • Evanshire National Line


The Government announced that the names of the company placing the bid is hidden from them by the Independent Regulator to prevent any form of bias, the government will be consulting regional executives, experts and rail unions when considering the bids and any requests for clarification or additional information shall go through the regulator which shall relay the information to the bidding company.

The Department of Transport stated that there would be five main criterion that would be crucial in deciding which bid is best. These are affordability, employment prospects, value for customers, future intentions and the financial status of the company albeit without revealing details that may give away the identity of the company.

It is understood that Aurentine Rail, the public-sector operator established by the legislation to also compete for contracts, has placed bids for all the regional lines and the national line currently being franchised however would not reveal exact details of their bids to "protect the integrity of the process" although it stated that it's bids were "fair, secure and well-funded".

The Department of Transport has indicated that successful bidders could be announced anytime between next week and end of January/February.

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Social Democrats introduce three Opposition Bills



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Every party gets a certain amount of pieces of Opposition legislation every year based on the previous election, the Social Democrats receive three pieces of Opposition Legislation which can be introduced anytime but traditionally is proposed at the end of the year.

19:58 - 2nd December 2027

OPPOSITION - The Social Democrats have chosen areas that directly conflict with the Coalition to put their legislation, clearly this legislation has been fuelled by the leadership rather than immediate backbenchers however it is unlikely the Opposition will attempt the same trick twice.

The Social Democrats aimed their sights on several key policies of the Coalition including the FairTax, Healthcare Access Charges and a proposal to reduce the voting age to 16 from the current age of 18. In this article, we will look at the likelihood of each piece of legislation passing through parliament.

Repeal: Tax Code of Aurentina (2027) Act

It's a clear attack on the FairTax here, however with the Parliament only just passing the legislation it is highly unlikely that it would be repealed so soon. With the Conservatives holding a clear majority in the People's Chamber it is likely that the repeal will fall at the Preliminary vote. It is clear that the Social Democrats are not wholly serious on this legislation, it is likely to be an attempt to appease core supporters who have been demanding the Social Democrats act on the "UnFairTax" however the leadership is more likely than not to be aware that it will not succeed in the parliamentary process.

Repeal: Healthcare Access Charge Act

Another attack on government policy, attempting to repeal what the Social Democrats have long called the Hospital and GP Tax. Whilst the charges were not initially welcomed by the public, recent months have seen the opposition to the proposals ebb away as other pieces of legislation attract attention. The Social Democrats are likely to be aware that the Conservatives alone will be able to block any legislation in the People's Chamber and a repeal bill towards a Conservative manifesto pledge is likely to not receive support from the Conservatives.

Votes at 16 Act

A whole new policy from the Social Democrats, when last in government the Social Democrats opposed proposals from Prosperitas that sixteen year olds be allowed to vote. It is seen that with the election of Emily Marsden as leader the party has re-evaluated it's policy on the voting age. Prosperitas is likely to be looking to back the proposal if possible, as will the Greens however it is unknown how the Conservatives will approach the legislation. If the Conservative leadership allowed a free vote on the issue it is wholly possible that there would be enough Conservative support to allow the legislation to sneakily pass through the People's Chamber. Once in the Senate however it is likely that the options for the Conservatives to block the legislation then will be very limited indeed.

The government responded to the proposals saying they would look at all the pieces of legislation however stated that they would not support proposals that directly conflict with government policy.

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Prime Minister "confident" on delivering "above-expected" economic growth for 2027



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With estimate economic figures for 2027 economic growth due this week, the Prime Minister revealed that he is confident on delivering "above-expected" growth, the ONS predicted growth of 1.7% earlier this year for 2027.

12:32 - 5th December 2027

ECONOMY - The Prime Minister is sticking his neck out today to predict that there will be stronger than predicted growth in the Aurentine economy today, whilst the economy that the Prime Minister inherited was growing it was on the slowdown from what the PM called "rising debt levels" and "worrying economic policies". As we have just passed the first year mark of this Coalition he stated that we are seeing "strong growth" in the economy once again.

The Office of National Statistics (ONS) is to publish the estimate economic growth figures for the year 2027 on the 8th December, early figures by the ONS suggested that the economy could grow by roughly 1.7% this year. Whilst we have no figure to give you, nor do we expect a leak from the ONS on the figure the government will have been informed in the past few days on the figure and the fact that the Prime Minister is very happy to speak out about economic growth instead of staying quiet.

"Above-expected" growth therefore could be anything above 1.7%, if the figure is above this then it will be a massive boost to the Conservatives and Prosperitas as the parties presiding over this economic growth. However, Social Democrats point out that the ONS was always predicting that economic growth for 2027 would be better than 2026 and any increase on top of the 1.7% prediction was not due to the government instead was due to the sensible reforms they enacted in office.

The Conservatives deny this strongly, arguing that Social Democrat policies are damaging to the Aurentine economy and could be disastrous for the country. It is certain that however high this figure is, it is clear that both the Conservatives and Social Democrats will be claiming responsibility.

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Citizen's Rights and Responsibilities Charter moved to the Senate - All Three Major Party backing guarantees success



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The proposal, a clear Prosperitas manifesto commitment from 2026, passed through the People's Chamber easily today as the Conservatives, Prosperitas and the Social Democrats united to pass the proposal underpinning the basic rights and responsibilities of all citizens of Aurentina. The Charter is seen by many, especially within Prosperitas, as the first steps toward a written constitution however until then they have managed to secure major protections for the charter including supermajorities being required for amendments and a double lock on each clause stating the repeal of rights also repeals the responsibilities and vice-versa.

18:28 - 7th December 2027

LEGISLATION - Prosperitas will be celebrating tonight as the Citizen's Rights and Responsibilities Charter passed the People's Chamber today with the support of all three major parties, the Greens abstained against the legislation stating that it ignored the rights of citizens to expect state owned utilities.

The Deputy-Prime Minister, who spearheaded the legislation through the People's Chamber on behalf of the government said the charter was a "major protection of citizens" and would employ "various mechanisms" to protect it from abuse and distortion from future governments. She also indicated that the legislation was the first step towards a written constitution or constitution Act however did not explicitly state this in her remarks, likely due to Conservative opposition to such proposals till 2029.

The Citizen's Charter of Rights and Responsibilities outlines several rights and freedoms of citizens of Aurentina are entitled whilst also for the first time, defining what a citizen is into Aurentine law. However, balancing these freedoms and rights are responsibilities which the Deputy-Prime Minister argued was "essential" to promote Aurentina as a land of "freedom, equality and individual responsibility for their actions".

Whilst the charter does not explicitly state that failure to fulfil the responsibilities outlined will result in the loss of rights protected under the charter, it states that every citizen is obliged to "best meet the responsibilities expected of them as their conscience permits". This was seen as a significant clause of the legislation, which prevents future governments from pointing to the charter when some responsibilities which most would view as subjective as being punishable.

The rights & freedoms not excluding others granted by the Charter include:

  • Freedom of Conscience & Religion
  • Freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of speech and of the press
  • Freedom of Peaceful Assembly
  • Freedom of Association
  • The right to challenge unlawful detention by the state (Habeas Corupus)
  • The right to live and work anywhere they choose in Aurentina, to enter and leave the country as they wish and to apply for a passport
  • The right to equality under the eyes of the law regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, age and religion
  • The right to a democratic state and equal representation and voice (Right to Vote)


Some of the responsibilities expected of all by citizens by the Charter include:

  • Obeying the Law, Individuals and governments are regulated by laws and not by arbitrary actions. No person or group is above the law.
  • Taking responsibility for oneself and one's family, Getting a job, taking care of one’s family and working hard in keeping with one’s abilities are important Aurentine values. Work contributes to personal dignity and self-respect, and to Aurentina’s prosperity.
  • Serving on a Jury, When called to do so, you are legally required to serve. Serving on a jury is a privilege that makes the justice system work as it depends on impartial juries made up of citizens.
  • Voting in Elections, The right to vote comes with a responsibility to vote in national, regional and any other election that citizens are entitled to vote in.
  • Helping others in the Community, Millions of volunteers freely donate their time to help others without pay—helping people in need, assisting at your child’s school, volunteering at a food bank or other charity, or encouraging newcomers to integrate. Volunteering is an excellent way to gain useful skills and develop friends and contacts.
  • Protecting and Enjoying our Heritage and Environment, Every citizen has a role to play in avoiding waste and pollution while protecting Canada’s natural, cultural and architectural heritage for future generations
  • Defending Aurentina from threats, Whilst there is no compulsory military service in Aurentina if eligible you are expected to consider joining the armed forces, marines or air force if you wish to do so in the honour of your country.
  • Respect the rights and beliefs of others, Every Citizen expects their rights and beliefs to be respected by others thus every citizen has the responsibility to respect the rights and beliefs of others. Diversity is an important value in Aurentine society, no individual should be able to dictate rights and beliefs they deem to be correct.
  • Pay all taxes, charges and other payments honestly and on time without delay or intention to prevent payments under the law


All major parties have pledged their further support to the legislation through the Senate, however parties on all sides have placed amendments which could mean the People's Chamber be required once again to vote. Significant amendments include ones by the Greens to include the right to basic utilities and state services whilst another proposed by the Social Democrats includes the right to a basic living wage for all citizens of Aurentina.

Whilst the former proposal is controversial, the second is significant as if accepted by both chambers it would be the first time that a living wage is set out in legislation and could in theory, if deemed by a court, to overrule previous legislation on minimum wage levels and the processes governing it. It is unknown how Prosperitas and the Conservatives would vote on the amendment, however if approved by Senators and MP's it would score a major victory for the Social Democrats despite being in Opposition.

There is no doubt that the charter will become law, the question is what amendments will stand at the end and if the Conservatives are overruled or ignored by their Coalition partners. Could there be significant repercussions for Prosperitas?

Check back with Aurentina Today soon for more news!
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ONS releases 1.98% estimate for Aurentine Growth - Debt falls to 24.9% of GDP



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The Office of National Statistics released an estimate of 1.98% growth for the Aurentine economy in 2028, it also released figures stating that by the end of 2027 the debt will now be worth 24.9% of GDP down from 2026 at the start of the year.

11:38 - 8th December 2027

ECONOMY - "The plan is working" was the response of the Prime Minister today as the ONS announced the estimated growth of the Aurentine economy and the level of the debt, the economy is expected to have grown by 1.98% this year and the debt as a % of GDP will have fallen by 1.1%.

It is certainly the "above-expected" growth that the PM promised earlier this week and is the first time the debt has fallen in terms of GDP for the last ten years. The Conservatives have been out in force today stating that the economic growth and debt figures are their work, the work of the government whilst the Social Democrats claim the figures our their own success from the reforms implemented during their time in government.

Most citizens however have associated the growth with the government, not the Opposition. The Prime Minister also spoke today on his next budget, which whilst being months away is currently being drafted in the Treasury. He stated that the government would "go further to cut the debt" however admitted that the sum of money available to the government will be entirely dependant on the predictions of how much revenue the FairTax will bring in however he did believe that the proposal was revenue neutral and if it failed to be so in it's first year it would return to being so relatively quickly.

The Prime Minister stated that "the government remains committed to the Debt reduction plan" and "will not deter from cutting spending wherever necessary to protect the nation's finances". The Opposition will now know that the economy is on the rebound and that hard work will need to be done to get back those who voted against them in 2026.

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Department of Transport announces Unitran as winner of Evanshire National Franchise



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The announcement comes as the first time that the railways have been franchised, it is widely understood that the Department of Transport considered multiple bids for the franchise.

13:29 - 11th December 2027

RAILWAY FRANCHISING - Unitrans has become the first company to win a ten year franchise in Aurentina, the Carpathia based company won the franchise for the Evanshire National Line which sees a train route through many regions of Aurentina.

The Department of Transport announced the details of the Bid alongside it's decision:

  • Unitrains (Carpathia)
  • Upfront Payment to the Government: $5 Billion
  • 27% of Profits from the Line shall be returned to the Aurentine government Per Year
  • An Increase of 20% in terms of jobs guaranteed for the management and delivery of the Evanshire National Line


The Franchise officially begins from the 2nd February 2028 and will expire on the 2nd February 2038, Unitrans will be expected to maintain the franchise until the expiry date, where a new provider or Unitrans will once again take the mantle of the franchise through the same bidding process.

It is understood that Aurentine Rail, the public-sector arms length company formed by the government to also compete for contracts did not put in a franchise offer with such a high upfront payment, when the Secretary of State for Transport Fred Tomlin was asked on whether it was simply that the highest payment would win he stated that "numerous factors are considered in the distribution of contracts, the Unitrans bid was good for the economy, good for passengers and good value for money and I am confident it will be a national success"

With five other regional lines also yet to be awarded, it is unknown whether Unitrans also applied for those however there is the serious chance that Unitrans could also win a regional franchise alongside this key national one.

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FairTax Repeal Legislation falls at Preliminary Vote - Prime Minister hails the "will of the People's Chamber, not to give in to irresponsible Social Democrats"



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In a scathing attack on the Social Democrats today, the Prime Minister branded the Social Democrats as "irresponsible" and "undermining the will of Parliament" regarding their proposal to repeal the FairTax which was defeated at the Preliminary Vote in the People's Chamber.

20:31 - 14th December 2027

FAIRTAX - The Social Democrats were humiliated today as their proposal to Repeal the FairTax was defeated at the Preliminary Vote in the People's Chamber, thus not even allowing the bill to be debated at the second vote. It is usually expected that every piece of legislation goes through the preliminary vote unscathed, however the Conservatives refused to allow the legislation to pass and unilaterally blocked the legislation whilst Prosperitas abstained.

The Leader of the Opposition said it was "disappointing" to see the legislation fail, however she stated that the Social Democrats would "re-consider it's position on the FairTax in time for the 2029 election where it will either commit to the FairTax or propose it's immediate repeal".

The Prime Minister, on behalf of the government said the Social Democrats were "reckless, harmful and irresponsible for undermining the will of Parliament". Parliament had recently passed the FairTax, which the government announced today had seen a total of 73% of the country having submitted applications for the prebate.

The ONS also waded into the debate today saying that it was "unsure" if the proposal would be revenue neutral in 2028, however the government said it was confident that the proposal would be neutral. Failure for the FairTax to be revenue neutral in 2028 could mean that the government would be forced to push deeper cuts to spending than originally planned however the Chancellor stated that the target for 2028 was to knock over $30 billion from the budget to use directly for paying down the debt.

This is in comparison to the $18 billion used to pay down the debt this year, the government confirmed that the next two years worth of cuts would need to be harder than before to "help pay down the debt" and "protect the Economy". The Social Democrats are said to continue to oppose the Coalition's cuts and that the debt situation is not "dangerous" with debt currently lying at 24.9% of GDP compared to 26% earlier this year.

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Deputy-Prime Minister announces Pregnancy - Coalition Baby!



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Elizabeth Nixon, Deputy-Prime Minister, the leader of Prosperitas announced on Social Media today that she and her husband Peter Nixon were expecting their first child.

20:31 - 19th December 2027

BABY NEWS - The Deputy-Prime Minister released personal news for once, she announced to followers on Social Media that she and her husband were expecting their first baby. She stated that she was seven weeks gone and that the baby would roughly be due in July 2028.

Aurentina Today would like to express our congratulations to the Deputy-Prime Minister at this happy time, the Prime Minister also congratulated the Deputy-Prime Minister saying he was "looking forward to meeting the new arrival" whilst the Leader of the Opposition also expressed her congratulations by saying "as a mother myself, I know how powerful the first pregnancy can be and I wish the Deputy-Prime Minister all the best with her new family member".

Whilst of course most are not speculating, some commentators question where this announcement will leave the Coalition and Catherine Nixon as leader of Prosperitas and the Deputy-Prime Minister of Aurentina. Whilst it seems unlikely she will want to give away these positions, it may be necessary or the correct thing to do if unable to handle the jobs of being a mother to a newborn, leading a major political party and holding one of the most significant offices in Aurentina.

Bookies are already accepting bets on whether the Coalition Baby will be a boy or girl and whether the Deputy-Prime Minister will call the child Harold or Emily.

Once again, Aurentina Today would like to give our deepest congratulations to the happy couple and wish all the best to a smooth and healthy pregnancy.

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Regional Franchise Winners announced



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The Evanshire National Line was successfully franchised earlier this month, with Unitrans winning the franchise to run for ten years, today the Department of Transport announced the winning bids for the five regional lines also being franchised this year.

17:24 - 23rd December 2027

RAILWAY FRANCHISING - So, the first wave of franchising has been successful with what the government hailed as a "passionate campaign for competition" with many different rail providers putting in bids to run the railway lines for the next ten years.

Earlier this month the Evanshire National Line, one of the three national lines was successfully won by Unitrans of Carpathia & Moldova. Many feared that the Public-Sector company Aurentine Rail that was established by the legislation for franchising to compete for contracts would lose out and be unable to win any contracts, however today's announcement from the Department of Transport has alleviated those fears.

Below, you may see the winning bids:

  • Blackford Regional Line - Aurentine Rail - $950 Million upfront - Investment in upgrading infrastructure and providing new job opportunities in ticketing, driving, track maintenance etc
  • Dellgate Regional Line - Monroe National - $900 Million upfront - 60% of Profits returned to Government, Increase of 40% Jobs
  • Evanshire Regional Line - Virgin (Aurentina Rail) - $1 Billion upfront - Investment in Infastructure, new train fleet, Flexible ticket prices, Discounts on Tickets available
  • Springhaven Regional Line - Aurentine Rail - $1 Billion upfront - Investment in upgrading infrastructure, new job opportunities in ticketing, driving, track maintenance etc
  • Aldbeach Regional Line - Unitrans - $4 Billion upfront - 25% of Profits returned to Government, Increase of 30% Jobs


Including the successful $5 Billion bid for the Evanshire National Line, the franchising of the six lines this year has brought in $12,850,000,000 for the national coffers. The Government has not said exactly where the money would be spent, however it is widely expected that some will be used to pay down the debt and the rest be used to directly invest in rail infrastructure.

The new franchises begin on the 2nd Febuary 2028, it is the same time when the government will begin the process for the franchising for three more regional lines and a national line to begin in 2029.
Check back with Aurentina Today soon for more news!
Edited by Battlion, Jul 21 2014, 01:00 AM.
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AURENTINA TODAY


Government "ready" for FairTax



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The government has released important data and final copies of Information packs on the FairTax before it comes into effect on the 1st January 2028, additionally they have released details on the amount of prebates claimed and business exemption certificates distributed..

19:38 - 27th December 2027

FAIRTAX - The Government is ready, the people are ready... Everyone seems to be ready, however with the arrival of the FairTax in 2028 we will see a fundamental shift in the Aurentine economy. Second hand products will not be taxed, things you buy for your business won't be taxed, if you're living below the poverty line or on the poverty line you will not pay any tax whatsoever.

The FairTax is a significant reform, the government predicts it will positively enforce strong economic growth and attract businesses and investment to Aurentina. The Opposition still seems to be determined to oppose it as far as it can, however with it so close to implementation if it is accepted the Social Democrats may have some trouble adapting to the new demands of people.

The Government recently released a full information pack and made the Business Exemption Certificate application publicly available.

The Government also released data stating that 87% of eligible households have claimed the FairTax prebate, therefore it has been assumed that the remaining 13% have opted to pay the FairTax on their essential goods and services.

The ONS released a statement today saying that "the ONS holds serious concerns that the FairTax will not be revenue neutral for 2028", the Social Democrats have seized on this statement saying that because of the "Conservative experiment" there will be "deeper cuts" to deliver the Conservative promise of a surplus budget every year between 2027 and 2029.

Check back with Aurentina Today soon for more news!
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Prime Minister's New Year Message focuses on "hard choices"



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The Prime Minister's recorded message to the nation focused on "hard choices" and encouraging the nation to "look forward" to prosperity.

23:59 - 28th December 2027

NEW YEARS - The Prime Minister just addressed the nation before we jump into 2028, in his first New Year's Message where he has been Prime Minister for over a year Harold Hawthorne made clear that Aurentina was ready to take "hard choices" when needed and he would "look forward" to national prosperity.

In a speech where it is not meant to be political, there were clear political undertones to the speech in reference to his government's agenda to cutting the debt by reducing spending and choosing which priorities are the most important.

However, what can we be expecting from the government this year? Seemingly a lot, with "phase two" of the government's legislative programme delivering some key economic policies, the Basic Income Guarantee Referendum next month, franchised railways beginning and even another cabinet re-shuffle if the Deputy-Prime Minister decides to step down following her pregnancy announcement in recent days.

Happy New Year Aurentina!

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FairTax rollout prebate "relatively smooth"



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Prebate's have been given out with few technical errors, some reports of households not receiving payments.

14:49 - 1st January 2028

FAIRTAX - The Government has called the prebate rollout for the FairTax as "relatively smooth", the Treasury released a statement revealing that there had been minor teething errors with some households across the country not receiving payments but that the treasury was working to ensure prebates were given out as soon as possible.

The FairTax, a national sales tax of 30% on top of every good and service bar necessities, was passed by Parliament last year in response to calls from the Institute of Tax Reform to make tax "easier to understand". The Conservatives and Prosperitas agreed to back the proposals whilst the Social Democrats fought against the tax in Parliament stating it was "Unfair, complicated and disastrous for ordinary people".

The Prime Minister, Deputy-Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition all revealed today that they were claiming the tax rebate. The Prime Minister's household of two adults and two children will receive an annual prebate of $7,135 and confirmed that the family would be claiming monthly instalments thus they will have received $510 today. The Deputy-Prime Minister who currently lives with her husband and is expecting her first child this year is currently receiving a rebate for two adult household but confirmed she would switch as soon as her child was born thus will be receiving an annual prebate of $5,285 however stated they were claiming the prebate in one whole payment instead of monthly thus will have received their full total today.

The Leader of the Opposition, her husband and three children will receive an annual prebate of $8,059 and confirmed that they would be receiving their payments in monthly instalments thus they will have received $576 today. She also released a statement today calling on the government to "sort out the mess" regarding technical errors and that she still "Opposed the FairTax" despite claiming the prebate.

The Conservatives have praised the new FairTax saying it was a "real step forward" and that it will encourage "fiscal responsibility", something they suggested the Social Democrats have still failed to grasp suggesting that they might finally learn something from a Conservative-led government.

Prosperitas has remained relatively silent on the rollout, although said they were pleased to see the prebate's warmly welcomed by those who have claimed them.

Check back with Aurentina Today soon for more news!
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