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Res Publica
Topic Started: Dec 19 2008, 03:42 PM (3,456 Views)
Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

NEW WAVE OF TERRORIST ATTACKS CLAIM DOZENS

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Baie-Comeau, Porcuian South-East Afrika - Earlier this morning, a little after sunrise and during the morning call to prayer for the Moslem residents of the small, tourist coastal town, a series of explosions and car bombs went off throughout the city, heavily damaging two mosques and several local government buildings devoted to tourism.

Thus far, 72 have been reported dead and 112 wounded though the figure for those still missing is much higher. Among the dead that have been identified are Porcuian government workers from Porcu Proper and a handful of Ulganian, Paradisian, French, and Scottish tourists. Condolences have already been sent from Stockholm to the respective countries. The generally peaceful and prospering town has become a favorite for various international tourists, clear waters and warm temperatures being the biggest reason. But another reason is also that the coastal town had escaped the brutal attacks by the Tanzanian Independence Movement, until now.

For years, TIM militia groups have attacked various cities and areas in the Afrikan dependency and during the years of military junta rule the Wehrmacht was often seen responding to such attacks with helicopter sorties and bombing runs over towns and villages outside the internationally recognized borders of South-East Afrika. The military junta was always uneasy about actually occupying the territory generally believed to hold the majority of TIM terrorist fighters for fear of international condemnation and coordinated response. It seems the uneasiness has been inherited by the Nixon administration which seems to be content with limited responses in the way of aerial attacks.
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Ulgania
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A better Zarathustra has never rode a horse
STATEMENT FROM THE CHANCELLERY

These terrorist attacks are very unfortunate, but in many ways such groups cannot be stopped very easily. The chancellery is prepared to offer its assistance, in any means necessary to rout these terrorists, should it be requested.
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Toussaint
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Major
"It is with great sadness that we in France have witnessed these terrorist attacks. I offer my personal condolences to every family touched by these events, and I offer my nation's services in bringing the culprits to justice.

"In the meantime, French citizens are advised not to visit Pocuian South-East Afrika until the situation has calmed down."

-President Georges Duval, of the French Republic
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

AS RECOVERY CONTINUES UNREST RISES

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Araucanía - In the wake of the fall and collapse of the World Military Dominion, recovery for Porcu has been slow and arduous. Mostly concerned with maintaining what stability they could, the military junta of Field Marshal Von Regensburg, Admiral Koenraad, and Air Marshal Meijvogel let slide economic priorities in favor of policing and military objectives. While Porcu Proper has staved off the worst of a collapsed economy the brunt of the downturn has been felt and absorbed by Porcuian South-East Afrika and Araucanía, Porcu's large coastal holding in South America.

Trade has been slow and because of the colder climate tourism is near non-existent. These conditions, multiplied over years, has produced the current situation President Nixon now finds himself with regard to the dependency. High unemployment and no clear opportunity for improvement has lead many individuals to begin calling for complete autonomy.

Thus far only a handful of protests have been organized and carried out, all peaceful and well intentioned, but no response has yet been heard from Stockholm though the regional government has called on Porcu to act fast or risk losing the dependency.
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

LATEST TIM ATTACK DEADLIEST YET

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Batiscan, Porcuian South-East Afrika - As the number of dead and wounded continue to increase over the next few days it was clear from the moment the attack happened that it would be devastating. Though not a capital city, Batiscan acts as the center for the dependency's local government and has suffered immensely from the brutal attacks of TIM. Before yesterday, a only handful of Porcuian officials had died because of terrorist attacks during years of TIM activity, however, that number is expected to dramatically increase. A full delegation of officials from the Foreign Ministry in Stockholm were commemorating a recently built expansion to Batiscan's central bazaar, hoping to capitalize on the city's efforts to expand despite heavy unrest elsewhere in the territory.

Details are few and far between -speculation is rampant. Some officials believe that the explosives employed were of high military grade and not easily accessible to TIM. As of the publishing of this report, the death count stands at 179 with another 344 wounded.
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

OKW NEARS END OF 'FALL VIOLETT'

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Stockholm, Porcu Proper - A statement released by the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht indicates that 'Fall Violett' or 'Case Violet' is almost complete. The operation calls for a complete overhaul of strategy on the part of the armed services and better cooperation and integration between the Abwehr and the Wehrmacht. With dependencies spread all across the world, the simple version of the plan states that the Wehrmacht will cut the size of the Heer (Army) and increase the size and funding of the Luftwaffe (Airforce) and Kriegsmarine (Navy). Missions will be carried out from large carrier groups and will act as quick strike forces around the globe. Porcu's reputation in military circles has no doubt grown since the days of the Dominion, albeit still with a sour aftertaste, and OKW, with Nixon's full support, undoubtedly looks to continue that.
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

MIDTERM ELECTIONS WITNESS REBIRTH OF OLDER PARTIES

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The Hague, Porcu Proper – At the halfway point in Nixon’s presidency, the situation for the President and the National Assembly Party (NA) has improved, so much so that a coalition has been created with a solid majority in Parliament.

“The progress that has been made in the last five years will not be lost.” stated CP Chairman and MP Theo Postma. “The President has proven himself to be an able leader of the Republic and I look forward to working with him more extensively in Parliament.”

President Nixon and the NA focused mainly on the expansion and update of the military, but were also instrumental in passing several acts regarding education, public transportation, and the maintenance/recovery of historical sites and artifacts. Both Nixon and Parliament in general have enjoyed high approval ratings, Nixon’s stands at 63% and Parliament’s stands at 55%, respectively.

However, the most important feature of the recent elections rests in the return of several political parties. With relatively strong showings, the NA has been able to build a strong coalition and will certainly look to continue its superiority.

Below is a list of the returning parties:
Partito Democratico (PD) (Light Green)
Mouvement Democrate (MD) (Orange)
Partito Comunista (PC) (Dark Red)
Paix et Amour (PA) (Purple)
Centristische Partij (CP) (Green)
Lega Nord (LN) (Light Blue)
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

PRESIDENT OUTLINES STRATEGY FOR SOUTH-EAST AFRIKA


The Hague, Porcu Proper - Invigorated with a successful midterm election season and a simple majority in Parliament, the President addressed a major concern of his administration with a bold call to arms yesterday evening. Being tested by a determined insurgency in TIM, the Nixon administration has found it increasingly difficult to control the situation in Greater Tanzania.

The still unsolved murder of the former Shia insurgent leader Mounafes Al Jahni has turned the formerly straightforward problem into a full-blown crisis. Sectarian violence is commonplace now and fear has become the new currency of the dependency. Thus far, the President has kept the crisis at bay by willful deflection, but as voters continue to express concern over the Tanzanian civil war the President and members of Parliament cannot continue to turn their heads.

Yesterday night, the President outlined his overall strategy for the dependency, seeking to restore the rule of law and the structure of government that Tanzania enjoyed before the crisis. Specific numbers and dates were not outlined in the address, but the President will be meeting with party leaders to see what can be done to bring a successful vote to the floor of Parliament. Aides close to the President state that as many as 25,000 soldiers may be sent to South-East Afrika, but that such an action would require additional consideration and time. A more immediate response, and one that has been subtly used for a couple of months now, is aerial attacks and bombardments by the joint Luftwaffe-Kriegsmarine forces in the area.
Edited by Porcu, Nov 17 2013, 12:39 AM.
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

'FALL BRAUN' FULLY UNDERWAY

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Hoekstra Class Aircraft Carrier, 14km Off the Coast of South-East Afrika - Only a few hours had passed since Mr. Nixon announced his grand strategy for South-East Afrika and TIM before dozens of fighter-bombers took to the skies off various aircarriers scattered around the dependency. With a clear mission and wide support across party lines in Parliament, the Wehrmacht finally looked like the professional force it is.

No word has been heard from the dependency regarding initial casualities, where local inhabitants are mostly happy with the decision. "It took Mr. Nixon long enough to come up with a plan to defeat the insurgents..." one man who recently lost his home and business. "I was beginning to wonder if Porcu was serious when it talked about protecting innocent civilians."

Many in the dependency simply want a more normal life: no street fighting, no more suicide bombings, no more needless slaughter. At night, one can occasionally see the horizon sparkle from the explosion of an aerial bomb or cannon blasts loosened from battleships located just offshore. The recent infighting between rival Islamic sects has worked to decrease the number of Porcuians killed or injured from attacks, but has also worked to increase the general level of violence in the dependency. Many cities which were untouched before have now become raging battlefields. Commanders are confident that victory will be achieved, but as Field Marshal Von Regensburg points out, "The area is vast and will take some time to secure. This will not be a quick and easy sweep. OKW has a plan in place that will minimize causalities on our side while destroying and dismantling TIM." When asked why such a plan had not been implemented before, the Field Marshal dodged. "Politics."

Such persistent levels of violence and civil upheaval have no doubt disturbed other Afrikan nations but, as no open remarks of condemnation have arrived from Constantinople or Serpentine, it seems Mr. Nixon has the implicit approval of the Roman and Ulganian governments.
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

PUBLIC DISAPPROVAL OF TANZANIAN OFFENSIVE CONTINUES

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The Hague, Porcu Proper - President Nixon enjoys broad, general support from other elected officials when it comes to his recent decision to try and rein in the terrorist group TIM and the Greater Tanzanian area, but his support amongst the voters is still tenuous at best.

Mr. Nixon, still enjoying some time from Stockholm by visiting the Confederate States of America, initially considered touring the country in order to promote his recent policy decision, but declined and decided instead to appear for a handful of interviews. Reports from the field in South-East Afrika are mixed, many stating that operations are continuing with success while others stress the long road ahead in order to completely rebuild the dependency, leaving possibilities for setbacks and defeats. Several weeks into Fall Braun only two deaths have been reported by the Wehrmacht, both due to fighting with insurgents, while the number of insurgents is estimated to be in the hundreds. Dozens of non-combative people and other innocents have also been reported dead; identification is slow and difficult.

Despite initial glimpses of success, Mr. Nixon has faced harsh criticism from political pundits, journalists and rival politicians. A battery of charges have been assailed against the President in recent weeks, including charges of corporate corruption, mostly pushed by the Partito Comunista, journalists Echo Tangari and Johnathan Czaplewski and singer/songwriter Sergio Rosse. At the end of his latest concert, Rosse rolled out a song with stinging lyrics heavily criticizing the Nixon administration, some of which are included below.

You fasten the triggers
For the others to fire
Then you set back and watch
When the death count gets higher
You hide in your mansion
As young people's blood
Flows out of their bodies
And is buried in the mud

You've thrown the worst fear
That can ever be hurled
Fear to bring children
Into the world
For threatening my baby
Unborn and unnamed
You ain't worth the blood
That runs in your veins

How much do I know
To talk out of turn
You might say that I'm young
You might say I'm unlearned
But there's one thing I know
Though I'm younger than you
Even Jesus would never
Forgive what you do

Let me ask you one question
Is your money that good
Will it buy you forgiveness
Do you think that it could
I think you will find
When your death takes its toll
All the money you made
Will never buy back your soul
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

TOURISM AND WORK VISA APPLICATIONS INCREASE

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Stockholm, Porcu Proper - A new report from the Ministry of the Interior indicates that despite a major conflict between the Porcuian Wehrmacht and TIM, and other terrorist elements, the number of foreign visitors and those applying for work visas has increased over the past year. The report sites the expanding and healthy Porcuian economy as the major reason for the increase, the first such increase in nearly seven years.

Porcu Proper has always been held as a mediocre travel destination due to its drastically cooler weather throughout the year, despite Porcu's comparatively liberal social policies. Such policies are a large reason why young people visit Porcu directly rather than one of her dependencies. Marijuana, for example, is completely legal in Porcu, while in the recently integrated dependency of California it is completely illegal. Gambling is also sited as a large draw, particularly for the younger tourists. On the opposite side of the spectrum, older visitors (>55) site Porcu's numerous pristine and world-renowned museums as a large draw. Figures from the Ministry of the Interior state that Porcu stands to draw over seven billion Denarii this year from tourism.

On a related note, the number of foreigners applying for work visas has increased dramatically from the past year, with the strong economy being the most sited reason. Comparatively, Porcu's economy survived the Dominion Wars well, with Porcu withdrawing early and then sitting under Kasnyian supervision during the final years. Those initial few years provided time for the Porcuian economy to recover and currently stand again as one of the world's strongest. Economic slumps continue in several major countries and many foreigners hope to take advantage of Porcu's strong currency and economy while their own country's take time to improve. By nationality, the largest increase in applicants have come from Russia and the Confederate States of America. Minor increases have been seen in Ulganian, Huescan, and Irish applications.
Edited by Porcu, May 10 2010, 10:11 PM.
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

'FALL BRAUN' COMPLETE, INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION STILL PENDING

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The Hague, Porcu Proper - Yesterday a report was issued by the Supreme Command of the Wehrmacht stating that operations in South-East Afrika are finally drawing to a close, indicating that 'Fall Braun', the operative name for the Wehrmacht's efforts to repel and destroy TIM elements in Greater Tanzania, has reached its endpoint. The mission has not yet been labeled a success by the President, but in short remarks after a session of Parliament he expressed his approval of OKW's decision to announce the end of operations and wanted to wait for further intelligence to be gathered before definitively calling 'Fall Braun' a success.

"There is still much to be known and the Wehrmacht and Abwehr are collecting information that will assist us in putting together an accurate and detailed picture of the situation in South-East Afrika."

The situation is grim for many inhabitants. Even if the terrorist element has been eliminated from the region, the complex process of re-structuring Tanzanian society begins. Everything from basic water and sanitation systems to schools, churches and government offices need to be rebuilt; the cost of such work is expected to claim much of Parliament's next budget, scheduled to be approved after the next national elections in three weeks time. Already work has begun in The Hague in assessing damage and reconstruction costs and incorporating these costs into the yearly budget.

In addition, it should come as no surprise that such an announcement was made so near election time. Nixon's National Assembly will no doubt look to pick up a few seats, as will members of Nixon's current coalition. Though the war has generally been unpopular with many of the voters here in Porcu, it remains to be seen how yesterday's announcement will affect Nixon's party and coalition government possibilities. Moreover, international recognition of the new, expanded boarders is still being sought by the Nixon administration.
Edited by Porcu, Apr 12 2010, 06:53 PM.
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

GROWING NUMBER OF SCANDALS TROUBLES NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

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The Hague, Porcu Proper - Revelations into the public and private affairs of several leading politicians and seemingly an entire political party (National Assembly (NA)) continue to fill the pages of media outlets on a daily basis. Though stories of scandal ranging from the sexual to the financial have affected members of various political parties, it would now appear that the NA has the most to loose from a loss in popularity and decline in public perception. Of the nearly 70 political scandals reported so far, 57 affect members of the NA at the local and national level.

Ulrich Gaus, Professor of Law and Public Policy at the University of Capua and occasional political commentator for the PBC, is hardly surprised about the sudden unearthing of these scandals. “If the public are not allowed to know about the behaviour of politicians and officials, if they have no opportunity of voicing their concerns . . . , it is hard to see how scandals can arise,” he argues. “Conversely, in a liberal political system with a free press, intense political competition, decentralized political authority and multiple access points, the opportunities and incentives for scandal to flourish are numerous.”

It should suffice to state that scandals, whether true or not, can have a devastating effect on both the individual and any organization linked to them. After having just admitted to sexual infidelity, the mayor of Echternach Julius Accarus was officially dropped from the party registrar of the Labour Party and barred from utilizing the party name in the future. Such has been the case for dozens of politicians, whose careers are effectively over, and the potential backlash from voters only grows with additional revelations and admittances of guilt.

Despite 34 NA Members of Parliament being caught up in various scandals of one type or another, Nixon and members of his administration have been fortunate and have not been implicated in any of the scandals affecting fellow party members, and even those of a different political affiliation. Nixon's poll numbers have dropped slightly as a growing number of the populace draws a connection between the man and the political party. However, the greatest obstacle to a possible Nixon re-election is the recent War in South-East Afrika, which does not resonate especially well with younger voters. Nixon continues to lead a hypothetical field of candidates for President, but many analysts believe this is because solid contenders have still not made themselves known and individual party nomination processes still have not begun.

There still remains one national Parliamentary election before the position of President is also "up for grabs" and the full effects of recent unwelcome news for numerous politicians and their respective parties remains to be seen. However, it is clear that an incredible amount of pressure has been put on the National Assembly and that cracks are beginning to appear.
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

STUDY FINDS PORCUIAN UNIVERSITIES INTIMIDATING FOR MANY

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Milan, Porcu Proper - Anyone who has sought acceptance into the Porcuian university system will not be surprised by the findings of one recent study conducted by Ministry of Education, which were that all too often young Porcuians feel intimidated by university requirements and expectations.

Data complied by the Ministry of Education over the past ten years shows a growing number of Porcuians deciding to study and pursue their degrees abroad, most commonly in nations such as the Confederate States of America, Ulgania, the Roman-Byzantine Empire and the Republic of England, just to name a few. Interestingly, it appears that fewer and fewer young Porcuians are choosing universities in Porcu's various overseas dependencies (Singapore, California, Araucanía and Piemonte were the most popular) and this latest study suggests that the main reason lays in the fact that each dependency has slowly moved to make its education system match that of the Fatherland.

But what exactly are our young high school students avoiding? Work it seems.

The Ministry's study contains various large-scale polls and, among them, one found that a full 45% of Porcuian third year high schoolers (12th) believe the academic rigor of the general Porcuian education system is "too tough" and were actively looking into options for studying abroad. Indeed, regular debates in Parliament on the subject of education include comments from immigrant and non-immigrant parents concerned about the stress and academic burden placed on Porcu's youth. Children progressing through the Porcuian public education system are administered yearly national tests from the fifth grade onward and detailed student reports are kept throughout one's academic career. Such reports and test scores are heavily criticized by University Admittance Boards, in addition to those essays one must write and the national university entrance exams one must take, and frequently can be the deciding factor in one's eventual admittance or denial.

There has been a growing push to have the national university entrance exam printed and administered in languages other than Latin, but each effort has been consistently defeated by Parliament. The issue of Latin is hardly new, as both native and foreign students have run into problems understanding the very technical language of the examination for years. This, despite a 99% literacy rate for Porcu in languages such as German, Italian, French and Dutch, a 96% literacy rate in Latin and a 84% literacy rate in English. By some rather subjective studies, Porcu is consistently ranked as one of the world's most sophisticated and cultured nations, yet her young adults are finding the pressure to attend school and learn, manage their time well and graduate onto some of the world's top universities unbearable.

Unfortunately, no solutions are outlined in the Ministry's study and what one is essentially left with is a dry pile of statistics. Certainly, the figures are interesting to contemplate but the more interesting idea to contemplate is whether Porcu is demanding too much from her youth.
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

PROJECT GLAUCUS COMPLETED AT LAST

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Turin, Porcu Proper - Fourteen full years in the making, the Republic of Porcu's latest weapons research and development project was finally unveiled yesterday afternoon before a carefully chosen group of journalists, scientists and politicians. Foreign Minister Servius Flavus Capito marked the unveiling ceremony as a breakthrough in the research and development of "Absolute Defense" weapons, a Porcuian term for those weapons which theoretically would be able to defend a large city or overseas dependency, such as Singapore, with a single such weapon.

The weapon is essentially a large railgun, one whose theoretical range and firepower would be more than enough to cause a foreign aggressor to think carefully about any plans to forcefully take over a territory defended by such a weapon. The project has cost billions of Denarii over the length of its progress and, though an exact count is not known, conservative estimates for how many such "Absolute Defense" weapons have already been built rests around four. Singapore is almost a guaranteed host for one of these stationary but rotational weapons, but any guess is a valid one for where else Glaucus may be placed.
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY DISSOLVES, LABOUR VICTORIOUS

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The Hague, Porcu Proper - Virtually uncontested in their bid to dominate Parliament, the Labour Party took full advantage of the terrible situation of the National Assembly Party over the course of the past few months and scored a victory for the history books. For only the second time in recent memory, one political party has enough public support and enough seats in Parliament to essentially dictate policy. Though a measure to increase the votes necessary to successfully pass a bill from 60 to 66 has been debated many times before, it is highly unlikely that with the Labour Party will even consider such a proposal - they seem quite content with their absolute majority of 61 seats.

"The people of Porcu have spoken and have made it clear that they do not value deception and dishonesty! They have voted for their hopes and their dreams, not for their fears. They have given my party permission to govern this country and the Labour Party shall graciously accept their decision and make sure that a prosperous and strong Porcu is handed down to future generations!" spoke Labour Party chairman Quintus Cicurinus Sabinus. "The President and I have disagreed most profoundly on several issues, but now I hope that he has the courtesy and decency to work with me in line with the desires of Porcuians everywhere, especially considering his party just disappeared."

Comments from the President's Residence have not been forthcoming, though a statement was released just after election results were finalized congratulating Mr. Sabinus. In it, Mr. Nixon expressed his hope that cooperation on such things as foreign policy and energy among all parties will become the cornerstone of the last two years of his first term as President.

Plagued by mismanagement, indeed one would be tempted to say deception and outright corruption, Nixon's former political party no longer stands. Officially disbanding a week before the elections, Nixon and many others suddenly found themselves without dependable financial support. It is very unlikely that such a dilemma will continue for the President, but for those within the hierarchy of the NA the future may be bleak, if nothing other than uncertain. The next two years may bring unprecedented change, as the Labour Party now commands passage of new laws at will, but Porcuians are skeptical and inquisitive people and will not hesitate to punish Mr. Sabinus in another two years time, when the next Parliamentary election is scheduled.
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

FUTURE OF TRANSPORTATION IS HERE

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Stockholm, Porcu Proper - Fresh off their historic sweep of Parliament, Mr. Sabinus and his comrades in the Labour Party lost little time in securing passage of landmark legislation aimed at the complete transformation and modernization of Porcu's massive public transportation system.

The new law will guarantee funding for research into alternative fuel sources, though much progress has already been made into alternative forms of energy, and the replacement of older train and bus units. Newer buses and trains are experimenting with solar panels, as well as biodiesel fuel and electric batteries for buses. Funding has also been apportioned for hydrogen/fuel cells.

"The goal is to provide the world's largest, most effective public transportation system with state of the art technology and to weed out inefficiency." Mr. Sabinus noted in a press conference. "This legislation will transform our country, bringing people from all corners of Porcu closer together, increasing productivity and social cohesion."

Already very popular amongst foreign tourists, Porcu's various transportation systems should see a boost in ratings, as old buses are replaced with newer, cleaner units and more and more rundown trains are scrapped and replaced. The legislation also provides immense funding for the conversion of regular, electricity driven commuter trains into high-speed magnetic levitation trains, or Maglev for short. Such a conversion would dramatically cut down on the time needed to transfer workers and commuters to and from major cities and the newest trains would also cut down on operational costs, possibly saving the government-private company railway cooperative billions of denarii. One need not worry about conflicts between their current public transportation card and their ability to access the newer transportation.

As Porcu continues to modernize and urbanize, the importance of clean, reliable and efficient public transportation systems will only continue to increase.
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

BIRTH OF THE THIRD REPUBLIC

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The Hague, Porcu Proper - In another incredible move by the Labour Party, a new, larger Parliament will be constructed by the time the next Parliamentary elections roll around. Such a move required a rewriting of the Constitution and, with the support of the Mouvement Democrate, the Partito Comunista and the Parti de la Paix et l'Amour, the Labour Party has officially established the Third Republic of Porcu on the horizon.

Labour Party Chairman Quintus Cicurinus Sabinus declared this latest act of Parliament to be the most important piece of legislation since the round of bills passed establishing Porcu's modern electoral and legislative system in 1644. "It is a travesty that Porcu is the world's premier example of liberty, freedom, equality and democracy, yet does not guarantee every citizen an equal opportunity to participate in their government...This legislation will abolish Stockholm's long ingrained elitism and provide a voice to citizens living in Porcu Proper as well as her dependencies across the world."

The new legislation calls for the construction of a new chamber of Parliament, one able to comfortably seat 2048 MPs. The new Parliament of the Republic will seat over twenty times more members than the current Parliament in The Hague and Mr. Sabinus has guaranteed that it will be ready and operational to welcome in the winner of the Presidential elections and the new Parliament. Seventy-five votes are required to abolish an existing Constitution and replace it with a new one.

The new Parliament will seat elected members from Porcu's various dependencies and will include political groups in addition to individual parties. Groups are not parties, but looser coalitions. Groups will be strictly forbidden to campaign during Parliamentary elections since it is the exclusive responsibility of individual national parties. Each Group is assumed to have a set of core principles, and Groups that cannot demonstrate this may be disbanded. Thus far, the Labour Party of Porcu has joined with the other social-democratic parties of the Dependencies to form the 'Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats', while the Centrist Party has joined with other center-right parties to create the 'Liberal and Democratic Reformist Group'. No other political groups have been established yet, but rumors are aplenty in The Hague about possible coalitions and alliances.

The new Constitution also establishes a new voting system, whereby a voter first makes a selection for the party of their choice and then is given a list to chose a specific member of that party for Parliament. The election system for the President remains unchanged, a voter makes one choice out of list of several candidates and then the top two candidates face off in a national runoff election. For the next Parliamentary and Presidential elections, citizens of the Dependencies will be able to cast votes for Parliament in addition to their own local legislatures. The new Parliament will have broad, sweeping powers to oversee and dictate domestic and foreign policy for Porcu Proper and her Dependencies.

Presidential elections will continue to occur every ten years, while Parliamentary elections will now occur every five years, up from the current two year intervals.
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

LEFT DOMINATES PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS, NIXON REMOVED FROM PRESIDENCY



Stockholm – On a day where election results saw the Labour Party lead ‘Progessive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats’ gather 53% of the seats in the new Parliament (1085 seats out of 2048), additional and major changes were enacted by Parliament, essentially changing the face of Porcuian politics.

In a shocking move by Parliament, Richard Nixon has been forcibly removed from his position as President of the Republic, replaced by a small committee that will carry the responsibilities of running the country. Though not expressly tied to the Communist Party or to the far-left parliamentary group the ‘Radical Left Coalition’, this newly created executive committee will be called the ‘Politburo’, no doubt due to political negotiations between the various parties of the Left in searching for a common front with which to run the country and her dependencies.

The list of members of the Politburo, which will number seven, has not been released to the public, but there is speculation that among the members will be Labour Party chairman Quintus Cicurinus Sabinus, Mouvement Democratie chairman Max Garr, and Communist Party chairman Alberto Gionta.

Details are still forthcoming and it may take some time for the thick clouds created by this political storm to settle.
Edited by Porcu, Oct 18 2012, 10:57 PM.
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NRE
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Map Tsar and Southern Gentleman

Official Statement: Confederate States Government
Response to latest News from Stockholm
Former President Nixon was a dear friend and close colleague to the late President Montgomery and the current intem President Price. The current administration is certainly sad to see him relieved of duty. However, the Confederate States of America remains committed to our allies in Porcu and will continue to stand by the decisions and changes their government makes. Porcu is indeed a true shinning example of liberty, freedom, and justice in northern Europe as well as the world. So long as its government remains in the hands of its people and the true voice of the majority remains to be heard, the Confederate States shall have nothing but praise for its actions.
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

ALTOFIORE SEATED AS PRESIDENT, QUESTIONS LINGER REGARDING 'CENTRAL COMMITTEE'

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Stockholm, Porcu Proper - A couple of days have passed since the newly instilled Porcuian Parliament voted to broadly expand its powers and create a series of new ministries and government offices. Details from the offices of Mr. Sabinus, Mr. Altofiore, Mr. Gionta and others are still being tightly controlled before release, but several new facts have been uncovered by relentless journalistic inquiry.

It now appears that a 'Central Committee of the Republic', a sort of expanded executive branch of government, will be placed on a tier higher than that of Parliament and that the Politburo will sit on a tier above the Committee. Rules and regulations regarding this Committee and Politburo are still unclear, but it appears that such institutions were created to "make the politics of our society more fair". In a brief letter released from the office of the Chairman of the Labour Party Mr. Quintus Cicurinus Sabinus, it was said that "this Committee will provide a voice to every people within the Republic by guaranteeing a seat of representation to every dependency and major territory of the Republic."

Exactly now many seats are contained within the Central Committee is not yet known, but analysts suggest that the figure may sit around 200. From there, Mr. Sabinus' letter briefly details the role of the Politburo stating, "it will provide the necessary oversight and regulatory pressure that the top levels of our government have failed to have until now. The Politburo will seat the President of the Republic and his closest advisors and will work closely with the members of the Central Committee to ensure the will of the people is carried out efficiently and effectively." It was released in a short statement from Parliament that the former Minister of Finance Giulio Altofiore had been nominated and seated as President of the Republic late yesterday afternoon. No word has been heard from him or his office in Stockholm.

A titanic shift has occurred in the Republic and many voters are still captivated by the results of the elections last week. With problems abound in the world, there is still the very real question of who will make up and lead this new government and what exactly will be their plans for the road ahead.
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

THE END OF THE ROAD FOR BATTLESHIPS

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Stockholm, Porcu Proper - A joint report from the Ministry of Defense and OKW indicates that the decision to scrap Porcu's last three remaining battleships in service has been finalized. An icon of the iron days of old, the history of battleships in the Kriegsmarine has been rough at best.

The program establishing the battleship as the centerpiece of the Kriegsmarine began during the late 1950s and continued even through the numerous terms of Nixon the Elder. Subsequent administrations, however, have had to work through economic downturns and recoveries, each of which brought into doubt the continued practicality and general usefulness of Porcu's group of battleships.

This recently released joint statement highlights the years of effective service and dedication towards the Republic that these ships and their crews have served. However, it also points to the billions of Denarii spent to properly maintain and repair these gigantic ships, which, as the report also mentions, have lost their primary functional role in the larger strategic directives of the Kriegsmarine.

"With numerous overseas departments and territories to consider," the report says, "it is of the opinion of both the Ministry of Defense and of the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht that the last remaining battleships still in active service in the Kriegsmarine should be decommissioned."

It is now left up to the Central Committee, and its smaller but more powerful group the Politburo, to give a final approval of the recommendation by the Ministry and OKW before an essentially ceremonial vote is put before the Grand Parliament.
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

PRESIDENT MURDERED

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Stockholm, Porcu Proper - Giulio Altofiore, President of the Republic as well as the Chairman of the Central Committee of the Republic and General Secretariat of the Politburo, was found early this morning dead, heaving been hanged from a bridge in central Stockholm.

The city police, Abwehr, and other intelligence agencies have been hesitant to release any information regarding the details behind the extraordinary assassination. Little is currently known, though it appears that the president indeed was killed by hanging sometime during the early morning hours, probably between 0100 and 0400. New crews able to reach the bridge in time before the police and government officials sealed off the area were able to capture video and photographs of the dead president, though a government decree restricts their broadcasting, publication, or dissemination.

President Altofiore was not a public figure to say the least, having only appeared publicly four different times during his tenure. For this reason, many Porcuians questioned about the assassination appeared aloof if they knew who he was or utterly surprised if they learned of his identity from our questioners.

The president's death has thrown about innumerable theories as to the perpetrators behind the assassination, though a statement from the Central Committee has squarely placed the blame on the shoulders of "anarchists and radicals". Two hours after news of the discovery of Altofiore's body reached the governmental district of Stockholm, Central Committee and Politburo member Decius Scapula Veranius was named as the new President of the Republic, in addition to Chairman of the Central Committee of the Republic and General Secretariat of the Politburo. Assuring the people of Porcu in a speech given afterward that justice would be had, Veranius proclaimed that Altofiore would not be forgotten and that his accomplishments and contributions to the Republic would live on. "President Altofiore loved this country dearly and only had hopes for its continued greatness and prosperity."

President Veranius ended with an assurance to neighboring and distant countries of Porcu's continued commitment to peace, liberalism, and justice.
Edited by Porcu, Dec 13 2010, 05:53 PM.
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NRE
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Map Tsar and Southern Gentleman

Official Statement: Confederate States Government
Response to latest News from Stockholm
President Ronald Wright, the government of the Confederate States, and the Southern people would like to express their deepest sympathies to the Porcuian Republic during what can only be a most difficult time. The assassination of a prominent leader of justice, peace, and equality is a underhanded and cowardice act. The Confederate States stand by out long-time allies in Europe and pledge any an all support necessary to bring the perpetrators of this most vile crime to justice.
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

CENTRAL COMMITTEE DISSOLVED, NEW PRESIDENT DECLARED

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Stockholm, Porcu Proper - With ongoing bickering between rival factions in Parliament carrying over to the Central Committee and the Politburo, President Veranius, or now former President Veranius, used his executive power to dissolve the Central Committee and commit Parliament to replacing its membership. As a condition for the advantage of the Central Committee's membership to stay centre-left, Veranius stepped down from his position as President and allowed the newly appointed members of the Committee to elect and declare a new President.

Lucius Aellae Rom, former mayor of Baie-Comeau and trade union boss, takes the helm as President of the Republic and Chairman of the Central Committee, but is the first since the creation of the Politburo to not also be the General Secretariat of the Politburo.

No comment has been made by President Rom yet nor has a statement been released from his office regarding policy objectives, either foreign or domestic.

OOC: Because of the nature of Porcuian politics in the Third Republic, I will be switching out and replacing Presidents about once a month RL time, which will roughly mean that a President would be lucky to last for more than a year IC-time. I won't be creating updates here in the news thread for every change, so please consult my nation description page, specifically the 'Facts and Statistics' post. Thanks.
Edited by Porcu, Nov 24 2010, 11:31 PM.
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