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Res Publica
Topic Started: Dec 19 2008, 03:42 PM (3,455 Views)
Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

NEW PATH FOR PORCU AND HER DEPENDENCIES

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Singapore, Singapore - The Prime Minister of Singapore was joined recently by the President of the Republic of Porcu and the Prime Ministers of the other Porcuian dependencies to discuss their future and each dependency's relationship with Stockholm.

The major result of these discussions will come to be called the Declaration of Singapore. Details of the declaration are still being kept away from the public, but it seems that the declaration calls for the formation of a collective council or union between Porcu and the dependencies of Singapore, Narvik, North-West Afrika, South-East Afrika, Viroconium, Araucanía, Montserrat, Porcuian West Polynesia, and the Vulso Islands sometime in the future. Again, it is still unknown specifically what relationship each member would have with each other, but political experts and veteran commentators speculate that the Declaration of Singapore is a monumental shift of policy for Stockholm towards a more equal relationship.

Though each dependency's premier made themselves available for a brief photo-shoot, they would not respond to questions from reporters.
Edited by Porcu, Nov 24 2010, 11:31 PM.
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

FUTURE OUTLINED BY HISTORIC TREATY

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Novaesium, Araucanía - With speculation stirring for several months since a rather hushed conference in Singapore between the leaders of Porcu and her overseas dependencies, rumors surrounding the mysterious new plans devised by these meetings can finally be laid to rest.

Despite generally reserved answers from the collection of premiers, information regarding the plans being hatched and finalized has come to light, after heavy and tough questioning. Sources close to the Porcuian President state that the result of this meeting in Araucanía, the Treaty of Araucanía, lays the foundation for the establishment of an economic, political, and military union between Porcu and her former overseas dependencies.

"The dependencies are technically still not independent and sovereign nations and players on the international stage." one government official intimate with the discussions so far stated on condition of anonymity. "Despite sharing a common currency and many of the same basic laws regarding civil rights and liberties, Porcu has always maintained a father-like position with relation to her dependencies. With the dynamics of international politics changing, it has become apparent to the leadership not only in Stockholm, but also in Hong Kong, Singapore, Novaesium, and elsewhere that the status quo cannot be maintained...The Declaration of Singapore and this Treaty of Araucanía are just the beginning of that transformation."

Porcu has held a rather rigorous process for acceptance as an overseas dependency, rules first established during Nixon the Elder's tenure as President of the Republic, but it appears that all that will change sooner rather than later. Already political analysts have stirred themselves into a frenzy, with blogs of various strips echoing and contributing their own opinions. A general consensus, however, seems to be that Stockholm is seriously moving to firmly establish its former dependencies as full and sovereign entities. Analysts add that such a move would easily explain the need for a union, since dependencies such as the Vulso Islands and Porcuian West Polynesia are simply too small to handle complex financial and military situations on their own. Such an explanation would, however, keep Porcu as the 'father figure' of the union.

"No doubt..." the same government official added. "The results are still tenuous, though they are remarkable and historic, and many, many more details have yet to be decided on."

The city state of Narvik is scheduled to host the next meeting of leaders and many commentators and insiders expect a great deal more to be done and decided upon.
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

DESPITE UNREST, PLANS FOR INTEGRATION/UNION MOVE FORWARD

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Narvik, Narvik - With a growing number of Porcuians, in addition to citizens of Porcu's various overseas dependencies, becoming increasingly suspicious of the intentions of their leaders in forging a new influential alliance, skeptical individuals have taken to the street to protest the establishment of this mysterious union.

Diplomats hailing from across the globe, representing all of Porcu's overseas dependencies, tried to reassure concerned citizens of their plans, confident that with exposure the new union will quickly gain legitimacy and be looked on favorably. The Premier of Hong Kong called for "calm heads", while the President of Porcuian West Polynesia stated that criticism of the way in which the delegates have been going about developing this union or community is "misplaced and seriously undermines the creative efforts of those involved." Details released thus far of the Narvik meeting indicate that an essential foundation has been created, an extension of the Treaty of Araucanía, and that a number of new organizations have been agreed upon.

The harshest criticism of this movement from skeptics takes the form of an inevitable loss of national sovereignty. Mostly concentrated through a number of different internet sites and blogs, skeptics argue that while an elimination of trade barriers and tariffs among Porcu and her dependencies, along with the full independence of each dependency, is a honorable goal, it runs the dangerous risk of tipping over into a realm where collective interests are put ahead of, sometimes more important, national interests. "This proposal and series of meetings and treaties will only serve to create a superstructure where unelected officials will gather to impose their ideologies upon everyone, whether they wish to subscribe to that or not." stated one anonymous commenter.

The response by government leaders from Porcu and elsewhere was quite the opposite. "Porcu must move on past an ancient view of the world where troubled territories and peoples are too dumb to take care of themselves and require a master to dictate orders to them from thousands of kilometers away...Colonialism is dead and while Porcu has had an immensely, overwhelmingly positive effect on the territories she has watched over for many, many years, city states like Hong Kong, Narvik, Viroconium, and the other dependencies are now capable of standing besides their former protector as equals on the world stage."

Many analysts question that last part, considering that details related to a common defensive force have yet to be seen or heard and that Porcu has always taken the responsibility of defending its overseas dependencies from foreign aggressors. It was under Nixon the Younger that state-of-the-art railgun platforms were built and installed in key dependencies, such as Hong Kong and Viroconium.
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

SUMMIT RESULTS IN FORMATION OF THE 'EUROVERAMINUS UNION', 'EU'

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Euroveraminus, Porcu Proper - In a small village that sits just south of Stockholm amid the beautiful landscape and perfect weather, a new chapter in world history and the history of Porcu and her former overseas dependencies begins.

Exiting with a triumphant glow from their meeting place inside of a quaint, typical European residence onto a small square, the group of presidents and prime ministers that currently lead Porcu and her dependencies declared that a new beginning was at hand. Reporters from all over the world have covered this series of events and a large crowd had gathered in this usually quiet village to capture history as it unfolded.

The Porcuian President took the opportunity to clarify a number of different points, which were covered in previous meetings and formalized within this small village. The territories around the globe that previously constituted overseas dependencies of the Republic of Porcu are now fully independent and sovereign nations. These former dependencies, because of shared culture, values, and language to some degree, took the opportunity to form an alliance with their former protector, referred to as the Euroveraminus Union, or EU for short, in honor of the village where the historic moment was announced. Primarily an economic union, the EU will serve to collect the productive efforts of Porcu and her former dependencies like never before.

The EU will use the Porcuian Denarius as its currency and will look to the Porcuian Wehrmacht for its defense. The EU will not maintain an official language, though for convenience sake Latin and English will be the main languages used, the latter mostly to facilitate discussions between the Porcuian ally of the Confederate States of America.

A number of commissions have already been created, including a Commission on Development and Trade, another Commission on Industry, Research, and Energy, and another Commission on Liberties, Justice, and Constitutional Affairs. The true power of these commissions is still unknown and most likely still to be ironed out and it appears the same is true for the EU Council, which superficial information indicates will serve as the main body of the union and will host a rotating Presidency.

Word has yet to be heard from Atlanta, Serpentine, or other governments with ties to Stockholm. A flurry of additional conferences are scheduled in the coming months that will further explain the subtle details of the EU. Invitations for a summit in Porcu have already been sent out to a number of different countries, including traditional Porcuian allies such as Ulgania, the Confederate States of America, and the Falklands Confederation as well as other nations including Russia, Venice, the English Republic, and the Empire of the Romans.
Edited by Porcu, Nov 25 2010, 01:15 PM.
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

DEFENSE SPENDING TO BE SLASHED DRAMATICALLY

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Stockholm, Porcu Proper - Curbing years of small, yet collectively large, spending increases to OKW and the Ministry of Defense, President Vinirimus was able to secure a dramatic decrease in spending from Parliament, drawing heavy criticism from members of his own party.

Sighting monstrous inefficiencies found from a Parliamentary inquiry just a couple of days before, the President gave a speech before Parliament yesterday that outlined his budget proposal. The President, a sitting member of Parliament as well, closed by calling for an immediate vote. With major support of the Opposition and capable of grabbing enough votes from his own party, the President's proposal for a major slash in funding was approved.

"Porcu must continue to maintain a powerful, large military to guarantee security for the membership of the EU as well as Porcu Proper." said a member of the President's own Liberal and Democratic Reformist Bloc. "Fiscal responsibility is important, no doubt, however, there are additional things to examine and consider when it comes to providing a sensible, balanced budget for the nation."

A spokeswoman for the President thought differently. "OKW has managed to deal with such cuts before and the present slash of funding only returns the Ministry of Defense and OKW to their level of funding just a few years ago. More effective research and development is what the President wishes to see out of Europe's finest armed forces."
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

Viriminus Loses Parliamentary Majority, Rise Of The Independents

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Stockholm, Porcu Proper - Though a titanic shift was not achieved for either main party, the surprise of these midterm parliamentary elections is to be found in the increase of 90 seats among 'Nonpartisans/Independents'.

By far the biggest hindrance to another big parliamentary victory for President Viriminus and the Liberal and Democratic Reformist Bloc lay in the recent unrest and instability that again seems to define a typical day in the EU member state of Tanganorium. Comments from the EU Council have been notoriously deceptive in nature and voters seemed to have picked up on that in the weeks leading up to the midterm election. As a result, Mr. Viriminus has lost his majority in Parliament and now must work to scramble as many votes as he can.

Fellow party member, Servius Ocaera Numerius has resigned as Prime Minister, leaving the choice of a successor to Mr. Viriminus. There is a high probability that the next Prime Minister will be selected from the ranks of the far-right Republican Front, who also dramatically increased their party's seats, especially in comparison to their far-left counterparts in the Popular Democratic Front. Many see Lucius Germanius Cea as a popular choice, a moderate politician who is popular among even a number of centrist and left-leaning politicians. Members of Parliament are expected to start voting for the Prime Minister his week, once Mr. Viriminus has officially given his nomination for the position.

The biggest surprise of this midterm election cycle, however, undoubtedly rests in the impressive victory of the Independents, which is not an actual party, but rather a conglomeration of 'others'. Mr. Viriminus' own Liberal and Democratic Reformist Bloc certainly was hurt by the shift, but it was the far-left's own Popular Democratic Front that was utterly devastated in national elections. Of the 98 seats that will be occupied by nonpartisan MPs, Mr. Viriminus may only be able to reliably count upon 30-35 to vote along with him. That said, the Opposition, lead again by the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, can only reliably count upon 30 as well.

It will be interesting to see the shift Parliament will take, whether the President will continue to take the lead in various policy decisions or whether Parliament will start to demand more for itself.
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

'ANTI-VIRIMINUS' FACTION GROWS, STANDING SHAKEN

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Stockholm, Porcu Proper - Parliament sat quiet after the President's speech last night, a stark departure from the bombastic atmosphere that engulfed the chamber for much of the evening. Amid few cheers and fewer applause, Mr. Viriminus updated the nation on its current standing.

"...Our country again confronts a determined enemy that will risk everything in order to spread its message of hatred and to engulf those whose only desire is to live in peace. This is a fight that must be engaged head-on and in unison with our allies within the EU and around the world...I am determined, not only to protect the people of Porcu, but also those innocents who suffer day after day in Tanganorium."

Much of Mr. Viriminus' address to Parliament focused on the Porcuian/EU effort in Tanganorium, though it stayed well within the boundaries of a philosophical argument rather than a detailed accounting of events. Given plenty of attention from members of the Opposition and even those of the far-right, Mr. Viriminus took plenty of heat throughout his address and was regularly heckled.

A movement has begun to grow slowly within the power blocks of Parliament, with a relatively small but vocal group calling for Viriminus' removal from Parliament and the Presidency. Mainly from Leftist MPs of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, this demand is getting much airtime, both at home and abroad, and may very well have the President shaken. This morning a high-level meeting between the LDRB (Liberal and Democratic Reformist Bloc) and RF (Republican Front) took place, possibly indicating that Mr. Viriminus is taking the threat seriously and wishes to solidify his position within Parliament. Mr. Viriminus would need to lose the confidence of Pariament by a 623-109 margin to be forcefully recalled from office, something that doesn't seem likely at all considering the number of seats his own party controls.

Still, damage has already been done and aides close to Mr. Viriminus are working feverishly to tame and control the fire that is spreading. Interestingly enough, Mr. Viriminus still holds a positive opinion amongst Porcuians (56% approval) and an even higher approval rating amongst other EU citizens (72% approval in Hong Kong; 74% approval in Quinaranum).
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

SELF-DEFENSE FORCES REELING, CEA THREATENS DISSOLUTION OF PARLIAMENT

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Stockholm, Porcu Proper - Just as news from the seas that border Avaricum reached the eyes and ears of the world, Prime Minister Lucius Germanius Cea threatens to dissolve Parliament, siting "insurmountable" differences within the Governing Coalition.

Reports indicate that yesterday afternoon local time a convoy of ships operating under Porcuian naval command was attacked and subsequently overwhelmed, leading to a large loss of life. Details regarding the method of attack are still unclear, but it seems certain that Porcuian commanders were caught off guard by the attack. No official casualty list has been released, but a number of short press statements were distributed soon after. Mr. Viriminus has yet to make a statement himself and Parliament has remained quiet as well.

Much like the atmosphere in Tanganorium, Parliament has begun to heat up, with calls for a new round of elections. Making clear his discomfort with the President's recent decisions, Prime Minister Cea held a press conference this morning, during which he mentioned the possibility of dissolving Parliament and calling for new elections.

"The Republican Front is not a tool of Mr. Viriminus and is not subject to his whims." Cea said. "Not only has the President dragged our country into another war in Afrika, with no end in sight, but he and those of the Liberal and Democratic Reformist Bloc have completely ignored the other urgent problems that this country faces. The people have major concerns that are not being addressed, from an unchecked flood of immigrants and undocumented workers to education, and this itself is the problem."

Mr. Cea went on to say that his own party will formally drop itself from the Governing Coalition should its concerns not be immediately addressed. If not, "the only option will be for me to use my power to dissolve Parliament, as delegated by the Constitution."

Another general election may backfire on Mr. Cea and his far-right colleagues, especially since little time as passed between the last Parliamentary elections. The Prime Minister, however, seems quite confident.
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

TENSIONS RISE BETWEEN STOCKHOLM AND GURANBURG

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Stockholm, Porcu Proper - In an increasingly uncommon victory in Parliament, today President Viriminus was able to secure a large majority in voting to suspend all trade with the Empire of Kasnyia.

Additionally, Mr. Viriminus was able to quickly get a decision from the notoriously slow EU Council, shadowing the decision reached a couple of hours before by the Porcuian Parliament. As of late this afternoon, tensions between Porcu and the EU and Kasnyia had reached near boiling point. Calls were made by the Kasnyian Grand Parliament for all Asiatic peoples to "rise up against the Europeanists," with the implication that efforts to integrate the ethnically Chinese country of Xianyang by the EU are invalid and should be countered.

The Porcuian representative to ICON has also been busy as of late, submitting an official proposal to other representatives asking for the international body to support Stockholm in condemning the actions of Kasnyia. No doubt private discussions are being held with other nations, though it remains to be seen whether or not sanctions will follow condemnation. Meanwhile, the Presidency of the EU has been handed over to Polinesinum and its head of state Prime Minister Titus Siculus Tricostus, whose party recently maintained control of Parliament during their last general elections.

Interestingly enough, this latest fury over the EU has helped Mr. Viriminus solidify his standing amongst the voters of Porcu. Having been steady at around 56% approval, Mr. Virminus has experienced nearly a ten point bounce and a new poll published today shows his approval rating at 65%. Nevertheless, the President's position remains tenuous at best in Parliament, where Prime Minister Cea has essentially managed to wrestle control from him. General elections are not too far away and both the Presidency and Parliament will be up for grabs.
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES, POLITICAL PARTIES CAMPAIGN IN EARNEST AHEAD OF GENERAL ELECTIONS

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Milan, Porcu Proper - As the date of the next general elections nears, both major and minor political parties are turning up the heat, though some surprises may make the picture very complicated indeed.

Very soon, the dynamics of Parliament will change and the Republic will most likely have itself both a new President and a new Prime Minister. Yesterday afternoon at a party congress open to members of the press President Viriminus stated that he will not seek a second term as head of state, deferring judgment to his fellow party members as to who will represent the Liberal and Democratic Reformist Bloc on the Presidential ticket. The decision is hardly surprising considering the length of term, but Mr. Viriminus' critics took the opportunity to comment on the decision - a quite common one, with no President since Richard Nixon the Younger even attempting to run a second term.

"Mr. Viriminus has been weakened to the point of irrelevance." Prime Minister Lucius Germanius Cea said after his own party congress, held in Patavium and closed to the media. "He has put this country in a delicate and dangerous position, straddling military obligations on several continents while asking our proud, brave men and women in the Self-Defense Forces to sacrifice even more. Porcu must be more self-sufficient and strong and the Republican Front has a clear vision on how to accomplish this."

The other major political faction, the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, seem to be trying to navigate the rough waters of Stockholm without firmly tying themselves to Mr. Viriminus or his fiercest opponents. Their party congress recently convened in Asti this year and a young, determined candidate was solidly elected as their Presidential candidate. Currently the mayor of Vercelli, Canae Ardea Gularis only provided a few brief comments before beginning her campaign efforts with earnest.

"Porcu stands at a cross-roads and it will take a determined and capable individual to bring this country back to the right course...No doubt, we must continue to support out longtime allies while continuing to work with the EU and advocate for the freedom of all people, but there are serious issues to be fixed here...Educational reform and tax reform will be two major issues of my campaign."

The Greens perform moderately well in Parliamentary elections, though their strength lays at the city level. Hoping to capture the Presidency for the first time, party members just announced a charismatic young man will lead their efforts. Marcus Holo Benedictus is a former city prosecutor and advocates a stronger police force, going so far as to advocate for a national DNA database, something only the far-right has done thus far.

However, the biggest game-changer may come in the form of an old and familiar face. Sources close to the former President have leaked under the condition of anonymity that Nixon the Younger has decided to run for the position he was forcibly removed from many years ago. Apart from former President Altofiore, Nixon the Younger is the only person to have held the position of President for longer than 13 months. Monstrosities of Parliamentary procedure were used in the Third Republic to topple one President after another, with many governments forming and subsequently breaking apart faster than sports league champions could be crowned.

It is unclear what Nixon the Younger will bring to Stockholm in this new Fourth Republic, the last Constitutional changes coming about with the formation of the Euroveraminus Union, but no doubt all eyes will be watching as events continue to transpire.
Edited by Porcu, Mar 6 2011, 05:21 PM.
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

SWEEPING VICTORY FOR GULARIS AND COMRADES, DETERMINED OPPOSITION PROMISED BY FAR-RIGHT

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Stockholm, Porcu Proper - With election results finalized and the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats dominating both the parliamentary and presidential elections, Ms. Gularis now has the difficult task of running and moving the country forward.

Taking approximately 49% of the total vote in the parliamentary election, the centre-left Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats needs only a small collection of MPs to join them in order to hit the magical number of 403 votes (just over 55%) in order to successfully pass legislation. Depending on the issue and legislation in question, Ms. Gularis will not have to make many concessions and will rule the country for the time being with little real opposition. Despite this, Mr. Cea has stated that he and his party will actively work to impede the President and her "irresponsible" agenda.

A difficult decision now arises, namely who will the President nominate for Prime Minister. There is a strong temptation for Ms. Gularis to nominate and push for a member of her own party, since the Prime Minister only needs a vote of confidence by a majority of Parliament to remain in power, compared to the President which can only directly be unseated with a vote of no confidence of at least 85% by Parliament. Realistically, however, Ms. Gularis may look to an independent MP to help her manage Parliament, and a number of prominent names have been floated around including the former mayor of Coraeum (a small city within the Greater Metropolitan Area of Arnstadt) Lucius Ollo van der Vaars and François Rotois Brodeur, a soft spoken former police officer. Interestingly enough, there have been rumors that Ms. Gularis will reach out to a former opponent of hers in Decimus Marius Quintianus to try and solidify the full support of the Liberal and Democratic Reformist Bloc.

Experts, however, say that chance is very low, as Ms. Gularis has expressed her desire to have the Prime Minister work with her on both domestic and foreign policy. Having a Prime Minister that will not support her enthusiastically with regard to international politics is difficult to imagine for some, but the final decision will be for Parliament to decide and not the President.

Nonetheless, Ms. Gularis seems ready to travel abroad and begin to firmly establish her own changes to Stockholm's foreign policy. Russia, Venice, Great Britain, the Romans, Ireland, and others were mentioned at length by Ms. Gularis during her victory speech and members of the EU, as well as the Porcuian people, nervously await to gauge her reception by the international community.
Edited by Porcu, Apr 7 2011, 11:09 AM.
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Map Tsar and Southern Gentleman

Official Statement of the Confederate States of America
 
President Ronald Wright of the Confederate States of America would like to congratulate Canae Ardea Gularis on her election as President of the Republic of Porcu. We also congratulate those members of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats who gained seats in the Porcuian parliament. Once again, the liberties of democracy and freedoms of Republicanism have shown that governments can transition from one leadership to another without cause for civil unrest or war and without the need of any absurd notion of hereditary or Divine Right. President Wright and the government of the C.S.A look forward to continuing our strong partnership with our international ally.
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

ROYAL FAMILY DONATES MILLIONS FOR AID IN TANGANORIUM AND ANTI-SLAVERY MOVEMENT

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Stockholm, Porcu Proper - An announcement made by the press secretary for King Julius Decimus Maxentius IV states that an amount of ₤5 million will be donated to various aid organizations with operations in Tanganorium and another ₤1.5 million given to organizations seeking to end slavery in the Confederate States of America.

The war in Tanganorium continues and only seems to grow in ferocity as the days pass by. Already, informal estimates place the death count at several thousand and the wounded at much, much more. It was confirmed yesterday afternoon that Self-Defense Forces, along with substantial Confederate naval forces, began to engage Zanzibar forces in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of the capital of Tanganorium, Avaricum.

The situation is desperate within the capital and in areas immediately surrounding the city. TIM forces have controlled large tracts of land, mostly in the interior of the EU memberstate, and have pushed hard against local gendarme and police forces in an attempt to capture the large city. Incredibly, local forces have held, though their position seems tenuous at best. Besides the fighting occurring at the edges of Avaricum, a humanitarian crisis has crippled the populace. Due to the nature of the war, access to Avaricum is extremely difficult and filled with dangers, but the little news that has filtered out of the city seems to indicate that a major illness has swept through the city. Dead are said to be found lying alongside roads and railways and the streets saturated with the stench of disease and death. Recently, an EU Task Force was approved by the EU Council and has arrived with much needed troop reinforcements and medical personnel and supplies. Aid organizations such as the International Red Cross state that there is little that can be done until the fighting is contained or minimized. Many brave individuals have already lost their lives in an attempt to enter the city and work with those local institutions that are still capable of providing some help.

The donation made by the Royal Family was well received and aid organizations said that they are simply waiting for an opportunity to use the money to buy and deliver much needed foodstuffs, medical supplies, and other health services.

Another large donation was made by the Royal Family as the Confederate States of America has itself come under heavy international criticism for its domestic policy and the Porcuian ally has subsequently withdrawn its representatives and delegates from ICON. A statement from Stockholm with regard to a proposal put forth by representatives of the Authority of the Grand Moff condemning the practice and calling for stringent sanctions against Atlanta was slow in arriving to the international body; however, Ms. Gularis sided with many other nations and condemned the practice. That said, Ms. Gularis did not join the Moffs in their sanctions and for the time being trade continues between the Republic of Porcu and the Confederate States of America.

While several private organizations here in Porcu have already begun to petition the Confederate government for an immediate change in policy, it is unclear how aggressive Ms. Gularis and Parliament have been with President Wright behind closed doors.
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

FOREIGN MINISTER LAMPORE RESIGNS, EU APPROVES FURTHER TROOP DEPLOYMENT

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Stockholm, Porcu Proper - Very soon after the Porcuian Head Representative to ICON forwarded a statement by Ms. Gularis joining the international community in condemning the Confederacy's institution of slavery, Foreign Minister Marcus Vapo Lampore submitted his resignation. As Ms. Gularis continues her diplomatic visits to Venice, to speak with the Doge, and Toledo, to speak with the Roman diplomat Lord Aldebaran, the EU Council recently approved the creation of another taskforce that would supplement the EU military presence already in Avaricum, Tanganorium.

Sighting the possibility for a markedly negative reaction from Atlanta, Foreign Minister Lampore resigned following the Porcuian statement made at the International Commonwealth of Nations and made clear that the decision was the President's alone. Minister Lampore stated that Confederate participation in international affairs was critical for the advancement of policies that would create larger and larger states that would promote freedom and liberty.

"The Confederate States of America is a trusted and respected partner." Lampore said in a recent interview. "So much has been done to advance and improve the lot of many unfortunate people around the world, in no small part due to the efforts of Atlanta. Porcuians themselves, business and ordinary workers, have much to thank for Confederate participation...While I do not think that President Gularis wishes to abandon or scorn the CSA, I was simply no longer comfortable carrying out my duties as the Foreign Minister."

Confederate contraction from the international scene comes as news from Tanganorium continues to grow worse. Just yesterday, the EU Council decided to pool together another EU Task Force, this one totaling 2400 troops and pushing the total amount of EU soldiers sent to Tanganorium to 3500. Expected to arrive within the next couple of weeks, due to the heavy amount of casualties taken by the Maritime Self-Defense Forces the EU soldiers are expected to be flown in. Some analysts state that this is just not possible considering the damage done to Avaricum and the fact that a sizable Zanzibar naval blockade is still in effect.
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

REPUBLICAN FRONT CLAIMS VICTORY OVER MILITARY PROJECTS

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Stockholm, Porcu Proper - Capitalizing on their new-found strength in Parliament and the unfortunate events in and around Tanganorium, the Republican Front managed to salvage a number of "critical" military projects even as the Self-Defense Forces continues to shrink in size.

Mr. Cea was visibly pleased after the afternoon session of Parliament, as just before he and his fellow party members had successfully passed legislation that would ensure that several military projects would not be sent the way of the dodo. Interestingly enough, despite frequent and, usually, unwelcome news from Tanganorium, it appears that the general downsizing of the Self-Defense Forces will not be halted.

"This is an important victory for a number of different reasons." Mr. Cea said to reporters afterward. "Firstly, this is the first step to re-establishing the Republic as a military power here in Europe and providing us with the necessary tools to keep the Republic safe. Secondly, this is a victory for Porcuian businesses who depend on government contracts to stay afloat...Porcu will be strong again, that I can promise you."

On quite a tour through Europe, Ms. Gularis has yet to face Parliament during the 'Questions to the President' and the task has fallen to the Prime Minister, who has yet to deliver a good performance. Recently, Mr. van der Vaars was handedly embarrassed by MPs belonging to the Republican Front during questioning pertaining to current Porcuian and EU military operations in Tanganorium.
Edited by Porcu, Apr 10 2011, 08:51 PM.
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

SCIENTIFIC BREAKTHROUGH FOR GREEN ENERGY

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Patavium, Porcu Proper - Researchers at the University of Patavium have created and refined two 'green' products that will forever shape energy production and consumption.

A team of engineers, cellular biologists, and chemists funded with a research grant from the National Academy of Sciences, one of the most prestigious scientific institutions in the world, have solved a number of problems with regard to solar energy, chiefly including its collection and storage. Advances here have produced a solar cell capable of collecting up to 74% more energy than the current leading cell, in addition to producing a battery that substantially increasing the storage capacity and reduces leakage of energy.

"It's almost impossible to understand the importance of this scientific advance." noted Publius Klové Fabulinus. "Presently, Porcu is largely dependent on foreign sources of energy to keep our economy and society running smoothly...The greatest obstacle thus far to the mass production and utilization of alternative energy sources has been its inefficiency and, consequently, its enormous cost. These advances drastically improve efficiency and with continuing advances will inevitably drive down the cost and make it available to the general public."

Cities such as Patavium and Valdemarsvik have long been the hub of architecture and technology that push the boundaries of sustainability and environmental friendliness. These newest advances in technology will certainly continue that push and many members of government, at both the Metropolitan and Parliamentary level, are excited at the prospects.

"Currently, such technology is relegated to small, local projects due to its present inefficiency and cost." said Acca Quintarimus Remunius, Chairwoman of the Greens. "These discoveries are fantastic, however, because they will drastically expand the applicability so that soon it is no longer a luxury "the few" can afford, but something that all Porcuians will be able to incorporate into their daily lives."

Ms. Remunius added that although Parliament and other national governmental institutions and organizations have long used alternative energy to run some of their operations, the greatest positive of this stunning breakthrough is that all levels of society can be penetrated. From cars to planes to tanks to trains, researchers at the University of Patavium have without a doubt started a revolution here in Porcu.
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PRESIDENT RECEIVES QUITE A WELCOME WITH HER RETURN FROM ABROAD

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Stockholm, Porcu Proper - Returning from a whirlwind tour of the Continent, having met with Roman, Venetian, and Russian officials, Ms. Gularis began her week with a break and a few laughs on a weekly game show, though her schedule quickly gave way to more serious events as the week progressed.

Upon arriving in Stockholm, Ms. Gularis was eager to inform reporters of her encounters with some of Europe's biggest players. She spoke at length on the necessity for Stockholm to work more closely with Constantinople, Venice, and Moscow on issues where Porcuian and each nation's specific interest intersect.

"I had pleasurable meetings with each and there is much that our governments can work together on...From security to trade to cultural exchange programs and organizations, I am confident that a new era of European cooperation has just begun."

After speaking with reporters, Ms. Gularis made an appearance on "Stockholm Friend Park", a popular game show where contestants play a series of minigames throughout the show. Most contestants are already celebrities, mostly singers, comedians, models (idols), actors, but occasionally politicians appear on the show. Ms. Gularis is the first sitting President of the Republic to make an appearance on the show. Alongside three other politicians (Messrs. Cea, Nixon the Younger, and Quintianus), Ms. Gularis performed well and, with Mr. Nixon as her teammate, ended up winning ₤7.000, a flat-screen television, and a complete set of skiing equipment. Messrs. Cea and Quintianus did not proceed to the final round for a chance at the prizes, having lost various head-to-head minigames. Mr. Nixon and Ms. Gularis' winnings were donated to various organizations, and Messrs. Cea and Quintianus donated ₤1.000 each to an aid organization of the others choosing.

One would hope Ms. Gularis enjoyed this momentary break for the rest of her week was not so carefree and full of laughter. In Patavium, the annual meeting of the Socialist International (a worldwide organization of social democratic, socialist and labour political parties) was presided over by the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats and, if not for a long overdue 'Questions to the President', Ms. Gularis would have presided over the conference herself as Chairwoman of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats. While Ms. Gularis was busy fending off her political opponents in Parliament, a wide array of topics were discussed and a number specific to Porcuian politics were commented on by Ms. Gularis afterward.

Among those topics was the motion to push for legislation capping yearly income for Members of Parliament to ₤18.500 generally and to remove any income allotted to the President of the Republic specifically - something that would save roughly ₤250.000. Ms. Gularis stated that she would be very much in favor of advancing and pushing for such legislation in Parliament. Another topic centered around huge conglomerates, such as FIAT, and there is a proposal being worked on by members of the Popular Democratic Front that would break down FIAT into smaller, more localized companies - a central goal being more responsibility to worker unions and local industrial concerns. Ms. Gularis stated that she is not opposed to the idea, but would have to consider the specific piece of legislation when it is presented.

As for 'Questions to the President', Ms. Gularis was judged by many pundits to have stood her ground and defended herself and her party well. Scoring solid victories against Ms. Cea in particular, Ms. Gularis made a strong case why it was important for Porcu to continue to reach out to those on the Continent, especially as Confederate ties to Stockholm have shriveled as of late.
Edited by Porcu, Apr 29 2011, 10:58 PM.
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

TERROR IN THE METRO

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Patavium, Porcu Proper - On a clear and bright morning, hundreds lost their lives because of a coordinated terrorist attack during the usual busy morning commute.

The coordinated attack took place at precisely 8:00, when the swarms of commuters pack the subway trains and the stations littered around downtown Patavium are near full capacity. The death toll is estimated to exceed 400 in the worst terrorist attack in the Republic's history. Footage taken by a number of security cameras seem to show three men being responsible for each attack, all three of them of African decent. In all, five metro stations were targeted.

The Metropolitan Police of Patavium were quick to respond, as were EMS and other emergency medical crews, but the damage and shock had already been done. The full extent of the attack was not immediately known and panic gripped the populace, and the nation's entire metro system - each Metropolitan metro network being intimately linked to one another - was shut down for an indefinite amount of time.

Ms. Gularis expressed her condolences to those families who lost loved ones and sympathized with the victims. In unusually strong terms, Ms. Gularis stated that "due justice will be given" and that "those responsible will be held accountable for this most despicable act." Also uncharacteristically, Mr. Cea of the Republican Front took the opportunity to lend his support to the President, adding that "the group that trained and armed these bastards will be found and hunted down...Ms. Gularis has the full support of myself and my party."

Though a thorough investigation is underway, it is generally believed that the terrorists belonged to the Tanganyikan Independence Movement, or TIM, and the act was meant to bring more attention to the conflict in South-Eastern Afrika, as well as demoralize Porcuians.

As a first step, Ms. Gularis has asked Parliament to create a temporary Commission that will look at the security deficits that allowed such an attack to take place and recommend a set of actions to take to prevent additional attacks on Porcuian and EU soil.
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Map Tsar and Southern Gentleman

Official Statement
The Confederate States of America
On behalf of the Confederate States of America, we are deeply saddened by the events in Patavium. Terrorism is a tool of the weak used by those who are neither civilized nor truly representative of the beliefs they say they fight for. The south itself has had a brush with terrorism and we can greatly relate with our allies in this time of uncertainty.
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

EVIDENCE POINTS TO ALTOFIORE AS MYSTERY AUTHOR AND MUSICAL ARTIST

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Stockholm, Porcu Proper - A long mystery for literary and musical fans has seemingly been solved, though the result is one that few could ever have predicted.

As reclusive and hermit-like as former President Altofiore was known to be, there is very little known about the man and his thoughts, personality, and even his politics. Amazingly, Altofiore only appeared in public a handful of times and even the Members of Parliament at the time rarely saw him or interacted with him.

"He was a man of powerfully few words." said former MP and Chairman of the defunct Labour Party Quintus Cicurinus Sabinus. "In the few meetings of the Parliamentary leadership he ever attended he never said a word. Always quiet, always watching. Occasionally he would move, but only to twirl his thumbs in front of him. Otherwise, he would keep his hands clasped together or withdraw them and place them underneath the table...I don't think it would be a falsehood to say that not one person understood that gentleman."

Even so, Altofiore was a titan of Porcuian politics, and much of the progress made in environmental and labor fields are now largely attributed to him. Altofiore is credited with having Parliament provide funds for overhauls of the public transit system, now one of the world's most pristine, and national parks. It is also believed, though not ever definitely found, that Altofiore devoted much of his time to improving the eco-image of Patavium and Valdemarsvik, through direct oversight of construction projects and general urban design.

What has this do to with a long standing mystery surrounding an unknown author and unseen musical talent? As with other parts of the former President's life, little beyond speculation and rumor is known. During his lengthy administration, a series of short stories, poetry, and even novels were written by a certain "Vopiscus Libo" and gained critical acclaim soon after being published. Unlike most authors, Mr. Libo remained hidden and never once met with fans or even his publishers, going so far as to not even reply to invitations for interviews and book tours. As quick as his rise to fame, Mr. Libo dropped from the literary scene and did not submit another work for publication after Altofiore's death.

Similarly, a trance and ambient artist burst into fame soon after Altofiore took over the presidency from Nixon the Younger. Releasing songs under the name "Divus Iulius", a name given to the Roman general and statesman Gaius Julius Caesar, the night scene in Patavium, especially, came alive during this time. His tracks are still considered classics and even played often by members of the current younger generation.

"'Divus Iulius' is one of those artists you fall in love with the first time you hear a track...The build-up, the rhythm, the vocals - everything was synced and put together by a genius." commented 'DJ Navos'. "For young DJs, especially, but even for amateur artists, 'Divus Iulius' is the gold-standard by which we measure ourselves. The Kasnyian and English Undergrounds have turned out some great stuff over the years, not to mention [expletive] great DJs from Russia, Venice, and Eleytheria-Duo, but his place as one of the all-time greats is certain."

For many years, a few very keen observers and devout followers suggested that Altofiore was the man behind these influential figures, but lacked any evidence. Only with the passing of the former President's wife, were documents taken by police and government officials and found that provide strong circumstantial evidence for this conclusion. From computer programs and files filled with completed, yet unreleased songs to unfinished poetry and novels, whose style matches those written by Mr. Libo, it is perfectly reasonable to state with relative certainty that one of Porcu's most mysterious figures was a "Renaissance man" of sorts and can be given credit for more than a chilling presence and stone-like façade.
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

WORKERS' UNION CALLS FOR GOVERNMENT ACTION AGAINST FIAT

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Turin, Porcu Proper - Thousands gathered outside FIAT corporate headquarters to protest a series of recent actions taken by the Porcuian conglomerate, resulting in a large number of layoffs and threats of decreasing benefits despite record profits by FIAT.

One of the largest companies in the world has bumped heads with the largest labor and workers union in the world before, but nothing like this. FIAT's operations span across the automotive sector and traverse the public transportation sector, including rail, helicopter, and tilt-rotor, the military/defense sector, and even the financial sector in part. As FIAT has grown, expanded into additional sectors beyond its origins, and absorbed various companies, so too has the labor union that represents its vast number of workers. Past disputes between the two have been resolved without intervention from Parliament or other government institutions; however, that may change soon.

"FIAT has grown to the point where it is no longer in touch with those it employs." said General Secretary for the Association of Industrial, Technical, and General Workers' Unions Servius Nautus Hobbanius. "FIAT shouldn't even be considered a Porcuian entity anymore, for it's various subsidiaries stretch across the world and the EU...We are calling for a general strike until FIAT is dismantled and made to respect the demands of more local labor and workers' unions."

Mr. Hobbanius added that FIAT is "a behemoth" and should be broken into smaller companies that interact more intimately with its workers. A general strike is being called to start on 1 May, or International Workers' Day/Labor Day, and to continue until FIAT voluntarily acquiesces or is made to by Parliament. Only party members of the Popular Democratic Front have thus far publicly supported Mr. Hobbanius, but sources say that Ms. Gularis herself is generally favorable of Parliamentary action against FIAT and is currently working on gathering support from her comrades in the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats.

"This is something to seriously consider, since as FIAT has grown in size and power it has also increasingly pushed aside the needs of workers." said Publius Manus Yurus, Party Chairman of the Popular Democratic Front. "Despite FIAT's attempts to paint this popular movement as absurd, workers are only asking that FIAT share the prosperity is has gained with those who truly drive the company forward...If FIAT's greed continues to influence its decisions, the Popular Democratic Front will take action in Parliament to stand up for workers, not only here in Porcu but across the EU and the world."

The Association of Industrial, Technical, and General Workers' Unions (AITGWU) has stated that FIAT could easily be broken up into two or three independent, and subsequently competitive, automotive companies as a start, and additionally be dismantled into smaller companies for defense and public transportation needs.

FIAT is not alone, however, and is guaranteed the support of Mr. Cea and the Republican Front in Parliament, should it go that far.
Edited by Porcu, May 7 2011, 03:24 PM.
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QUINARANUM DEVASTATED, PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE ON FIAT BEGINS

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Batavi, Quinaranum - The lucky few who survived a murderous volley of missiles against the EU memberstate of Quinaranum are still trying to recover psychologically from the attack, and, in Porcu, Parliament begins debate on the dispute between the conglomerate FIAT and the massive workers' union, the Association of Industrial, Technical, and General Workers' Unions (AITGWU).

No warning. No chance. An untold number of lives lost is just the beginning to a devastating attack brought on by the military forces of Zanzibar against the coastal African state that has acted as a major industrial, financial, and trade hub for the continent. Still stunned by the destruction, Porcuian and EU officials have only just begun on recovery efforts and many say that Quinaranum will take decades to recover.

"Damage like this scars a country and a people for the rest of their history." said Marcus Alvanus Subbanus, a citizen of the Vulso Islands and the man appointed by an emergency EU Commission to lead the recovery effort in Quinaranum. "From a purely humanitarian perspective, the devastation inflicted upon Quinaranum will take a long time to reverse and to heal...Water, food, and medical supplies are being gathered and donations are starting to come from a number of relief organizations around the world, but people should realize that it will take time...The damage is indescribable."

Industrial centers were flattened, military complexes dismantled, and residential neighborhoods obliterated. A total razing of the country occurred in minutes. Speaking with reporters a few minutes after news of the attack broke, Ms. Gularis appeared to be visibly in shock.

"It's...absolutely tragic what occurred...Seeing what I've been shown by the SDF and the Abwehr leaves me numb."

Ms. Gularis said that the "fullest countermeasures available to the Republic and the EU" would be used in response to the unannounced destruction of an EU memberstate. A meeting in ICON has already begun and while negotiations are uncertain and fickle, some analysts wonder if the President will try and reverse her stance on military and defense appropriations. Nothing has been mentioned by Ms. Gularis or her fellow party members and the Republican Front has been surprisingly silent on this as well, though Mr. Cea did quickly release a statement saying that he had spoken with Ms. Gularis and assured her that his party stands to do everything in its power to see swift retribution.

Conversely, the politics of the domestic front never cease and debate on what to do with FIAT and AITGWU began in earnest, with the Popular Democratic Front calling for a complete dismantling of the conglomerate and the Republican Front proposing drastic limitations be placed on workers' unions in general. Parliament seems to be decidedly split, as many MPs in the Governing Coalition seem to be in favor of splitting up FIAT and those of the Opposition against. Ms. Gularis does have a slight advantage as, if the proposal to split FIAT comes to a rigid party line vote, the measure is expected to pass, but only just so.
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PARLIAMENT ORDERS BREAK UP OF FIAT, POPULARITY SLIPS FOR GULARIS AND CENTRE-LEFT

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Stockholm, Porcu Proper - In an exercise rarely seen, Parliament has forcefully dissolved the current structure of Porcu's largest and most diverse company.

Originally stemming from a bubbling up of grievances from the workers' union, the Association of Industrial, Technical, and General Workers' Unions (AITGWU) against the management of FIAT, the hands of politicians were forced when a settlement could not be reached by both sides and a massive, nationwide strike on May Day brought a number of critical public services to a halt, among other things, costing the national government millions of Denarii. Although traditionally a source of good jobs, good wages, and good benefits, AITGWU argued that after having taken such a prominent role in the Porcuian and international economy FIAT pressured workers to refuse union membership and frequently ignored requests for reasonable increases in wages or benefits in response to the occasional increase in inflation. FIAT countered that no such policy was pursued by management and that workers have always been treated with dignity and respect.

Action was originally solicited from the city government of Turin; however, after the large-scale strikes on May Day, or International Workers' Day, the issue was immediately taken up by Parliament, who began debate soon after. The polarity of attitudes was almost palpable within Parliament, with members of the Popular Democratic Front arguing fiercely with MPs of the Republican Front and a large division being created between centre-left and centre-right, though not nearly with as much antagonism.

"Here we find a company who has historically excelled through a partnership with labor now feeling it does not have to pay its dues to those it owes all of its success!" stated Party Chairman of the Popular Democratic Front Publius Manus Yurus. "Shameful in its actions of late, it has fallen to Parliament to restore justice and equability against the wishes of the management of FIAT."

The company does have its supporters, who point to the generous benefits packages the workers receive in comparison to other fields and occupations.

"Consider that auto and industrial workers in few other places on Earth enjoy such lavish health, savings, and retirement packages." said Lucius Germanius Cea, Party Chairman of the Republican Front. "Wages have kept above inflation and as opportunities continue to appear here in Porcu and around the world it will be FIAT who provides good, honorable, and well supported jobs to those who need it most. Striking down FIAT would be a travesty and a fundamental betrayal of the working class."

Travesty or no travesty, however, that is what Parliament decided, as Prime Minister Lucius Ollo van der Vaars managed to gather just over 58% in successfully passing legislation that would break apart FIAT into a number of smaller subsidiaries. Of importance is the refusal of President Gularis and the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats to include a requirement for all workers to join the AITGWU, something the union and the Popular Democratic Front had been pressing for.

On a related note, President Gularis has found that her poll numbers have dipped lately, dropping from a 62% approval rating to 57%. While highly commended for her efforts in expanding Porcuian diplomatic connections to such nations as the Roman-Byzantine Empire and the Russian Empire, many look at the war raging in Tanganorium and see little evidence of success and international cooperation. Stalled negotiations with regard to the Republic of Zanzibar have also considerably stung Gularis in the media and in the polls.
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NATIONAL ELECTIONS THROUGHOUT EUROVERAMINUS UNION SHOW SHIFT TO THE RIGHT

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Narvik, Narvik - Having voted over two days time, EU citizens all around the world and in their respective countries sent a strong message.

In a response to counterbalance Porcu's recent tilt and her gravitational pull of the other EU memberstates, many political pundits look to explain why voters cast their votes for centre-right parties. The first of several surprise election day victories came in the Republic of the Vulso Islands, where Prime Minister Sextus Albus Augurinus and his party lost a considerable amount of seats and relinquished power to Mr. Plius Marccanus Cancrius. The next most surprising election result came in the EU memberstate of Narvik, a small enclave on the Norwegian coast in Upper Scandinavia. There, as results came pouring in from all across the EU, the centre-left was forced to yield to the decision of the voters after nearly 34 years of uninterrupted rule, spanning before the foundation of the Euroveraminus Union. Some results, such as those in Hong Kong, merely reaffirmed the governorship of the centre-right Majority.

The national election results throughout the EU may halt a number of initiatives that Ms. Gularis was hoping to put through the Consilium, i.e. the EU Council, and various Committees, but the most important area of interest surrounds the EU's policy to Tanganorium and her commitment there. Besides Porcu, which has an election schedule separate from that of the other EU memberstates, Tanganorium was the only EU memberstate not to hold an election. Prime Minister Servius Servianus Luminus still holds the position as Tanganorium's Head of Government, even as he is currently living in Stockholm with his family.

Elections in Singapore, Polinesinum, Quinaranum, and Viroconium gave centre-right parties enough support to create a government, while in Araucanía, Xianyang, and Montarorium the current centre-left majority was able to remain in power, though with considerably less of a majority.
Edited by Porcu, Jun 11 2011, 05:29 PM.
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ECONOMIC DOWNTURN TROUBLING, PARLIAMENT PASSES NEW DEFENSE BUDGET

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Stockholm, Porcu Proper - With the Denarius having sunken with relation to other major currencies and struggling to recover, President Gularis tries to calm worries over the economy in general. Also, despite protests from the far-left Popular Democratic Front over military spending, Parliament recently approved a new budget for the Ministry of Defense, which includes the finalization of several projects including a new main battle tank, tank destroyer, and attack helicopter.

Still quite powerful, the Porcuian economy has lost some of its usual steam as of late. A minor contraction of GDP growth coupled with a short, but steep drop in the exchange rate of the Denarius has a number of people worried, investors, politicians, and the public alike. In yesterday's 'Questions to the President', Ms. Gularis repeated on numerous occasions that the economy was in good shape and cause for concern was unnecessary. A number of opposition MPs, however, disagreed and were quick to point at the President's approval of a number of various public works projects, in conjunction with heightened defense spending, that quickly pushed Parliament's budget numbers into the red. Even members of the administration's Governing Coalition, particularly MPs of the Popular Democratic Front, have voiced their fervent opposition to Ms. Gularis' continued economic and military policies.

"Having campaigned for an end to run-away military spending and the promotion of international peace, I find it rather strange and unsettling that Ms. Gularis should not heed the desires of the voters who elected her and instead embark upon a journey that only sucks up more and more taxpayer money for items and policies that only destroy...A serious reevaluation on her part is necessary and long overdue." said Party Chairman of the Popular Democratic Front Publius Manus Yurus.

Heavy cutbacks to the SDF have occurred, despite the political jousting of the far-left, and while it is true that the budget for the Ministry of Defense is much smaller relative to earlier administrations, it is also true that of late Ms. Gularis has nearly brought that descent to a halt. In the latest military expenditures approved by Parliament, the GSDF would primarily be outfitted with newer and much more capable and powerful tanks, known as 'Projekt 8Hg1' and officially christened as the 'Von Regensburg Class' main battle tank after the former Field Marshal, newer tank destroyers, officially known as the 'Dubois-Crancé Class', and newer helicopters, officially known as the 'Ursus Class'. Ms. Gularis was eager to silence her critics at yesterday's 'Questions' when pressured on the nature of the just approved Defense budget.

"You will find that no project that could be done without was not included in this budget, while those whose inclusion would continue to provide our brave men and women with the equipment and technology they need was kept...A careful look at the numbers will reveal that I, and my comrades, have kept our election promise in this regard and have continued to make cuts in the military budget. Furthermore, while new diplomatic and economic connections have been forged between Porcu and other countries, it is necessary that our Republic be capable of providing an adequate defense against possible aggressors."

Midterm elections are just around the corner and already Ms. Gularis has begun to jostle for position.
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