European Press Association

Leading Democratic Party personality, former minister disappears from Kashtanese records
EPA Propontis

Kal Sabo, a member of the Revolutionary Action Committee of Kashtan's ruling Democratic Party, one of the party's most important organs, seems to have disappeared from Kashtanese records, according to the Eiffeland-based NGO Kashtan Civil Action's Propontis office.

According to KCA, new editions of history and political textbooks as well as recreational and other literature have had mentions of Sabo removed in newer print runs and Kashtanese censors have been busy removing any pictures of the former minister from official records in what appears to be a fall from grace for the former member of the Kashtanese elite.

Kal Sabo, who had been a member of the Revolutionary Action Committee of the DP for at least the last 12 years and who has been reported to have served in several ministerial functions, including as Minister of Autarky, Minister for Tribal Relations and Ethnic Peace and most recently Minister of Revolutionary Propaganda, in the last position from 2012-2016, had been one of the few public faces of the Kashtanese regime that had been known to the outside world aside from the enigmatic President, and he prominently was one of the few representatives of the Kashtanese government that was known to attend international functions abroad in countries on good terms with Shigö. Diplomatic circles described him as friendly, if tight-lipped.

What might have sparked this recent purge remains unknown, but analysts of the Basin's political landscape suggest that Sabo's damnatio memoriae might point towards an internal leadership struggle within the regime, the details of which are difficult to assess from an outside perspective. KCA said that it was unclear whether Sabo was still alive or what his current status was, but that the public suppression of the former minister's name and image was hardly a good sign in the context of Shigö's past track record.

The Kashtanese embassy in Propontis had removed Sabo from a leaflet available to visitors in the lobby as of Thursday morning.

Fire breaks out in major Jewish settlement

KRETYN - Firefighters are battling a major blaze at a remote community in Trivodnia founded by settlers trying to a create a Jewish nation-state outside of the Holy Land.

Named New Ararat, after the semi-mythical mountain Noah's Ark was supposed to have crashed on, it has been attracting members of the so-called 'alter-Zionist' movement since the Free State's foundation. The settlement's fortunes have varied over the years, with many initial residents leaving after a lack of basic infrastructure and repeated attacks by the surrounding Krasnislavian community.

The Social Democratic Alliance, Trivodnia's dominant party, has tried to clear the town several times, citing its violation of countless health and safety laws. However strong opposition from its inhabitants, including incidents of armed resistance, has prevented its total demolition.

The Homeland Union, a Jewish nationalist party that counts New Ararat as a reliable bastion of support, blamed the government for failing to invest in the necessary safeguards that would have prevented a fire of this scale. "Blood is on their hands," thundered the party's leader Moisei Carlebach.

The government in turn blamed the settlers for building illegally and ignoring planning regulations. "This is a tragedy brought on by ignorance and recklessness," said a spokesman for the Ministry of the Interior.

Early estimates suggest the death toll could come close to 100, with dozens more severely injured. Children are expected to be among the victims.

Sources close to the situation say firemen have nearly ended the blaze. This is the third major fire to have occurred in New Ararat, alongside several serious outbreaks of disease.

New Leadership Announced in CBS

POCHENKOGRAD - In a speech broadcast over national radio and intercepted by foreign listening stations, a man naming himself as Raoul Farrago declared he has succeeded Boris Pochenko as leader of Crotobaltislavonia. The new leader said:

"People of Crotobaltislavonia, I, Raoul Farrago, have taken [static] great nation. Today begins [static] our people. We defeated the fascists. We defeated [static]. And now we have defeated the socialists. Friends, no more false ideologies!"

When asked for comment on the broadcast, Dr. Elizar Montepelier, a noted expert on Crotobaltislavonia at the European International School of Thought, expressed surprise that President Pochenko, affectionally known to his people as "Dear Leader", could have been deposed by a man who appears to be a political outsider.

"I have no idea who this Raoul Farrago character is. I can only assume the army abandoned Pochenko and this Farrago is a puppet," Dr. Montepelier said. "No doubt the coup was bloody and Pochenko has met his fate."

The news of regime change within Crotobaltislavonia could not be independently confirmed at the time this article went to press.

Primer On Crotobaltislavonia
Dr. Elizar Montepelier
European International School of Thought

Crotobaltislavonia has long been a crossroads for peoples and cultures, with a storied history of foreign invasions, ethnic strife, and political divisions. The answer to all the instability has been simple: rule with an iron hand. The iron hand has belonged to monarchs, foreign powers, socialists, and, as of late, a string of increasingly harsh dictators.

The latest dictator appears to be Raoul Farrago. The details of Farrago's ascension over Boris Pochenko are not known, and may never be known. But what is becoming clear is that the Farrago regime is attempting to make a clean break from Crotobaltislavonia's shattered past. The capital city has been renamed. Old monuments are being obliterated. The schoolbooks is being rewritten. Most striking is that even benign personalities from Crotobaltislavonia's previous regimes, including Jelena Tivo and former queen Victoria, have disappeared.

Despite it's frequent leadership changes and harsh regime, Crotobaltislavonia remains a prosperous country, driven by a hard-working and devout populace, that is committed to income equality, environment stewardship, public safety, and social welfare.

Trivodnian political rally ends in violence

KRETYN - Over a hundred people have been left injured after a political rally in Kretyn, Trivodnia's second largest city, ended in bloodshed.

Local police are blaming radical supporters of the Krasnislavian National Party, which had organised a mass gathering in the port-city to demand greater autonomy for Krasnislavians. Kretyn has emerged as a key battleground this election cycle, with the ruling Social Democratic Alliance looking to defend its dominant position.

Violence allegedly began after a splinter group left the main event and headed into public housing estates that are predominantly non-Krasnislavian. They were then greeted by hostile crowds who tried to force them out. This ended in mass brawls, which were only broken up after the National Watch, Trivodnia's gendarmerie, intervened.

All political parties have condemned the violence, although the Krasnislavian National Party accused the National Watch of heavy handed tactics and suggested its supporters had been disproportionately targeted.

Despite numerous attempts at integration, Trivodnia's public housing estates are largely divided along ethnic lines. It is believed the estate in which the fighting started was largely populated by other Slavian minorities who had moved to Kretyn to work in the city's docks.

Political violence is not uncommon in Trivodnia, though has decreased in recent years.

Earlier this month, trade unionists affiliated with the Social Democrats stormed a local office of the KNP in Kretyn, resulting in dozens of arrests.

Trivodnian election results delayed until New Year

AMSTOV - The outcome of the Trivodnian general election won't be known until early 2018 after opposition parties demanded an extension of the vote count.

Bad weather and logistical difficulties had meant many ballots were delayed, leading the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to push back announcing the final result until after 25th December, when much of the world celebrates Christmas. Orthodox Christians in Trivodnia and elsewhere traditionally celebrate Christmas on 7th January.

With rural seats particularly affected, where the ruling Social Democratic Alliance is weakest, opposition parties have demanded a further wait, and in some areas, recounts. The Social Democrats were initially resistant, but the threat of an opposition boycott eventually forced them to agree.

Leaks from the IEC and private exit polls suggest the Social Democrats have won another majority, but failed to secure 40% of the vote, as some surveys suggested they might. The Krasnislavian National Party, widely predicted to come second, is expected to have won more then 25% of the vote.

Public polling is banned in the final week of campaigning in Trivodnia. Voting took place on Friday, with high turnout reported.

Red Guards General Rumored in Crotobaltislavonia

BERGENHEIM - Brigadier General Riu Duhan, the elusive leader of the People's Republic of Xinhai's Red Guards Pioneers, has been reportedly seen in Banja Luka following the failed coup attempt in that country. Brigadier General Riu leads the People's Republic of Xinhai's overseas revolutionary forces and has been linked by numerous countries with seditious groups and terrorist organizations. He was allegedly assassinated by political rivals two years ago, but has since resurfaced.

Crotobaltislavonia has become increasingly unstable in recent weeks, following the coup which first installed strongman Farrago into power, leading to strained relations with neighboring Trivodnia and Elben. A recent coup attempt, launched during Christmas, failed to topple the Farrago government and has sent several elements of the military responsible into hiding. The presence of the Red Guards Pioneers, if proven, could be a sign of greater involvement by the Rurikgrad Pact.

The Red Guards Pioneers serve as oversea advisors and military-political coordinators and are deployed to regions of critical interest to the People's Republic of Xinhai. Though the People's Republic of Xinhai has made no public comment on the Crotobaltislavonia situation, it is generally believed that the Zhao administration supports the Kadikistani position, which has been to increase ties with the Farrago government.

The presence of Red Guards in Crotobaltislavonia could have wider regional impacts, as prevailing Xinhaiese political dogma holds that instability is centripetal. The PRoX Foreign Affairs Minister was unavailable for comment.

Suspected Crotobaltislavonian coup leader still alive

BERGENHEIM - General Alexander Radek, the alleged leader behind the so-called Christmas Coup to topple Crotobaltislavonia's dictator Raoul Farrago, has revealed himself to be alive and leading resistance forces in the eastern half of the country.

Denouncing Farrago, who styles himself domestically as Big Brother', as the "Big Puppet", Radek warned Farrago was facilitating the "invasion" of Crotobaltislavonia by Kadikistan and its allies.

In a written statement circulated to several international newspapers, Radek also denied any responsibility for the coup attempt in the Crotobaltislavonian capital Banja Luka. The General instead blamed Farrago, claiming the Crotobaltislavonian President-for-Life had orchestrated the incident to shore up his support and justify the deployment of Kadikistani troops.

Claiming to have been along the Polesian coastline at the time of the coup to combat "Yiddish gangsterism", Radek now said he was leading the 'Home Army for the Salvation of Crotobaltislavonia' and urged other anti-Farrago elements to rally to his cause.

"The greatest threat is not across the Polesian, but in our own capital city," Radek's statement finished.

Ministry of External Affairs

The Free State is deeply concerned by the continued disintegration of the political situation in Crotobaltislavonia. The propagation of anti Semitic myths such as the existence of an internal Yiddish conspiracy by General Radek is also hugely disappointing.

We continue to hope one day the Crotobaltislavonian people get the decent democratic leadership they deserve.

Serenierre stocks up on gold and strengthens strategic oil reserve

MONSERANS --- The Central Reserve Bank has indicated that it shall be purchasing a significant amount of gold as security, given the increasingly tense global situation. It has been reported by anonymous sources that Premier Martinique has approved the purchase of 20 tons of gold within the week, amounting to a purchase worth 8.2 billion goldmarks, with a further 40 tons to be bought in stages over the next few weeks. The purpose of this purchase is to safeguard a large amount of liquid assets from depreciation and market shocks.

This announcement comes as the state petroleum corporation has announced that it shall be enhancing imports by 45%, which has caused analysts to surmise that Villesen is securing a stockpile of oil in anticipation of global disturbances to its oil supplies. A large percentage of oil for Serenierre is supplied by the Borovangerese colony of Al-Kez, which has been the main beneficiary of the sudden move by Villesen, with 80% of the additional contracts being allotted to companies based there.

Taken together, these two announcements indicate that official analysis of the unfolding situation in Germania has caused the Serenien Government to fear for the worst and hedge its bets in a hyper conservative economic drive to stockpile assets and reserves. Markets have yet to register the rally in price on both these commodities but it is expected to have a significant impact on the value of both oil and gold.

Engello-Serenien Relations Frozen

HAMMERSMITH - Following from the annual Lord of Misrule televised address, Viscount Walter Drake, Lord Protector of the Engellexian Republic further addressed the assembled members of the Engellexian Republic Parlement on relations, most recently drawn in to focus, between the First Republic and the Serenien People's Republic.

Many of you will be quite acquainted to the urgent transactions publicly given in relation to the Engellexian Republic and the People's Republic of Serenierre, unfortunate, and to be the subject of future examination and communication.

A letter to be communicated will be a short admission of the unnecessary failure of those serious concerns and measures sufficiently, and considerately expressed, with clarity and sincerity, by the Foreign Affairs Joint Committee, with a move toward an amicable adjustment of differences with Serenierre. One does, as you all have, perceived that the Serenien Government appears most solicitous to impress the opinion that it is seriously averse to any rupture with the First Republic, and that it has in a qualified manner declared itself very keen and desirous to receive a Minister from the Engellexian Republic for that purpose of restoring a good and friendly understanding.

One can not perceive the Serenien invitation with that spirit in which they hoped to convey, for the Serenien Government are not at all kind to the position of the Engellexian Republic, for they do decline to observe our complained differences in the fullest of context. Therefore, nothing can be said to be quite discoverable in our business, now, with Serenierre, nothing that should want or persuade a change or relaxation of our considerations of our wider defence. On the contrary, to review their condition, their extension and improvement of them is the true policy, and my absolute policy. One has no object of regret with these measures, and certainly no feeling, of those measures thus far adopted and pursued, and in proportion as we take a wider view of the portentous and incalculable situation of Europe - everywhere - we should discover new and logical motivations for the full development and organisations of our energies and resources.

One's position has been declared to you with a sensitivity in its clarity, and I must speak now to pledge to Serenierre and to Europe, as one, that the popularly and considered empowerment of authority possessed by my Rank, one as Lord Protector of the Engellexian Republic it falls to my responsibility to dutifully inform that this Republic, the First, shall still persist in the maintaining of the civilised and neutral policies which have governed the behaviour of the Republic splendidly, and are quite in conformity with the wishes of the Engellexian Republic Parlement, the Council of the Republic, and the popular and progressive expressions of the Classes. However, when one does review the late manifestations of Serenien policy toward neighbouring Powers - as friendly as they have been strenuously conveyed, and indeed in review of such many other foreign encroachments, one deems it one's duty deliberately and solemnly to declare one's opinion that whether the Republic should negotiate with Serenierre or not, great preparations for the defence of the Sovereign interests of the Republic will be quite indispensable; an interpretation, of which, will truly and honestly rely upon the situation, and sentiments, of the time.

The Foreign Affairs Joint Committee released a formal letter of statement instructing the Engell ambassador to Villesen to immediately withdraw to Hammersmith, and for the closure of the Republic's diplomatic mission and apparatus within Serenierre, by the forty-eighth hour.

BREAKING: General Radek killed by Trivodnian special forces, Free State authorities claim

AMSTOV - General Alexander Radek, the alleged plotter behind the so called Christmas coup in Crotobaltislavonia that plunged Gallo-Germania into its worst regional crisis in decades, has reportedly been killed by Trivodnian special forces active in the Polesian Sea.

According to a statement released by the Trivodnian Ministry of National Defence, General Radek was intercepted by the Free State's military's elite 'Kobra' units while attempting to flee into Trivodnia's territorial waters after his base camp was overrun by Kadikistani forces. A short firefight ensued, which saw Radek and his companions shot and killed and their vessel sunk. No casualties or injuries are reported on the Trivodnian side.

The Crotobaltislavonian and Kadikistani governments both repeatedly accused Trivodnia of supporting General Radek and his 'Home Army for the Salvation of Crotobaltislavonia', which the Free State always strongly denied. Radek while alive never confirmed whether he had outside support, and insisted the coup attempt in the Crotobaltislavonian capital Banja Luka was orchestrated by Crotobaltislavonian dictator Raoul Farrago, who came to power in a coup of his own. Trivodnia also made similar claims.

The statement by the Trivodnian Ministry of National Defence comes shortly after a Crotobaltislavonian state news bulletin announcing the Christmas coup ringleaders were dead, but made no specific mention of Radek.

The European Press Association will update this story with more information as and when it comes in.

Right-Wing Groups Mass to March on Trier

TRIER- Organised across the internet, and in response to calls from a loose alliance of right-wing Gallo-Germanian factions, a sizable number of far-right and right-wing activists are set to march on Trier this sunday, in a massive and mostly illegal protest at Eiffeland's prominence in promoting pro-refugee policies.

Accusing the liberal government of the central Gallo-Germanian state of "betraying the collective interests of Gallo-Germania" these groups include a diverse assortment of conservatives, ultra-monarchists, fascists, nationalists and millitant anti-communist groups, all of whom are expected to try to send some people to the planned rally.

In response, many equally numerous and millitant left-wing groups are expected to show up in a counter-protest. While exact numbers of both groups and planned participants are unclear, estimates range wildly from a few hundred to as many as ten thousand for each side.

"We want a peaceful march, to express our solidarity on this issue, and opposition to dangerous pro-refugee policies." said Ernst Thadden, leader of the prominent ultranationalist Bergenheim group, Heimatsfront. "If Eiffeland does not want us, that is Eiffeland's problem. If the communists try to stop us, that will not be a problem."

Efforts to prevent known millitant activists from travelling abroad will likely not get everyone, as many stay off the Radars for events like this, or know their way around Gallo-Germania's porous "internal" borders.

Mayor of Trier: “Organisers have to contact Trierer Municipality, else protests are illegal”
Eiffelland prepares for protest march this weekend

In response to reports in the media that both rightwing and leftwing groups are rallying up for protest marches in Trier this Sunday, the Mayor of Trier Kurt Aschenbach held a press conference together with the Minister for Internal Affairs, Markus Möller. During that press conference, Aschenbach indicated that he deemed the protest march announced by several rightwing organisations illegal: “Of course it is possible to organise protest marches in Eiffelland, but they have to be organised together with the authorities. A route needs to be determined, then that route has to be made free, the people living in the streets where the march will take place have to be informed so that they can take measures as well, we have to organise transport of the protesters and so on and so on. We can set this all up very fast when needed, but then the organisers of the protest march have to come to us to discuss things out. This accounts for both the organisers of the rightwing protest and the organisers of the leftwing protest.”
In response to a question about possible routes by one of the reporters, Achenbach said: “Of course we will make sure that the rightwing protesters get a different route than the leftwing protesters, if they come to us. We are thinking of one route from Bahnhof Zoologischer Garten through the western part of the city and one route from the Ostbahnhof through the eastern part of the city. There will be separate places outside the city where the protesters for either protest march can gather together to be transported to the protest march of their choice.”
In response to a question about possible riots and people who will come to Trier to riot, Minister Möller answered: “As soon as we became aware of these protests, we increased the guarding of the borders, harbours and airports. We also requested information about possible rioters from both sides of the political spectrum from the Governments of all the countries in Gallo-Germania. Regarding Eiffellandian rightwing militants, many of them are still in prison after we rolled up the Gotisch-Eiffelländische Liga three years ago. The ones not in prison are still under surveillance; they were ordered to report themselves to the police on Saturday evening and will be released on Monday morning. Foreigners reported to us as possible rioters will undergo the same treatment. The Trierer Police will be assisted by policemen from other corpses, as well as the Abteilung Sondereinsätze of the Staatsschutz, and of the Army. The soldiers involved in guarding the city will get police authority from Friday to Tuesday. Any rioting will lead to immediate arrestment of the rioters, no matter who started the rioting. The public prosecutors will demand the highest punishments possible in the trials against rioters. For public violence, that is five years forced labour in the coal mines. We will also apply this policy to arrested foreigners.”
The Minister also added a statement about Eiffelland’s decision to shelter Crotobaltislavonian refugees: “There is no need to worry. Eiffelland can handle this. We have thoroughly discussed this matter with the Staatstag and Staatsrat. The plans we have foresee in the best receipt possible for the refugees against the least burden possible to the Eiffellandians. Of course we are not going to house all of them in a 10,000 inhabitants town; we are going to spread the refugees over the country. Furthermore, we will make sure that they will get psychological support and educations so that they can take care for themselves. Let it also be known that culture has always changed throughout time. Also the Eiffellandian culture. That change is inherent to culture. A culture that rigidly tries to stay the same will loose its relevance. There is, however, one thing that has always been part of Eiffellandian culture, and that is the openness of the society. Openness for foreigners. Openness for other religions than Christianity. Eiffelland is a Tiburan-Catholic country, but it houses a large Jewisch minority which has the freedom to celebrate its religion. Also Orthodox Catholics, Protestants and Muslims are free to celebrate their religions. Even pagans. Freedom of religion is part of the Eiffellandian culture. ‘Live and let live’ is part of the Eiffellandian culture. That will always be the same.”

BREAKING: President Meier Lauterpacht will call new elections

AMSTOV - President Meier Lauterpacht has promised to call fresh elections in Trivodnia once the state of emergency is over, claiming Trivodnian voters "face different questions now" than they did before Christmas.

In a televised address, the President ended days of speculation over whether there would be a new vote, as opposition parties had demanded. Pointing to the changed geopolitical situation and Krasnislavian threats of independence, he said the electorate needed a "rethink of its priorities".

The Social Democratic Alliance, which had been widely predicted to win the last election, has loudly condemned the President's plans, and vowed to challenge them in the Supreme Court. The SDA also called for the previous election result, never revealed, to be released now.

Current polls suggest a Folkist minority government, with the Jewish People's Party winning the most seats but not quite a majority. They will likely have to work with the Social Democrats to get legislation through the next National Assembly.

However in order to call fresh elections President Lauterpacht will have to summon a government then dismiss it. Any government summoned would be led by the Social Democrats, compounding the political difficulty.

The Amstov Bourse and Trivodnian Mark both fell after the announcement.

Trivodnian trade unions considering general strike

AMSTOV - Trivodnia's largest trade union organisation is considering calling a general strike in a bid to force the country's quarreling politicians to the negotiating table, according to local sources.

The Trivodnian General Confederation of Labour, which consists of some Trivodnia's largest trade unions, reportedly started discussing the possibility of a general strike over the weekend. Trade unionist leaders, many of who are close to the ruling Social Democratic Alliance, believe mass walkouts in protest to the lack of a functioning administration would pressure opposition parties into taking up their seats.

"Trivodnia right now needs leadership, and while the Social Democrats technically have their majority, they seem unwilling to use it," one senior labour organiser told the European Press Association.

The opposition boycott of the National Assembly has now dragged into its second week, leaving the Free State without a formal government.

The Social Democrats' leadership are against a general strike, fearing they would be blamed for the economic disruption it would cause at a time when the Trivodnian economy is already suffering. "Voters will not forgive us if we are not able to offer them basic goods and services on top of not being able to govern," said one Social Democratic politician while another warned his party must look like the "grown ups".

So far trade union involvement in Trivodnia's political crisis, which started after the Supreme Court blocked plans for a second election, has been limited to orchestrating counter-protests in support of the Social Democrats. In Kretyn, Trivodnia's second-largest city, trade union activists have been blamed for attacking a Krasnislavian nationalist rally, and in Amstov, disturbing an peaceful sit-in by students.

Some unions do exist that are affiliated to Trivodnia's opposition parties but they are small in number. Even those not officially affiliated to the Social Democrats are usually supportive. "Unions are the backbone of Social Democratic support and campaigning," explains Trivodnian political commentator Nissim Kessler.

Some are interpreting the threat of a general strike as a flexing of muscles, with Social Democratic leader Alexander Kahnemann a known reformist who wants to overhaul the party's relations with the unions and pursue more economically liberal policies. "This is a show of force, no doubt about that," adds Kessler.

For companies already wary of investing in Trivodnia following the near-war with Crotobaltislavonia and Kadikistan over Christmas, a return to trade union militancy may prove the final straw. "Politically motivated strikes on top of the risk of war, no thanks," says one manufacturer.

Profile of new pope John XXIII
EPA Trier

Johann Wolfgang Ehrenfried, born 1932, comes from Elbener peasant stock. He was ordained a priest in 1954 and after obtaining his doctorate of theology the next year served as a secretary to the archbishop of Eschenbach. After three years, he began pastoral work in the diocese where he earned a reputation for being compassionate, but firm. He served in subordinate roles for a few years before being appointed pastor of his own parish. In 1980, Monsignor Ehrenfried was made a canon of the cathedral chapter due to his long service.

Four years later, the Holy Father elected Monsignor Ehrenfried bishop of Eichstatt, an ancient cathedral town in southwestern Elben. He presided over his little diocese before his election as pope for thirty-four years, making him the longest serving bishop in Elben’s history and one of the longest in all of Europe. During that time, he became known as a great and holy man who worked to preserve the traditional life of faith and family among the young people of his country.

Upon learning of his election as pope, Monsignor Ehrenfried flew to Eiffelland aboard a specially chartered plane and met with the fifteen members of the College of Cardinals. At the meeting, he reportedly expressed great surprise that they had even known his name. When assured there was no mistake, the monsignor silently said a prayer and then accepted his appointment, taking the name John, the twenty-third to do so.

His Holiness then ventured out onto a balcony overlooking a courtyard where many of the pilgrims from around Christendom had assembled for the traditional blessing to the city and the world. His formal coronation is expected take place in the near future. The new pope is not expected to remove the papal court from Herzogenrode in Eiffelland due to the time and expense. Instead, he is expected to bring in a few close associates from Elben in order to set about clearing up the disorganization from the final years of the previous pontificate.

This article includes reporting from EPA Eschenbach.

BREAKING: Opposition parties agree to take seats in Trivodnian parliament

AMSTOV - The Alternative party and Jewish People's Party have both agreed to end their boycott of the Trivodnian National Assembly and take their seats in the legislature, ending months of political deadlock in the Free State.

In a joint statement released earlier today, the two opposition parties declared a "reasonable compromise" had been achieved with the ruling Social Democratic Alliance, with millions of Marks in funding promised for rural areas, as well as additional powers for Trivodnia's smaller towns and cities and a cross-party committee that will explore further devolution options. Collectively the Alternative and JPP hold 146 seats compared to the Social Democrats' 350.

President Meier Lauterpacht, who helped broker talks between the main parties, hailed the end of the boycott as a "turning point" for Trivodnian politics, with Social Democrat leader Alexander Kahnemann also welcoming the announcement.

However the Krasnislavian National Party, the largest opposition party with 150 seats, will not be taking its place in the National Assembly. The Homeland Union, which campaigns for a Jewish state to be carved out of Trivodnia and won four seats at the last election, is also continuing its boycott.

The boycott was launched earlier this year in response to the Supreme Court ruling against a second election, with opposition parties demanding a new vote after polls showed public opinion had moved against the Social Democrats. An election was held in December last year, which the Social Democrats won, although the state of emergency declared by President Lauterpacht in response to the Christmas Crisis meant they never formed a government.

New cardinals named, consistory set for this summer
EPA Trier

The Supreme Pontiff of the Tiburan Catholic Church in an address the other day listed the names of the men to be made cardinals. The pontiff also said he is creating five cardinals in pectore, their identities remaining secret for now due to political and social tensions in their homelands.

The new cardinals are: [insert list here, to be fleshed out at the next conclave].

They will gather in Herzogenrode for the official ceremonies during the first full week of June with a closing Mass to celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart.

Folkists make clear price of support to Trivodnian Chancellor

AMSTOV - The Jewish People's Party has promised the Trivodnian Chancellor Alexander Kahnemann to support him and other Social Democrats in their fight against federalism if they agree to some of the Folkists' policy demands.

Trivodnia's ruling Social Democratic Alliance is facing a possible defeat of its main legislative agenda after its Krasnislavian wing threatened to vote down key bills unless the party leadership, including Chancellor Kahnemann, backs some form of ethnic devolution. As a result the government had delayed legislation on economic reform and new infrastructure to avoid losing in the National Assembly. Only non-contentious measures, such as increasing defence spending, which enjoyed near-unanimous cross-party support, have been passed so far.

Yitzhak Epstein, the JPP leader, has now pledged his party's backing for the government providing they adopt certain Folkist manifesto ideas.

Key asks include public funding for religious schools, immediate citizenship for Yiddish-speaking Crotobaltislavonian refugees and "empowering" municipal administrations.

The Folkists have long opposed dividing Trivodnia along ethnic lines, although a growing number support Jewish self-governance. The party's main priorities have been preserving Ashkenazi culture, giving Judaism a greater role in public life and promoting small business.

Whether Chancellor Kahnemann will compromise with the JPP is unclear, and already some senior Social Democrats have rejected the demands. Others fear a deal will fuel Krasnislavian fears if Jews dominating the Free State, and push Krasnislavian Social Democrats to break away. But without Folkist votes, Kahnemann will be unable to get much done. "It's a difficult choice either way," concedes one minister.