Trivodnian media

Der farnakhter shtern

Sec Dems chasing minority votes

The Social Democratic Alliance (SDA) is exploring the possibility of creating new branches for Trivodnia's other Slavian and minority populations, under plans being considered by Chancellor Alexander Kahnemann and party chairperson Stanislav Burin.

Currently the SDA is formally a coalition of two parties - Jewish Social Democracy in Trivodnia and the Krasnislavian Social Democratic People's Assembly - that campaign nationally on a joint ticket. Membership was previously restricted to Jews and Krasnislavians only, before a landmark Supreme Court ruling judged the restrictions to be illegal and discriminatory.

Non-Jews and non-Krasnislavians are now able to join, but only as members of the SDA umbrella.

Yet under proposals seen exclusively by the Evening Star, Kahnemann and Burin are planning to overhaul the system and allow new chapters to open that cater specifically for minorities, such as Elbeners, Ruthenes, Galicians and Polani.

According to sources close to the Chancellor, part of the motivation is to undermine the position of KSDPA. "The Krasnislavians are longer considered trusted allies," explains one aide. Yury Bogdanov, former head of the KSDPA, was recently expelled from the SDA along with a dozen other Krasnislavian Social Democrats for entering into talks with dissidents from the Krasnislavian National Party (KNP) on creating a new, moderate nationalist movement.

Weakening the trade unions, who have been vocal opponents of Kahnemann's economic reforms, is another objective. Currently the unions have a third of the seats in the SDA's main decision-making body, and wield disproportionate influence thanks to their large donations and following. "Adding more players to the mix will dilute the impact others," explains a friend of the Chancellor.

Some in the Alternative, which has morphed from being a party of the urban middle class to representatives of Trivodnia's Slavian minorities, fear this is a vote-grabbing attempt by the Social Democrats. Shmuel Bernstein, Alternative leader, is dismissive. "Everyone knows the SDA helps only the Jews and Krasnislavians," he suggests.

Critics within the Social Democrats fear the expansion will be a flop, and even it succeeds, will only make a difference after the next election, which given how precarious Kahnemann's position is, will not be for a few years at least.

Others believe the Social Democrats will be more successful than others believe. "Through the unions and control of government spending, they have considerable power and influence," says one Amstov insider.​

DER TOG

THOUSANDS OF KRASNISLAVIANS DESCEND ON TRIVODNIA

• Krasnislavian 'solidarity march' reaches the border
• Military launches largest peacetime operation in history
• Government guarantees safe passage

Chaos reigns on the roads going in and out of Kadikistan, as tens of thousands of Krasnislavian demonstrators demanding the reunification of their homeland reach the Trivodnian border.

Chancellor Alexander Kahnemann is under fire from all sides for allowing the so-called 'solidarity march', organised by the Ivar-backed Movement for a United Socialist Krasnislavia, to pass through the Free State and onto neighbouring Elben, which also has a large Krasnislavian population. Speaking before the National Assembly, the Chancellor insisted guaranteeing the marchers safe passage was "the right thing to do" and proved Trivodnia was a "mature democracy".

However opposition leaders laid into Kahnemann, with head of the Jewish People's Party Yitzhak Epstein accusing the government of "capitulating" to Krasnislavian nationalists and Kadikistan, while Alternative party chief Shmuel Bernstein said ordinary Trivodnians would "pay the price" for the disruption caused.

Hundreds of extra border guards and customs officials have been deployed to the border, with dozens of marchers already turned away for having incorrect paperwork. The Free State Self-Defence Forces and National Watch have also been deployed to help secure the region and also protect the demonstrators as they move from Trivodnia to Elben.

According to sources within the Ministry of the Interior, 60,000 people have turned up to the rally - some 25,000 less than being claimed by Kadikistani propaganda outlets. However that has not stopped a logistical nightmare from occurring, with traffic backing up for miles and miles as Trivodnia struggles to cope with the influx.

Fearing outbreaks of violence, many Trivodnian traders who make their living selling goods along the border have stayed at home. Yet maverick Retalian businessman Luigi Fontaniere, last seen in Amstov with Krasnislavian pop star Svetlana Loboda, has seized the opportunity to make more money, and rented hundreds of stalls to sell burgers and other items to hungry marchers. Local police say there have yet to be any clashes.

Fringe nationalist groups, including the Krasnislavian Democratic Workers' Party, widely seen as a puppet of Ivar, have turned up to welcome and join the demonstrators, while many from nearby towns and villages have come to observe the procession. The leadership of the Krasnislavian National Party, still imprisoned on charges of sedition and disrespecting the Constitution, has ordered KNP supporters not to attend.

Interior Minister Wolfgang Ramon has said it will take "several days" to process everyone and called for patience.
​

FREE STATE BROADCASTING SERVICE

"Good evening and welcome to the Monday late night bulletin. I'm Ivonka Korbut for Free State Broadcasting Service news and these are today's top stories.

"The 'Unity March' organised by the Movement for a United Socialist Krasnislavia (MUSK) has ended its tour through Trivodnia, reaching the Elbener border earlier today. Law enforcement praised the marchers for their 'peaceful and respectful behaviour' during the protest, with only minor scuffles reported. Some 65,000 Krasnislavians from Kadikistan participated in the march, joined by hundreds of Trivodnian sympathisers. According to the Interior Ministry, nearly 10,000 were turned away at the border for having invalid paperwork or possessing prohibited items such as potentially offensive weapons.

"MUSK will receive a warmer welcome in Elben than they did here, with local nationalist politicians greeting the demonstrators. The Krasnislavian National Party (KNP) urged its supporters here not to attend.

"Kretyn and nearby towns saw another wave of violence last night and in the early hours of this morning after the Supreme Prosecutor announced it was proceeding with its case against the KNP leadership. KNP supporters took to the streets to show their anger, attacking local police and political rivals in a series of riots. Interior Ministry spokespeople denied the National Watch had not yet been deployed as a result of pressure on finances and resources during the 'Unity March'. 12 KNP officials, including party leader Uladzimir Sannikov, face charges of sedition and disrespecting the Constitution.

"The identity of the people driving a vehicle found burned out by the Polesian coastline have still not been revealed, with the police and National Watch saying the fire damage had been too extensive to collect any valuable evidence. Local rumours claim it was Gunnish gangsters killed by either domestic rivals or the Yiddish mafia. No official comment has been made by investigators.

"Lastly, head of the Alternative party Shmuel Bernstein is to step down to allow someone from one of Trivodnia's minority communities to take over. The party, once of the voice of the Free State's urban middle class and students, has embraced federalism and dropped its more extreme liberal policies to expand its voter base.

"That's all from me for now. Next, tomorrow's weather. Thank you and goodbye."​

рэспубліка
respublika

Bogdanov launches new political movement

Former leader of the Krasnislavian Social Democratic People's Assembly Yury Bogdanov has launched a new political movement after being expelled by the ruling coalition for holding talks with members of the Krasnislavian National Party.

Called Our Trivodnia, Bogdanov's latest platform will campaign for a federal Free State divided along ethnic lines, greater subsidies for rural regions and a stronger stance on Kadikistan. Speaking to public broadcaster FSBS, Bogdanov vowed his new vehicle would be "as much a social movement as a political one", announcing new initiatives to help struggling farmers and disadvantaged children.

The ex-Social Democrat denied Our Trivodnia was "another Krasnislavian nationalist party" and insisted he was interested working across communities, including Trivodnian Jews. Bogdanov claimed he was particularly keen on engaging the Free State's other Slavian minorities, who he said had gone "unheard for far too long".

The veteran politician, who is currently fighting for his seat following his expulsion, said the project had the backing of Krasnislavian émigrés who "wanted to see the Free State work" as well as some industrialists in Kretyn.

Bogdanov, who had chaired several committees in the National Assembly, emerged as a powerful opponent of Chancellor Alexander Kahnemann after the Christmas Crisis. Attacking the Chancellor's domestic policy, he blamed Kahnemann's opposition to federalism for fueling the rise of Jewish and Krasnislavian nationalism in Trivodnia. In a major internal split, he threatened to vote against the government's flagship economic bills unless there was some sort of compromise on decentralisation.

However not everyone is convinced his latest venture will be successful. As Anna Drach writes in today's Republic, Our Trivodnia's policy positions are very similar to the Alternative party, which is far more established.
​

DER MORGEN ZSHURNAL
דער מארגען זשורנאל
The Morning Journal

TRIVODNIA EXPLORING TRIER CONCORD 'ECONOMIC ASSOCIATION AGREEMENT'

Officials in Amstov are gearing up to lobby Eiffelland, Retalia and Occitania to create a special "associate member" status for Trivodnia that would give the Free State access to all the economic benefits of the Trier Concord without any of the military obligations.

In what would be a rare moment of unity, President Meier Lauterpacht, Chancellor Alexander Kahnemann and External Affairs minister Vladimir Pinski all agree greater commercial ties to the Trier Concord should be a top foreign policy priority for Trivodnia. "There is no doubt a consensus at the highest levels of government," says one presidential aide.

All three politicians have consulted the Supreme Prosecutor and Court to see whether the plans would be unconstitutional but both bodies are understood to have given their blessing, saying it would not violate the neutrality clause.

Trivodnia has free trade agreements dating back to the 1950s with Eiffelland and Retalia as well as Burgundy and the South Tiburan Empire. However they are very basic in scope and largely cover argicultural and manufactured goods, not services, which is the fastest growing part of the Trivodnian government. Amstov also wants Trivodnian workers to have easier access to both countries' labour markets.

Whether the Trier Concord, which recently welcomed the Kingdom of Occitania into its ranks, will be so willing to accommodate the Free State is another question. But the Chancellery at least is optimistic. "Eiffelland has made very clear the Concord is as much an economic alliance as a diplomatic and military one," claims one source close to Kahnemann. "Trier sees trade and economic growth as the best protection against Communism," adds another.

How Kadikistan will react is another issue. "Even though we're not seeking full membership and are explicitly avoiding any talk of mutual defence it may still be seen as a provocation by Ivar," fears one diplomat.

Last of all, domestic opposition could scupper a deal. The all powerful trade unions may fear association membership will force economic liberalisation on Trivodnia. Jewish and Krasnislavian nationalists will likely warn of threats to local business. "A bad day in the National Assembly could kill it off easily," says an assembly member from the ruling Social Democratic Alliance.​

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די צײט | Di Tsayt ‎

Kahnemann savages President's foreign policy

AMSTOV - Chancellor Alexander Kahnemann has attacked President Meier Lauterpacht as the "worst Trivodnian statesman in history" after the President vowed to veto any attempt to further integrate into the Trier Concord in a bid to avert war with Kadikistan.

Addressing supporters in Unity Square, once home to demonstrators demanding his resignation, the Chancellor blamed "continual appeasement" for the tense regional situation, and claimed the President's actions during the Christmas Crisis had only emboldened Ivar.

"We are now facing war not of our choice but of our making.. the President has failed us and it will be ordinary Trivodnians who pay the price," finished Kahnemann with a stark warning.

In a televised statement yesterday, President Lauterpacht promised to block any move towards 'associate membership' of the Trier Concord, an idea being considered by the government that would see Trivodnia join the alliance's economic and cultural programmes but be free of any defence commitments. Initial reports suggested Lauterpacht was supportive of the proposal, which has since been denied by his office. The denials only came out after Kadikistan cut diplomatic relations and remobilised its military's Western Direction.

Kahnemann did not mention whether the President had backed 'associate member' status of the Trier Concord in his speech but allies of the Chancellor insist he did. "Lauterpacht's team are liars," seethes one close friend.

The President and Chancellor have been at odds since the Christmas Crisis, which saw Lauterpacht rule unilaterally after declaring a state of emergency. He then tried to force a second election that would have likely seen Kahnemann and the Social Democratic Alliance kicked out. A surprise Supreme Court ruling blocking a fresh vote entually saved Kahnemann.

Shortly after agreeing a joint demobilisation, Lauterpacht also promised to veto any attempt to overturn Trivodnia's constitutional neutrality and pacifism, both stated aims of Kahnemann.

The temporary peace won by Lauterpacht saw him soar high in the polls, yet his net approval ratings are now negative for the first time in his Presidency. Meanwhile Kahnemann's standing among the public is climbing and the Social Democrats are holding steady in surveys.​

DER TOG

CROTOBALTISLAVONIA CRUMBLES

• Three-pronged invasion by Rurikgrad Pact falters after Crotobaltislsvonian forces defeated
• Ministry of National Defence says enemy casualties run into the thousands
• Lack of stable government in Banja Luka hinders peace negotiations

Trivodnia can celebrate an early victory in the war against Communism after President Meier Lauterpacht, also supreme commander of the Free State Self-Defence Forces, confirmed the Crotobaltislavonian invasion had been halted with minimal loss of life or equipment by defending Trivodnian units.

In his second public address since conflict broke out between the Free State and its Communist neighbours, backed Xinhai and Serenierre, the President praised the efforts of Trivodnian soldiers and promised to visit the frontline when security conditions pernitted it.

According to the sources within the Ministry of National Defence, Crotobaltislavonian casualties could number into the thousands, with the Crotobaltoslavonian invaders relying on "suicide tactics" and outdated weaponry. Many Crotobaltislavonian soldiers, weary from years of civl war, were quick to surrender or retreat say Trivodnian troops involved in the fighting, while others abandoned their positions entirety.

The FSSDF estimates a few days of 'clearing up' operations are needed to eliminate any remnant hostiles in the border region, though stressed there were no plans to enter and occupy Crotobaltislavonian territory thereafter. "This is a purely defensive war," insisted one military spokesperson, who said the focus now would be on repelling the Kadikistani and Xinhaiese assaults.

Crotobaltislavonian forces were also accused of targeting refugee camps during their onslaught, the first time Communist forces have attacked civilian targets.

The Ministry of External Affairs had said it had tried reaching out to the Crotobaltislsvonian leadership in Banja Luka, but said many senior officials had appeared to have fled the country, limiting chances of a formal peace settlement and raising the risk of another bout of instability in Trivodnia's problematic western neighbour.

However with Crotobaltislavonia knocked out of the picture, some in Amstov are now hopeful diplomacy can start again with Ivar with an end to viewing this war. Yet the hawkish Chancellor Alexander Kahnemann, who is believed to have advocated a first strike against Kadikistan and now heads a national unity government including Krasnislavian National Party moderates, will likely block any settlement he deems unsatisfactory.

President Meier Lauterpacht, who is now ruling by decree since imposing martial law and declaring a state of emergency - the second time since the Christmas Crisis - may try leverage his constitutionsl role as chief diplomat to secure a deal anyway but political opposition may prove too great.

"We have compromised and compromised and here we are at war... Crotobaltislavonia shows we can win," says one voter in Amstov.

"The Commies disrespected our constitutional neutrality and commitment to pacifism...there can be no peace," adds another.

Heavy fighting continues along the Kadikistani border, and privately FSSDF officers says even with reinforcements from the Crotobaltislavonian front, intervention by the Trier Concord, which is also battling Serenerriere in Occitania, or Bourgogne, is needed to tilt the balance of favour. Others are looking to Chernovy, which loudly protested the deployment of Xinhaiese forces to Kadikistan, to make a surprise entrance.​

Der farnakhter shtern

Kahnemann draws red lines for peace

The Chancellor has set out a number of preconditions for any peace deal with Kadikistan and Xinhai after Ivar demanded the unconditional surrender of Trivodnia and its armed forces.

President Meier Lauterpacht reached out to the Eastern invaders after the surprise quick victory over Crotobaltislavonia to negotiate a potential ceasefire. However Lauterpacht's olive branch was dismissed out of hand by the Rurikgrad Pact, who insisted on total surrender.

In a televised interview not far from the Crotobaltislavonian border, Chancellor Alexander Kahnemann reinforced the need for national political unity but criticised Lauterpacht's diplomatic approach. "Compromise is why we're fighting this war... Any ceasefire would have been used to buy time and bring forward reinforcements," he claimed.

Kahnemann said for any negotiations to begin, Kadikistani and Xinhaiese forces would have to withdraw to the antebellum borders. The right for Trivodnia to renegotiate the 1921 peace treaty and abandon constitutional neutrality would have to be part of any final settlement, he continued.

"Kadikistan has shown it cannot be trusted, the old Slavo-Germanian order has been overturned," stated Kahnemann.

However Amstov insiders say the Chancellor is being premature. Communist units continue to advance towards the cities of Brisk, Druznhia, Kremenetz and Slutsk, while the Free State Self Defence Forces are still clearing up Crotobaltislavonian fighters still on Free State territory. Burgundy has yet to enter the war while Retalia and Eiffelland focus on defending Occitania.

Others doubt he has the political authority. "Foreign policy is the President's domain constitutionally," explains one legal expert. To defeat any peace deal, Kahnemann would need a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly, which many see as unlikely. "The terms would have to be really bad," says a member of the opposition Jewish People's Party in confidence.​

FREE STATE BROADCASTING SERVICE

"Good afternoon and welcome to the lunchtime bulletin. I'm Aliza Kleinmann for Free State Broadcasting Service news and these are today's top stories.

"Thousands of civilians have started to stream out of the city of Tichin in eastern Trivodnia after the People's Republic of Xinhai threatened to bombard the city unless defending forces surrender.

"The Xinhese military issued the ultimatum earlier this morning, after news broke overnight the northern city of Brisk had been captured by Kadikistan and the southeastern city of Slutsk was surrounded by Communist units. The Free State Self-Defence Forces have until 6pm local time to make a decision.

"The President, who is also supreme commander of the FSSDF, is under pressure from Chancellor Alexander Kahnemann not to surrender. 'If the Communists target ordinary citizens, their blood is on the Rurikgrad Pact's hands,' Kahnemann said in a public statement.

"On the other side, head of the Alternative Party Andrej Tusk, who recently took over from Shmuel Bernstein, said Brisk, Slutsk and Tichin had been 'abandoned' as they were not majority Jewish, and threatened to pull out of the national unity government unless Tichin was handled peacefully.

"The Ministry of National Defence is currently assessing the likelihood of successfully withstanding a Xinhese attack, and will give its recommendation to the President early this afternoon.

"Fierce fighting continues in the Black and Toltrian Mountains, with FSSDF spokesmen saying local knowledge of the geography had given Trivodnian forces the upper hand.

"The FSSDF also said the arrival of Trier Concord aircraft will help ease pressure on the port city of Druzhnia, which is an important centre of cross-border trade with Ruthenia-Galicia. If Druzhnia is captured, Trivodnia will be cut off by land to Ruthenia-Galicia, leaving us reliant on routes through Elben and Crotobaltislavonia.

"Burgundy is preparing for an invasion of Crotobaltislavonia, after Banja Luka ignored its demands to disarm and open its territory to Burgundian forces for access to Trivodnia. Sources in the Ministry of External Affairs day there is no functioning government in Crotobaltislavonia, which is why no peace treaty or ceasefire has been negotiated despite the failed Crotobaltislavonian offensive against Trivodnia.

"FSSDF units have been redeployed from the border region with Crotobaltislavonia to the frontline against Kadikistan, while some 400,000 reservists have been fully mobilised. The President is also said to be considering mass conscription.

"Lastly, the Ministry of the Interior has defended National Watchmen who shot dead would-be looters in Amstov and Kretyn, saying a 'zero tolerance' approach to crime would be taken during wartime.

"That's all from me for now. Next, the weather. Thank you and goodbye."​

FREE STATE BROADCASTING SERVICE

"Good morning and welcome to the the first light bulletin. I'm Mirel Urbahni for Free State Broadcasting Service news and these are the latest updates from the War against Communist Aggression.

"The Grand Duchy of Burgundy has launched its long awaited attack on the Kadikistani puppet regime in Crotobaltislavonia, with Burgundian aircraft and missiles striking military installations across the country while ground forces advanced over the border in the early hours. The assault comes after Chagny issued a 12-hour ultimatum to Banja Luka to lay down its weapons and open its territory to the Burgundian military so the Grand Duchy could come to the aid of Trivodnia.

"Spokesmen for the Free State Self Defence Forces say they expect Burgundy to secure a quick victory, following the collapse of the Crotobaltislavonian armed forces after their failed invasion of Trivodnia. Sources within the Free State Intelligence Bureau say anti-Communist rebels are also organising in Crotobaltislavonia, and the days of 'Red rule' are 'numbered'.

"The conflict saw another front open over night too after the Rurikgrad Pact targeted Trier Concord spy satellites above Kadikistan, Xinhai and Trivodnia. According to military historians, this is the first example of space warfare in Europe. The impact on civilian and neutral-country satellites is as yet unknown but the FSSDF says it will do little to impact its operations.

"On the home front, the Ministry of National Defence claims the FSSDF has successfully halted the advance of Rurikgrad Pact forces, with Kadikistani and Xinhese units bogged down fighting in the Black and Toltrian Mountains. Clashes also continue in Tichin and Slutsk after both cities refused to surrender. President Meier Lauterpacht, supreme commander of the FSSDF, said he spoke to local officers who insisted they would not go down without a fight.

"That's all from me for now. Another update will be broadcast later this morning. Next, the weather. Thank you and goodbye."​

Der farnakhter shtern

Trier Concord has 'abandoned' Trivodnia

The head of the Alternative party has slammed the Trier Concord for "abandoning" Trivodnia in the War against Communism, as street-to-street fighting continues in Slutsk and Tichin and Gonin and Tuchin brace themselves for a Kadikistani attack.

Speaking with the Free State Broadcasting Service, Andrej Tusk also attacked Chancellor Alexander Kahnemann for his "headstrong belligerence" and "continuing provocation" of Kadikistan. Floating associate membership of the Trier Concord without consulting Eiffellander or Retalia was a "grave strategic error" that had potentially cost Trivodnia "her freedom".

Even more controversial was Tusk's claim that both President Meier Lauterpacht and the Free State Self Defence Forces high command agreed with him.

Chancellor Kahnemann hit back, accusing Tusk of undermining the war effort and saying national unity should be the priority now, not "political point scoring that only benefits our enemies".

The President's office declined to comment, as did the FSSDF.

However President Lauterpacht is known to have clashed with the Chancellor on foreign policy, publicly promising to veto any attempt to join the Trier Concord or abandon constitutional neutrality - two positions supported by Kahnemann.

The President also negotiated a peace with Ivar after the Christmas Crisis, while Kahnemann urged a much tougher line.

Both Kadikistan and Xinhai have demanded Trivodnia's unconditional surrender, but sources within the Ministry of External Affairs increasingly believe Trivodnian independence can be swapped for Crotobaltislavonian remaining in the Communist sphere of influence.

The FSSDF won an unexpectedly swift victory over Crotobaltislavonian forces after they tried to invade, and now the Burgundian military has launched a full scale assault on the country.

A handful of Kadikistani troops are believed to be within Crotobaltislavonia, but most security analysts predict a relatively easy win for Burgundy.

Meanwhile conflict rumbles on Occitania, where Eiffelland and Retalia are focusing their defensive efforts, as warned by a leaked FSSDF paper when Occitania joined the Trier Concord.
​

די צײט | Di Tsayt ‎

Gunnland intervenes in Crotobaltislavonia

AMSTOV - Fears of a Catholic-Communist axis encircling Trivodnia were running high last night after Gunnland announced it had moved troops into Crotobaltislavonia to create a demilitarised zone.

Gunnish soldiers poured over the border in a bid to create a safe space for Crotobaltislavonian refugees, Windhaven claimed. However many in Amstov believe the Gunnish government has an ulterior motive, and is potentially acting at the behest of Ivar to frustrate Burgundian progress through Crotobaltislavonia. "The corpse-worshippers no doubt hold us responsible for this war," growled a presidential aide.

President Meier Lauterpacht is understood to have reached out to Elben and Geotri, who are allied to Gunnland through the Council of the North, to pressure Windhaven into guaranteeing Burgundian forces free passage to Trivodnian. However sources within the Ministry of External Affairs doubt whether it will have any impact.

Gunnland and Trivodnia cut all formal diplomatic ties earlier this year after ongoing spats over the anti-Semitic rhetoric of some Gunnish politicians and the Trivodnian establishment's links to Clan MacLeish.

For many Amstov insiders, Windhaven is now playing the same game it did during the Christmas Crisis, where it backed the fiercely atheistic regimes in Banja Luka and Ivar while claiming to be defending Christendom. "It is clear there is an unholy alliance of the Cross and the Hammer-and-Sickle," warns one Jewish People's Party assembly member.

The big question is what the Gunnish intervention means for the war effort. Even if the Burgundian advance continues relatively unimpeded, given Brisk, Kremenetz, Slutsk and Tichin have already fallen, and Izola, Gonin and Tichin are likely to follow, many feel it will be too late anyway.​