Cronaca di Cortona

[Cortona]

OOC: Sorry I didn't elaborate. In the 70s, the economy went into a deep recession after Valentini's death and a decade of political instability. In the 80s things were getting back to normal, the 90s remained rather stagnant, not good, not bad, then the 2000s experienced some growth, basically good times, now in 2010, things are pretty stagnant. Nothing compares to the boom of the 60s.

 

[Cortona]

News in Brief...March 20, 2010

Minister of the Treasury resigns due to personal issues, Capriani said to be looking into the private sector for a replacement.
Capriani states "I will sign the health care bill as it presently stands," The bill will give health coverage to those in the poverty level, have disabilities or preexisting medical condition, and the elderly.
Cortona allowed into the Council of Nations, Annata Zuchi to be the Cortonan Delegate.
Capriani's approval rating put at 56%

 

[Cortona]

Cronaca di Cortona ​

March 22, 2010|| Firenze, Cortona​

President signs two bills ​

Along with the healthcare bill, the Assembly brought up an energy bill. The two bills together cost 107 Billion Cortonan Marks. The healthcare bill was brought to vote in the Assembly, and a hour later, the Energy Bill was put up to both. Once the bills were passed, President Capriani traveled to the Assembly Building and sat in the chamber and signed the bills before thunderous applause.

The Energy Bill provided C$40 Billion for the construction of the nation’s first nuclear power plants and hydroelectric plants. The bill plans to construct 3 nuclear power plants and 7 hydroelectric plants. The bill will provide extreme amounts of energy, something that will remove dependence on coal in some section of the country. The nation for many years has been looking for an alternative to coal, but thus far hasn’t really been committed to any plan.

The healthcare bill will expand the National Health Service’s benefits to people with preexisting medical conditions, mental illnesses, and give people who have been diagnosed with a terminal disease the choice to switch to the National Health Service. The Bill also eliminates Regional Boundaries and allows people to purchase insurance plans in any Region they so desire.

The President’s pledge to sign both bills enraged the Equality Party who was strictly against the Healthcare bill, in fact, in the final vote, not a single Equalitarian voted for the Healthcare bill. President Capriani’s response was that he bound to the people of Cortona, not the positions of any political party. Harsh backlash has been promised by some Equalitiarians, some even saying that they may revoke Capriani’s chairmanship of the Party.
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President Capriani signs health bill​

 

[Cortona]

News in Brief...March 24, 2010

Cortonan Military Officials discuss the role of the Navy. They claim the Ragno-Valentini Canal is large enough for multiple ships to go through at once, however it is extremely defensible. The actual defenses installed in the Canal are top secret, but at the mouths of the Canal are gates that are capable of being closed.

However, the argument wasn't over how well the country and canal could be defended, it was over the size and power of the Navy. Close relations with Belmont and involvement in the CoN could lead Cortona to deploying more troops in farther distances, for that to happen the Navy needs to be refitted, but should it? President Capriani hasn't commented on the situation yet, but there is more information to come.

 

[Cortona]

Cronaca di Cortona ​

March 24, 2010|| Firenze, Cortona​

Debate over the Navy turns into new Defense Initiative ​

Earlier today, Military Officials began talking about the Cortonan Navy and the nation’s ability to defend itself. As of date, the Military still states that the Ragno-Valentini Canal is the greatest defense installation in the country, providing the ability to block out foreign fleets, however a new concern has been raised, one that hasn’t ever before.

For the Ragno-Valentini Canal to serve as the nation’s primary defense mechanism, a fleet must go through the canal. However, newly appointed Defense Minister, Antonio Parisi, stated “It is a great mistake to say that any invading force, of any size, would be unwise enough to attempt to go through the canal.” He stated that it would be wiser to blockade entry and exit from the Canal, then occupy the Canal Zone, then openly move fleets in. Parisi claimed that throughout our history, defending the nation from foreign aggression was never a concern and thus the canal’s actual ability to defend the nation was never put into question.

Parisi’s plan to fix this flaw in defense is to massively increase military presence in the Canal Zone and also, to build up the nation’s naval power and deploy the Navy to ports outside of the Canal, he claimed it was imperative to build a military installation in the Canal Zone on the shorelines with the sea. He also stated that after the massive increase in Government spending, it would be unwise to commit the funds to build the new ships ourselves and suggested to go to foreign nations, such as Franken and Belmont.

Parisi’s talks caught the attention of President Capriani, who went to the meeting to also hear Parisi’s plans. Parisi’s plan includes positioning the majority of Cortona’s combat ships in this new facility while keeping coastal defense ships and transport ships in bases along the mainland coast. He went on to say that no less than 76,000 troops can be in the Canal Zone, at any given time. The Canal Zone must serve as a “giant military base, fully capable of defending against any foe.”

Critics of the plan claimed that it was unnecessary and that the Canal Zone was populated by nearly 300,000 civilians that most likely will not enjoy the presence of the military, especially on the magnitude that Mr. Parisi is requesting. Also, they claimed that Parisi doesn’t care about any of costs required for this installation and the unnecessarily increasing the size of the Navy. To all of this, Parisi replied “Perhaps the cost of building new ships and a military installation is more than justified by a near guarantee in the nation’s defense. It is better to have these increased defenses, increased number of ships and not need them, than need them and not have them.” President Capriani is putting full support behind the plan, but due to his new found unpopularity in the Equality Party and the United Democratic Party and Workers’ Union relatively dislike of the President, Capriani’s influence over the Assembly’s decisions is weakened.
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[Hesperia]

Diwan of Foreign Affairs

The Sultanate strongly protests the militarization of the canal zone and urgently demands that the Cortanan government keeps the Ragno-Valentini Canal as demilitarized as possible, in the interests of pan-Himyarite stability and trade.

 

[Confederal Republics]

Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of Anbat

The Republic of Anbat strongly echoes the concerns of its Hajri allies over the planned militarization of the canal zone by the Cortanan government. Fragile regional security and the partly still ongoing unrest in Abruzicstan highlight the fact that such moves should undergo careful consideration in advance.

Regards,
Mr. Mikheil Khoury,
Minister of External Affairs

 

[Serenierre]

Foreign Office
Bureau for Himyari Affairs

The planned militarization of the Ragno-Valentini canal is certainly something which is creating unnecessary tension in an already tense region. We would like all three nations; Cortona, Hajr and Anbat, to send representatives to Paris to discuss the issue. We wish nothing more than stability in the region and are dedicated to Himyari peace and stability.

Michel Mazou
Director of Himyari Affairs

 

[Cortona]

[FONT=”Palatino Linotype”]News in Brief…March 25, 2010

International Concern over the militarization of the Canal(now known as the Ragno-Valentini Defense Bill of 2010) has caused many in the Assembly to rethink the bill, others already declared they won’t vote for it. President Capriani said it might be necessary to drop the 76k land troops in the area and only build the Naval Base. Constitutionally, the President can do almost whatever he wants on this issue, but is refraining to do so because he wants Assembly Approval.
Capriani might lose control of the Equality Party after the signing of the health bill, which most members of the party vigorously opposed. Some party leaders are already in discussions on how to remove Capriani from his Chairmanship of the party. Capriani’s influence over the Assembly is waning.
Delegate Zuchi casts her votes for the CoN’s Security Council(Hajr, Carentania, Wise, Frescania), General-Secretary(Sheikh Muhammad of Hajr), and Vice-General Secretary(Jozef Kościałkowsky from Cassiopeia.)
Belmont offers to hold talks with Cortona, Hajr, and Anbat over the Canal. Some say its unnecessary, Capriani refrained from a comment, and few say it’s necessary.

More on these developing stories later.[/FONT]

 

[Cortona]

Cronaca di Cortona ​

March 27, 2010|| Firenze, Cortona​

Equalitarian Crisis, population doesn’t react well.​

The signing of the healthcare bill caused many Equalitarians to believe that President Sal Capriani has betrayed them and is no longer working with the party. Threats came from the Equality Party, claiming they would remove Capriani’s chairmanship of the party due to his “new found ideology and repel of this party’s beliefs.”

Today, the Equality Party did just that. Massimo Mauro replaced Capriani as the new Chairman of the Equality Party. So, Capriani decided to do something no other President has ever done. Capriani decided to remove himself from the Equality Party and declare himself an Independent. The moved shocked the Equality Party, which has maintained control of the Executive Branch for decades. President Capriani had this to say:

”The Equality Party has grown tired of my company. They felt that me governing on behalf of the people was less preferable then me governing on behalf of the Party. For this, I decided to drop my allegiance to the Equality Party. I am the second President, after Rossetto, to not have to be under the vise of a political party. If a Socialist presents something to me that I believe is good for the people, I will support it. If a democrat comes to me with something I believe is good for the people, I will support it. If an Equalitarian comes to me with something I believe is good for the people, I will support it.”

Problems now are who will fund the reelection campaign of Capriani? Before Capriani was involved in politics, he was CEO of Rizzo Manufacturing and was well known in the Business world. Many companies have stated that they will fund the President’s reelection campaign. Capriani is also extremely rich, being the former CEO of the largest manufacturer in Cortona. In response, the Equality Party is forming a bill to outlaw corporate donations in politics. The population responded saying that the Equality Party was being childish and was in danger of losing many seats in November.
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Orion Crisis over! ​

On February 20, 2010 President Sal Capriani went before the Assembly to request their support for the intervention of Cortona in the Orion Crisis. The Assembly agreed with the President’s request and sent 1,000 troops to help Abruzicstan. Later, Belmont and Životinje both joined the war on the side of the Allies. The fighting continued for just a little over a month until it was finally declared that the Orion Crisis is over!

Everyone is cheering at the news of the War’s finish. Lieutenant Colonel Moretti claimed it was a great military success for Cortona. Troops are already beginning to leave Orion and returning to Napoli Naval Port. There, President Capriani is waiting to greet all 1,000 of them. Capriani wants to congratulate and thank all the soldiers that participated in the war.

In the month of fighting, exactly 36 Cortonan troops died, with 5 missing. The war cost a grand total of 31 Billion Marks, a cost much less than anyone in Firenze had suspected. Capriani’s final statement on the war was “The Allied Nations secured peace in Abruzicstan; we aided an ally in their time of need. I send my condolences to the families and friends of those lost in the war, not only Cortonans, but everyone. Today, March 27, 2010 I can proudly announce that Cortona is at peace.”
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Defense Bill debate. ​

Hajr and Anbat are so far the only nations to stand in protest of the new Defense Initiative proposed by Defense Minister Parisi. The 76,000 troops proposed to go to the Canal have been slashed to 34,000. The new naval base in the Canal Zone has been approved, as has the purchase of new ships. President Capriani had this to say on the bill:

”We are not militarizing the Canal. The military force being sent is simply for defensive purposes, they will not be interring with the trade ships coming in and out of the canal. I urge Hajr and Anbat to drop their worries over this, for there is very little to worry about. I’d also like to announce that the Assembly approved the purchase of five new submarines, seven new surface combat ships, and four new transports. This is the largest expanse of the Navy in years. I find this to be absolutely necessary for the continuation of Cortonan National Defense.”
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[Cortona]

Cronaca di Cortona ​

March 30, 2010|| Firenze, Cortona​

Red tide hits Eastern Cortonan Beaches​

Zwara Beach, one of the country’s most popular beaches, was hit by a massive red tide, the first to hit the area. Today, over 600 people were exposed to the red tide, which came into shore rather quickly. At the beginning, not many knew exactly what to do due the fact it was the first time something like this has occurred. After nearly three hours, the intensity of the tide forced some beach officials to close the beach. Reports of skin irritation and respiratory problems have come and some are concerned over what has occurred. Not to mention winds have been blowing inland, which makes some hospitals concerned over the toxins from the red tide that may be in the air. So far, no casualties have been reported.
An hour after the closing of the beach, several other beaches reported red tides, but nowhere near the levels of which has been seen in Zwara. The Governments of the eastern Regions have looked into the situation themselves, saying that the beaches should remain closed until the red tides dissipate. Scientists, however, are flocking the area to examine these red tides, as they are rare occurrences in Cortona.

​

 

[Cortona]

News in Brief...March 31, 2010

Post-War budget goes under final reviews before the vote, scheduled for later today.
Red tide victims seemed to have healed fine with no serious health effects.
Prime Minister Capriani and President De Gasperi clash over Defense Bill.
Senate says: "We have our version of the bill, and will be voting on it soon"

 

[Cortona]

Cronaca di Cortona ​

March 31, 2010|| Firenze, Cortona​

Peacetime Budget goes into effect​

Today, the Parliament officially presented the Peacetime Budget, which is largely the original 2010 Budget; however, Prime Minister Capriani has included a cut in spending, to create even more tax cuts. If these tax cuts go through, they will officially exceed the tax cuts of Prime Minister Valentini back in the 60s, which Capriani has stated was always his goal. The President attended the vote on the bill in Parliament and signed the Budget on spot, Capriani then arrived 30 minutes later and signed it into law.

The new Budget puts defense spending at 26%, a decrease from the 35% seen during the Orion Crisis. To supply additional funds for the new role of the National Health Service, the budget for it has been increased from the original 10% to 15%, making it the third largest expenditure to the Government. The second is Research & Development, which the Government is putting a huge, new attention on. This research and development does not only apply to the military, but to medicines and other things. After the fourth highest expenditure on the budget is the nation’s infrastructure, which has been on decline, Prime Minister Capriani stated the need to improve the nation’s waning infrastructure. The fifth highest expenditure is other welfare programs. The sixth is the category of “other” which is basically money saved for unseen events, payroll, transportation, and other things. Finally, Veterans’ Benefits comes in, as being the least expensive thing for the Government. Prime Minister Capriani had this to say:

”The military budget, being the most encompassing cost of the government, is not because of some want to be a militarily powerful nation. It’s as high as it because we feel that there are things that the Federal Government has responsibilities in doing, defense is the largest of them.”

Here is the budget in pie graph form:

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1960 Economy Act repealed ​

Today, Parliament has officially voted on the repeal of the 1960 Economy Act, claiming that the loans the Government was now supposed to be responsible for was too much for the Government to maintain. From the bill’s passing, the Government has loaned a total of C$13 Billion. The Cortonan Office for Investments, or COIN, was brought up for debate as to whether or not the agency should remain. Parliament agrees that COIN has failed to meet its objective and have stated that the repeal will abolish COIN.

President De Gasperi supported the repeal of the 1960 Economy Act, but Prime Minister Capriani was a bit more concerned. He claimed that it was indeed too much money for the Government and a failed act, but what he was concerned over was the maintenance of COIN. Capriani agreed that the program hasn’t achieved its intended purpose. Parliament compromised with Capriani and removed the abolishment of COIN from the repeal. COIN will have one month to move to achieve its goal, if it fails, Parliament will move to repeal it. If it comes to that, Capriani pledged his support.

​

 

[Cortona]

Cronaca di Cortona ​

March 31, 2010|| Firenze, Cortona​

Prime Minister outlines new Foreign Policy​

With Prime Minister Capriani being successful in brining Cortona to a more international scale, it begs the question, what is Capriani’s foreign policy? Capriani decided to speak before Parliament, to outline where he wants Cortona to go with foreign policy. Many in Parliament were eager to hear what the Prime Minister had to say. Here is his speech:

”In recent days, our nation has made more moves on the international level than ever before in our history. I believe a shining achievement in our foreign policy was the maintenance of relations with Abruzicstan and aiding them in the Orion Crisis. Out of that, we got close relations with Belmont and opened relations with Životinje. From there, I went on a tour of the world, visiting many nations, experiencing their cultures, and brought our two countries closer together. It didn’t end there; we then went on to join the Council of Nations. All of these things open up new questions in my administration, questions that very few other Administrations needed to deal with.

First off, it was time to take a position on communism and capitalism. Our nation is a capitalist society, and I personally am pro-business, I love that we are free market oriented. However, it is not like that around the world, that’s something we recognize and have no interest in changing. In my foreign policy, when dealing with a nation, I will not look at if they are a communist or capitalist nation. The only way that I will cut a nation off because of ideology is if they are abusive to their own people or because they want to force their beliefs onto other nations. If that happens, we’ll do what is necessary, but until then, we do not care if a nation is communist or capitalist.

This brings me into alliances, and to this I have to say that our neutrality stands firm. We want nothing to do with alliances abroad. My belief can be summed up into one phrase, commerce with all nations, alliances with none. My administration has ultimately decided that the best way to keep this nation safe is to remain neutral and not create any enemies by joining any type of international community. This of course has the exception of the Council of Nations, which isn’t truly an alliance. However, we are fully committed to defending the nations that we view as our allies, such as Belmont and Abruzicstan. Our commitment to them is sealed.

Our role in the international theatre will be limited. I am not going to turn this country into an interventionist state, but I will have this country defend her allies and interests, militarily if need be. I will not be the one to fire the first shot and armed conflict will be because there is no other way to resolve the situation.

I believe it is important for our nation to maintain relations with our neighboring states, the Levantine States, the Talemantine Empire, and Abruzicstan. Only one of those three nations can truly be called a friend of Cortona, and I will move to have that changed. I will try to establish better relations with the Levantine and Talemantine Nations. This also leads me to say that I am very concerned over the situation between Carentania and the Talemantine Empire. I will say this to both nations, my office is always open to hold talks between the two nations to peacefully resolve any dispute they may have, for Cortona is a third party.

Finally, my foreign policy will move to globalize the Cortonan Economy. It is time for the Cortonan Economy to become an important player on the international field, and that will be a daunting task in itself, difficult, but not impossible. I have faith in the free market to manage this nation’s economy in the way that is most beneficial for us all, and that will, one day, lead to globalizing the Cortonan Economy, and who is to say, one day we may be an important economic player.

Thank you, and goodnight.”
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[Cortona]

Headlines...April 12, 2010

First recorded Great White Shark attack in Cortona occurred today. Scientists are intrigued at the possibility of Great White Sharks coming in from the ocean and adapting to the new environment. The victim of the attack was not significantly harmed and is expected to make a full recovery.
Prime Minister Capriani and President D'Annunzio meet to discuss foreign strategy, disagreements rose.
Capriani's relationship with Parliament continues to decline as new disagreements arise.
Ministry of Security announces that the Mafia has pulled out of Firenze and Brak.

 

[Cortona]

Cronaca di Cortona ​

April 17, 2010|| Firenze, Cortona​

Prime Minister Capriani killed!​

Today, while giving a speech on the religious tensions that have just sparked, Prime Minister Capriani was shot two times and Chief of Police Haider Al-Abadi once. Witnesses report that the first bullet missed and the noise drowned the bullet’s noise. Then, the second bullet hit Capriani in the chest. Al-Abadi moved in to attempt to help, but the third bullet hit Capriani in the head killing him. A fourth was then fired at Haider, which hit him in the back, he is still in the hospital in critical condition. Rumors say he might be paralyzed with a spinal injury.

President Massimo Emilio D’Annunzio was in his office in Brak when he saw the assassination. He quickly boarded a plane and flew to Firenze. He was inaugurated as Prime Minister onboard he plane. When the plane landed, the press attacked D’Annunzio who wouldn’t answer any questions and immediately went to the Capitol Building to meet with Parliament; he is scheduled to make his address on the incident there.

The shooter, who has been identified as Ahmad Radhi, has been apprehended on the scene. Radhi will admit to nothing, but there is no doubt he is aligned with the Mafia. Radhi is a 25 year old who has been trained by the Città di Miracolo Police to be a sniper. Radhi claims that he shot the Prime Minister for personal, “religious”, reasons. Radhi is scheduled to have a trial tomorrow, at the earliest, to find out whatever we can about the one who is behind the assassination of Sal Capriani.

Reports say that Firenze is in chaos at the moment. Even with Prime Minister D’Annunzio’s arrival, many things need to be done and be done all at once. Not only is Firenze in chaos, but Catholic and Muslim tensions are still extreme. We have no information on what D’Annunzio is going to do, considering he hasn’t answered any questions by the press.

This is the first time in History a Prime Minister has been assassinated. We’ve had PMs die in office, but nothing compares to the traumatic events of this day. Capriani’s wife and children are still in Rossetto Mansion, mourning their loss. Other mourners from across Firenze are gathering in the Government Plaza to show their respects to our fallen leader. Prime Minister D’Annunzio did say that he would give the Capriani Family all the time they needed and wouldn’t bother them. He will meet with them later tonight after he establishes stability again in Firenze.

Massimo Emilio D’Annunzio has been President four times, a total of 17 years. He is a well known and popular politician. We wish for him the best and we send our deep condolences to the Al-Abadi and Capriani families.

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[Serenierre]

Foreign Office

These events in Cortona are most concerning. Belmont sends its condolences to the Al-Abadi family and the Capriani family. Belmont remains committed to supporting an ally.

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

Commissariate for Foreign Affairs

Our condolences go to the Cortonan people, who have to suffer the violence of organized crime, the business of murder and coercion. This is a fight against enemies of peace, enemies of civilization and progress, against groups that know only their own personal gain and will use ruthless force to achieve their ends. It is a fight that bridges the ideological gap between capitalist and socialist nations and we hope for the Cortonan government and people, that it can be won despite the tragic losses of this day.

 

[Frescania]

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

We send our condolences to the Cortonan people and we hope that the criminals are brought before the law.

 

[Cortona]

Live Coverage of PM D'Annunzio's first Address to the Nation: Capitol Hill, Firenze

“Yesterday, Saturday, April 17, 2010, at 12:56 PM, Prime Minister Sal Capriani and Chief Haider Al-Abadi were shot by an assassin working for the Mafia. The two men were rushed to the hospital where doctors pronounced that our prime Minister was dead. This is a tragedy on a level that this country has never before encountered. It was an honor for me to work with Prime Minister Capriani, a chapter in my life that I will never forget.

In 2001, I was serving my third term as President for Prime Minister Lombroso. He asked me about the appointment of then CEO Sal Capriani to the position of Minister of the Treasury. I was impressed with Capriani’s skill with money so I told Lombroso that it was an excellent selection. I left the office in 2005, but I kept a close eye on Capriani when I returned to the Senate. In 2008, I was concerned however, with Capriani gaining the nomination. I did not think that a Treasurer had what was required to be Prime Minister. So, Parliament was selecting a new President and I put my hat in for the race, if Capriani was to win, I wanted to be President to help him.

When Capriani became Prime Minister, within the first few months I knew he didn’t need my help. He adapted to the position perfectly. It was odd, it was the first time a Treasury Minister became Prime Minister, but I think that is what defined Capriani, a man of firsts. In less than a year he turned this country into something it never was before. He gained allies across Europe and made this country well known on the world stage, for that, he has my thanks.

I never suspected that his days as Prime Minister would end the way they did. I never suspected that I would become Prime Minister. But, it happened. Today I stand before Parliament, speaking to the nation in what some may call my inaugural address. I ask that this country send their prayers to me, because believe me I need them now.

It is absolutely imperative that I assert the fact that Muslims did not attack Catholic churches and did not kill our Prime Minister. It was the Mafia, a terroristic organization that seeks nothing but the destruction of our nation’s stable and firm democracy. I promise the people of this nation that we will not falter; we will not shift from our ideals. Prime Minister Capriani promised the end of the Mafia, and I will work to no end to achieve this goal. I have officially ordered for the deployment of 10,000 troops to the Canal Zone to eliminate the presence of the Mafia and rid the Canal Zone of it once and for all. Also, I am officially asking that Parliament consider making the Canal Zone become the fifteenth Region in this nation. They deserved no less.

To the world, I promise all nations that Cortona, although suffered a major tragedy, is still as stable and firm as we ever were. We will defeat the Mafia and we will become more secure than we ever were before. I’d like to take some time to personally thank Belmont, Carentania, and Frescania on their words of condolences to our loss.

Thank you, Members of Parliament, for hearing me.”