le Soleil- News from Bourgogne and the World

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Republican governments collapses, places power in Duke's hands

Chagny



As Duke Maximilien approached the city, the republican government began ousting its own leaders who refused to turn over power. The week -long ordeal began when the Duke entered the nation through the small port of Cambon. Reportedly, the Duke's convoy received little resistance. Members of the Parlement de la République requested the exiled Duke return after 2 years of mass government failures. Last month, 600 people had been arrested on quite dubious charges. le Soleil wishes to concede that it was forced into censorship by the Office of the Prime Minister. Prime Minister Georges Masson quietly resigned last evening. Reporters approaching the parliament building in the very early hours of today found that the doors had been chained closed and signs directed people to City Hall for further information. Mayor Brodeur issued a brief statement that he would be acting as interim Prime Minister until the establishment of a new national government. Mayor Brodeur indicated that he had been instructed to take emergency office for up to 72 hours. Foreign Minister Leblanc has reportedly barricaded himself and staff in the foreign ministry, claiming the dissolution of the government has not formally taken place.

Police currently have flooded the streets of Chagny although most residents appear to be remaining indoors.

 

[Ivernia]

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Oifig Impiriúil na hÍverniann Gnóthaí Eachtracha agus Trádála
Ivernish Imperial Office of Foreign Affairs and Trade

14ú Márta 1954
​

​

The news that has come in today from the, now Former-Republic of Bourgogne and this takeover by the Duke Maximilien. The High Kingdom of Ivernia takes this news with an extremely high level of caution. The High Kingdom has indeed heard for some time of the failures of the Bourgognian Governance, however it is unprecedented to witness the rebirth of a Duchy, and we in Ivernia are curious to understand the new system of rule and the level of Democracy that shall prevail to be found in the new halls of government in Chagny.

Whether or not a nation finds itself suffering from poor governance or even mass corruption is still not seen by Ivernia to be a prudent tactic to fall back on old undemocratic systems. A Government is the reflection of a nation, founded and cultivated on the systems inherently condoned within. To hand over power to a single man would not only be an affront to democracy but also a poor tactic to pass the responsibility of rule away and to avoid the hardships of self rule and self autonomy.

The High Kingdom of Ivernia hopes to hear from the Duke Maximilien soon, outlying his plans for the nation granted to him in an admittedly bloodless takeover, but we in Ivernia shall also be watching, intently, the situation for the people of Bourgogne, due to reports of fear and panic in the common streets.


Signed and Sealed by:

Duke Dathí Mac Suibhne, Prince-Elector of Foreign Affairs and Trade

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

The following is an English language transcript of a speech given today on radio by the Duke.

Citizens. The Republic lives. We must all search within ourselves and use every precaution in our choices. We must fulfill the future of the republic. The tyranny of a corrupt and unrighteous government is gone. No longer will the people suffer and the economy be taken down the path of decrepitude. I have called for the formation of a constitutional congress to right a new code of republican laws. The previous government, blinded by their own virtue, cheated and degraded the people with promises of freedom when all they delivered was oppression. I was invited back by members of your former legislative body. I will do everything in my power to ensure the people are represented and a new constitution guarantees the rights of the people. It will not be written in my own pen; that job rests with the congress.

I pledge that the rights of the people will not be sold out. This nation, poised in an era of great change, must succeed for her citizens. I will not rest until the people receive their future.

May God bless you and this country. Thank you.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Protest groups clash, police overwhelmed

Chagny

Protests groups of different political factions took to the streets over the past 36 hours, some clashing violently. Police moved to separate the groups but found themselves outnumbered. Police Captain Nicolas Vouet estimated that as many as 2500 protesters are in downtown Chagny, most concentrated around Rue Condorcet. He further estimated that around 200 had turned violent. Chagny has only 300 police officers total. Acting Prime Minister Brodeur stated that police reinforcements are already en route from rural areas and other cities. Prime Minister Brodeur stated that using the military was unacceptable. The majority of protesters have been peaceful and represent numerous political interests. Unverified reports say that supporters of the former government attacked socialist and pro-Duchy elements.


Rugby: Bourgogne 22- Danzig 5

Danzig

Bourgogne's national team played well in its exhibition against Danzig. Though Danzig quickly went up 5-0 and fought hard, Bourgogne scored two consecutive tries and converted one within the final 3 minutes of the half. Danzig immediately allowed a try at the beginning of the second half but soon put up a tough defense, keeping the ball in Bourgogne's territory for the remainder of the match.

 

[Serenierre]

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IMPERIAL GOVERNMENT OF SIKANDARA
COUNCIL FOR DIPLOMACY

OPEN STATEMENT

​

The Imperial Government is monitoring the events occurring in Bourgogne and shall remain in consultation with our regional partners while assessing the situation. Rustam Ghaznavi Grand Councillor for Diplomatic Affairs

 

[Coeurleon]

Gouvernement de Sa Majesté
The Foreign Office
Hôtel Montbaizon
Rue de Cognac
Kingdom of Cœurléon​

Her Majesty's Government continues to watch the event unfold in Bourgogne. We wish the best outcome, and look forward to improving relations between the two countries in the coming weeks.

Sebastian, Comte de Cöez du Barche
Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Police quell protester clashes as national representative gather to decide nation's future

Chagny

Police brought by bus and rail to the nation's capital peacefully quelled clashes between protesters who clashed last week. Since, police from Chagny's outlying areas have flooded the streets day and night, many working 15 hour shifts. The streets have remained peaceful since the extra police presence made itself known. Police are reporting one police officer was hospitalized for "unrelated health issues".

Acting Prime Minister Brodeur, also Mayor of Chagny, is acting as president of a national assembly of governors and mayors who are meeting to form a new constitution or amend the current one. The Duke addressed the assembly in a closed door session before leaving. Brodeur has banned press from the first session but has promised media access within the first 3 days before sessions will become open. "It is necessary for the representatives to act and speak without distraction" said Brodeur. 113 representatives packed the national legislature chambers (the chamber only accommodates 76 representatives maximum). Brodeur says they home to have elections within 30 days for a new government. It remains unclear what role the Duke will play in a new government but Brodeur has stated that the role, if any, will likely be a minimum one.

Meanwhile, Cantignia has mobilized military forces in response to the "illegal overthrow" of the government. Prime Minister Brodeur commented that the military would not be put on alert at this time unless further moves by Cantignia's military forced him to do so.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Reports: Chaos in legislature chamber

Chagny

Reports are being made that chaos erupted in the assembly chambers today as the press was still banned from entrance. Acting Prime Minister Brodeur refused to comment. le Soleil has obtained numerous reports of bullying, insults, and finally physical assaults being made. A Soleil reporter in the lobby witnessed police rushing into the closed chamber. Duke Maximilien is set to address the nation on all radio channels tomorrow.

Hockey Union Bourgogne heads towards playoffs

Chitry

Hockey Chagny lost it's playoff spot with a showdown against Chitry, 3-1. As the season which began in November comes to a close, 2 teams will play each other for admittance into the final playoff spot. Hockey Auxerre leads the Union at 36-9 and is followed closely by Hockey Lasalle at 32-13. Playoff schedules will be posted on Monday following Saturday's entrance game. National team coach Marc Borque said he will select his team for the 1953 summer exhibition season after the Union playoffs have concluded.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Duke addresses nation

Chagny

Yesterday, Duke Maximilien addressed the nation on all radio stations. His speech covered numerous points. We have provided this leaflet, per government order, with a transcript below.


---------------------

"Citizens of Bourgogne.

Your Republic owes you much. Your Republic remains in danger. Gone are the tyrannical despots that proclaimed that they led a republic. Secret arrests, mass censorship, and the destruction of your rights...These things are gone too. But now is the time for us to take new steps. We must not seek revenge against those who supported the last government. We must not hold grudges against our brother and sister citizens. A new threat looms. Communists threaten to destroy our Republic with words like 'illegitimate'. One of our neighbors even mobilizes troops. They would have you, my dear fellow citizens, remain under the iron yoke of those that claimed they led a republic? Or would they rather have seen a red iron yoke fall in place of the old? My answer to you citizens is that the Republic will remain. We will not be intimated by the rhetoric and sword waving of nations that have but utter contempt for the will of the people.

People is what we are dear citizens. Seek peace among yourselves. The violence which has so plagued this transition must end. We must embrace the differences of our brother citizens like our fellow nations must learn to embrace differences. We are heading towards the headwaters, every weary of the task before us. Your representatives remain hard at work to bring forth a new constitution to help preserve the Republic.

May you all be blessed"

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Armed men perform heist at the Auxerre Archaeology Museum

Auxerre

Armed men entered the Auxerre Archaeology Museum at closing time yesterday. The four masked men held employees and visitors hostage as they methodically herded them from exhibit to exhibit, stealing artifacts. The men stole over 35 artifacts including ancient jewelry, medieval coins, and several small statues and pieces of art. Police have requested international help in tracking the stolen artifacts and are planning to send a comprehensive report to neighboring countries. The official joint museum and police statement read: "The uncivilized, detestable, and frankly heinous acts are not a crime against only the museum and its patrons, but the academic world and humanity in general. The pursuit of the artifacts and individuals will not stop. This should be a concern of not just Bourgogne. We ask for all possible assistance from the international community in the event the artifacts leave or have left Bourgogne".

No patron or employee was reported injured.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

National Assembly releases draft of future government structure, promises draft and constitutional referendum by May 1

Chagny

The National Assembly has released a draft of the proposed form of the future government. The draft, spanning 20 pages, lays out a new democratic system for Bourgogne. The draft lists proposed election procedures, term limits, and parameters of office. The National Assembly, largely comprised of mayors and other elected officials, is pushing for a government in office by the end of June. However, several members have expressed doubt as to how realistic the goal is. The Assembly has also agreed that the proposals must be decided upon by national referendum on May 1st, including a preliminary constitution which will invest the new government to create a more detailed and refined constitution.

Basics of the proposed government:

Head of State: The Duke will remain as a largely ceremonial Head of State but will retain powers such as the declaration of war, election affirmation, and the ability to appoint ambassadors in the event that the executive fails to appoint them. The Duke will also have the ability to propose laws and to ceremonially approve laws.

Executive: The executive will be comprised of a First and Second Consul, elected by a national legislature. The terms will be last 5 years. However, terms may be annulled by national referendum majority of 5/6. The First Consul will be elected from within the national legislature. The First Consul will act as the head of government and will form a cabinet. The Second Consul will be appointed and will act as President of the future legislature and will also propose laws from him or herself and from the First Consul. The Second Consul may only vote to break a tie. To veto a law, the First and Second Consul must agree.

Legislature: The Council of State, will be comprised of 94 elected members from throughout the nation. Terms will last 3 years and no member may serve more than 8 terms without permission of the Head of State. Previous members of the legislature who have served any number of terms, may run for the new government with their term number being returned to 1 total terms in office.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Regional rumbles as Bourgogne is ignored by regional meetings

Chagny

As the situation in Danmark intensifies, Bourgogne's interim leadership has described concern that Bourgogne has been ignored by a regional meeting consisting of representatives from Transabina, Mergogne, Portusgalia, Etnaea, and the Empire of Great Engellex. "If Transabina can call a regional meeting, but ignore not one but two nations; then it is not a true meeting for the purpose of safe guarding democratic states. Drowning the voice of a state has nothing to do with democracy....it is just the opposite" said Prime Minister Brodeur during a press conference. Brodeur downplayed rumors that Bourgogne was seeking an independent alliance with Cantignia. "We are in talks regarding regional cohesion and mutual exclusion from this regional conference. It is the goal of this interim government to do the best it can for Bourgogne".








May 1 Constitution referendum confirmed. All adults 17+ to vote

Auxerre

The national assembly took a 4 day break from its meeting on the new government but on Friday announced from Auxerre, Bourgogne's largest city, that they are confirming the May 1 vote. The assembly's statement was short, saying: "The assembly has done a marathon job in a matter of weeks. The proposed constitution will be receiving final touches and changes. It will be released for viewing on the 23rd. All adults 17+ are welcome to vote".The creation of polling stations will be left to local and provincial governments.















[MENTION=2]Cantignia[/MENTION]

 

[Rheinbund]

Aussenministerium
Trier, Eiffelland

We congratulate the Burgundians with the establishment of the new constitution to be presented to the people and to become subject to a referendum. We wish the Burgundians much wisdom in assessing it and voting on it. We follow the events with interest.

Rudolph Kögler, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Vice-Chancellor

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Rogue Navy Destroyer stopped

Auxerre

The Ducal Navy has reported that SB St. Florian left port without orders. The Navy reports that the Captain, whose name is not being released, ordered the ship from port with without orders. The ship was intercepted by other navy ships who scrambled, thinking something was wrong. After a series of events, which the Navy says is under investigation, the St. Florian was stopped following shelling from other navy ships. The captain of the St. Florian has been placed under arrest pending investigation.

 

[Serenierre]

Grand Council for Diplomatic Affairs
CLASSIFIED

The Government of Sikandara would like to meet with its counterpart in Chagny to discuss possible avenues of cooperation, aimed at allowing access to be opened between our exchequer and Bourgognais financial institutions.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Grand Council for Diplomatic Affairs
CLASSIFIED

The Government of Sikandara would like to meet with its counterpart in Chagny to discuss possible avenues of cooperation, aimed at allowing access to be opened between our exchequer and Bourgognais financial institutions.

Bourgogne is happy to meet with whichever representatives that you wish to have meet with our government. Bourgogne is committed to international cooperation on many fronts.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Millions expected to have turned out for constitutional referendum as voting districts report high turnout

Chagny

Millions are expected to have turned out to vote for the vote on whether or not to adopt the new constitution proposed by the interim government and constitutional assembly. About 15,000 voting locations have been created around Bourgogne and the Burgundian Green Peninsula. Voting stations include police stations, fire stations, post offices, and city halls. The ballots have two boxes in which to indicate 'yes' or 'no'. Concerns of voter fraud have been dismissed as Prime Minister Brodeur states that "there is no real political ambition granted by voting either way". Results will not be released until Monday as votes will be transported to regional tabulation centers over the weekend and tabulated.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

3.3 Million turn out, approve new constitution despite low turnout

Elections in 6 months?

Chagny

83% of the over three million voters approved the new constitution which protects republican ideals and allows for the nation to return to being a Duchy. The Duke will retain what are largely ceremonial roles and will act as an ambassador for the nation. Acting Prime Minister Brodeur expressed the national assembly's response to the voter turnout. "It was a vote to determine the future of our people. Frankly, we expected at least a million more voters" said Brodeur who admits that 75% voter turnout may have been highly optimistic. No incidents were reported at polling places aside from a small wastebasket fire. Acting Prime Minister Brodeur stated in a press conference today that he hopes to see "elections within 6 months. 8 months at the latest". Brodeur went on to state that the interim government will continue operating until elections are completed.

 

[Serenierre]

Ministry for Foreign Affairs

The Belmontien Government requests permission from its counterpart in Chagny to send monitors to the general elections. The removal of the republican system in Bourgogne concerns us but we accept the decision of the people through the referendum. We expect Acting PM Brodeur to act in good faith during his tenure and understand the responsibility of the task at hand.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Ministry for Foreign Affairs

The Belmontien Government requests permission from its counterpart in Chagny to send monitors to the general elections. The removal of the republican system in Bourgogne concerns us but we accept the decision of the people through the referendum. We expect Acting PM Brodeur to act in good faith during his tenure and understand the responsibility of the task at hand.

Interim Government of Bourgogne

The Government of Bourgogne believes that the Belmontien government must be confused. The only removal that has occurred is that of an oppressive government which stood behind the guise of republicanism. Where was Belmont when thousands were placed into detention or worse? Where was Belmont when hundreds were slaughtered and raped during the 15 Days? The republic lives in Bourgogne. Democratic and free. We only require healing, not monitors. The old government is gone. Some have fled throughout the region. Some have been arrested. Those not suspected of crimes against the people are even today returning to public office and life. We find this very troubling that Belmont assumes that we do not understand the gravity of the task at hand.