le Soleil- News from Bourgogne and the World

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Senate passes multiple bills- 'new' currency, tackling external debt

Chagny

It was a busy day at the Burgundian Senate as 7 bills were passed. The majority of the bills had been worked on for months and range from new educator requirements to new regulations regarding healthcare information. Out of the bills passed, the two most pressing appear to be the new currency notes and coins. "After an exploration into abandoning the Livre, it has been determined that this is not feasible" read a statement from the Senate. Instead, the currency itself will get refreshed and the denominations will change. The 3, 5, 25, 50, 120 Livre notes will be replaced with 5, 20, 50, and 100 Livre notes. While the 5 Livre note will still feature the Grand Duke, the senate approved the other denominations to feature historical figures. The one Livre coin will continue to feature the Grand Duke, as will a 2 Livre coin to be introduced next year to replace the 3 Livre note. All coins and notes will also get a full redesign. Burgundian currency is notoriously famous for being counterfeited due to simple designs. Since 1941, the government has employed over 150 investigators into counterfeit bills. The new notes and coins are expected to enter circulation sometime next year.The Senate also announced a plan to cut external debt by 95 million Livre over the next 3 years. The stated goal is to cut external debt by 120 million Livre by 1962. Both must be approved by the Grand Duke but experts say it is unlikely the Grand Duke will disapprove.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Editorial: Why Unionists must abandon the dream of a unified Frankish superstate
by: Francois Marceau, historian and professor of political history- St. Florian University

The people of [MENTION=635]Serenierre[/MENTION] and Bourgogne share much in common- culture, history, and many societal values. Yet over the recent decades the two have grown further and further apart. The people, at the urging of Serenierre's government, have changed their life outlook. Now, a political valley separates the two Frankish peoples. Once united centuries ago under the Holy Frankish Empire, the two lands presented a formidable and prosperous domain. Once Serenierre developed into its own nation, the two failed at becoming rivals despite shared interests. While they had competition, there was rarely friction. In recent years, there has been a movement to re-unite the two nations under an Imperial crown. There seem to be 2 primary proposals. The first, proposal would result in Serenierre retaining internal sovereignty. One of the first pillars of such a plan would be for the Grand Duke to be crowned King of Serenierre and also Emperor of the Franks. Also under this proposal, Serenierre would control its finances and internal laws and courts. International relations and military affairs would be handled solely by Chagny. There are many problems with this approach. First, it would require the people of Serenierre to ditch communism in favor of monarchy or constitutional monarchy. Second, it fails to account for other pretenders to the throne of Serenierre. While most other royal houses and many most experts agree that the Grand Duke's claim is by far more legitimate, others have not yielded from their claims- some gaining support from Serenierre's emigre nobles. Thus, a civil war is potential. The second proposal is far removed from the first. Under this proposal, the throne of Serenierre is yielded to the next most likely pretender who in turn would swear allegiance to a Frankish Emperor. While Serenierre would largely retain sovereignty, its lands would be regarded as imperial domain- ensuring a close alliance and aiming for mutual interests. The problems facing this even less drastic change are massive. While it would still retain massive sovereignty, the change for Serenierre would likely be too massive for its people to accept. While it is without question that the Frankish people should be reunited, it should be noted that it is unlikely it will ever happen again under the same banner. If the two are ever united it will be in spirit, not ideology. It will be bridging the gap and not closing it. While the Grand Duke has not renounced his claims to the throne, he has wisely not pursued it. Even the most heavy of changes in the winds of the Frankish of Serenierre will not bring together a renewed Frankish hegemony. Instead the two nations, even in divorced ideologies, must look to build stabilization and limit threats from the neo-imperialistic states. Only a new policy of Frankish neighbors can bring stability and end ideological neo-imperialism.

 

[Serenierre]

Office of the Grand Duchess Marie-Helene
TRIER, EIFFELLAND

I take this opportunity to state that the true line of succession cannot pass to the Grand Duke of Bourgogne for the amended Succession Act of the Kingdom of Serenierre explicitly removed the claims of foreign royals and aristocrats from the line and kept the throne solely within the ranks of Serenien branches of the Royal Family. While I appreciate that some of my good friends have chosen to, for sake of political expediency, placed their backing behind the Burgundian claimant to the throne of Serenierre, I must remind them that this stance is wrong in law and custom.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Grand Duchy concludes war games with military parade in Brienne

Brienne

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A massive military exercise held in the Burgundian north concluded Sunday and was followed by a massive military parade in Brienne. The show of force included a 4 day field exercise which reportedly involved 60,000 men and the parade which included 12,000. The Defense Ministry statement made note that the exercise was 'primarily designed to test capabilities following the failures of the recent mobilization effort'. The statement also made note that the exercise included many officers from the Yiddish Free State. The Foreign Ministry has also issued a statement in which it advised that neighboring nations received an advance notification of the war games. Some have criticized the heavy investments in the military while others have countered that the investments are necessary to protect Burgundian interests as the communist states have become increasingly aggressive over the last few years. Opponents of military expansion have also noted recent reforms in the communist states. However, the Grand Duke and others have pointed out the continued 'neo-imperialist' actions of some nations as reason for expansion. The overall costs have drawn significant criticism from both liberals and centrist conservatives. With reserves, the military is currently capable of fielding 855,000 men and women. However, the capability of many reserves are doubted by outside experts.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Bourgogne will not shut border to refugees

Chagny

Despite calls from [MENTION=635]Serenierre[/MENTION], the Burgundian government has elected not to close the border for all refugees. Thousands who hold dual Boro-Burgundian citizenship and special cases will be granted immediate entry. The Grand Duchy has specified that a screening process will 'weed out' certain segments of undesirables. Both liberals and conservatives have applauded the decision as forces continue to crumble in the face of communist advances. Many are expressing concern that the demand of a border closure is a pretext for a communist puppet regime. The Grand Duchy is reportedly monitoring political developments very closely and has warned Serenierre against the establishment of such a puppet regime. Conservatives have rallied much popular support recently in the views of the conflict and some pundits are predicting it will pay out politically. Some conservatives are even calling for the annexation of Burgundian populated areas near the border. The government refused to comment on the overall view of these issues but issued a statement this morning that "all approaches to security concerns have been noted and considered. Our policy will continue along its present path". While blowback is expected on the border issue, many predict that Chagny will refuse further accommodations aside from cursory identity checks.

 

[Saaremaa]

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Ministerio dos Negocios Estrangeiros
​

Communicado aberto
Date: 6 setembro 1957


The government of the Social Republic of Beira wishes to express it's utmost respect for the policies of the Grand Duchy of Bourgogne. What continues to happen in Borovanger is a worldwide tragedy and a lesson for all countries around the globe to see and understand what happens when civic spirit and respect is replaced with disorientation and outright savagery, in which social classes, which should and must collaborate for the creation of a safer and better society turn against each other, listening to the lies perpetrated by the failed sociologist and economist Karl Marx.


Indeed, what happens currently in Borovanger is a tragedy and it will soon be followed by yet another, as the current chaos will soon be institutionalized by the full takeover of the country and it's replacement with the Confederation. Understand and expecting such events we commend and congratulate the Duchy of Bourgogne for keeping it's borders open for refugees despite Serenierre pressure. The people of Borovanger have the right to live in a better world and not be subjected for the folly of others and for that their right to ask for asylum must be respected.


In conclusion, while granting our full political support to Bourgogne, we will also state that the Social Republic of Beira has it's doors open to any man, woman or child seeking refuge from war or political chaos.


Signed,
Gabriel Cabral
Minister of Foreign Affairs

 

[Rheinbund]

Aussenministerium
Trier, Eiffelland

We commend the Burgundian Government for opening the borders to refugees from Borovanger, and we fully support Bourgogne in this decision. When needed, we can send supplies to Bourgogne to help out the refugees.

Rudolph Koegler, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Vice-Chancellor

 

[Pelasgia]

Pelasgian Empire
State Secretariat for External Affairs
Public Statement
​

11th of September, 1957
To whom it may concern,

The Pelasgian Empire would like to congratulate the Grand Duchy of Bourgogne for not shutting its borders to those in need of its protection and aid. There is no reasonable explanation for why anybody would wish to prevent Bourgogne from sheltering those whom it sees as genuine refugees and turning away potential trouble makers. Indeed, the cultural proximity between the Gallian nations will only make hosting these refugees easier. We will continue to monitor the situation in Borovanger closely.

Signed and Sealed,

Ioannes Stephanou Delevorias

State Secretary for External Affairs & Authente of Anaktora
Pelasgian Empire

 

[Polesia]

Ministry of External Affairs

In all arenas, the Burgundian government has demonstrated considerable generosity to nations in their time of need, including the Free State. We salute Chagny for not bowing to exclusionary forces and fully embracing
Borovangerian refugees.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Grand Duchy will accept up to 60,000 refugees

Samadeton

The Grand Duchy today announced its intentions to accept up to 60,000 refugees as Serenierre's forces advance into Borovanger. Reports are indicating that Serenierre's troops are exercising political policing and removing any potential opposition to implementing a communist regime. The Grand Duke reiterated his concern, noting that if Serenierre attempts to install a communist government in Borovanger, the results will be utterly "disastrous and dire". The Grand Duchy had originally planned to limit refugees allowed entry to those who are culturally Burgundian or Frankaphone, children, and those in medical need. However, a new policy is taking shape as many begin to flee the advance of Serenierre's forces. Bourgogne has also been sending medical supplies and water across the border but as the streams of refugees grow, the border is going to look far different. A habitually understaffed border police is already stretched thin, forcing military units to begin to try to enforce border laws and control those crossing over the border.

le Soleil to start television stations in 6 countries

While the exact list of countries is unknown, Bourgogne will not be one according to a report. The media powerhouse, with radio stations in several countries already, has decided to launch television stations across the world. Reportedly these will not be in Frankish but rather in the regional lingua franca. Television has so far been struggling in Bourgogne despite it seeing widespread success worldwide. However, le Soleil's radio stations maintain a dominant hold in the market. le Soleil narrowly survived an anti-trust lawsuit last year by a Geotri-owned station in Lans. le Soleil plans to announce its new markets sometime later this month.

 

[Serenierre]

Commissariat for External Relations

The People's Republic remains committed to the vision of a neutral and confederated state in Borovanger which is in accord with the regional consensus struck between the powers of the Gallian continent; and to that effect the Confederation of Borovanger has the support and diplomatic recognition of many international powers. To allege that Serenierre has acted in any other way is a grave insult to our sacrifices.

The People's Republic, which has committed itself wholly and totally to fight against the ravages of Prometheism, Nationalism, and Fascism in Borovanger finds the statements of the le-Soleil publication to be nothing more than slander and utterly unsubstantiated filth. The publication of statements so hurtful to the sentiments of the families of the martyrs is regrettable. We remind le-Soleil that the Burgundian response to the crisis in Borovanger would have seen either a prometheist or a fascist victory. The sacrifices of the Serenien have prevented a true travesty of justice and humanity from occurring in the region.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Grand Duke Charles warns against universal Tiburan Catholic comdemnation
Chagny

The Grand Duke railed against any universal condemnation of Tiburan Catholics as wild accusations fly in the face of numerous events. The Grand Duke said that any condemnation or widespread attack against Tiburan Catholics is "purely and utterly nothing but raw discrimination of an entire religion". The Grand Duke went on to say that terrorist acts in the name of religion should not be tolerated and those individuals responsible should be punished. The Grand Duke reportedly summoned the Holy See's ambassador to the Ducal Palace in the late morning hours. One source stated the meeting lasted over an hour with the two meeting privately. The Grand Duke also phoned the Holy See of Twente to discuss religious discrimination concerns. Grand Duke Charles in a television address this afternoon stressed the right of all peoples to worship freely in Bourgogne and reasserted the human right to worship freely. "I also extend my personal condolences to those murdered and hurt in this utterly heinous act. Those responsible must be brought to justice. There is absolutely no reason why these innocent people should have been violated and their families so impacted". The Grand Duke was expected to visit the Holy See next month but sources indicate this may be moved up.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

"Catholic extremists are not welcome here" says Grand Duke in address to Assembly of Governors
Brienne

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The Grand Duke met with the elected governors of Bourgogne's provinces on Tuesday morning. The bi-weekly meeting usually covers everything from Ducal government aid to infrastructure planning. The Grand Duke reportedly told the Assembly that "Catholic extremists are not welcome here. In fact, they must be monitored closely". The Grand Duke has remained a critic of Catholic extremism despite facing his own criticism that he is too active in Tiburan Catholic politics. The Grand Duke also heavily criticized the Twentish Ecclesiastical Court last year after it failed to convict a priest of manslaughter after drunkenly hitting and killing a pedestrian with his car. The Grand Duke has largely shrugged off the criticisms and has remained committed to ensuring that religious extremism does not verge on terrorist actions. However, he has also reportedly vetoed legislature based on religious grounds, including last years abortion bills. Further debate has swirled after last year's leaked document which showed that the previous Pope and the Grand Duke had discussed his ascension to the long defunct (and mostly ceremonial) role of Holy Frankish Emperor.
This month, police arrested 3 in a supposed plot to vandalize synagogues across Bourgogne's northern regions. These arrests have continued as Bourgogne has struggled to reign in the recent Catholic movements over the past several months. The Ducal government says it is increasing its surveillance of known suspects and will continue to pursue arrests where necessary.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

le Soleil's TV interview with Grand Duke Charles

The Grand Duke sat down with le Soleil's tv host Werner Lutz last evening to discuss the current religious tensions, Burgundian political issues, and foreign policy. The transcript has been provided here for those who were unable to view the program.

Lutz: Thank you for joining us your Grace, we know you are pressed for time
GD Charles: It is a pleasure and I try to make time for the occasional interview.

Lutz: Jumping into things, Trivodnia was a historical ally for Bourgogne. With the recent events there, how will Burgundian policy change?
GDC: I think its important to note that Trivodnia is still an important partner. We need to put into context the alliance. In the 1950's and 1960's, my great uncle and my father both armed, trained, and supported Trivodnia; as well as investing in their economy and infrastructure. At the time, as some saw it, Kadikistan was the supreme imperial power. It was a nation we nearly went to war with. Trivodnia shared many of our values, as they do now. You have to remember that in the 1970's much of this aid evaporated. This put a lot of strain on the relationship. But we remained bonded. The 1980's really pulled us apart and we saw shifts in Burgundian policies. Our countries have remained partners on many issues since and we are actively working to maintain a relationship. All we can do is to see how things develop politically.

WL: Shifting gears Your Grace, you have been called the most religious Burgundian leader in 100 years. Can you comment on how religion influences your decisions?
GDC: It is certainly a factor. But I want to note that it is only a factor. On issues I must weigh many outcomes and much input. Religion is but a tool in which I use to make decisions.

WL: One of the current issues being discussed in the Senate is to formally define abortion. Is this something you might veto on religious grounds?
GDC: Abortion is, for the most part, legal in Bourgogne. I would support a formal definition but I do not think further legislation is really needed outside provincial assemblies.

WL: Much was made of the leaked discussion between you and the previous Pope regarding the potential for you to reclaim the title of Holy Frankish Emperor. Can you comment on this? We are only asking...
GDC: It is important to remember that I was approached by the Holy Father to discuss this. At the time, His Holiness felt a leader of non-ecclesiastical status, would benefit the Church. We discussed in depth the possibility of it but he saw it as more than a ceremonial title, something I was not very sure about. When I was granted Fidei Defensor in 2014, I informed his Holiness that I would do what I could to both promote and defend the faith within reason.

WL: There seems to be a split among some Catholics over your approach to extremists. Is this something you see as a responsibility?
GDC: Yes. These attackers and groups are poison for the Church. Bourgogne is a country of Tiburan Catholics, Twentish Catholics, Jews, Protestants, Orthodox, Muslims, and others. Since the 1800's, Bourgogne has maintained religious diversity as a strength while remaining a Tiburan Catholic nation. We need to maintain this strength. The extremists do nothing for the Church and do nothing positive for the Burgundian people. I agree the Church can be more proactive and could use reform, but we cannot turn to a Crusade by fanatics and let those fanatics define us.

WL: So do you support a more conservative or progressive Papal candidate?
GDC: Neither. I support whomever God chooses. It is not my place to choose this Cardinal or that Cardinal. You have to trust that God is guiding their decision. I will do everything in my power to work politically with the next Pope. But I must remember that my duty is not only to the Church but my people.
WL: If the new Pope were to pressure you to stop the arrests of the extremists?
GDC: That is a bridge we may cross when we get there. The killing of innocents and rampant vandalism are not something I can possibly condone and especially not in the name of the Church.

WL: Let us shift again. It has been about 6 years since you ascended to the throne. Where do you want to take Bourgogne?
GDC: I think we need to pause and recognize that while I do control much of the foreign policy, much of what happens domestically is a partnership between myself and the Senate or the Senate and provincial governments. I cannot take this country anywhere alone. It is a 'we' not an 'I'. We want to continue our education reforms and continue to reinvest in infrastructure. We cannot mover forward without a solid footing. Bourgogne has a bright future but it can only be accomplished if we work together as a people.



Part Two of the transcript will appear in tomorrow's edition.

 

[Polesia]

Ministry of External Affairs

Despite moments of disagreement, the Free State continues to view Burgundy as a close friend, and is eternally grateful for its support during our times of need.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

le Soleil's Interview with the Grand Duke Part II

Lutz: You have been quoted as saying there is need for social reforms. Can you expand?
Grand Duke Charles: We need further education programs. We have not had any major reforms or new programs since 1998. There is no reason for us to only put small bandages on large wounds and hope we heal the system. We also need to examine our welfare programs. I feel we need to expand some areas and retract others. The simple fact is that as we continue to expand economically and culturally, we need to ensure the Burgundian people are taken care of.

WL: Military spending has increased 8 percent in the last 3 years. Can you justify that to your detractors?
GDC: I would point out that the Senate approved the spending increase. Bourgogne cannot operate militarily in the 1980's or 1990's while keeping a foot in the door of the 2000's. We must step through. Unfortunately that costs money. By tackling this now, while we have the means, we can consider it an investment over the next decade. We have taken steps to begin to modernize our navy while our army and air force have taken similar steps.

WL: Some have expressed concern that our military has grown too large. Care to respond Your Grace?
GDC: I can only express my view and those who are expert in defense. The military is adequate for the job they must do.

WL: Do you see Bourgogne re-emerging as a leader?
GDC: I would argue we already are and have been. Especially with the reforms of the 1960's. We have a strong education system, despite its faults. Our economy is growing and has only slowed slightly. We have one of the finest infrastructure systems not only in the region, but globally. We still face challenges, but we remain strong domestically which has translated into positive foreign policy. We remain a regional leader in many areas and a global leader in others. We have worked hard to get here. We are fortunate to have a foreign policy which has reconciled some old differences and strengthened relationships which were already sound or strong.

WL: Bourgogne has been called on in several capacities internationally to help curb the drug trade. Do you feel Bourgogne is doing all that it can?
GDC: Yes and no. We must first curb it domestically. While we are seeing successes thanks to our law enforcement, we need to improve our strategies. We are doing what we can internationally and will do our best to share what resources we can.

WL: A final question Your Grace.
GDC: Certainly.
WL: You hold 3 claims outside of your held titles. Holy Frankish Emperor, which we discussed, King of the Franks, and King of Serenierre. Given that you are the primary claimant to two of them, the third is in dispute. Wha...
GDC: I want to be clear on this point. I am sorry for interrupting but there is necessity. I am willing to relinquish that claim, if and only if, traditional Burgundian lands taken from us at gunpoint in 1813. These are lands which for centuries were Burgundian. However, I will scaffold this by saying that if the people of Serenierre wish it, it is a crown I would accept. Only by that marker will I take a throne that is mine by right. Also let me say that this is a peripheral issue. We need to focus on our economic relationship with Serenierre and act as partners rather than competing nations. That is how we bring prosperity to both nations. These questions of regal rights are peripheral as I said. We must focus on real and tangible issues

WL:Thank you for your time your Grace.

 

[Gunnland]

Officium Legati + Regnum Marpesiae
Foreign Office + Kingdom of Gunnland

My office has summoned the Burgundian ambassador to Windhaven to explain the Grand Duke Charles's desire to reunite "traditional Burgundian lands taken at gunpoint in 1813."

The Kingdom is committed to guaranteeing the present borders of the Duchy of Lower Marpesia, its personal union with the County of Arundel, and its resultant status as a crown dependency of the Kingdom of Gunnland. The Duchy of Lower Marpesia was in fact an independent sovereign state before 1813, though it was an integral part of the Holy Frankish Empire at its height in the 15th century.

The territorial issue is especially sensitive given the increasing problem of republican Francophone separatism. These militant groups should be as concerning to Chagny as they are to Windhaven.

Commitment to the long-settled border in the Lauters is crucial to the stability of our region.

James Gunn Gallagher
Prime Minister of Gunnland
Foreign Minister

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Grand Duchy of Bourgogne

The Grand Duchy wishes to note that first, this has nothing to do with Gunnish lands. We encourage the Gunnish government to re-examine the context of the conversation and also note that this does not reflect current Burgundian policy. The context is clearly in reference to traditional Burgundian lands within the borders of modern Serenierre. Again, this is not in reference to any forcible action but, if read (or viewed) correctly, it should be clear that Bourgogne has no intention of acting in any manner to destabilize peace.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Grand Duchy announces massive military reform plans
Chagny

The Defense Minister laid out a massively ranging plan to expand the Burgundian Army and Navy. The plan will include pursuing the already initiated purchase of two carriers from Eiffelland and upgrades to current carriers. The plan will ultimately include the acquisition of 4-7 new destroyers, 70 aircraft, and the addition of nearly 50,000 reservists. The plan is expected to take almost 4 years to complete, not including logistical aspects. The plan was met with heavy opposition by the Orange Party who quickly denounced the plan as both a waste of money and resources. Some have considered the plan as an attempt by the Grand Duke to re-secure Bourgogne's place as a world military leader. The Orange Party also criticized the policy as antagonizing Serenierre but did concede that certain aspects of the policy were not too different from occasional programs carried out in other nations.

 

[Serenierre]

Government of Serenierre

We condemn and criticise the ongoing efforts by the Grand Duchy to return to the days intra-Gallian disharmony. The careful balance struck between our two countries following the rapprochement and détente from the doctrines of our respective governments thirty years ago. Recent efforts by the Government in Chagny have harmed that delicate balance which have seen peace and stability reign supreme in our region. Brash policies followed in Chagny have the ability to reignite fires from long buried conflicts of the past -- such as the nascent cause of Burgo-Nationalisme, an ideology which in the past played its role in compromising the status of the bilateral ties of our two countries.

Hence, we call for caution and restraint in the military posturing being adopted by the Bourgogne Government.

Truly,
Bernard Lavosnier
Commissar for External Relations