National News from Franken

[Großlausitz]

There are several news outlets in the Kingdom of Franken: ​

• Fränkischer Rundfunk: The national public broadcasting corporation. It operates one tv station, several national stations as well as a range of regional stations. Legally it is obliged to report on affairs in a neutral fashion. However, having a supervisory board staffed by politicians delegated by their parties according to their influence in parliament makes living up to the ideal of neutrality not too easy.
• Fränkische Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ): It’s one of Franken two major national newspapers, which is political conservative, economically ordoliberal, but curiously maintains a culture, literary and arts section where more liberal spirits may contribute. Its parent company is structured as an endowment set up by their original pair of founders, thus the FAZ owns itself.
• Würzburger Volkszeitung (WVZ): It’s the national competitor of the FAZ. Other than its rival it’s politically centre-left with a rich and proud social-democratic history. Occasionally its culture, literary and arts section will include articles by intellectuals far more left-leaning than the mainstream of the Franconian SDP. Indeed, the WVZ is the gem in SDP’s media holding, generating most publicity and income than any other of its regional sister papers.

 

[Großlausitz]

Fränkischer Rundfunk Weltweit (FR): Nachrichten zur vollen Stunde – News by the clock hour
​

To recognise or not to recognise: Following another parliamentary question time session for the Foreign Minister in the lower house of parliament the debate on Franken’s diplomatic relations tot he embryonic People’s Republic of Vangala has surfaced once again. The socialdemocrats‘ (SDP) spokesman for foreign affairs was adamant that His Majesty’s Government ought to sort out the issues haste poste haste lest anti-Franconian forces in Vangala close the window of opportunity: „If the CVP government doesn’t take action, we will be left with a potential time bomb.“ Foreign Minister Graf Robert Beaumont von Miltenberg acknowledged the opposition’s concern, but he dismissed the call for setting up a diplomatic mission at once: „First there’s some homework left to do. What’s to become of Franconian property claims? How will we handle dispute on civil and penal code issues? As long as the Vangalan government isn’t prepared to discuss our issues, we cannot see to theirs. As much as they are responsible for their people’s welfare, we are in charge of ensuring yours, the Franconians‘.“

Will the civil and penal codes soon be joined by a third major code? According to the chairman (CVP) and vice-chairman (SDP) of the Abgeordnetenhaus committee on economic and labour affairs, Peter Molcher and Josef Sörgel respectively, works on a final draft for a labour code or Arbeitsgesetzbuch (ArGB), which’ll aggregate all relevant labour laws in one legal code as well as close large loopholes. The Ministers for Economic Affairs and Labour, Prof. Ludwig Erhard and Laurenz Meyer, who had originally kicked off the parliamentary initiative praised the committee members for their industrious work during last twelve months. „While the introduction of the ArGB will indeed lead to the reduction of leeway for labour courts as some trade union leaders claim, there’s also the huge gain of legal certainty for both workers and employers. In the end of the day the people will win.“ Prof. Erhard told our correspondent.

Will your son or daughter soon away on a school exchange to Westsachsen, Wiese or Eiffelland? At this week’s session in Würzburg conference of the ducal-level ministers for education and culture enacted a resolution asking His Majesty’s Government to broker a framework deal on regular secondary school level exchange between the states of the Germanic sphere. According to the body’s spokesman this is to deepen the mutual ties between the Germanic states beyond just sharing a couple of economic relations and a common language.

 

[Serenierre]

You must be registered for see links

You must be registered for see links

​

OPEN STATEMENT
January 27, 1953
​

The Council of Diplomatic Affairs
​

​

The Imperial Government is most interested in pursuing positive and fruitful relations with the Kingdom of Franken, and seeks to expand cooperation in the realm of technology and industry. It is our hope that the Kingdom of Franken shall assist Sikandari industrialists and companies to further enhance the standards of modern industry in Sikandara.

Azam Shah Khan
Grand Councillor for Diplomatic Affairs
​

 

[Rheinbund]

Unterrichtsministerium
Trier, Eiffelland

We are certainly interested in exchange programs between our and Franconian schools. It could be good to organise a meeting of representants from our mutual Ministries for Education and Culture soon to discuss and organise this.

Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Gauß, Minister for Education and Culture

 

[Großlausitz]

You must be registered for see links

You must be registered for see links

​

OPEN STATEMENT
January 27, 1953
​

The Council of Diplomatic Affairs
​

​

The Imperial Government is most interested in pursuing positive and fruitful relations with the Kingdom of Franken, and seeks to expand cooperation in the realm of technology and industry. It is our hope that the Kingdom of Franken shall assist Sikandari industrialists and companies to further enhance the standards of modern industry in Sikandara.

Azam Shah Khan
Grand Councillor for Diplomatic Affairs
​

Das Auswärtige Amt

The Kingdom of Franken would be delighted to deepen and strengthen the diplomatic, economic and cultural relations with the imperial state of Sikandara. We'd be ever so happy to receive a delegation from your government.

----

Unterrichtsministerium
Trier, Eiffelland

We are certainly interested in exchange programs between our and Franconian schools. It could be good to organise a meeting of representants from our mutual Ministries for Education and Culture soon to discuss and organise this.

The Ministry for Education and Science

The Kingdom of Franken is delighted to learn about your positive stance on this proposal. On behalf of His Majesty's Government and the culture and education secretaries of the states we are prepared to attend and/or host a meeting in Nürnberg and/or Trier.

 

[Großlausitz]

Fränkischer Rundfunk Weltweit (FR): Nachrichten zur vollen Stunde – News by the clock hour
​

Franken’s and Eiffelland’s governments have agreed on entering talks to negotiate a framework agreement on school and university students exchanges, Ministerpräsident Graf Solms confirmed via a press release. Following further consultations with duchies‘ governments Franken’s education and science minister will open a bilateral conference on the matter at the end of next week. It will take place at the prestigious Heinrich-Alexander-Universität in Nürnberg. The negotiations per se are expected to take about one to two months. Although the talks currently only include Franken and Eiffelland, the Ministerpresident stressed: „[We’d] be delighted to receive representatives from Westsachsen and Wiese.“

Today the Königlich-Fränkische Filmförderung (KFF) – Franken’s national board of motion picture promotion – announced it will endorse the submission of two feature films to the internationally acclaimed Vesper film festival: On the one hand there will be Das Lächeln der Fortuna (Lady Fortune’s smile), which is the first part of historical film trilogy, on the other hand the international audience will be able to enjoy a modernly designed and filmed documentary on Franken’s role in the war about Montelimar. These two films represent Franken’s inaugural contribution to the popular festival. „We hope to show Franken’s film sector for what it is: A fledgling growing industry to be reckoned with.“ KFF president Franz Lauler commented the decision in an interview with our reporter.

The Foreign and Economic Affairs Ministers officially extended an invitation to the government of Sikandari to have a meeting on strengthening and deepening Franken’s economic and diplomatic relations. The Foreign Office wants it to take place next week or the week thereafter.

 

[Großlausitz]

Fränkischer Rundfunk Weltweit (FR): Nachrichten zur vollen Stunde – News by the clock hour
​

The student exchange conference will begin tomorrow: Tonight the delegates are treated to a royal reception by Queen Margarethe of Franken, an Eiffellander princess, and Crown Princess Franziska, who are both patrons of national societies for education on the secondary and/or the tertiary level.

Franken will continue to uphold its neutrality as long as the conflict on the rule in Agder between the government under Queen Lovisa and the Danish crown does not affect the Kingdom's interests. "There is not much to be gained from taking sides." Foreign Minister Graf Beaumont von Miltenberg concluded.

In today's cabinet meeting His Majesty's Government renewed its pledge to expand the motorway system in Franken so that rural region will have better automobile access. Furthermore, in order to speed up industrial development in those areas the Reichsbahn (national railroad company) will be assigned additional funds to renew its regional railroad tracks. There will be a diligent review on which line to maintain and where to cut useless connections.

 

[Großlausitz]

Fränkischer Rundfunk Weltweit (FR): Nachrichten zur vollen Stunde – News by the clock hour
​

„Franken will stand by her Eiffellander partners in the Danish crisis,“ Foreign Minister Graf Robert Beaumont von Miltenberg told the members of the Landtag during question time in Franken’s lower house of parliament. According to Franken’s minister of foreign affairs the Ministerpresident assured his Eiffellander counterpart via phone that Franken and Eiffelland are on the same page in the conflict.

Eiffelland and Franken grow closer and put their student exchange program into effect: Come next September the first ever group of Eiffellander secondary level students will visit their Franconian peers, as planned per February 1953’s agreement. The visits from Franken are scheduled for December in order to give the youths of both nations to indulge in the unifying qualities of the Christmas spirit. The first exchanges on university level will be kicked off in October when Eiffellander students will join several Franconian universities and vice-versa for the autumn semester.

According to a preliminary assessment issued by the Ministry of Agriculture the succession of very rainy weeks and dry spells in some regions will turn out to be a mixed blessing for consumers: On the one hand Franken’s wine regions have been lucky and got just the right mix of dry and rainy periods, whereas the „breadbasket“ regions of Franken will suffer from a slump in effective output: „Citizens living in cities are recommended to take into account a rise in food prices come this winter due to the industry’s need to import certain basic commodities,“ the ministry’s report concludes.

 

[Rheinbund]

Kanzleramt
Trier, Eiffelland

We would like to reiterate our gratitude for the support of Franken in the Danish crisis, which is a very complex problem for all of us, but especially for Eiffelland, which borders Danmark.

Matthias Graf von Seydewitz, Chancellor

 

[Großlausitz]

Fränkischer Rundfunk Weltweit (FR): Nachrichten zur vollen Stunde – News by the clock hour
​

„The plight of the Yuijini people has managed to soften the toughest hearts,“ the managing director of Franken’s Lutheran church’s relief organisation Hilfe ohne Grenzen (HOG) explained the heaps of donations. Franken’s Catholic church relief organisation as well as the Franconian Red Cross reported a similar rise in donations. „The public got interested due to the careful and in depth reporting by our renowned national newspapers as well as by dedicated journalists from our very own FR Weltweit. Let me thank you all for your generosity,“ the HOG managing director added.

These NGO efforts are to receive governmental backing, a spokesman for the Ministerpresident disclosed today. Tomorrow the Minister for Economic Development and Cooperation, whose office is in charge of running the government aid programs, will announce the detailed plans to the members of the Abgeordnetenhaus (lower house) on Monday. According to a senior official from the Staatskanzlei (state chancellery) he will announce His Majesty’s Government provide Royal Navy transport vessels to ship the goods and aid personnel alongside a handy sum of government money.

The Fränkische Fußballbund (FFB – Franconian Football Federation) is about to commemorate its 40th birthday on September 1st. As the leaders of the FFB treasure and appreciate their loyal supporters, they’d like to invite threelucky gentlemen and their spouses tot o anniversary gala on that Sunday. To win those tickets you just have to submit your most memorable football moments in writing, be they on local or national level, as a player or as a spectator: FR Weltweit and FFB will pick the most original ones.

 

[Großlausitz]

Fränkischer Rundfunk Weltweit (FR): Nachrichten zur vollen Stunde – News by the clock hour
​

„The Kingdom of Franken’s official aid for the humanitarian relief of Yuijn will total about 20m Goldtaler“, Minister for Development and Economic Cooperation Gerda Schuster announced to the press. If necessary, the Ministry has another 10m Goldtaler at its disposal. The aforementioned sum refers to monetary as well as non-monetary aid provided by the treasury. For example, the National Technical Relief Service (THW) will send along equipment to pump and purify water and to set up makeshift sewage facilities. Mrs Schuster will also get in touch with the involved Franconian NGO to ensure the people of Yuijn will get the most from Franconia’s aid money.

Meanwhile, the communist dominated territory of Seora has declared independence from the Empire of Yuijin. This move was welcomed by fellow nations of the red spectre, whereas Franken’s Auswärtiges Amt swiftly denounced the declaration. „It’s an irresponsible step towards pushing the region into an even more chaotic state. His Majesty’s Government most certainly does not consider the Seoran declaration to be legally valid,“ Foreign Minister Graf Robert Beaumont von Miltenberg told FR Weltweit. According to observers the diplomatic situation is very much similar to Vangala: On the one hand there’s the communist regime denounced by Nürnberg, on the other hand there are the United Princely States the Kingdom maintains cordial relations with.

With Eiffelland’s acclaimed car industry putting new models on the markets, the outlook for Franken’s car industry suppliers is quite rosy: A spokesman for Franken’s largest car OEM (1) FROSCH confirmed its order books are literally busting with commissions from Eiffelland’s car manufacturers. This fact, in turn, is expected lead to an increased demand in industrial apprentices as well trained workers from FROSCH and its competitors.


(1) Original equipment manufacturer

 

[Großlausitz]

Fränkischer Rundfunk Weltweit (FR): Nachrichten zur vollen Stunde – News by the clock hour
​

Recognizing the great potential of closer cooperation and more carefully crafted tri-lateral regulations, the representatives from the ministries of defence and senior industry leaders from the Mezhist Union, Eiffelland and Franken will meet in Trier next weekend. Their job is work out how the defence sectors of three countries could benefit from one another and where there was room for expansion. „If everything goes alright, Franken will see an influx of capital and knowledge, which in turn will create jobs. What’s more, Franconian investors and/or relieable banks may put Franconian savers‘ money to good work in Eiffelland and the Mezhist Union,“ Defence Minister Gregor van Artefelde explained.

Today a joint commission invested by the regional governments of Rhönland and Schlesnitz issued its final report on the status quo of vocational education in the two duchies: On the one hand it pointed out strengths and weaknesses in how the vocational bodies IHK and HWK run the system, e.g. how apprentices are recruited and promoted up to master of their craft and/or trade. On the one hand the experts suggested to look into possibilities for formally intertwining Franconian vocational training with the vocational education sector in Invernia’s Germanic Gael region.

This weekend Franken’s third-largest but oldest fair (Kärwa) will be kicked off in the ancient spa town of Bad Kissingen. The fair dates back more than 600 years when it was first mentioned in an official record of the now regional capital. While it is still held to commemorate the dedication of Bad Kissingen’s Catholic chathedral of St. Michael, the fair has grown beyond the yard of Cathedral. Nowadays the specially closed streets of the city centre are lined with fun rides, food booths and beer halls. As per old tradition the fair will be opened by the Duke of Guttenberg, who is the patron of festival.

 

[Serenierre]

Grand Council for Diplomatic Affairs

We look forward to closer interaction between the Governments of Franken, Eiffelland and the Mezhist Union, for the stability any association may provide to the wider scope of international affairs.

 

[Großlausitz]

Fränkischer Rundfunk Weltweit (FR): Nachrichten zur vollen Stunde – News by the clock hour
​

In the light of continuous string of conflicts brewing in the region surrounding Yujin, His Majesty’s Government has singled out Sikandara as one very promising ally and partner. Therefore, the defence contractors of Franken had been given leave to negotiate export some of their product range to the eastern empire to help bolstering their defence capabilities. In return Franken and other Germanian partners have received privileged access to the rich natural resources of Sikandara. Together with local partners they will more efficiently exploit those as well as help augmenting the manufacturing industry of the empire. In the middle run Franconian financial institutions are to improve the empire’s supply with financial services. Last but not least, politically Franken and the empire will work hand in hand, too.

Upon the Foreign Minister’s press release confirming the deal package with Sinkandara, major trade union leaders, who are usually more than hesitant to applaud the conservative CVP, hailed the accords. „They will secure many a Franconian job, ranging from factory worker to office clerk, in years to come. Well done this time, Herr Graf Solms,“ the boss of the national confederation of unions commented. Similarly, the shares of publicly traded companies expected to profit from the deals rose at Nürnberger Wertpapierbörse (NWP).

Today the association of Franconian winemakers (FWV) published their annual harvest results: According to them, this vintage will be an average one and wine-enthusiasts all over the kingdom and abroad will have to expect to pay more for good 1953 wine. This is because of the rainy April and May and the way too wet August hindering the optimal growth of the grapes.

 

[Großlausitz]

Fränkischer Rundfunk Weltweit (FR): Nachrichten zur vollen Stunde – News by the clock hour
​

Will Kievan foreign businesses be transformed into vehicles of the socialist agenda? The official announcement by Kievan authorities to ensure its so-called International Joint Stock Companies behave alongside the state party’s line has caused an uproar in parliaments in Franken as well as Ivernia. Ivernian politicians were quick to chide Franken’s leadership for allowing Kievan , socialist-ideologically infested, goods to be offered and sold in the kingdom. They were joined by the spokesman for the Junge Volkspartei, which is the party’s junior organisation. Ministerpresident Graf Solms swiftly dismissed the criticism from abroad and at home: „Our kingdom has always been a nation which thrived on the free exchange of goods, nowadays even services as well as ideas. We will not act upon a whim. We will, however, see to the preservation of our nation’s prosperity and stability with any means possible.“

Yesterday the kingdom of the Tycullirs concluded the adoption of its new constitution. The whole process was monitored and certified by several groups of independent international observers. For example, the Tycullric kingdom departs from the principle of one man, one vote and introduces three classes of active citizenships. The passive, fundamental rights will remain the same for everyone. Foreign Minister Graf Robert Beaumont von Miltenberg applauded its fair and smooth transition into a new constitutional state.

Following the speech by a senior powerful clergyman from the state of Lisse on the political relevance and meaning of Christianity in today’s world, the debate on that matter has spilled over to Franken and her abutters. While most senior socialdemocrats as well as the socialists in Franken insist on leaving questions of faith in the individual’s home, Ministerpresident Graf Solms stressed the importance of his own Christian People’s Party’s and the whole kingdom’s deep and strong roots in Christian faith. „Our faith and values give us identity and a sense of belonging. As a Christian it’s my duty to contribute to nation’s welfare. Yet there is little to no sense in trying to convert the vile communist heathens with the sword nor to force our creed on others.“

 

[Großlausitz]

Fränkischer Rundfunk Weltweit (FR): Nachrichten zur vollen Stunde – News by the clock hour
​

What is it with Schlesnitz’ dwindling game and fish resources? At the end of this year’s hunting season the Duchy of Schlesnitz’ minister for agriculture and fisheries reported a strange development: The regional hunting association, charged with overseeing the accredited hunters of the duchy, as well as local river fishing companies have reported dwindling game and fish populations. The most affected areas are hunting districts near rivers in the mining regions of Schlesnitz. The minister promised an in-depth investigation into the matter: “It’s our duty towards local entrepreneurs to help them retain and/or establish their economic basis. What’s more, not helping them would endanger local jobs.”

The first nationwide snowfalls have caused headaches for travellers and authorities alike: As several delays at major airports such as Würzburg and Nürnberg as well traffic jams did away with the travel plans of hundreds of citizens, local authorities have apologised for having underestimated the impact of this year’s winter. Transportation Minister Daniel Grohl (CVP) promised to consult with his colleagues on the ducal level on how to help cities and districts to better tackle winter’s problems. Furthermore, Minister Grohl especially praised the staff of the Fränkische Reichsbahn (Franconian Railroad Company) for their good work helping to avoid and/or reduce delays in train travel. The Fränkische Reichsbahn is an immediate subsidiary of Daniel Grohl’s ministry.

While hapless travellers were stuck at airports and/or on the road, those who stayed in their home towns have been and will be able to shop presents for their loved ones. According to retailers metal model kits are the hit merchandise parents give to their parents, while girls all over the kingdom may be able to hold Kleff Spielzeug’s newest play doll in their hands on Chrismas Eve. Meanwhile, the Lutheran and Catholic Churches have kicked off the final phase of their respective national charities’ fundraising campaigns. Priests and pastors alike have been instructed to remind their flock of their Christian duty. As per tradition, the heads of the six major houses of Franken, including the King, will spearhead the efforts, everyone donating a generous sum from their house’s private purse.

 

[Großlausitz]

Fränkischer Rundfunk Weltweit (FR): Nachrichten zur vollen Stunde – News by the clock hour
​

What can be done about and/or for the proverbial rock bottom of Franken’s labour market? This is the main question Minister for Labour Valerian Mucker (CVP – Christian People’s Party) asked the newly invested expert panel on labour market questions to answer. While regularly posted unemployment rate shows the total of short term and long term job seekers, Minister Mucker wants to explore alternative ways how to bring about more momentum into the latter section. Those people, whose claims on payment from unemployment insurance have expired and/or have been out of a job for a longer period, receive the so-called Sozialgeld from their cities’ welfare offices. “There is currently no incentive for them to actively seek a job. While it is our good Christian responsibility to see to the needs of all citizens and not let anyone starve, we need to ensure that the taxpayer’s money which funds this service is put to good and efficient. And what’s better and more rewarding than to show another man what he can achieve if he tries and trains hard enough?”, the Minister told journalists at a press conference.

The Franconian Football Federation – Fränkischer Fußballfund FFB – has expressed its delight over the start of the newly created European Football League. What’s more, they praised His Majesty’s Government, especially the Minister of the Interior (in charge of sports), for their full support of Franken’s football team. Unlike the regional and/or club tournaments, this competition will be the first Europe-wide competition between national teams. The competion's organisers are optimistic that this will also ensure a continuous and sustainable support by all fans of a single country instead of just the supporters of one club side.

 

[Großlausitz]

Fränkischer Rundfunk Weltweit (FR): Nachrichten zur vollen Stunde – News by the clock hour
​

Is there something fishy in the Duchy of Rhönland? Following a parliamentary request submitted by the SDP faction the duchy’s Ministerpresident Michael Merdes dismissed any suggestions of an industrial scandal lurking in the heavy industry dominated north west of the Duchy of Rhönland: “There is no doubt the industry there creates waste. It is a natural part of manufacturing that you cannot use each and any component of the raw material and fuel you put into the production process. My colleague and regional minister for economic affairs and construction has repeatedly assured me that his ministry has everything under control. The reports on industrial waste controls his excellent employees have delivered also prove his claims.” The subsequent debate then focused on how balance the requirements of heavy industry with the needs of the fledgling tourism industry that also blooming in the mountainous regions of the so-called Triangle.

As of the results of round 5 of the Central Centralia based European Football league tournament Franken cut Ivernia’s lead to a mere 2 points. Franconia’s national squad managed to defeat their regional rivals in a quite exciting match. First Ivernia’s side scored, but in the second half Franken’s center forward Georg Ermann struck the decisive tie. However, the subsequent winning goal by Franken’s left midfielder Leonhard Emmerich originated from an offside pass, but was counted as a valid nevertheless. In a commendable display of fairplay head coach Josef Tucher’s squad later shook hands with their opponents and congratulated them upon their excellent fighting spirit. This action was also explicitly praised by King Jakob VI: “Even if they don’t end up taking the cup home, this would be reason alone to receive and honour our footballers, “ Franken’s Sovereign told the press. It’s been royal tradition to receive Franconian national teams of any popular national sport since King Jakob VI’s grandfather first treated the national athletics team to a reception after a successful participation at an international tournament.

[MENTION=1651]Central Centralia[/MENTION]
[MENTION=1187]Ivernia[/MENTION]