News from the Empire and the World

[Pelasgia]

ΠΡΟΠΟΝΤΙΟΣ ΛΟΓΟΘΕΤΗΣ
31 ΜΑΪΟΥ 1956 · ΞΘʹ ΤΕΥΧΟΣ · ΥΠΕΡΠΥΡΟΝ 1 · ΕΚ ΤΟΥ ΕΤΟΥΣ 1846
​

EMPEROR & DESPOT DEAD & DETHRONED
Marshal Artopoiopoulos appointed Regent by Senate
by Tivyrios Vasilikos, Crown correspondent

Less than a week after Despot Isaakios Komnenos-Angelos' supposed homosexuality emerged once more on the public scene, the young Despot was found dead in Prinkipaion, on the island of Pringiponesos. Megas Doux Attalos Laskaris-Komnenos, who had been recalled by the late Emperor to the island, found Isaakios and his supposed lover, Orestes Theatrikos, dead, both men having shit themselves. In the note they left behind, they described how they no longer wished to live, thanking the Empire's people for their support, while attacking the Church and the Emperor himself, who did not allow them to express their love in order to perform their duties, due to archaic traditions and obsolete rules of succession.

Meanwhile in Propontis, Marshal Tzimiskis and Admiral Vouvoulinos attempted a coup to seize control of the nation's power centre, however forces loyal to the legal government were tipped off in advance and arrested the two men, while disarming any forces loyal to them. It later became apparent that the Emperor had in fact known of this plot and was planning to take advantage of it to centralise absolute power around himself, while turning the Senate into little more than a rubber-stamp legislature. The Senate was informed of this in secret, while forces loyal to the Constitution, under the leadership of Marshal Irakleios Artopoiopoulos locked down the capital and took control of most major cities, enforcing temporary martial law.

The Varangian Guard refused to follow the Senate's directive and allow the Emperor to be arrested. With tensions high, a Varangian marksman fired at Marshal Artopoiopoulos, who was negotiating with the Varangians' commander, leading the Pelasgian Guard Regiments, who were loyal to the Senate, to fire on the Varangians, killing most of them in the ensuing gunfight. Having shown personal loyalties and disloyalty to the Constitution of the Senate and the People of Tiburia, the Varangians' Regiments have been dibanded and their remaining soldiers will be allowed to return to Götarige soon, being stripped of their Tiburan Citizenship and all decorations and honours. Knowing of his impending arrest and dishonour and having just learnt of his son's suicide, the Emperor decided to end his own life, just as Senatorial troops entered his chambers.

Marshal Irakleios Artopoiopoulos has been temporarily appointed as Regent, due to his loyalty to the Constitution and the Senate, which proved pivotal in preventing the coup along wtih further bloodshed. The Senate has currently summoned Megas Doux Attalos Laskaris-Komnenos, currently the most senior of all Imperial nobles, to the Capital. With both co-emperors dead, the future and the survival of the office of Emperor has come into question. The Megas Komnenos Dynasty itself is, for all intents and purposes, over, with only the banner of the Megaloi Komennoi remaining. While the Megas Doux seems like the most likely choice, could the Senate decide the end the Empire once and for all? [continued on page 2]

OTHER HEADLINES
☞ (International) - Bourgogne denounces Serenierre's foreign policy as dangerous and irresponsible. Minister of Foreign Affairs stands by our Gallian partner. [page 4]
☞ (Defence) - Heightened defensive status across nation, due to recent events in Capital. [page 6]

 

[Furlanìe]

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Foreign ministry Furzillo, Justiza "Reading of the events occurred in Tiburia we are all astonished; the government of our republic as decided to take a clear stand: Justiza won't recognise the authority of the propontine senate if it will take the direct control of the empire. We suggest to consider the possibility of consulting the people with a referendum to gain the needed legitimacy. Minister of foreign affairs -GiancarloCompagno

 

[Pelasgia]

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Tiburan Empire
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Public Statement
​

1st of June, 1956
To whom it may concern

While we do appreciate the input of our Justinian allies, the Emperor or Empress is appointed by the Senate and drows His or Her power from the authority of the Senate and the People of Tibur. With that in mind, the Senate could, theoretically, at any point decide to dismiss the Emperor, as it has done, or abolish the office entirely. Of course, due to the long historical and sentimental value of the office, the people of our Nation would most certainly be consulted, if the Senate were to ever propose such a bold measure. The Empire's founding pillars are, after all, the Senate and the People of Tibur.

Signed and Sealed,

Ioannes Argyropoulos

Minister of Foreign Affairs
Tiburan Empire

ONE EMPIRE · ONE LAW · ONE CHURCH
​

 

[Kadikistani Union]

People's Commissariat for External Affairs

"Recent event in the Propontine Empire reflect and indeed prove that dark ultra-nationalist elites are the ones truly running the political and socio-economic lives of all Pelasgians. First the belligerent Empire provokes the Status Quo Treaty in the Kalahari Sea by shipping massive amounts of military grade weaponry to the rogue state of Justiza. Thereafter they ban the liberty of speech and thinking by banning all Marxist-Leninovist activity effectively outlawing only legitimate party of the country, the Internationalist Communist Party of Pelasgia (DKKP). Now this faction has managed to destroy the last thing that stood in their way to achieve total control over the country. While we do not mourn for the deaths of hereditary members of an imperialist institution, we have received the message that the ultra-nationalist, anti-communist forces have established themselves as absolute rulers. Another in a long line of sad days for all Pelasgians. We will however continue to stand by them with the hope that one day in the near future justice can be brought upon the enslavers and true liberty and equality can be established for the oppressed Pelasgian people."

Signed,
_X_
Col. Dimitri Leninov
People's Commissar for External Affairs
Democratic Republic of Kadikistan

 

[Merioneth]

Veniasufian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

​

We wish the best for the Pelasgian people as they move forwards and start a new era, let it be known that whether Pelasgia is an Empire, a Kingdom or a Republic your Veniasufia will always stand by your side. We welcome a new future for Pelasgia.

Rt. Honourable, Anders W. Fischer, Prime Minister of Veniasufia

 

[Pelasgia]

ΠΡΟΠΟΝΤΙΟΣ ΛΟΓΟΘΕΤΗΣ
3 ΙΟΥΝΙΟΥ 1956 · Οʹ ΤΕΥΧΟΣ · ΥΠΕΡΠΥΡΟΝ 1 · ΕΚ ΤΟΥ ΕΤΟΥΣ 1846
​

SENATE NOMINATES GRAND DUKE FOR EMPEROR
People of the Empire to decide in referendum - Republic also an option
by Ioanna Droungaraina, Political analyst

With preparations for the former Emperor and Despot's funeral underway, the Senate of the Empire has nominated Grand Duke Attalos Laskaris-Komnenos, the commander of the Empire's fleets, to the post of Emperor. While the Grand Duke originally considered refusing the nomination, he was convinced by Marshal Herakleios Artopoiopoulos, the temporary Regent, to accept it after a private meeting between the two men, so as to ensure the stability of the Nation at this critical time. Laskaris-Komnenos is currently the most prominent noble in the Empire, being related to the former Emperor by blood, while he is also widely respected as a reformer and a military commander, having commanded the Empire's fleets for over a decade. His administration of the Theme of Pierheia is also considered very successful, having served as a model for the Empire's adminitistrative reform, which he pushed forward, while, more recently, he was in charge of the Imperial Navy's garrison in the friendly island-nation of Justiza.

The Senate approved the nomination with a great majority, on the condition that it would have to be confirmed or rejected via referendum. The Socliast Labour People's Party and the Liberal Union added a demand for an option to support the abolition of the office of Emperor and a complete return to the Republican model, in exchange for their approval. Republican sentiment has also been growing strong, both from Classicists who view Pelasgia as the source of Democracy and, thus, incompatible with an institution that is, in all but name, monarchic, as well as Aristotelian-Ciceronian Republicans, who consider a well governed Polity to be the ideal model for all nations, especially the Pelasgo-Tiburan one. Never the less, it is true that the office of Emperor has come to acquire great sentimental and cultural value among Tiburians. Many have proposed a compromise by way of a 'Crowned' Republic, a Parliamentary Constitutional 'Monarchy', though the Empire has never technically been a monarchy. The Grand Duke himself has stated that he is in support of such a change and would set a Constitutional Revision to implement it as a prerequisite for his acceptance of the office. [continued on page 2]

OTHER HEADLINES
☞ (International) - Burgundian military review becomes show of force, as tensions with Serreniere mount to an all-time high. [page 4]
☞ (Defence) - Imperial Navy reinforces garrison in Justiza base as a response to Kadikistani claims that the Empire's 'regime' has supported the 'rogue nation of Justiza.' [page 6]

 

[Merioneth]

Veniasufia Ministry of Foreign Affairs

​

We here in Veniasufia would like to be the first to congratulate Grand Duke Attalos on his appointment to the office of Emperor. We also send our prayers to the former Emperor and the Despot, we hope that god can forgive them for there sins. We also commend the Emperor Attalos' efforts to bring democracy to the home of democracy and praise his continuing efforts.

Rt. Honourable, Anders W. Fischer, Prime Minister of Veniasufia

 

[Rheinbund]

Aussenministerium
Trier, Eiffelland

We are quite astonished by the recent events in the Propontine Empire. Our condolences go to the former Empress of the Propontine Empire, who lost both her husband and her only son on the same day. We pray for the deceased Emperor Andronikos Komnenos. We also pray for the deceased Despot Isaakios Komnenos and his apparent boyfriend Orestes Theatrikos, and hope that they have found the rest they failed to find on Earth.
We also call upon the Senate, the new Emperor Attalos Laskaris-Komnenos and the People of the Propontine Empire to assess the new situation with calmness and to not take overhasty decisions. We welcome the decision to hold a referendum on the future position of the Emperor. We will follow the events in the Propontine Empire with very much interest.

Rudolph Kögler, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Vice-Chancellor

OOC: Actually, my Government does not really know if they like the new situation or not. Basicly, it is against coups d’état, also this is not something it likes, either. Especially not given the agreements made between you, Justiza, Nichtstein (in absentia), Bourgogne (in absentia but with retrospective approval) and me. On the other hand, it will have had some intelligence and have known a bit more about the situation than it could read in Προπντιος Λογοθετης.
Basicly, my Government would not have liked a Propontine Empire that would go militaristic and nationalist, and it did see that the country was slowly but surely moving into that direction. In that sense, Artopoiopoulos’s intervention may be welcomed.
In any case, my government hopes that the agreements closed in Schloss Köpenick are still valid. Furthermore, it will follow-up the future decisions by your government very closely in order to determine if the change was a positive or negative one

 

[Pelasgia]

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Tiburan Empire
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Public Statement
​

5th of June, 1956
To whom it may concern

We thank our friends from Veniasufia and Eiffelland for their support and condolences. Unlike Kadikistan's delusional leaders, who choose to perceive everything as an eternal struggle of the 'proletariat' and the 'bourgeoisie'. The Senate and the People of Tibur shall stand by all their previous agreements, promises and treaties, regardless of the outcome of the referendum. We would also like to invite observers from [MENTION=26]Bourgogne[/MENTION], [MENTION=1839]Justiza[/MENTION], @

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and @

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, so as to ensure that it is properly and cleanly conducted.

Signed and Sealed,

Ioannes Argyropoulos

Minister of Foreign Affairs
Tiburan Empire

ONE EMPIRE · ONE LAW · ONE CHURCH
​

 

[Merioneth]

Veniasufia Ministry of Foreign Affairs

​

We would be honoured to send observers to ensure that the people's will is accepted. We here also understand that this is not an attempt to institute a proletariat, this is an attempt by the Senate to give back the freedom that was so unlawfully stolen away from them by the previous Emperor. We continue to send our prayers to the people of Pelasgia and will do all we can to help ensure the continued stability in their historic and beautiful nation. We know these are only the first steps but they are great steps towards building an even grater Pelasgia.

Best of Luck and Warm Wishes From,
Queen Madeline and Her Government

 

[Rheinbund]

Aussenministerium
Trier, Eiffelland

We thank you for the reassuring that the new government of the Propontine Empire will abide by international agreements and treaties closed by the previoues government. We also feel honoured by the invitation to send observers to the referendum. We will accept this invitation; Eiffellandian observers will travel to the Propontine Empire to observe the referendum when the time is there.

Rudolph Kögler, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Vice-Chancellor

 

[Furlanìe]

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Foreign ministry Furzillo, Justiza "Let it be clear that the justinian people will take the possibility of monitor the voting of the referendum very seriously, this was a wise decision from Tiburia that won't be forgot, taking aside the apparent brutality of your nation's internal politics we see once again our affinity in regard of respecting our own citizens and trusting in their ability to make the right choice. Furthermore we hope the senate of Propontis will accept without conditions the results of the referendum for the good of the state and the future of his allies'' Minister of foreign affairs -GiancarloCompagno

 

[Pelasgia]

ΠΡΟΠΟΝΤΙΟΣ ΛΟΓΟΘΕΤΗΣ
8 ΙΟΥΝΙΟΥ 1956 · ΟΑʹ ΤΕΥΧΟΣ · ΥΠΕΡΠΥΡΟΝ 1 · ΕΚ ΤΟΥ ΕΤΟΥΣ 1846
​

LONG LIVE EMPEROR ATTALOS!
Rereferendum results published by authorities
by Ioanna Droungaraina, Political analyst

After two days of voting, with attendance reaching historic levels at nearly 80% of the electorate, Pelasgians from across the Empire voted to decide the future of the Nation's political institutions. A majority of nearly 76% refused to abolish the position of Emperor, with Melingia showing the highest percentage in favour of maintaing the historic office at nearly 80%, while Aegimia was the region most in favour of a republic at nearly 45%. On the second day of the referendum, more than 82% of voters supported the election of Megas Doux (Grand Duke) Attalos Laskaris-Komnenos, a respected governor and military officer, as well as the Nation's most prominent Noble, at the moment, on the condition of a Constitutional revision, to enact a Constiution which grants more power to elected officials and limits the Imperial office to mainly ceremonial and emergency duties.

The Grand Duke thanked Regent-Marshal Herakleios Artopoiopoulos for his service to the Nation both as a temporary Head of State and as the defender of its Democracy, having saved the Senate and the centuries old instutions of the Empire from a ultra-nationalist coup. Attalos Laskaris-Komnenos is expected to be sworn to the office of Emperor, by the Senate on Sunday, followed by his ceremonial blessing ceremony in the Haghia Pronoia, the Imperial Cathedral of Propontis. Foreign ambassadors and dignitaries have been invited, while celebrations have broken out across the Nation, as thousands cherish the end of the Militarists' rule and the new day for the Empire's politics which has finally dawned. The Emperor congrtulated and thanked the people, whom he refered to as "Pelasgians" instead of "Tiburans," once again showing his support for the growing movement to focus on the Nation's own Pelasgian heritage, instead of imported Tiburan identities, without abandoning the latter nor understating their huge effect on contemporary and historical Pelasgian civilisation, politics and culture.

A Constitutional Draft has been put forth by the Liberal Union, who were the main supporters of a compromise, with wide support from across the political scene. The Draft is largely based on the Constitution of the Parliamentary Monarchy that had ruled the nation before the Militarists' takeover, being modernised to fit the current times and with the addition of several clauses to ensure the decentralisation of certain aspects of government, such as the economy, to help grow the entire nation's economy, instead of limiting growth to the capital and core regions. With the uncertainty that defined the Empire's politics largely gone, the military and security measures are being loosened, though they are still not entirely being lifted until the new Constitution is enacted and Legislative Elections are conducted. [continued on page 2]

OTHER HEADLINES
☞ (National) - Several far left groups sprayed slogans near polling stations, mainly seeking to spread far-left propaganda, in a move that is perceived by many as an attempt by Marxist-Leninovist remnants to undermine the Referendum. One of the youths was shot dead while attempting to flee Military Police, after he had been caught breaking curfew near a police checkpoint, in Brennia, while another was wounded and has been arrested in Aegimia. [page 4]
☞ (International) - Eiffelland, Justiza and Veniasufia send observers to ensure neutrality, transparency and due process of referendum. [page 6]

 

[Pelasgia]

ΠΡΟΠΟΝΤΙΟΣ ΛΟΓΟΘΕΤΗΣ
13 ΙΟΥΝΙΟΥ 1956 · ΟΒʹ ΤΕΥΧΟΣ · ΥΠΕΡΠΥΡΟΝ 1 · ΕΚ ΤΟΥ ΕΤΟΥΣ 1846
​

EMPEROR & EMPRESS CROWNED IN HAGHIA PRONOIA
Senate approves new constitution & dissolves, in anticipation of elections
by Ioanna Droungaraina, Political analyst

Merely a few days after being successfully nominated as Emperor, Laskaris Attalos-Komnenos was annointed Emperor by the Senate, yesterday morning, and then ceremonially crowned Emperor in the Imperial Patriarchal Cathedral of Haghia Pronoia, in Propontis. The Emperor was welcomed by a large crowd, made up of thousands of followers from all corners of the Empire, as well as foreign tourists, who have started to flock to Pelasgia since summer begun. In accordance to the milennia old Tiburan traditions, the Emperor received the crown from the Eucumenical Patriarch, His All-Holiness Gregory VII, the leader of the Christian Orthodox faith, before placing the crown on his head. Following a short prayer and proskynesis by all those present, the Emperor crowned his wife Despoina, Co-Empress and Co-Consul, effectively making her his successor and sharing his power with her. This was followed by the Polychronion, the Imperial Coronation Anthem, which is also the Empire's National Anthem, dating back to the ancient Tiburan chant 'Ad multos annos.' Celebrations took place across the Empire, as thousands celebrate the coronation of Their Majesties, which has brought with it the end of the vacancy of the position of Emperor.

The New Constitution - Legislature & Nobility
At the same time, the Imperial Senate approved the new constitution and dissolved in anticipation of elections. According to the new Constitution, the Chamber of the Patricians and the Chamber of Representatives will be abolished. The Empire's Legislature will instead be split into the Senate (Synklētos) and the National Assembly (Ethnikē Syneleusis), collectively called Common Parliament (Koinoboulion). The upper house, the Senate will be made up of 12 Senators from each Theme (Province), with a total of 120 Senators. The National Assembly will be made up 445 Representatives, the seats in the National Assembly being granted to individual constituencies according to their populations, with direct proportional representation. While the Patrician Class and Titles are not abolished, all hereditary priviledges and positions which had not already been abolished by the Constitution of 1922 are hereby abolished. All Imperial family members are by default Patricians and the Emperor may still name Patricians at the recommendation of the Senate for extraordinary services to the Pelasgian Empire.

The New Constitution - Provincial Governments & Central Government
The individual government of each Theme is granted control over its provincial environment, natural resources, agriculture, economy, regional public transport and infrastructure, provincial cultural infrastructure, monuments and preservation and the quality of its public administration. Other government powers as well as all nation-wide projects even within the aformentioned sectors remain within the Central Government's control and all Thematic Government has to comply with the Central Government's guidelines and laws. The Thematic Legislatures are the Thematikai Boulai (singular: Thematikē Boule), which are unicameral, their members being elected according to direct proportional representation. Both the Central and Thematic governments will have a four year term. The positions of Mesazōn and Megas Logothetēs, which had up until now only been unofficially united into the post of Prime Minister, are now officially merged into the Office of Prime Minister (Prōthypourgos). The Prime Minister will be elected every four years by the Common Parliament, having supreme executive authority over all matters of the central government. Logothetes are now replaced by the Ministers, who convene in the Council of Ministers, which is headed by the Prime Minister, its President, in the name of the Senate and the Emperor.

The New Constitution - Legal Power & Secularism
The Legal System will remain as is, completely independent from the Legislative and Executive branches, with the power to override both branches if it considers their actions or laws unconstitutional and/or illegal. The Supreme Court of Cassation, the Areopagus (Areios Pagos), and the Supreme Adminitistrative Court, the Council of the State (Symboulion tēs Epikrateias), will continue to act as the Supreme Legal Instruments of the Nation. Furthermore, the Emergency Military Tribunals for Matters of National and Civil Security, which had been used by the militarist régime to override or circumvent Civil Courts, have now been permanently abolished. Their decisions will be reviewed by the Areopagus and the Council of the State. The Imperial Military Police have been restricted back to the armed forces and its three branches have been disbanded and joined into the Imperial Armed Forces Police, while the Urban Police and Gendarmerie have been reorganised into the joint Imperial Police, which will handle all civic duties and will have new leadership. These measures are aimed at eliminating militarist influence from law enforcement. The new constiution guarantees all civil rights, liberties and freedoms to all citizens, regardless of race, religion, sex and other characteristics, in accordance with international law and internationally accepted norms. The State and the Church are seperated, with Religion not being allowed to interfere with legislature. The Emperor is still the chief of the Orthodox Christian Church, as God's Representative on Earth, and Helios, the Pelasgian Sun God, in Pelasgian Polytheism, but neither the State nor the Emperor are bound by these faiths in the execution of their duties and powers. Education is also fully secularised and all schools, including Private Schools, have to abide by the principles of Secularism. The property of the Church which is not related to its religious or community work is confiscated into the Ministry of Culture and/or other respective Ministries. The Church is also fully taxed and the State will no longer pay the salaries of its clerics. The Church's monastery zones are limited to the premises of its actual Monastery buildings and even they are subject to the basic principles of Imperial Law.

The New Constitution - Imperial Prerogative
The Emperor now holds the prerogative to sanction and promulgate the laws approved by the Common Parliament, to summon and dissolve the Common Parliament and to call elections under the terms provided in the Constitution, to call a referendum in the circumstances provided for in the Constitution at the recommendation or request of the Common Parliament, to propose a candidate for President of the Government and, as the case may be, appoint him or remove him from office, always with the approval of Parliament, as provided in the Constitution, (the proposal of a candidate has to be according to the Dedēlōmenē Principle, meaning that the Emperor is oblidged to propose the chief of the Parliament with the largest number of seats and failing his appointment, the leaders of the other parties according to the seats they hold in parliament until a Prime Minister is chosen by Parliament for the Emperor or Empress Regent to appoint or a new election is held, with the process repeated after), to appoint and dismiss members of the Central Government on the proposal of its President (the Prime Minister), to issue the decrees agreed upon by the Council of Ministers, to confer civil and military employments and award honours and distinctions in conformity with the law, to exercise supreme command of the Armed Forces, to exercise the right to grant pardons in accordance with the law, which may not authorize general pardons and to exercise the High Patronage of the Imperial Academies and Universities. The Emperor is also supremely in charge of religious affairs and holidays and retains the right to appoint the Eucumenical Patriarch at the recommendation of the Holy Synod of Archbishops.

The New Constitution - Imperial Succession & Armed Forces
The post of Emperor and Empress remains officially non-hereditary, being ceremonially appointed by the Senate. The Emperor or Empress Regent has the right to appoint a Despot or Despoina as their Heir Apparent, Co-Consul & Successor, with the ceremonial approval of the Senate. They may also appoint a Co-Emperor or Co-Empress, of their choice. Men and women are equal in the eyes of the law in Imperial Succession, too, since both can be fully fledged holders of the Imperial Office. Since the Emperor is still the ceremonial head of the Armed Forces, they are still the Imperial Armed Forces, beind devided into the Imperial Army, the Imperial Navy and the Imperial Aviation. 12 month conscription to one of the three forces, of the recruit's choice, is required for all male citizens between 19 and 45, with some minimal monetary compensation. People with serious health problems, including the mentally ill, fathers of more than three children, the eldest son in a family, whose members cannot support themselves and fathers whose wife has died or is incapable of work and whose children cannot support themselves, are exempt from Military Service. Citizens who have been living constantly abroad since their eleventh birthday and whose parents are not employed by the state are required to serve three months. Scientists involved in outstanding research may serve three to six months, but are required to buy off the remaining duration of the normal tour. These conscripts may fulfill their military obligations in disjointed tours of two months. Members of large families (over three children) serve for six months (families with over 6 children). Citizens whose income is required to support family members (such as children, elderly parents or younger siblings) may serve an eight-month tour. The first son in a family where the father is past the age of 70 or has died serve an 8-month tour. People in strategically sensitive areas may be required and are permitted to serve in the National Guard (Ethnophylakē).

The New Constitution - Nation & Citizenship
According to the new Constitution, the Empire is no longer the Tiburan Empire, but, rather, its sole legal successor, the Pelasgian Empire, commonly shortened to Pelasgia. The Empire's Citizens and Nationals are Pelasgians. The Empire's sole official language is Pelasgian, though the Empire has decided to move on from Archaic Koine to Katharevousa Koine, a form which is closer to modern regional and popular dialects, being understood, written and spoken by practically all Pelasgians. The Polychronion is still the Empire's Imperial, National & Coronation Anthem. The Imperial flag has been changed to the banner of the Laskaris Dynasty, with its proportions adjusted from 1:1 to 2:3. The flag features a black, double headed Imperial Eagle, with red beaks and a light golden Imperial Crown above its heads, on a darker golden field. The Imperial Coat of Arms is the same eagle, including the Imperial Crown, which can be displayed on a circulr shield, a shield or on its own. The national motto has been changed from the dynastic motto of the Komnenoi and the motto of the Militarists to the historic phrase «Ἐν τούτῳ νίκα» ('En toútōi níka,' also known in Latin as 'In hoc signo vinces', meaning 'In this sign you shall conquer' or 'In this, conquer'). The Eagle is still the nation's official animal, while Athena Promachos has been adopted as the National Personification, as had been during the time of the short-lived Pelasgian Republic. The Empire is no longer a Tiburan Empire bent on restoring its past expanse and further expand its rule to the entire world but, rather, a Pelasgian Nation State. [continued on page 2]

OTHER HEADLINES
☞ (National) - Supreme Court judge Demosthenes Philaras appointed interim Prime Minister by the Emperor, until elections are held. [page 4]
☞ (National) - Areopagus & Council of State overturn Militarists' ban on DKKP & Marxism Leninovism, but uphold conviction of conspirators and require DKKP's new leadership to denounce them. Ideological Rehabilitation Camps have been closed down and their inmates have been freed and compensated by the Imperial Authorities. Experts baffled over whether the DKKP will boycott the elections and risk fragmenting and losing more followers or re-emerge and denounce its former leadership. ( @

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) [page 6]
☞ (International) - Eiffelland re-opens her insular military bases in the Long Sea, due to hightened defensive needs as international tensions rise. Government faces backlash from opposition. [page 8]

 

[Kadikistani Union]

People's Commissariat for External Affairs

"While we remain vigilant towards the new Propontis regime, we welcome and applaud its attempts to restore political stability by reversing their most undemocratic laws which allowed for the prohibition of all Marxist-Leninovist thought and activity. We hope that the compensations promised by the new Pelasgia will be sufficient in comparison to the terrible ordeals these brave men and women underwent during the militarist regime in the so-called 'Ideological Rehabilitation Camps', which were nothing more then death camps according to our sources. But if the new government truly wishes to break with the old regime it will not demand further persecution of DKKP leadership. The latter, as the world knows all to well, have done nothing but openly express their sympathies as is their democratic right. Not even when their were being hunted and murdered in the streets and the many death camps did they issue an official call-to-arms that would have brought about a long and bloody civil war. The DKKP and its leadership had nothing to do with the attacks committed by the Red Argonauts, which misguidedly followed an anarchist interpretation of Marxism which is highly in contrast to the ideology Kadikistan shares with the DKKP, nor the assassination of Lambros Garyphallidis, which we believe was a ploy by the militarists to justify their own expansion of power. We will not agree with the persecution of DKKP members, be they leaders or militants, because even when the repression was at its hardest they did nothing wrong. If anything it should be the Pelasgian military leadership who should face trial for the numerous lives they ended or otherwise destroyed.

The people of Pelasgia should rejoice. This is a major victory for the DKKP, which is now fully legitimized. There discipline and dedication to Marxist-Leninovism in the hardest of times and the many martyrs that it sadly produced will be viewed with the awe that it deserves. The movement will not be shattered as some expect or even hope, but will grow stronger and more united instead."

Signed,
_X_
Col. Dimitri Leninov
People's Commissar for External Affairs
Democratic Republic of Kadikistan

 

[Pelasgia]

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Pelasgian Empire
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Public Statement
​

14th of June, 1956
To whom it may concern

The world knows rather clearly that the former leaders of the DKKP were members of a conspiracy to assasinate the Heir Apparent of the Empire, an act which cannot go unpunished. They have been transfered to a High Security Prison and will remain there until their sentences are carried out. The person 'murdered in the streets' broke curfew and was shot after repeatedly failing to heed the Military Police Officers' calls to stop and identify themselves, in addition to vandalising state property.

It would seem the the Ivar Régime's sources are not very well informed, as it is rather common knowledge that the leaders of the Militarist Junta have been arrested and are awaiting trial in the Empire's supreme court for a large list of severe crimes. We once again denounce with the most harsh of tongues the claim that the murder of Senator Lambros Garyphallides by an outspoken DKKP member and supporter, with no official condemnation or apology from the former DKKP leadership, which Kadikistan seeks so desperately to portray as martyrs, was not in any way orchestrated by any Security Forces of the Imperial Government. Unlike Kadikistan, even in its darkest of times, our Empire does not murder those who oppose its policies.

The Red Argonauts, which Kadikistan has repeatedly called heroes, did not 'misinterpret' Kadikistan's call to terrorism and bloody rebellion, they were the perfect embodiment of it, as past records of smuggling weapons, supplies and ideological material from Kadikistan's shores to the Red Argonauts serves to highlight. The only thing Kadikistan is truly concerned about, is that these terrorists acted without consulting or operating under the control of the DKKP, its ideological satellite in our nation.

Our Crowned Republic has a space for all democratic, legitimate, non-violent parties to make their case, in accordance with the eternal spirit of Pelasgian Democracy. We wish we could say the same for Kadikistan, where there mysteriously seems to be no significant, open opposition to socialist policies. We also laugh at the idea that the DKKP ever even had the capacity to spark a 'civil war,' as its support in public polls and among our people in general is extremely low, especially compared to the democratic and peaceful SEKP, notwithstanding the fact that both parties are descended from Mr. Garyphallides' Labour Party. The DKKP is welcome to partake in our Democracy, provided it severes its links with its old leaders and gets new leadership. Its new leaders will then be free to claim that the condemnation of their former leaders was illegitimate as much as they want, though we wouldn't recommend it, since it would probably damaged their already low voter support.

Signed and Sealed,

Laonike Samarina

Interim Minister of Foreign Affairs
Pelasgian Empire

ΕΝ ΤΟΥΤΩΙ ΝΙΚΑ
​

 

[Pelasgia]

ΠΡΟΠΟΝΤΙΟΣ ΛΟΓΟΘΕΤΗΣ
19 ΙΟΥΝΙΟΥ 1956 · ΟΓʹ ΤΕΥΧΟΣ · ΥΠΕΡΠΥΡΟΝ 1 · ΕΚ ΤΟΥ ΕΤΟΥΣ 1846
​

ELECTORAL RESULTS PUBLISHED BY MINISTRY OF INTERIOR
Nationalists lose majority - Triumph for Liberal Union & SEKP, possible coalition
by Ioanna Droungaraina, Political analyst

With yesterday's polls having closed and all votes having been accounted for, the Ministry of the Interior has published the official electoral results for the latest Imperial Legislative Election and Adminitistrative Election. The results first announced on national television and radio, through the state news netork, ART (Autokratorikē Rhadiophōnia kai Tēlēorasis), late at night. The elections have left the once dominant Nationalists gutted, their party leader and former Prime Minister, Eustratios Kantakouzēnos being forced to resign, as his part went from an electoral support of 37%, to a mere 5%, lagging behind the Liberal Union and the Socialist Labour Party of Pelasgia (SEKP), which received 33% and 27% of the vote, respectively. The Merchantile Union has risen to 16%, while the Conservative National Rally, the successor of the Orthodox Rally, has eaten away at the Nationalists, rising to 12%. The sidelined Internationalist Communist Party of Pelasgia (DKKP) has managed to attain 7% of the public vote, making it the second smallest of all parties in the Koinoboulion, as it has lost significant support to the SEKP. The Liberal Union and the SEKP are expected to come to a compromise and form a Coalition government, in the coming days, as the two sides have already begun negotiations.

In the elections for the Thematic Boulae, the results are not too different. The Themes of Phryxaea, Opsicia and Pierheia have given the majority of their Boulae's seats to the Liberal Union, while Brennia and Aegimia have given theirs to the SEKP. The Archipelago has given a majority to the Merchantile Union, while Euxenia has given a majority to the National Rally. Melingia and Aethyia, traditionally politically diverse areas, have given a majority to no single party, being run by broad coalitions, instead. The Nationalists have only partially retained a control of Mopsia, the Theme of Pelasgia's southern border, where they have formed a coalition with the National Rally.

All in all, the traditionally centrist themes in the country's North and Northeast have shown great support for the Liberal Union, while the more socialist Centre and West of the country supported the SEKP. The DKKP was hoping to earn a victory in these themes, especially in Brennia were it got most of its votes from, but it has so far failed to appeal to a significant voter base. The Archipelago is the place of origin of most of the Empire's shipping magnate and merchant clans, so it's no surprise that they have chosen to elect the Merchantile Union as their Thematic government, through a strong majority in their Boule. Aethyia and Melingia, the Themes of 'Old' Pelasgia have traditionally been very varied, though not very far from the centre, areas, both to the right and left. Their Boulae boast a variety of nation-wide and local parties and it is no surprise that they are being governed by moderate, coalition governments. Euxenia and Mopsia, the Empire's border provinces with the 'true,' non-Western Himyar, have always been rather conservative and xenophobic, so their electoral results were expectable.

These elctions do show a shift away from the fringes and more to the centre and centre left of the political sphere, while the fact that no single party managed to gain a solid majority, forcing the two leading parties into a coalition, has been seen positively by many, who, after so many years of dominant Nationalist rule, would like to experience the balance and moderation a coalition would bring to the country. Others question precisely how stable the new coalition government will be. [continued on page 2]

OTHER HEADLINES
☞ (Sports) - 2792nd traditional Pampelasgic Games held in Melingia,with thousands of spectators from both home and abroad. Aethyians conquer first place in swimming, on the first day, with Nearchos Thrasyboulou receiving the traditional Kotinos from the Hellanodikae of the Pampelasgic Committee. Pankration competition to be held tomorrow, with Leuktran victory almost assured. [page 4]
☞ (International) - New terrorist attack in Mehldorf, with the People's Militia taking responsibility. Ministry of Foreign Affairs stands by the United Kingdom and condemns the attack. [page 8]

 

[Pelasgia]

ΠΡΟΠΟΝΤΙΟΣ ΛΟΓΟΘΕΤΗΣ
20 ΙΟΥΝΙΟΥ 1956 · ΟΔʹ ΤΕΥΧΟΣ · ΥΠΕΡΠΥΡΟΝ 1 · ΕΚ ΤΟΥ ΕΤΟΥΣ 1846
​

COALITION GOVERNMENT SWORN IN
SEKP & Liberal Union join forces - New financial measures
by Ioanna Droungaraina, Political analyst

In Sunday's Legislative & Adminitistrative Elections, the Liberal Union and the Socialist Labour Party of Pelasgia (SEKP) came out on top as the two dominant political forces, receiving 33% and 27% of the vote and the provincial governments of three and two Themes, respectively. The two parties entered negotiations, following the ceremonial command of His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor, to the Liberal Union's leader, Sophokles Krevatas, to form a government. The SEKP has agreed to support a joint government, in exchange for the appointment of its Members of Parliament to certain ministerial positions, as well as the vice-presidency of the government. These Ministries are the Ministry of Labour & Social Affairs, the Ministry of Health & Welfare, the Ministry of Environment, Energy & Climate, the Ministry of Agriculture & Food and the Ministry of Culture & Tourism. The Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Education, the Interior, the Economy, Finance, Public Security, Infrastructure & Networks and Maritime Affairs, Island Affairs & Fisheries will be headed by Liberal Union members. The Ministry National Defence will be headed by the new Megas Doux, Nikolaos Kallerges, who was recently appointed by the Emperor, to replace His Imperial Majesty. The new Cabinet was sworn in by his Imperial Majesty, in the Great Palace of Propontis, while the new members of the Koinoboulion were sworn in at their respective house, yesterday. The Socialist Senator Arsinoe Thalassine, from the Acte, has been elected to the position of Speaker of the Common Parliament.

In its first act, the new coalition government have drafted a set of new financial measures, to strengthen the growth and boost the competitiveness of the Pelasgian economy. Taxes have been reduced, so as to facilitate economic growth and several pieces of needless legislation, which slowed down the process of economic development are being repealled. The government have also taken measures to strengthen social security and workers' rights. The two sides, especially at the instistence of the SEKP have taken several measures to spread economic growth in various sectors across the nation and develop the provinces, especially the more rural and poorer ones, to counteract the Nationalists' Propontidocentric economic approach. These proposals have earned the support of the Merchantile Union, which has also called on the government to loosen the Nationalists' strict restrictions on migration, to import cheap labour from abroad, so as to boost economic growth. However, both the SEKP and the Liberal Union have refused to do so. While both parties seem willing to loosen migratory restrictions, they will probably push forth reforms to help refugees, educated foreigners and students from abroad, instead of low-cost improted labour, and these reforms are expected to be an entirely different piece of legislation much further in the future. The DKKP has spoken against the financial reform package, labelling it a 'blow against the lower classes, especially those of agricultural areas, such as Brennia' and a 'step towards making the nation more dependent on bourgeois capital'. The National Rally has also rejected the proposal, saying that it does not do enough for the people of the southern provinces, such as Mopsia and Euxenia, while the Nationalists have accused the government of failing to work together with major capital holders, to ensure their concerns are addressed. The proposal is expected to be voted on near the end of next week. [continued on page 2]

OTHER HEADLINES
☞ (Sports) - 2792nd traditional Pampelasgic Games: despite high expectations for the Leuktran team, the Antinochians have stolen the show, by taking the first place in Pankration from the once uncontested Leuktrans. [page 4]
☞ (International) - Despite severe opposition from the Prime Opposition, Eiffelland's government go forward with constructing insular air bases in the Long Sea, having secured Parliament's approval. [page 8]

 

[Rheinbund]

Kanzleramt
Trier, Eiffelland

We congratulate the Liberal Union and the SEKP with their victories in the elections, and we congratulate Mr. Krevatas with becoming the new Prime Minister of Pelasgia. We also congratulate all the new Ministers in his government, and trust in a fruitful cooperation with the new government.

Matthias Graf von Seydewitz, Chancellor

 

[Kadikistani Union]

People's Commissariat for External Affairs

"According to our well-informed sources there were no major irregularities during these elections, which puts the new regime in Propontis in a better light. We have the opinion, however, that the elections took place too soon after the legalization of the DKKP. Mere days after the DKKP returned to the public life the party had to face general elections. This is not enough time to allow the DKKP to properly organize and wage an electoral campaign. The fact that the party managed to persuade no less than 7% of the Pelasgian people, regardless of the mass repression by the previous regime and short amount of time to organize, clearly shows that support for Marxist-Leninovist policies is very large among the Pelasgian working class. Almost one out of ten Pelasgians of voting age support the DKKP and we are confident this percentage lies even higher among the youth. There is no doubt in our mind that, when given the proper amount of time to organize a land-wide campaign, the prestigious DKKP would have been one of the major parties.

With the latter said we are positively surprised by the recent happenings in Pelasgia and hope stability will reach the nation soon, for the people's sake."

Signed,
_X_
Col. Dimitri Leninov
People's Commissar for External Affairs
Democratic Republic of Kadikistan