Press From Boganhem - Order Restored in the Free Cities.

[Free Cities League]

De Daglishes Harrold
sinds 1893, fon Malachor

Rikhardisten Ankreve Murdert Fortsi Mensh in Svarttor
Rikhardist Attack Murders Fourty People in Svarttor
Svarttor

[FONT=&quot]The inhabitants of Svarttor, one of Goddhaus's major cities and the only one untouched by the Rikhardist resistance, have suffered, for the first time, an attack from Rikhard fon Malachor's forces. Fourty people died while about ninety-four were injured in a series of strikes.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]The attacks were a series of coordinated strikes, with two bombs blowing up in the centre of town, one in the city market and another in front of the police station in the city. Besides the two bombs, who did most of the killing, it was reported that armed and masked men assaulted people in the street, asking them who were they loyal to, if 'to the true and holy King' or to the 'traitor' (Rikhard and Robert respectively). If people did not answer the first answer right away, the masked men would probably beat them up or even shoot them.

The few policemen in conditions of doing something were trying to treat the injured in the two bombings while some others were injured, allegedly from sniper shooters. By 3 pm, when a regiment of the Royal Army, lately arrived, the terrorists were gone to the mountains right behind the city.

The Mayor of Svarttor, Kannut Vët, said that it was 'shameful' that not 'a single soldier' of the Royal Army is present in Svarttor, in his opinion 'the most vulnerable town to Rikhardist attacks'. Karl fon Kongsberg, the new Secretary of State for Internal Affairs who, in cooperation with the King, coordinates national defence, gave a small press conference today, where he said that: 'the Government is in mourning for all those who perished. May this be a warning sign for better policies in the future - from now on, Svarttor will have a permanent regiment guarding its outskirts, and in the future, it will be from Svarttor that we will coordinate attacks in the heart of Rikhardist territory.'

Meanwhile, former monarch and now terrorist Rikhard fon Malachor issued a small statement saying that the attack was 'only the beginning' of a series of showcases of the 'Gods' wrath towards this new evil Government'.
This is the biggest and bloodiest Rikhardist attack to the date.
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[Free Cities League]

De Daglishes Harrold
sinds 1893, fon Malachor

'Privatizatsionen Shallen Sovar Beginnen' seg Kannutsun and Bakker
'Privatizations Will Soon Begin' say Kannutsun and Bakker
Malachor

[FONT=&quot]In a joint press conference this morning, the Secretaries of State for Finance and for Economy, Erik Kannutsun and Dur Bakker respectively, have announced that their offices are already studying the possibilites of privatizing a large percentage of the statal sector, in order to 'accelerate economic growth' and 'attract foreign investment'.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]There are a lot of state companies which specialists say will be privatized - namely the Natsional Platinum Beselshep (platinum mining), the Konglishes Luvs Kompani (airliner), the Konglishes Fernseenen and Tsaltsogen (televisions and computers), Yesden Hults Beselshep (timber), Natsional Bound dez Kragen and Vepponmakker Kompanien (military industry) and Shipfmakker Staatsbeselshep (naval industry). It was guartanteed by Bakker and Kannutsen that any company related to healthcare, education or energy, gas and water providing will be kept public.

According to the Secretaries of State, these privatizations will 'dinamize' Boganhem's market. According to Bakker: 'monopolies harm consumers, harm private citizens. If we have one airliner, its prices will be higher - if we privatize it and open the sector, other airliners will come, and, competing, their prices will get lower and lower.'. Furthermore, Kannutsun stressed the importance these privatizations will have in balancing the state budget. The Government should submit the approval of these privatizations to the Undergamot, and they are due to be approved in less than a week.

Of course, all left-wing parties attacked the announcement. While the SDP was soft with its criticisms, with Claus Fisher saying 'the Government should act with caution when privatizing', there were violent criticisms from more radical parties. The national-syndicalist leader, Aleksander Olriken, dennounced these privatizations as 'betrayals' that will 'destroy national production, putting it in the hands of foreigners and christians!'. Both the NSP and the communists of the BVB will vote against the privatisations.

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[Free Cities League]

De Daglishes Harrold
sinds 1893, fon Malachor

Anti-Bekering Gezats Ferusaken Grets Kontrovers in'em Untergamot
Anti-Proselytism Law Causes Great Controversy in the Untergamot
Malachor

[FONT=&quot]After the Untergamot approved the privatizations decree, with the accordance of the KP and the FLP (enough to form a majority), the abstension of most of the SDP (with some negative votes cast) and the discord of the NSB and the BVB, Chancellor Villsun caused a great stir within the assembly, announcing the Government's proposal for an anti-proselytism law.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]The Chancellor took chance of the 30 minutes left in today's session and put forth the Government's proposal to prevent christian proselytism, justifying the law by saying: "We all know that, while the Bogan True Religion averts conversion - people freely join it - the Christian religion, in its both variants present in Boganhem (Lutheran and Catholic), has a universalist pretension, with its holy texts telling its believers to spread the word and convert all nations. This being said, we must contain possible aggressive missionaries coming from abroad or even those within our borders - it is known the aggressive and vigorous conversions Christians forced upon other peoples. Let us remain true to our tradition and religion, while letting Christians practicing theirs, without having to spread it. We will do nothing to an adherent in the Bogan True Religion who wants to join Christianity - we will, however, fine and arrest any Christian missionary preaching in our territory, trying to step on our old freedoms."

The proposal had mixed reactions. While the National-Syndicalists supported it, saying it 'should go further', the communists were undecided - Bakker said that it was positive to put limits on religious proselytism, but it should be on all religions, not only one. Only the SDP is vigorously opposed. Claus Fisher said in the Untergamot that this law 'crushes the civil liberties of 7% of our population, who happens to be Christian. Furthermore, it puts Christianity in a lower ground, contradicting the article of the Constitutional Charter who guarantees religious freedom'.

Reverend Lukas Yonsun joined efforts with Bishop Theodor Davidsun (leaders of the Bogan Evangelical and Catholic Churches) to pressure the Liberals, who, in accordance to their coalition deal, will not vote, to say no to the law. Yonsun considers the law to be a "blatant attack on religious freedom - people only convert if they want, but someone must show them the alternative!", words echoed by Bishop Davidsun. The leaders of the Christian churches also fear the a backlash of violence against christians will start, should the public debate become tenser.
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[Free Cities League]

De Daglishes Harrold
sinds 1893, fon Malachor

Anti-Bekering Gezats Ferusaken Grets Kontrovers in'em Untergamot
Anti-Proselytism Law Causes Great Controversy in the Untergamot
Malachor

[FONT=&quot]After the Untergamot approved the privatizations decree, with the accordance of the KP and the FLP (enough to form a majority), the abstension of most of the SDP (with some negative votes cast) and the discord of the NSB and the BVB, Chancellor Villsun caused a great stir within the assembly, announcing the Government's proposal for an anti-proselytism law.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]The Chancellor took chance of the 30 minutes left in today's session and put forth the Government's proposal to prevent christian proselytism, justifying the law by saying: "We all know that, while the Bogan True Religion averts conversion - people freely join it - the Christian religion, in its both variants present in Boganhem (Lutheran and Catholic), has a universalist pretension, with its holy texts telling its believers to spread the word and convert all nations. This being said, we must contain possible aggressive missionaries coming from abroad or even those within our borders - it is known the aggressive and vigorous conversions Christians forced upon other peoples. Let us remain true to our tradition and religion, while letting Christians practicing theirs, without having to spread it. We will do nothing to an adherent in the Bogan True Religion who wants to join Christianity - we will, however, fine and arrest any Christian missionary preaching in our territory, trying to step on our old freedoms."

The proposal had mixed reactions. While the National-Syndicalists supported it, saying it 'should go further', the communists were undecided - Bakker said that it was positive to put limits on religious proselytism, but it should be on all religions, not only one. Only the SDP is vigorously opposed. Claus Fisher said in the Untergamot that this law 'crushes the civil liberties of 7% of our population, who happens to be Christian. Furthermore, it puts Christianity in a lower ground, contradicting the article of the Constitutional Charter who guarantees religious freedom'.

Reverend Lukas Yonsun joined efforts with Bishop Theodor Davidsun (leaders of the Bogan Evangelical and Catholic Churches) to pressure the Liberals, who, in accordance to their coalition deal, will not vote, to say no to the law. Yonsun considers the law to be a "blatant attack on religious freedom - people only convert if they want, but someone must show them the alternative!", words echoed by Bishop Davidsun. The leaders of the Christian churches also fear the a backlash of violence against christians will start, should the public debate become tenser.
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[Rheinbund]

Aussenministerium
Trier, Eiffelland

Indeed, religious conversions by force are despiccable. They are also counterproductive. Forced faith is no real faith. But we have to agree with Bishop Davidsun that someone must show the alternative. Room must be left for that.

Rudolph Kögler, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Vice-Chancellor

 

[Free Cities League]

De Daglishes Harrold
sinds 1893, fon Malachor

In de'n Svëte Yahrkom dez Boganishes Demoktrasi, Et Gibs Fil Tsu Plëb Dun
In the Second Anniversary of Bogan Democracy, There is Still Much to be Done
Malachor

Two years ago, a great moment fell upon our nation. By the brave action of the then-Crown Prince Robert (currently King Robert V), the people of Boganhem showed that former King Rikhard V had lost his delegation of supreme power, given by the Gods. In the words of High Priest Albertsen, ‘the God-Father Vodan sent a clear message – from now on, the supreme power had been delegated in Robert, who graciously decided it was time to share it with the People of Boganhem’. And so began the Bogan constitutional monarchy, in which the King decided to delegate his legislative power upon the people of Boganhem, and the judicial power upon independent judges, while keeping the supreme executive and religious power.

Reforms came swiftly: freedom of speech, of thought, of religion were declared. The Constitution written by the King himself vested upon all Bogan citizens fundamental rights – to life, to property, to freedom. And our Nation thrived, as our borders opened for the first time since the 19[SUP]th[/SUP] century, bolstering our economic activity and redistributing wealth throughout the Nation.

Today, the 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] of February 2013, we celebrate two years as a free Nation, and festivities were held in all major cities. In his address to the Hockrad (upper house) and the Untergamot (lower house), however King Robert stressed the problems and challenges the Nation faces. ‘Because it isn’t all rainbows’, the King stated that Bogan society should ‘strive to discuss its problems openly’, in what some considered an indirect message to Chancellor Frank Villsun. In fact, there have been some economic problems that came along the sudden opening and liberalisation of our market – labour security continues to worry some sectors on the left side of the political spectrum; unemployment is on the rise; although having been a general increase in GDP, extreme forms of poverty struck the big cities; the former King Rikhard continues to control several areas of Goddhaus, launching the occasional terrorist attack in other parts of the country; the Free Cities League’s (a polity autonomous but integrated within the Kingdom of Boganhem) status continues uncertain; the province of Norssex (Nordsaex in Bogan), whose native Norssexers have been oppressed for centuries has become problematic, with cries for autonomy leading to violence and instability; and the status of the Christians living inside the country.

Chancellor Frank Villsun quickly stated to the press that he was aware of the Kingdom’s problems, and was ‘working hard to improve them’. According to Villsun: ‘as Chancellor, it is my duty to heed the King’s and the People’s command, and I know that our Kingdom faces many problems. Naturally, problems that cannot be solved by simple decree – the problem solving implies dialogue, consensus-search, among others. It takes time.’ Claus Fisher, leader of the Social-Democrats was quick to state that ‘the King’s Party right-wing savagery’s consequences are visible – many people are suffering from this Government's disastrous economic policies and failure to deal with the Rikhardist problem’.

The ceremony took place in the Kongspalats in Malachor, with demonstrations against the Government’s economic policies taking place outside without any problems, while there was a violent incident in a Norssexer demonstration, which was quickly clamped down by the police.
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[Free Cities League]

Die Handelsburger Zeitung
seit 1778

Spannungen in Norssex eskaliert als autonomistischer Bewegungen Stärke gewinnen
Tensions in Norssex Escalate, as Autonomist Movements Gain Strength
Handelsburg

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Tensions are rising in the Norssex region, as a large demonstration was held yesterday, in the anniversary of Rikhard V’s overthrow. In this lapse of time between 1951 and 1953, the province of Norssex (Norsaex in Bogan) has been a particular problem to the Villsun government, as several Norssexer autonomist movements rose, and they now demand a special status analogous to the status of the Free Cities.

Although before 1951 the situation of this ethnic group was not well-known, it is of general knowledge here in the Free Cities that in the eastern tip of the Kingdom there were once several agricultural communities, which organized themselves into small councils and governed themselves. Those communities are the descendents of the original anglo-saxons, which migrated south and shaped nations such as Great Engellex. Contrarily to their kin, the Norssexers (North Saxons) have been little influenced by the latin cultures of the South, and retained their original ‘english’ language, almost free of latin influence. Although nominally part of the Kingdom from 1600 on, these communities of Norssex lived independently and peacefully for a long time, and though never having the autonomy of the FSL, the Bogan Kings tolerated their existence and even the fact that some of those communities practice Christianity.

However, since former King Rikhard V’s accession to the throne, as there was never any kind of treaty signed with any of those communities, he felt free to dispatch several ‘uniformization delegations’, which in fact meant military forces and bureaucrats, to kill the Norssexer culture and promote cultural assimilation, and he was partially successful, even banishing the use of their language. Their oppression ended after Rikhard’s overthrow and there has been a resurgence in interest in Norssexer language and culture, and the Chancellor allowed for a renaming of the Province’s main cities Voldvik and Varmstat to their original names in Norssexer – Woodwich and Warmstead.

Now, they demand political and cultural autonomy. Speaking in front of thousands of demonstrators, the leader of the Autonomy for Norssex movement (Self-welden for Norssex), Alfred Blackstone, has called for ‘immediate reform’ of the public administration in Norssex. As said the autonomist leader, ‘our Province is ruled by a Lord Protector appointed by the King and the Government – a Bogan Lord Protector, that was born in Malachor and probably never came here before. We understand the appointment of Lords-Protector to the other purely Bogan provinces, but Norssex should have an autonomous government, within the Bogan unitary state, in which the Norssexers could feel represented’. After some months of tension, Blackstone also announced he was meeting with Frank Villsun in one week, to discuss the issue of Norssexer autonomy, much to the joy of the demonstrators.

While Blackstone and his moderate SWN are, by far, the most popular movement within this Province, there are others. The Independent People, Independent Nation movement (Unhungy Folk, Unhungy Leude) advocates full and immediate independence, and the Anglo-Saxon Reintegrationist Group promotes neither total independence or just autonomy, but advocates cultural approximation to modern English languages (for example, the ASRG uses Standard English instead of Norssexer, whose use the first two groups advocate). The leaders of the UFUL and the ASRG, Harold Johnson and Henry Davies, have denounced this meeting with Villsun, arguing that it does not represent the ‘wide range of views of the Norssexers’.

Here in the Free Cities, Karl Larenz, the Bürgermeisternratpräsident, has showed sympathy to the Norssexer cause, stressing the ‘need for dialogue and gradual reform’ and not ‘sudden and violent reaction’. Several Norssexers have fled to the Free Cities during Rikhard’s reign, with the biggest community living in Flensburg.

Since 1951, there have already been 10 deaths in Norssex-related violence, be it in demonstrations in Malachor be it in confrontations in Woodwich and Warmstead.
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[Danmark]

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The dynamics that exist within the Realm of Boganhem are clearly in a period of kaleidoscopic flux with the tumult due from political, social and cultural disagreements clearly still ripe for the furthering of civil strife, though with no settlement in sight.

This is an expected occurance, judging by assessment of recent Boganhemier history, but the fallout from the vissitudes of recent acclaim or even misfortune, depending upon whatever camp one settles in and subscribes to, require urgent closure for the benefit of all, but this can only be accomplished with the gathering of all to decide the future direction of the Realm under the guidance, shepherdship and clever statesmanship of the most erudite and wise monarch of His Majesty The King Robert the Fifth.

It is clear that a Settlement that satisfies the desires of the people of Norssex but maintaining them within the Bogahem realm is the best course in order to prevent fracturing of the state. Popular movements may gain undue attention at times, largely driven through their own political agendas and philosophies, but whether these ideologies and their aims realistically stand the test of time and uphold their self-claimed clarity in the face of reality is a totally different thing entirely.

It is my belief that the honing in on upon the desires of separatists and giving them what they desire but outmanoeuvring the expediency of mere shallow 'here today, gone tomorrow' politicians by both undermining them but also clearly addressing and cleverly outflanking the positions of people like Alfred Blackstone, and illustrating their weaknesses, is the correct course. It would also do no damage by engineering visits by the His Majesty to Norssex, his Crown Prince or whatever, in order to placate the separatist movements and act in a human manner in order to swerve people away from the radical tendencies that some may prefer but most ordinary people tend to avoid, whilst demonstrating his own credentials. We do feel this is within the grand task and it can be fulfilled.


UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE KING

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HR. HENRIK JOACHIM WESTERVELD

FOREIGN MINISTER OF THE GREAT DANISH IMPERIUM

 

[Free Cities League]

De Daglishes Harrold
sinds 1893, fon Malachor

Ferspäting dez Geriktnoeordning Zorgt Kristianish Fürern
Delay in Judicial Reform Worries Christian Leaders
Malachor


One of the first measures announced by the Villsun government was to enforce a sweeping reform of the Bogan judiciary by 1952. The aim of the reform, which was strongly supported by the King, would be to modernize the Bogan ‘archaic judiciary system’, which would include the end of the Hëliggerikten (Holy Courts, i.e., religious courts) and some traditional Landgerikten (traditional courts), with the objective of creating three jurisdictions: burgerlikgerikten (civil courts), strabgerikten (criminal courts) and fervaldinggerikten (administrative courts). The first two jurisdictions were to be spearheaded by a newly created Landsobergerikt dez Boganishez Kongrëk (Supreme National Court), and the second by the Statsrad (Council of State). An additional Ferfatsinggerikt (Constitutional Court) is to be created. However, the Holy and traditional courts still exist and the supreme jurisdiction of the land continues to be the Rektherren (Law Lords) of the Hochgamot.

This worries the Evangelical Union of Boganhem and the Bogan Catholic Church, with the two Christian sects uniting over this issue, all due to the injunction they put against the Anti-Proselytism Law, put into effect last month. As it is of general knowledge, this Law, passed with a comfortable majority in the Undergamot, limits missionary activities by those Christian churches, considering that the universalist appeal of Christianity might be damaging to Bogan national character. The law forbids, among others, any announcements or advertising of masses and Christian celebrations, any active missionary activity and television and radio broadcasts of Christian masses.

The leader of the Lutheran Evangelical Union, Yan Davidsun and the Bishop of Seeshloss, Yosef Yurgensun, have expressed their concerns that their injunction is appreciated by an ‘archaic organ’, composed by ‘prejudiced members of the former aristocracy, which attribute to Christianity the loss of their former status’, and urges Villsun to ‘enforce the reform as soon as possible’, so that the constitutionality of the Law can be ‘analysed by independent and impartial judges, not landlords’. The Christian leaders expected that the reform of the judiciary would come into effect sooner.

The Chief Justice of the Law Lords already responded to the appeals of Davidsun and Yurgensun, saying ‘we cannot take lessons in democracy by a religion whose main objective is to insidiously spread their dangerous views without respect for the faith of their neighbour’, and that ‘the decision on this injunction’ is to ‘be made in the utmost impartiality and objective analysis of the Constitution’, as it ‘has been the tradition of this body’.

The Law Lords have still one month to decide on this injunction.
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[Free Cities League]

De Daglishes Harrold
sinds 1893, fon Malachor

Claus Fisher: 'Ik tenk dize Rigirung vird nikt langen makt halden (...) and vir sint berëd'
Claus Fisher: 'I think this Government won't last much longer (...) and we are ready'
Seeshloss

In a meeting with supporters, Claus Fisher, the President of the SDP (Sotsial-Demokratish Partë), has made a comprehensive critique of the first two years of the KP (Konglishes Partë - Royal Party) headed by Chancellor Villsun. Fisher, speaking in a conference in the University of Seeshloss expressed his belief according to which the Government would not 'last much longer' and that the SDP was 'ready' to assume its 'responsabilities' as main opposition party. Fisher did so when confronted by a journalist with polls that show that the SDP would near absolute majority should the elections be today.

Fisher emphasized the 'complete failure' of Villsun: "While I reckon that Frank Villsun was an important figure in our first months as a democracy, it is time for him to step out, to recognize his policies of reckless and brutal economic liberalization have failed. One does not need to be an economist to know that abruptly ceasing a corporatist system and installing a capitalist one does not heed good results". The social-democratic leader underlined social problems such as 'high unemployment', 'low-payed jobs', 'archaic labour laws' and 'rise in prices without the necessary adjustment to salary raises'.

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When questioned about metaeconomical problems, such as the Rikhardist insurgency, the Free Cities League and the Norssexer Question, Fisher once again ran to emphasize the Government's failure: "As to Rikhard (...) the Government has no counter-insurgency plan and it has not even engage Rikhard in negotiations: I think that a peaceful peace-making process would do better than harm, as a full offensive would ravage the province of Goddhaus, costing the lives of thousands of civilians (...) the Free Cities' League is not really a problem - I respect their historical autonomy, though I expect that, in the long term, they can be fully integrated within the Bogan state. Different question is that of the Norssexers. They are an historical minority, oppressed for centuries, stripped of cultural expression, had their language forbidden and now they just want cultural affirmation and some autonomy, considering the centralizing tradition of the Bogan State. If I was Chancellor, I would initiate negotiations in order to reach a solution which could include autonomy"

As the economic and political crisis in Boganhem gets bigger, more and more people are reconsidering casting their vote on the Social-Democrats. Though they seem to answer to the social pleas of the majority of the population, many still seem them as 'too soft' (in what concerns security) and 'too liberal'. As for now, there are no signs of division within the Government, but, should it come to be revealed, and the Chancellor steps down, Claus Fisher might well be the new Chancellor of Boganhem.
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[Free Cities League]

De Daglishes Harrold
sinds 1893, fon Malachor

Vahl dez Nikttroe Forferten bë di Sotsial-Demokratishen
Vote of No-Confidence Proposed by the Social-Democrats
Malachor

It was a tense day in the Undergamot. Yesterday, SDP leader Claus Fisher claimed his party was ‘ready to govern’ and that Chancellor Villsun should resign due to his failed handling of the political and economical crisis the Kingdom is in. Those comments did not come unnoticed and Villsun responded, in an unusually inflamed fashion, accusing Fisher and the SDP of ‘political opportunism’, ‘lack of a real programme to govern’, ‘cynicism’ and ‘dirty political players’. Such odd statements created an uproar in the benches of the social-democrats, and both Fisher and his deputy leader, Helga Hogveld, demanded explanations, which the Chancellor refused to give. Speaker Sigmundsun still tried to moderate the discussion, but we was ultimately unsuccessful.

As the accusations, from both sides, heated up, the recess for lunch calmed the assembly quite a bit. However, in a surprising move, Claus Fisher presented before the Undergamot a motion of non-confidence, to be voted somewhere in the next days. Our Constitution foresees this motion of non-confidence in order to give the Undergamot the power of declaring it does not trust the Government, and hence, that it must fall. Should such motion be successful, the Villsun cabinet would be necessarily deposed by the King. However, with the KP holding an absolute majority in the Undergamot, it will be difficult for this motion to have any visible success. Its success, says De Daglishes Harrold analyst Sigmunt Tysun, lies in the ‘political message it carries’, i.e., if the social-democrats can gather support from all the other opposition parties, that would symbolize that the great majority of political points of view do not trust Villsun and his government.

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The leaders of the other opposition parties already responded. Ildephonz Bakker, leader of the communists of the Boganishes Verker Bund (Bogan Workers’ Alliance) has expressed enthusiasm: “Though our Party and some of our other ‘left-wing’ colleagues often disagree, I fully support this motion. It will probably have little practical effect, but it can accelerate the political process of the downfall of this disastrous Government.” . The Liberals seem divided, as no spokesman said anything, for now. Nevertheless, it is known that the ‘classical liberal faction’ of Manfred Rokkeveld is inclined to abstain, while the ‘post-delegationist faction’ of Robert Karman is firmly for the non-confidence vote. As it is already tradition, it is probable that their deputies will have liberty to vote.

The Natsionale-Syndikalistishe Brigaden (National-Syndicalist Brigades) the smallest party in the Undergamot (2 deputies out of 200) has expressed its support for this bill. Their leader, Zigfrid Hokke, emphasised the ‘urgency’ of the Villsun’s cabinet ‘downfall’, and that the bill ‘expresses the true feelings of the Bogan people’.

The vote could still take place at the end of the week. The political life in Malachor is tense, reflecting the intense instability the abrupt change brought to Boganhem. Let us hope that Voden guides us to a better place.
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[Free Cities League]

Die Handelsburger Zeitung
seit 1778

Stadtrat Wahlen in Lübeck: ein entscheider Moment für die Freien Städte
City Council Elections in Lübeck: A Decisive Moment for the Free Cities
by Manfred Gitter

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In one week, Lübeck, the capital of the League, will witness City Council (Stadtrat) elections, in which its 400,000 citizens will elect the new Council, and, therefore, choose the new Bürgermeister. These elections will be decisive for the fate of the League as a whole. And why is that? For our less attentive readers, the Bürgermeisternrat (Mayor Council) is the body responsible for the executive power of the FSB, having 7 members representing the 7 free cities (Lübeck, Handelsburg, Flensburg, Kiel, Grünebaden, Tübingen and Erding). 4 Bürgermeistern (Lübeck, Erding, Tübingen and Grünebaden) are from the Bürger-Bund, dominant party in Free Cities politics, while 2 are social-democrats (Flensburg and Kiel) and other is Liberal (Handelsburg).

The elections for the Stadtrat, next week, can change the political landscape of all the Free Cities precisely because, if the Bürgermeister of Lübeck, Wolfgang Zöllner, looses against two highly dangerous adversaries (the Liberal Karsten Schmidt and the social-democrat Joseph Länder), the BB's fall as main political party in the Free Cities will be complete. We should remember that, in the period between 1923 and 1937, 6 Bürgermeistern were BB-affiliated. These elections will not only concern the inhabitants of the capital, but also all of their fellow citizens.

Zöllner is Bürgermeister of Lübeck since 1938 and might have dire chances. Though a prestigious politician and though he is admired by the Lübeckers, he is now 87 years old. Many citizens feel he does not have the energy, the endurance or even the lifetime to be Bürgermeister 4 more years. In my opinion, the BB's choice was not the best choice that could be made. But, under pressure from Karl Larenz(Bürgermeisternratpräsident - President of the Mayor Council, and leader of the BB), Zöllner was approved for 4 more years, and that might prove to be counterproductive in the future.

On the other side of the barricade lie Karsten Schmidt and Joseph Länder, two strong candidates - a liberal and a social-democrat. Schmidt is an accomplished lawyer and law professor, specialising in commercial and corporate law. He entered politics quite recently, in '45, and has meanwhile served as a deputy in the Bürgertag, participating in various legal reforms. The 47-year-old man now ambitions the most prestigious seat of his hometown, proposing a 'progressive leadership', centered in the market potential of the city, but, most of all, in creating a free environment, a city of opportunity where everyone can live'. Länder is 50 and is a veteran trade unionist, being the organiser of several port staff strikes in the 30's. After a 10-year tenure in the Allgemeiner Gewerkschäfter Verein (General Trade Union Union), as Secretary-General, he presents himself as a man who will 'improve the social condition of impoverished Lübeckers to a never-seen level of protection and security', as well as 'creating an urban planning cabinet, in charge of building new parts of the city in order to accommodate an ever-growing population0.

For now, the polls show Zöllner leading (33%), but with Schmidt and Länder closing up (31%, 30.2%). Should either Schmidt or Länder win, the balance of power in the Bürgermeisternrat would be broken, and the Liberals and the Social-Democrats could gain a serious weight in the government of the Free Cities. Let's wait and see.


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[Free Cities League]

De Daglishes Harrold
sinds 1893, fon Malachor

Terroronslakt Dretten Aut Emalige Kong Rikhard
Terrorist Threats From Former King Rikhard
Malachor

After several months of inactivity, former King Rikhard V, now known as Rikhard fon Malachor, sent an open letter, addressed to ‘the Kingdom’ in general and to ‘the usurper and treacherous government and King’ in particular, threatening ‘serious armed action’, should King Robert, his government and his policies ‘remain in place’.

Sent from Vodenskove, it reminds us all that the King whose Mandate from the Gods was declared by the High Priests as revoked, still controls the northern half of the province of Goddhaus and has done so since 1951, when the democratic regime was established. We quote:

“My cherished Bogan subjects.

After several months of reflection and planning, my resolve in destroying the usurper and treacherous government is stronger. As such, I advise you: do not stand in my way. Those of you who are disillusioned in thinking the present government is legitimate, were victims of a cloak of deception falling before your eyes. Those who remain, faithfully waiting, for their rightful King, fear not. The wrath of Voden and his rightful heir will rage through those who dared to face Him. So please, hide your children, your wives, run away from big urban centres – Voden shall unleash its vengeance.”

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Former King Rikhard V, who launches threatens again the Nation with terrorist attacks from his hide-out in Vodenskove

This short open letter is already being considered a terrorist attack threat. After a stand-by of almost a year (last bombing was in March 1952), Rikhard seems to threaten again the Government with terrorist bombings. Hiding in the valleys and mountains surrounding Vodenskove, the capital of the province of Goddhaus, Rikhard launched several attacks on military and civilian targets between his overthrow (January 1951) and March of the following year, resulting in a total of 200 deaths. The Royal Army does not launch an offensive on the Vodenskove region since last year, due to ‘strategical reasons’ yet to be disclosed, which has been a source of criticism to the Villsun government.

The Secretary of State for National Security, Tyl Gustaf, has already stated, in a short press conference that ‘the Bogan people shall not be blackmailed by a crazy deposed King. We shall stand as one against the terrorist threats of the Rikhardists’. Meanwhile, police forces and the Royal Army were put into maximum alert, just in case something should happen.
​

 

[Free Cities League]

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[Warre]

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[Free Cities League]

De Daglishes Harrold
sinds 1893, fon Malachor

Frishen Noen - Anslakt in Malachor: 230 DOD!
Breaking News - Attack in Malachor: 230 DEAD!
Malachor

Today, at 9:30 in the morning, several Malachorians had a bitter and painful surprise: two bombs exploded inside two commuter trains, the first making the connection between Valleken and the Hetbanstand (Main Station) and the other connecting Odevallen and the Aldburg (Old Castle), killing about 200 civilians. It is still unknown if the bombs were put there and then set off to explode or if suicide bombers were involved.

About 15 minutes later, two cars, apparently filled with explosives, crashed into two military barracks, one near the Aldburg and other in the outskirts of the city, near the Malachorsee, killing about 30 people, most of them military personnel. Both the attacks left more than 300 injured.

Since the time of the attacks, all entrances to the city have been closed, all trains stopped, air connections cancelled and the Army deployed to ensure no further attacks occur. A mandatory curfew was proclaimed, and people went into hiding inside their homes.

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The train that connected Valleken and the Hetbandstand was completely destroyed, and very few survived

Although there are no official confirmations yet, most people suspect this attack was ordered by Rikhard fon Malachor (former King Rikhard V), in the sequence of Saturday's announcement of further attacks. Although he said no attack would have civilians as its target, these attacks were mainly directed to civilian targets, as most of the death toll comes from the train-bombings.

Chancellor Frank Villsun gave a short comment while visiting one of the explosion sites, between Odevallen and the Aldburg: "I deeply mourn these innocent lives that were unfairly taken today. May their soul be rewarded by the Gods for the bravery they showed while dying, unprotected, unaware. Myself and His Majesty have been analyzing the situation and, although we have no official confirmation, we believe that former King Rikhard was behind this. It would make sense considering the announcement made on Saturday (...) Security in all major cities will be reinforced, the Army is in full alert and the search for this insidious serpent, hiding around Vodenskove, will become more intense. There will be no mercy."

Despite his confident tone, many think of this attack as a personal failure to Villsun - aware of its possibility, nothing was done after Saturday to ensure a bigger security apparatus.

​

 

[Potenza]

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​

The Grand Duchy strongly condemns these cowardly attacks against civilian life, and hope that justice will come swiftly to those who planned and orchestrated them.

Gian Lombardo
Foreign Minister
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[Danmark]

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​

May the commiserations of Danmark be communicated upon reception of this most appalling news afflicting Boganhem.

Developments within this unfolding crisis deserve of appropriate and comprehensive response from a Realm with potence and due regard for mankind.

The deaths of the reported two-hundred can only be condemned in the most unshirking and unequivocal manner. For this not to be the approach would be simply wrong and a complete collapse of due comment and scope considering the immense loss of life. Our hearts can only go out.

Whoever was the architect of these calamities deserves to be held before the due law in order for the legitimate recourse of justice to follow. Whether the commanders of mass murder supreme reside with supporters of the deposed monarch, he himself, or activities of legitimisation by the subsequent government, we shall withhold our opinion. Concrete evidence does not at this stage present itself so the Realm shall decline a definitive position.

Even so, at this initial stage, we find it curious and odd that a former monarch of Boganhem would launch mass murder upon his people despite the apparent 'letter' from the deposed monarch, HM King Rikhard. This does not seem correct for a monarch, even if ousted, and we can either presume that he either exercises murderous intentions in order to reclaim the throne, which is wrong and as such surrenders his right to reclaim the throne, or that attributions are allotted to him by the succeeding government, as throroughly skewed and carved dastardly propaganda, as a way of supporting the claims of the Robertist monarchy.

Even so, we would hope that a monarch or even former monarch could act in the role of surpreme exemplar and arch representative of the people of the nation. We duly await the response of HM King Rikhard.

UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE KING

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HR. HENRIK JOACHIM WESTERVELD

FOREIGN MINISTER OF THE GREAT DANISH IMPERIUM

 

[Ivernia]

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Teachtaireacht ón Prionsa-Toghthóir na Íverniann i iúl in ainm Teamhrach Caislean, an Airdrígh agus uile-Íverniann.
26ú Feabhra 1952

The entire High Kingdom of Ivernia is shocked and distraught to hear of such terrible news to come from our northern neighbour Boganhem this morning. We send our deepest condolences to the victims, the injured, the familes and all of Boganhem, for all must be reeling due to this horrible event. Ivernia shall have a full national hour of mourning from noon till 1pm, beginning with 5 minutes of silence at noon across Ivernia.
Our Boganhem embassy has been given every resource it needs to help support the Bogans who live in Ivernia.

May God be with you in this most dark of days.


This message was written on behalf of the High King of

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and Tara Castle

Signed David MacSweeney, Prince-Elector of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Árd Ríocht na hÍverniann
Cuige na Nemedia, Contae na Mhí
Bán Dair Cathrach, Teamhrach Caisleán
An Roinn Gnóthaí Eachtracha
Oifig an Prionsa-Toghthóir

 

[Free Cities League]

Kongrëk Boganhem

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Staatsekretariat dez Autländer Ferheldnize
Secretariat of State of Foreign Relations
​

First of all, we would like to thank the Governments of Ivernia and Potenza for their condolences and unconditional support. It is important that all Nations are aware of the atrocities performed by old-fashioned absolutist monarchists like Rikhard and his minions.

We are also thankful for the condolences from Danmark. However, some remarks should be done in order to clarify the Danish Government. While it is indeed unworthy of someone who calls himself a monarch to kill two hundred innocent people of his own kin, Rikhard fon Malachor is not exactly what one would call a role-model monarch. Since he rose to the throne in 1925 concentration camps were built, political assassinations carried out and, while other Bogan monarchs preferred a more 'traditional' absolutist monarchy, Rikhard used modernity to build a totalitarian apparatus. A totalitarian King would have no problem in killing his own kin in order to achieve his aims of destabilizing the country.

Notwithstanding, he was legitimately deposed, by divine and popular will, according to the immemorial traditions of the Bogan monarchy. He did not conform, but instead of asking a reinterpretation of divine and popular will, has he could have, he resorted to violence and still occupies a fraction of the country, in which oppression and hunger are day-to-day words.

And so, while we understand the Danish attitude of waiting for an official declaration of former king Rikhard, we would ask the Danish authorities diplomatic comprehension and support in the fight against this horrible terrorist.

The Secretary of State,
Herbert Mark Bakker fon Foerberg