Press from the Free Cities - New Head of State approves troop deployment

[Rheinbund]

Aussenministerium
Trier, Eiffelland

We congratulate Stijn van de Voorde with the formation of a new General Administrative Council for the Free Cities League. We hope that we can cooperate together in promoting peace in Europe.

Rudolph Kögler, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Vice-Chancellor

 

[Free Cities League]

Die Handelsburger Zeitung
seit 1795
​

19. Februar 1954 | 1. taller | Handelsburg

Der Neue Bürgertag initiiert eine Verfassungsänderung vor: ist die Verfassungsreform in Sicht? New Citizens' Assembly Starts a Constitutional Amendment Procedure: is the 'Constitutional Reform' in Sight? ​ Handelsburg With the General Administrative Council formed and political negotiations finished, almost all parties of the Citizens' Assembly, who months ago signed a compromise for constitutional reform (the Liberals, the Social-Democrats, the Volksunie, the Norssexer Interest, the Bogan nationalists and the Bogan social-nationalists), holding more than a 67% majority in the Citizens' Assembly, can now legally initiate a process of constitutional amendment. The process is long and complicated. According to article 200 of the Fundamental Law of the Free Cities' League, the procedure has 4 phases: it has to be started by a 67% majority in the Citizens' Assembly drafting a proposal for the concrete changes to be made; it has then to be submitted to the Council of Boroughmasters which has to approve it by unanimity (recently, this has been a mere formality, but theoretically, any Member-City which opposes effectively stalls the procedure). If not, it is sent back to the CA for changes, if yes, then the legislature of every Member-City must approve the plan. When all is done, the President of the Council of Boroughmasters has to sign the bill and the changes will come into force. Usually, during the negotiations, the CA is assisted by the GAC. The project is done and forsees the basic tenants laid down in the 'Platform for Constitutional Reform' signed by several parties some months ago: - One City, One Vote among the Council of Boroughmasters, ending the two-vote privilege of the German-speaking cities - The Province of Boganhem will become the Free Republic of Boganhem, a sovereign entity equal in rights to every Member-City - The Citizens' Assembly, which represents proportionally the citizens of the League, gains more autonomous legislative competence, with the Council of Boroughmasters becoming progressively a consultative organ, having veto only in vital issues such as defence, external relations and criminal policy. - Five Regions will be created - the Region of Walland (German-speaking cities), the Region of Flanders and the Region of Norssex will centralise education and cultural policy of the Member-Cities lying in such cultural-linguistic territories. No need for such reform in Boganhem, which already comprises the Bogan cultural sphere, and which will hold such competences, or for Providence, governed by a separate statute. Though there is wide support all over the League for that reform, there are some difficulties. In the German-speaking cities, especially among the more rural and conservative ones (Erding and Regenthal) the majority of the population opposes this reform, percieving it as a way of curtailing City autonomy (in what concerns the Regions and loss of power by the Council of Boroughmasters) and giving too much power to the 'heathen Bogans'. While in Handelsburg, Lübeck and Flensburg the traditional elite still opposes the reform, there is a consensus among the general population that it is a way of keeping the social peace and that some demands (like the 'One City, One Vote') are reasonable. Despite that, some proeminent Boroughmasters oppose it. The Boroughmaster of Flensburg, also President of the Council, Karsten Schmidt, has shown opposition in the past. While the decision by the Council is largely ceremonial, some fear that hard-core conservatives like Schmidt will block the proposal, probably over technicalities. It is still very likely that in Erding and Regenthal, the local Stadtgemeine (legislatures) will block the reform. There is also another thing at play - the Flensburg Stadtsgemeine, opposed to some of Schmidt's policies as Boroughmaster, has called an early election. Should the ruling conservatives of the Citizens' Alliance not win, and Schmidt will have to step down as Boroughmaster (and consequently, as President of the Council). And that loss is very likely, as the social-democrats rose dramatically in the last election, in response to Schmidt's labour reforms in the city. The elections are next week, as it is not possible to combine elections under League electoral law. If Schmidt steps down and a social-democrat (should they have absolute majority) or a liberal Boroughmaster (as a compromise between the two parties) gets elected, the balance of power in the Council will shift and the remaining conservatives will politically be forced to accept the reform. It will be an exciting time for the League - will we redefine ourselves or realise that we are good the way we are? You must be registered for see images President of the Council of Boroughmasters Karsten Schmidt: It all depends on this man: will he follow tradition and accept the reform or will he postpone the voting until he is ousted from power? ​	You must be registered for see images Cardinal Boudewijn de Wever ​ Katholischen Gemeinde in Tiburtina versammelt, um einen neuen Papst zu wählen Catholic Community Assembles in Tirburtina to Elect a New Pope ​ Tirburtina The Catholic Church, the second-biggest religion in the Free Cities' League (majority religion in the Flemish cities) is assembling in Tiburtina for the 232th Conclave, in which Cardinals from all over Europe elect the Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church inspired by the Holy Ghost. As it is known, though Lutheranism and Calvinism (different denominations but united in a loose confederation within the FCL) are the main religions in the Free Cities', but the Flemish cities have remained staunchly Catholic until this day, rejecting the reformation. As such, this Conclave is of particular concern for most Flemings and small minorities in Walland, Norssex and Boganhem. Though it nominally has four different Church hierarchies according to cultural region, the League's four Catholic Churches (The Catholic Church in Walland, the Flemish Catholic Church, the Catholic Church in Norssex and the Catholic Church in Boganhem) are represented in the Confederation of the Catholic Churches in the Free Cities' League. Their Cardinal is the Fleming Boudewijn de Wever, which is eligeble as Pope. The Conclave will be held in the seat of the Catholic Church in Tirburtina and will count of the participation of the big Catholic nations of Europe, from Portusgalia to Lisse. Cardinal de Wever, when asked about if he had any chances of being elected Pope, responded to the Handelsburger Zeitung: "Who is to be the next successor of St. Peter, occupying his humble throne, is a question only God knows. When we are sitting in the Conclave we do not vote according to personal preferences, we vote according to the will of God. As such, I am in no position to fathom what God will save for us." De Wever has been Cardinal of Garenmarkt for 20 years and is one of the most revered figures in Flanders. He has made an effort to speak the four official languages of the League, being fluent in Flemish, German, English and Bogan, and is a well-known defender of the Negro Cause in metropolitan League. Though he has kept himself apolitical, a leak some years ago revealed he was a persistent voter for the Volksunie which prompted a peak in popularity among the Flemish. He is also a proponent of eucumenism, trying to foster good relationships with Protestant reverends and Bogan High Priests. Though most Protestants or Bogan Pagans do not care about the Catholic Church in general, the Conclave, as a mediatised event, is largely followed across the League with curiosity by the non-Catholics and excitment by Catholics. The Confederation of Catholic Churches in the Free Cities' League is already introducing prayers, during masses, for the success and swiftness of the Conclave.

 

[Free Cities League]

De Garenmarkter Handelsblad

Voor kennis van Zaken
​

Zondag, 23 februari 1954

'Ik heb niets te verliezen ", zegt Schmidt: tweede stap voor constitutionele hervormingen volledig als Voorzitter van de Raad van Burgemeesters eisen van de Vergadering aanvaardt.
'I Have Nothing to Lose', says Schmidt: Second Step for Constitutional Reform Complete, as President of the Council of Boroughmasters Accepts the Assembly's Demands

Handelsburg Against all expectations and predictions, Karsten Schmidt, President of the Council of Boroughmasters (the collective head of State of the League), talking on behalf of the Council, signed the Citizens' Assembly proposed constitutional reform. 'After consulting with my fellow Boroughmasters, none of them opposes the proposal put forth by the Citizens' Assembly for a constitutional amendment.' Though it is a big step on the struggle towards a more just League, this is not the end. Later this week, the legislatures of all Member-Cities will have to approve the amendments, and this can be the most difficult part. It is known that some more conservative elements among the Citizens' Alliance deputies of the legislatures of Regenthal and Erding will ally with the right-wing populists of the German-speakers' Union in order to oppose the amendment bill. For instance, Joseph Brückner, proeminent ultra-conservative still in the Alliance, stated earlier today that he would 'consciously violate party discipline', by voting against the bill. Brücker alleged that the creation of cultural and educational Regions will 'hinder City rights', who now cannot legislate 'according to local needs' in education and culture and that is represents a 'cultural segregation incompatible with fundamental rights'. Though this is the mainstream speech, deputies of the German-speakers' Union, right-wing populist party with 20% of the seats in Regenthal and 30% in Erding, have less consensual objections. Heinrich Gillen, deputy in the Stadtsgemeinde (legislature) of Erding, stated earlier that 'not only will this reform take away City's rights, but will disregard the German-speaking cities' population and economic turnover equalizing voting rights'. Moreover, 'it will solidify the Bogan heathens' power over centres of decision'. If either the Stadtsgemeinde of Regenthal or Erding block the procedure, with a 51% vote against, the reform will have to be renegotiated, as a constitutional reform demands 'wide political consensus throughout the League'. As for the unexpected acceptance by Schmidt, several explanations have been advanced, but, when, after the press conference he, with the microphone still on, whispered to one of his aides, shrugging his shoulders 'well, I got nothing to lose', the pieces fell into place. Schmidt is working hard to achieve his third reelection as Boroughmaster of Flensburg, which will hold elections soon. He has been criticised internally due to 'his absence from City business' and his labour reforms, which reignited a once dormant trade union activity. The social-democrats, which already were the most voted party in the elections for the Citizens' Assembly, are the possible winners of the elections for the City legislature and executive next weekend. As such, due to the widespread support for the reform in his City, Schmidt is seeking to mitigate his bad image within Flensburg. Will it be enough to curb the advance of the social-democrats? Probably not, but it will give enough margin to Schmidt to negotiate a Liberal Boroughmaster which would follow with his labour reforms. In the unlikely event of his victory, he could still continue to serve as President of the Council, but, if he loses, he will cease to be a Boroughmaster and, hence, President of the Council of Boroughmasters. The acceptance by the Council was well received within all the pro-reform parties, being denounced by the German-speakers' Union and by some elements of the Citizens' Alliance, who has decided not to adopt an official position. As with Schmidt, the once dominant party is afraid of losing its cross-League influence, but, at the same time, does not want to alienate some more conservative German electorate. Next week, the legislatures will deliberate, and all eyes are set in Erding and Regenthal. ​

​

 

[Free Cities League]

Die Handelsburger Zeitung
seit 1795
​

26. Februar 1954 | 1. taller | Handelsburg

Deadlock im Erdinger Bürgerschaft: Wenn die Forderungen der Stadt nicht erfüllt sind, gibt es keine Verfassungsreform Deadlock in Erding's City Assembly: if the Demands of the City are not Fulfilled, There Will be no Constitutional Reform ​ Erding Today, after being accepted by all boroughmasters in the Council of Boroughmasters, the constitutional reform project (official name: Proposed 14th Amendment to the Basic Law of the Free Cities' League), was voted in all the legislatures of all City-States. Be it in the Bürgerschaften of Handelsburg, Lübeck and Flensburg (all of which are bicameral) or in the Landsgemeinde of Regenthal (the only legislature in the German-speaking region not to have the denomination Bürgerschaft), or in the Gemeenteraad of the Flemish cities, or the Folkmoots in Norssex (archaic Norssexer word incorporated into English, meaning, basically 'meeting of the people'), Boganhem's Provintsielegamot or Providence's High Council, all legislatures, with more or less margin, approved the constitutional reform. Almost unanimous in the Flemish, Norssexer and Bogan legislatures, it still held a comfortable majority in other Cities, even those still held by the Citizens' Alliance, who, despite having opposed the reform, did not instruct its lawmakers to vote in any particular sense. The only legislature that rejected, upon condition, the reform, was the German-speaking Free City of Erding, which rejected the bill by little more than 50%. The minority and anti-reform German-speakers' Union party, which holds 30% of Erding's Bürgerschaft, convinced more conservative elements of the Citizens' Alliance, holding 35% of seats, in a sufficient number to secure a majority, doing so, however, upon condition. This was not an outright rejection. Speaking to the Bürgerschaft, when presenting his motion to reject the bill, GSU deputy Udo Lausberg, one of the most visible faces of the GSU League-wide, proposed: "People accuse us of being radicals, of being destructive, fascists, even! No, we just want to preserve the culture of the German-speaking cities and their particularities. It is known that the Flemish and Norssexer cities were always more keen on uniting certain policy points, which I understand. But not us. The german-speaking cities, especially Erding and Regenthal, have always treasured their independence and their autonomy. And, we understand that the voting system in the Council must be changed, that maybe Boganhem could be more autonomous, etc. But never, never, to transfer competences belonging to the sovereign Free City-States of our League to a new entity called 'Region'. A definitive transferral of competences in what concerns education, language and cultural policy? The very three issues that Cities are more well-equiped to solve transferred to some artificial region? Not in Erding. No." However, Lausberg announced he proposed a compromise. The GSU's, allied with some CA members is to create an opt-out clause for the German cities: the Region of Walland (designation for the area occupied by the German-speaking cities) will be created, but will differ from the Flemish or Norssexer region in what concerns the binding character of its decisions. It will also be formed by a Council elected by the legislatures, but will be much smaller and will have a merely consultative character, working to harmonise certain aspects of education and culture without imposing on the cities anything. Lausberg and his GSU were applauded by half of the Bürgerschaft and were greeted outside by a public largely pro-Cities' Rights and conservative. The General Administrative Council, representing the Citizen's Assembly, will still have to accept or not this opt-out clause and, if it does, the constitutional reform could be nearer that it seems.	Wettbewerbswidriges Verhalten von Kraansteen durch dem Obergerichtshof bestraft, dem Neustart Debatte über die Wettbewerbspolitik Kraansteen's Anticompetitive Practice Stroke Down by the Supreme Court, Rebooting the Debate Over Competition Policy ​ Handelsburg After two years of appeals, the Kraansteen case is definitely solved. The Garenmarkter oil importer Kraansteen was found guilty of 'abuse of dominant position', one of the most serious anti-competitive practices provided in the Free Cities' League Law on Fair Competition, being fined over 2 million tallers and being forced to pay 1 million in compensation. The story is simple: in 1950, the Free City of Garenmarkt decided to sell Vlaamse Raffinaderij NV, a private company held by the City in its totality who operated the Nieuwpoort Refinary, the only facility of this kind found in the south of the League, serving both the Flemish and the Norssexer markets (the Seeshloss Refinary, held by the League itself and not yet privatised, supplies the North). Kraansteen won the contest and acquired the company and, hence, the refinary. The problem is: Kraansteen is the biggest gas supplier in Flanders and, holding the refinary, managed to outcompete other local companies such as IeperGas or Commercial Gas Co. (the ones who denounced the practice) by selling them refined petrol at much higher prices than the market price and, also, higher than Handelsburger or Lübecker companies. Alleging discriminatory pricing, they complained to the General Administrative Council, who brought an action before the General Court of Flanders, which decided against Kraansteen. On appeal, the Supreme Court also dismissed the action, fining Kraansteen. However, what is a simple judicial procedure is resparking the debate on competition policy. After the court session, Kraansteen CEO, Geert Kraansteen, complained to journalists that the 'current competition policy' actually 'hinders competition' by 'protecting the weak' and not 'ensuring the efficiency of the market'. He continues saying: 'if Kraansteen acquired the facility was because we were more succesfully than IeperGas or Commercial Gas and got the funds to invest in such a facility. The prices we charge are not an abuse, they are just the way the market works. The policy ought to change - foster real competition, but do not protect the weak competitor'. Stijn van de Voorde, President of the General Administrative Council, made a short comment saying: 'the current GAC will continue the competition policy of its predecessor' Meanwhile, herds of academics join and discuss if competition law needs to change or not, if it is really working and if it is fair.

 

[Free Cities League]

De Garenmarkter Handelsblad

Voor kennis van Zaken
​

Zaterdag, 1 maart 1954

'Eisen van Erding aanvaard: Grondwethervorming Gaat Vooruit!
Demands from Erding Accepted: Constitutional Reform Goes Forward!

Erding After days of deadlock in Erding's legislature, the City's Bürgerschaft accepted a new proposal by the General Administrative Council to create a special regime for the German-speaking area. While in Flanders and Norssex, the new Regions will have the power to take binding decisions on education and culture, the new Region of Walmark (the German-speaking region) will be smaller, having merely a consultative committee that issues recommendations on those issues. Despite not liking other points of the constitutional reform, Erding's legislature expressed the same fear many in the German cities feel: that the new Regions are an attack in the 'sovereign rights of the Free Cities' and, politically, it was the only acceptable point to oppose. Udo Lausberg, spokesman of the German-speakers' Union, the only party staunchly opposed to the reform, told journalists today that: 'though the reform as a whole is not satisfactory, we are happy to have secured the sovereign right to each German city to mold its education and cultural policy the way it sees fit.' Stijn van de Voorde, President of the General Administrative Council, said earlier today that the GAC 'understands the specificities of the German cities, which never had movements of national revival like Flanders or Norssex, and do not feel so close knit together. As such, their special regime is justified. We are just extremely happy that the constitutional reform as a whole passed. At last, justice is brought to our League and we will have a more equal, just and balanced political system'. After learning from the constitutional reform, streets in Boganhem were took by the population, celebrating the beginning of the process which will create the Republic of Boganhem, sovereign confederate entity, with the same rights as any Free City. ​

​

 

[Free Cities League]

Mondë, 3. Marts 1954

De Daglishes Harrold
1 taller | sinds 1893, fon Malachor | Autlegerdrëver: Uve Eitebaden
​

Ferfatsingreformgezats Underbeskrift: Provintsielegamot, nu Burgergamot, fergadert tsu ën Ferfatsing for Boganhem tsu Shapen!
Constitutional Reform Law Signed: Provintsielegamot, now Burgergamot, gathers to write a Constitution for Boganhem!
Malachor

Today is the beginning of an historical process for all Bogans. As the Constitutional Reform, after stalemates and deadlocks, was approved, Boganhem can now choose its own destiny. According to the provisions of the law on Boganhem, the legislature of the Province of Boganhem, 'as sovereign representative of the Bogan people' will 'gather in order to write down a constitution delineating the government of the future Republic of Boganhem, which shall be a confederate entity'. The only limitations put on the choice are 'the respect for civil liberties and a republican form of Government'. Theoretically, it would be possible for the legislature of Boganhem, before titled Provintsielgamot (Provincial Assembly) and now Burgergamot (Citizens' Assembly) to vote for independence, but, as the BBB, coalition partner in the League's government, holds an absolute majority, such outcome is unlikely.

At the end of the process, the new Republic of Boganhem will be, after a century of oppression and discrimination, in equal footing with the other confederate entities. No longer will we be a 'province' (from latin, 'from victory', so a conquered territory) but a sovereign member of the Free Cities' League.

Meanwhile, three proposals for a next constitution have been suggested:
- The Republic of Boganhem proposal - proposed by the Bogan Liberation Movement (BBB), the moderate conservative autonomist Bogan party in Government, it provides for bicameral legislature, civil liberties, separation of powers and a Boganhem integrated in the FCL.
- The Kingdom of Boganhem proposal - proposed by a splinter group from the BBB, now the Royal Party (Konglishes Partë, KP), that abandoned the BBB after its embrace of republicanism. It basically foresees a unicameral constitutional monarchy, with more power to the monarch than in most constitutional monarchies, and still integrated in the FCL. This proposal can be problematic, as the Constitutional Amendment agreement foresees a 'republican form of Government'. However, this provision is not binding, but it should not be problematic, as monarchist support has been decreasing sharply in the last years, when the BBB abandoned a pro-monarchy agenda.
- The People's State of Boganhem proposal - drafted by the Bogan Social and National Union, it foresees complete independence from the League and end of free trade between Boganhem and the League. It provides for a unicameral, corporatist legislature, which would elect a powerful Head of State and Government. It would enshrine not only civil and political liberties, but also social and economic rights.

It is extremely likely that the Bogan parliament, where the BBB has 60% of the seats, to vote for the Republic of Boganhem proposal, even though 5% of the BBB's deputies, from the royalist wing of the BBB, have warned their opposition to any republican constitution, but the General Administrative Council made it very clear that a republic is the only acceptable form of government for a Boganhem with continued presence on the League. Both the republican and the royalist projects foresee membership in the League, but, a near-impossible royalist victory would imply that the League would sever all ties. Even if it happened, the GAC is playing bluff, for a severance of ties would be extremely costly to the League, and many royalist and social-nationalist leaders are shocked by what they consider 'blackmail'.

The projects will be voted in the next days. As aforementioned, it is likely for a republican victory. The old Provintsielegamot, now titled Burgergamot, has 60% of its seat secured by moderate conservative and republican BBB, 30% by the social-nationalists of the BSNU and 10% by the newly-formed royalist party.

 

[Free Cities League]

De Garenmarkter Handelsblad

Voor kennis van Zaken
​

Donderdag, 6 maart 1954

Nieuws in de Kort
News in Brief

Free Cities' League to sign the Tripartite Agreement Earlier today, the three members of the Tripartite Agreement, Sylvania, Ivernia and Østveg have accepted the accession requests of the Free Cities' League, the Republic of Asylan and the Crowned Provinces of Lisse. The Director-General for Foreign Affairs, Thomas Buddenbrook, will attend a summit and ceremony in the Tara Castle in Ivernia in order for the League to be full member of this trade and defence block. President of the GAC van de Voorde already expressed his joy: 'an historical day for the FCL'. Bogans Discuss Their Future As the constitutional reform was passed, Boganhem will hold elections to write down a new constitution as a sovereign entity, equal in footing, inside the League. Three proposals are on the table - a constitutional Republic within the FCL, an independent socialist State or a constitutional monarchy within the FCL. It is almost certain that the first proposal will pass in the parliamentary vote, though the social-nationalists and the monarchists are calling for a referendum. Student demonstrations in Gent Against New Alcohol Law The Free City of Gent has passed a law severely restricting the consumption of alcohol in public and forcing shop owners to cease the sale of alcohol by 10 pm, allegedly due to abuse by the students in the University of Gent. Said students organised big demonstrations all over the city, saying that it was a 'dictatorial decree' and that would put Gent in line with some German-speaking cities that, because they are protestant, severely restrict the sale and consumption of alcohol. According to a spokesman from the students, 'it is useless to try and smash the traditional beer culture in Flanders and, the sooner we start drinking, the better we know how to control it'. ​

​

 

[Free Cities League]

Die Handelsburger Zeitung
seit 1795
​

17. März 1954 | 1. taller | Handelsburg

Boganischer Burgergamot stimmt für eine republikanische Verfassung, den Betritt zur Bund sofort Bogan Burgergamot Votes for a Republican Constitution, Immediately Entering the League ​ Malachor The new Bogan legislature, the Burgergamot, has predictably voted overwhelmingly for a republican constitution providing for immediate membership in the League, defeating the monarchical and social-nationalist proposals by a wide margin. With 67% of the votes, all of them from the Bogan Liberation Movement (BBB), the bill passed quietly through the house, though there were some BBB dissenters prefering either a monarchical constitution or total independence. With this vote, the Free Republic of Boganhem (Frë Republik fon Boganhem) was declared as a sovereign entity and, according to the provisions of the Bogan Constitution, immediately acceded to the League as a Member in equal footing with any of the Free Cities. The Constitution of the Free Republic of Boganhem (Fervatsing de Frë Republik fon Boganhem) is based upon 'the defence of civil liberties', the 'rule of law' and 'popular sovereignty', replacing the former Provincial Charter of Boganhem. It provides for a unicameral legislature, composed by the single chamber of the Burgergamot, elected by universal suffrage of all residents within the Free Republic, which has the power to appoint the President of the Free Republic (President de Frë Republik), which in turn appoints the Government of the Free Republic (Rigirding de Frë Republik). The legislature can propose and approve legislation, while the Government can only propose legislation and adopt administrative regulations. The judiciary remains unchanged, with only new denominations and giving to the Supreme Court of the Free Republic (Overst Beriktshof de Frë Republik) the power of constitutional review. As the constitutions of the Free Cities, the Constitution of the Free Republic foresees the immediate integration of League law (where the League is competent) into the Bogan legal order. It also foresees a number of civil and political rights, though the separation of Church and State is not total, as the Government can take action to protect the 'traditions of Boganhem', such as the Bogan True Faith (i.e., Bogan Paganism). However, it cannot discriminate people on religious grounds. The reaction to the approval of this Constitution and to the proclamation of the Free Republic of Boganhem was met with considerable enthusiasm by the population. Frank Villsun, former President of the Provincial Government, now provisional President of the Free Republic, speaking in front of a 100,000 people crowd in Malachor today, summarised the general feeling: "We are living an historical moment. Our Nation is the oldest of the ones occupying this peninsula and, after living in freedom for a thousand years, it was occupied under false pretextes 100 years ago. Meanwhile, the occupiers had recognised that they had made a mistake, taking away the freedom of the Bogan people. As such, progressive autonomy was given to us. But we wanted more than that, because giving autonomy means that the ultimate power to decide on that autonomy lies not in the people, but elsewhere. Finally, progressive and reform-minded politicians assumed the power in Handelsburg and the Bogan people, without resentment or wish for revenge, through its elected officials, approved its new Constitution, at the same time recognising there are benefits in being part of the project of the Free Cities' League. We know that some anti-Bogan sentiment remains in the halls of Handelsburg, but it is decreasing. No longer are we the pagan savages residing in the far mountains. We are free men and, as such, we desired to be part of this project that, despite its flaws, stands for democracy, freedom and civil rights. We want to show the world that even a conquered people can forgive, given that it is respected. And that is what we expect, respect. No longer are we a province, word finding its origin in the latin 'pro-vince', i.e., 'from victory'. We are a Republic, and a Free Republic, consciously joining other Free sovereign entities in this League. May we thank Voden for this gift, while we also keep in mind that we should respect those who live within our borders that do not share our faith or our language. Long live the Free Republic of Boganhem, long live the Free Cities' League!" New elections under the new constitution will be held in a few weeks, where the first democratically-elected Burgergamot will nominate a President for Boganhem. Frank Villsun stands as the candidate from the BBB, while the social-nationalists present Erik Strakman and the royalists present Krayt fon Krakkenfild. Many have questioned the future functioning of Bogan democracy, as the BBB is clearly dominant (65-70%) and the other two factions, the Bogan Social and National Union (left-wing nationalists) and the Royal Party of Boganhem (conservative royalists) oppose the current constitution. Many expect the BBB to be split in two in Bogan elections, a more conservative, economically in the centre, faction and a more liberal one, with the former being dominant). Undisclosed sources claim, however, that they would still run in a common list for League elections. This constitution was met with hostility by the social-nationalists, who still demand 'full independence from the capitalist hellhole of the Free Cities' League' and the royalists, who demand the reinstalation of the former royal family, the fon Malachors. Both parties demand that a referendum is held, in order to ensure a 'true, heartfelt choice', not taken by the political elite.	Krise in Augustaborg: Dreiseitige Vereinbarung versucht RVVO-Intevention zu vermeiden Crisis in Augustaborg: Tripartite Agreement Tries to Stop RTDO Intervention ​ Augustaborg Only weeks after joining the Tripartite Agreement, together with the FCL and Lisse, the Republic of Asylan brings before the alliance a new challenge. The area of Augustaborg, in the Eastern Cape, declared its independence and wants out of the Republic of the Eastern Cape and the ICD arrangement spearheaded by Cathiopia and Carentania. Asylan stepped in to proect the newly founded state, which was met with hostility from Carentania (and the socialist military alliance of the RTDO) and Cathiopia, who started the International Conference on Decolonisation (the FCL is not a member). Now, tensions still rage in the region as troops are amassed by both sides and rhetoric is high. Thomas Buddenbrook, our Director-General for Foreign Affairs has already advised 'all parties to remain calm and find a solution that will respect the right to self-determination of Augustabog'. In his declaration, Buddenbrook says that 'the principle of popular self-determination, as established by international law, is more important than any international convention on decolonisation'. While the parties forming the General Administrative Council (Liberals, flemish Christian-Democrats, Norssexer liberals and Bogan nationalists) want caution in action, reminding that 'the Tripartite Agreement is a mutual defence, not mutual attack agreement', the conservatives of the Citizens' Alliance spoke up to consider deployment of more Confederal Army troops in the Outerseas Province of Providence, possibility considered by the President of the GAC, Stijn van de Voorde. On the other hands, the left-wing opposition parties oppose any involvement that is not the defence of metropolitan Asylan. Our correspondent in Augustaborg and our offices in Sandstadt in Providence will keep our readers informed about the developments of this situation.

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

Commissariate for Foreign Affairs

We feel the need to clarify that the conflict in Augustaborg is not one between "popular self-determination" and the decolonization charter for the Eastern Cape, but one between the nation of Asylan and the International Commission on Decolonization. At no point has there been a democratic majority expressing their desire to secede from a Republic that is still in its infant days. Rather there has been an attempt by the nation of Asylan to reverse the decolonization process by installing a client state that is dependant upon Asylan aid and protection.

The failure of the international community to give due blame to Asylan for the ongoing crisis is one that highlights the double-standard with which the Himyari continent is still treated and the fear with which colonial overlords monitor the progress made in the Eastern Cape, despite all efforts to sabotage it. It is shameful that Europe is unwilling to give the people of the Eastern Cape an equal standing amongst them for matter of their black skin and the ores below their soil.

 

[Free Cities League]

Freie Städte Bund Vrije Stede Verbond Free Cities' League Frëe Staeden Bound	You must be registered for see images ​
	Allgemeine Verwaltungsrat - Generaldirektion für auswärtige Angelegenheiten​ Algemene Administratieve Raad - Directoraat-generaal van Buitenlandse Zaken​ General Administrative Council - Directorate-General for Foreign Affairs ​ Allmëners Fervaltingsrad - Direktorat-General for Autlandishe Zake​

Öffentliche - Openbaar - Public - Openlish​

On the Augustaborg Situation

If Carentania cannot be sure whether this seccession was motivated by genuine popular support or by a coup by 'right-wing extremists' or whatever hyperbole it desires to use, then it should not use vocabulary, as it used concerning this situation, of a 'swift response', clearly unilateral in nature. If Asylan so agrees, we are open for a non-ideological, impartial international committee (not composed exclusively by the ICD, which is ideologically partial) to be set up in order to oversee elections on Augustaborg concerning its future. It is not inevitable for the future of Himyar for new independent nations to be big and just aggregate whatever it is around them - they must either be unitary homogeneous units or federalised heterogeneous ones. Let's not create artificial entities just for the sake of creating them. Most importantly, let us give the people of Augustaborg a choice, under international supervision.


The Director-General for Foreign Affairs,
Thomas Buddenbrook

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

Commissariate for Foreign Affairs

The Workers' Republic of Carentania is quite sure about the nature of this "declaration of independence": a statement fabricated by the government of Asylan channeled through a puppet regime installed through its military with the clear intent of subjugating the city to neo-colonial rule.

Carentania will have none of it, nor will it accept recent attempts by colonial powers and its allies to tarnish the reputation of the International Commission on Decolonization nor attempts to infringe upon the sovereignity of the Eastern Cape.

 

[Free Cities League]

Freie Städte Bund Vrije Stede Verbond Free Cities' League Frëe Staeden Bound	You must be registered for see images ​
	Allgemeine Verwaltungsrat - Generaldirektion für auswärtige Angelegenheiten​ Algemene Administratieve Raad - Directoraat-generaal van Buitenlandse Zaken​ General Administrative Council - Directorate-General for Foreign Affairs ​ Allmëners Fervaltingsrad - Direktorat-General for Autlandishe Zake​

Öffentliche - Openbaar - Public - Openlish​

On the Augustaborg Situation

If the Workers' Republic of Carentania is not sure about the validity of such declaration of independence, then it should do one of two things: i) abstain from intervening; ii) or, the most reasonable option, help set up an international committee, even if it does so through the ICD, to oversee the validity of elections in Augustaborg. Military invasion will probably not be the best option, since we like to think that might is not always right. We are still open for discussions with said impartial and multilateral committee in sight.


The Director-General for Foreign Affairs,
Thomas Buddenbrook

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

Commissariate for Foreign Affairs

We must assume that unwillingness to adress grievances and assume responsibility is a centerpiece of Tripartite policy-making. There is no more reason for such a committee in Augustaborg than is for it to operate in the cities of the Free Cities League. The issue at hand here are Asylan attempts to interfere with a sovereign state and attempting to set up a client state on its territory. The Free Cities League is attempting no less than trying to sanctify these attempts after their failure to produce results other than a massive escalation and a confrontation between the Free World and the Imperialists and their allies.

 

[Free Cities League]

Freie Städte Bund Vrije Stede Verbond Free Cities' League Frëe Staeden Bound	You must be registered for see images ​
	Allgemeine Verwaltungsrat - Generaldirektion für auswärtige Angelegenheiten​ Algemene Administratieve Raad - Directoraat-generaal van Buitenlandse Zaken​ General Administrative Council - Directorate-General for Foreign Affairs ​ Allmëners Fervaltingsrad - Direktorat-General for Autlandishe Zake​

Öffentliche - Openbaar - Public - Openlish​

On the Augustaborg Situation

If the Workers' Republic of Carentania's vision of international law is one that privileges non-interference in other Nations' internal affairs, finding its roots in a subjectivist vision (a legitimate one, one might add) of the international community, according to which there are no objective and universal values that States must follow internally, then it should also abstain from interference, even if it dubs the coup as illegitimate, as any internal political process of power transfer is not to be judged by outsiders. Let the authorities of the Eastern Cape judge this situation. If such 'coup' was perpetrated by left-wing forces in a liberal democracy, would the Workers' Republic position be the same? Or would it hail such hypothetical coup as legitimate?


The Director-General for Foreign Affairs,
Thomas Buddenbrook

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

Commissariate for Foreign Affairs

The Free Cities League once again fails to adress the issues at hand, instead trying to obscure the situation further with legalism. There was no situation in Augustaborg that would have warranted interference in the affairs, were proper channels that could have been used to adress the issue if there had ever been one. Asylan however embarked upon a neo-colonial adventure, dismissing the rights of the people of the Eastern Cape as inferior to its own interests of expansion into the region. Asylan should take responsibility for this act of aggression rather than sending its allies up front to spar with its opponents through diplomatic cables.

 

[Asylan]

We can assure Carentania and our allies in the Triparte Agreement that should their being any acts of aggression on Asylan territory, Asylan forces will be right int he front lines with their allies, and we have been the first to try and stop Carentanian aggression without violence. It is unfortunate that Carentania has decided to focus its attention on one small power with its largest "colony", in Carentanian words, consisting of willing refugees granted ctizenship, instead of the myriad of other larger colonial powers and holdings. It is obvious of Carenanian strategy and we will not allow it too advance any further.

Department of Foreign Affairs
Republic of Asylan

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

Commissariate for Foreign Affairs

Carentania speaks of achieving a lasting solution that guarantuees peace in Himyar - and all Asylan sees is war. Let the world be our witness that it is not Carentania who is consistently pushing for confrontation, but Asylan, who has attempted to set up a client state on sovereign territory of the Eastern Cape and is now refusing any attempts to find a solution that will adress worries raised by its own actions. The massive military presence on its naval base, so removed from its mainland, is evidence enough for the aggressive nature of the Asylan Republic.

We implore you once again to abandon your hostile rhetorics and leave this path of confrontation to renew negotiations about a lasting solution to the lingering conflict caused by Asylan neo-colonialism. There is no reward to be earned down the path it currently follows.

 

[Polesia]

Luzabi ya Malongo
Ministry of the Exterior

The Republic of Cathiopia calls on the Workers Republic of Carentania to exercise restraint and cease its hostile rhetoric, as well as end its demands on the Erdenshire Naval Base. The Republic of Asylan is in the process of withdrawing its military assets of Augustaborg, and the city's protection is now guaranteed by Cathiopian forces. Carentania currently risks causing another conflict, which will be severely detrimental to the future of the Eastern Cape.

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

Commissariate for Foreign Affairs

Carentania has 'demanded' the Erdenshire naval base as one possible security guarantuee for the Eastern Cape. There is nothing that prevents Asylan from repeating its adventurist foreign policy once Carentania is forced to divert its attention to Sikandara, which is currently mobilizing for war. If there are hostile rhetorics, then it are those of Asylan, which has outright rejected to adress the issues at hand.

 

[Polesia]

Luzabi ya Malongo
Ministry of the Exterior

The new administration of Asylan has given assurances to this Government that there is no hostile intent toward the Republic of the Eastern Cape. The Republic of Cathiopia also notes the former President of Asylan is now currently in the process of impeachment for his role in the Augustaborg Crisis.