The Bergen Times

[Bergenheim]

"Simple Germanic" Controversy Sparks Parent's Ire

The introduction on a trial basis throughout the Midgard Canton of school lessons taught in "Simple Germanic" has led to considerable protests, both at the regional and national level. Parents who spent years learning the more elegant "Berg Germanic" variant feel this is a step too far towards "Eiffelandification".

Defending the trial scheme, Midgard Canton Minister of Education Yarrick Schreiber called the scheme a "long overdue modernisation" in language and literature education, and that improving pupil's communication skills at an earlier age would make them more competitive in Gallia-Germania.

In opposition, the Bergen Alliance of Mothers and Fathers (BAMF) has suggested that the scheme is yet another ill-conceived attempt to ape the perceived successes of the Eiffelandian culture, and further dilute Bergenheim's unique germanic identity.

"The lack of consultation of the parents is frankly, quite disrespectful. Lest we remind the Minister, this is a Direct Democracy, and not a monarchy like his beloved Eiffeland." said BAMF spokesmother Frieda Schmidt.

The scheme will continue in selected schools throughout the Midgard Canton, with a national-level review by the House of Burghers due in the Spring.


SNOW QUEEN A "COOL" HIT ON STAGE
TRADITIONAL winter theatre classic "the Snow Queen" gets the five-star musical treatment, a full run opening at Midweis Republic Threatre from 5th December.

And with tickets flying out the door this is becoming the country's fastest selling stage musical ever.

Join Gerda and Kai on a spectacular stage musical adventure with laughs-a-plenty, live music, flying and special effects galore!

The musical is an adaptation from popular stage play versions of the fairy tale "The Snow Queen" from traditional Gunnlander folklore.

 

[Bergenheim]

Der Glöckner
Opinion Pieces by Werner Neumann
Views expressed may not necessarily reflect the Bergen Times
​

"He that sleeps sound feels not the toothache." -Proverb of the Week

Winter is always a time for solemn reflection, and as this particular year draws to a close there is much to reflect on. The Vogt Administration has cautiously fumbled its way forward from issue to issue, tactically going silent when convenient and loudly trumpeting its own virtues with the appointment of young, bright women to many positions, even within the Greater Council.

While the feminist policies and outlook of Arch Chancellor Vogt has been no secret for some years now, the lack of significant policy victories, domestically or abroad, has caused even long-time feminist and liberal allies to question her suitability.

While the year past has seen many notable fumbles, the most recent- and perhaps most typical- was the handling of the appointment of the new First Hand, Angela Zweigler. A young, former physician with a bright and promising career representing the Office of the First Doctor abroad, her appointment to not only the Office of the First Hand, but the post of the First Hand itself, would have been unusual and caused comment regardless of any other factors, qualified or otherwise.

Yet while the Administration chose not to publicly discuss the details of her transfer and appointment, it seemed poised to speak in glowing terms of her first assignment abroad, a personal attendance at the ongoing IOF summit in Kashtan.

The Administration was thus caught wrong-footed in its planned media narrative by the leaking of saucy underwear photos of the newly-appointed First Hand online, and the ignition of by now tiresome feminist vs social conservative debates about the role of women etc.

This upset might have been smoothed over, or even properly addressed and dismissed, by a more confident, or more competent Administration. But their long-standing policy of ignoring contentious social media issues has now backfired spectacularly.

Where is the approbriation? Where the glowing support for their golden child, their young, female First Hand? Locked into place by their own caution, the Vogt Administration can milk no capital from their bold appointment, for fear of having to engage with loathsome, mucky populist politics.

The irony is rich indeed, and while such a development need not be a debacle, it remains to be seen how this will effect Zweigler's performance at the crucial IOF summit. She cannot be fired, or forced to resign. She must go on, lest in so doing admit there was ever an issue with her appointment in the first place.

And so, as the old proverb goes, the tooth must rot while the patient sleeps, for fear of the pulling. But oh, how the patient will scream on waking. And he must waken sooner or later....

 

[Gunnland]

Officium Legati + Regnum Marpesiae
Foreign Office + Kingdom of Gunnland

Ambassador Martin MacLeod Gordon will be pleased to represent the Kingdom of Gunnland at a performance of The Snow Queen. It will be my pleasure, I am sure, to meet the new First Hand, Ms. Zweigler, in Shigö presently.

James Gunn Gallagher
Prime Minister of Gunnland
Foreign Minister

 

[Bergenheim]

Dawn Raid Disrupts Drug Runners in Old Yharnam

A dramatic dawn raid by SWAT elements of the Yharnam Gendarmerie successfully apprehended six suspects guilty of trading in "Blud", of which over eighteen kilograms were obtained. This highly toxic and addictive drug, known for its distinctive red colour, has been but one of many addictive and illicit substances that have been flooding into Bergenheim in recent years.

"This raid is another reminder to the Polesian Drug networks that Bergenheim is not an "easy mark" for their dangerous and corrosive trade." stated Chief Commissar Laurens of the Yharnam Gendarmerie.

"From the shores of the Polesian Sea to Anor Mountain-side, nowhere will be safe for these criminals."

Such bold moves are likely to come as some relief to the citizens of Old Yharnam, who have been blighted for years by distressing and tragic incidents of young people being driven into a wild frenzy by Blud overdoses.

However, it remains to be seen if these limited, regional successes can translate into an effective counter to the international trade.

Gunnlander Ambassador Gets a Frosty Reception

The opening night of the popular musical "Snow Queen" was marked by particularly festive and decidedly hot-headed antics from the Gunnlander Ambassador, who drunkenly took exception to the philosophical underpinnings of the children's fairy story that inspired the musical.

Fortunately, the local security were able to remove the Ambassador from the premises without causing a scene. A formal reprimand has been given for the behaviour by the Office of the First Hand, which governs diplomatic affairs inside and outside Bergenheim.

Such spectacle has not hurt the sales of this musical, however, with viral video-footage of the Gunnish Ambassador's drunken ranting attracting over a million views already.

A song-cover parody, "Just Let Kirkyard Go", combining the musical's showstopper tune with the contents of the Ambassador's diatribe, has also been shared over Twatter, and attracted much mirth and publicity for the musical.

 

[Bergenheim]

Bergen Times, News Roundup
Breaking Stories from the Last 24 Hours​

• The House of Burghers concluded for the winter break in time-honoured ceremony, the keyholding chancellors ceremonially locking the doors of the House as the last members to leave, in full 19th century regalia. The last Bill debated upon and left pending ratification was on the topic of providing Border Guards an increased pension. Regrettably this decision will have to wait untill January 3rd.
• The Border Guards are currently voting on wether to strike untill January 3rd in protest at the lacksadaiscal treatment of so important an issue by the House of Burghers. If they do so, many civilians will have to be drafted to bulk up the National Defence Force, which could be disastrous for many Bergener Christmases.
• The Republic University of Anorstadt has announced plans to modernise and streamline its course selection, in order to remain competitive with other Humanities universities world-wide. A Full Review of Tenure is expected in the spring.
• Fabrien-Neu, the glamourous magazine for women's lingerie, has announced that it is planning on releasing a new line of professional-but-sultry underwear it has named "The Ambassador Line", in a not-so-subtle tribute to current First Hand Angela Zweigler.
• The National Defence Force is "very short on rifles" admitted First Fist Lotti Degurechaff. "Most private millitary outfits are better equipped. We have whole warehouses full of tanks dating back to the 40s, but few rifles. Civillians keep taking them home after they finish their draft."

"((trying out a different format, normal format may resume later))

 

[Bergenheim]

Five People Shot Dead in Old Yharnam, Drug Violence Intensifies

In a dramatic response to the dawn raids against drug smugglers bringing in the party drug "Blud", five citizens were shot dead this morning in separate drive-by incidents, in what social media has described as the most shocking and blatant acts of murder in the city's recent history.

The violence has underscored the growing problem of drug cartels, a problem that has been seen in multple nations, from Trivodnia to Arcadia. While the Old Yharnam Gendarmerie has promised to increase its street patrols over the coming winter period, the damage has already been done, with many suspecting the victims were all key witnesses to the upcoming trial of the Blud Smugglers.

The National Police Committee has promised to discuss the matter of greater national co-operation and co-ordination in the light of these murders, which all appear to have been committed by transients not local to the Yharnam city or even the Canton.

The Gendarmerie, for its part, has reiterated its determination to not only protect the citizenry, but apprehend those responsible for this latest outrage.


World Festival of Sports Begins

The World Festival of Sports, brain-child of ambitious equatorial nation

You must be registered for see links

has begun with fierce competition from a truly international array of competitors. For our part, one Bergener in particular has distinguished themselves by proceeding to the second round of events, with the first providing an excellent teaser of what more there is to come.

Proving worthy of his name, National Champion Heavyweight Boxer "Dicker" Hans Schulz was quick to prove himself on the international stage, taking blow after blow from his opponent upon his mighty gut, before delivering his trademark Schulz Showstopper.

His foe in the upcoming second round however, is long-time nemesis and Eiffeland bruiser, Hans Lohbeck, who once said there was room for only one Hans in Boxing. Their clash on the international area is already selling out fast, and tens of thousands will no doubt be tuning in to watch on BNN Sports.

So far other events have shown honourable promise though no ultimate progression to the next round of events, with many Bergener sports fans resigning themselves to cheering on other competitors in a spirit of international sportsmanship.

Without a doubt the Festival has already succeeded in putting Beira on the map, and Bergenheim will have to shape up fast if it wants the glory competing on such a stage will bring.

 

[Bergenheim]

RELATIONS CONTINUE TO COOL BETWEEN NEIGHBOUR STATES

The ongoing diplomatic freeze between Trivodnia and Crotobaltislavonia took a dramatic turn for the worse after Trivodnian Chancellor Alexander Kahnemann attacked the foreign policy of Crotobaltislavonia in a fit of highly charged rhetoric yesterday.

Speaking after Crotobaltislavonia announced it would be reopening all shared border crossings, the Chancellor lambasted the current Crotobaltislavonian administration for being "two-faced", criticising it heavily for trying to negiotiate an extradition treaty mere days after a highly public display of border deployment saber-rattling.


The Crotobaltislavonian Embassy refused requests for comment from the Press. However sources within the Office of the First Hand in Midweis has led us to believe that our own administration is watching these developments with a keen eye.

Recent efforts at establishing warmer relations with Crotobaltislavonia have been met with a mixed reception, with some praising the efforts by the Vogt Administration to establish closer ties with our neighbour, while others criticise engagement with a morally bankrupt authoritarian regime which has failed to curb the tide of drugs being smuggled abroad.

While some nations have elected to strengthen their borders in response to this crisis, Bergenheim's borders remain in a state of flux, as the independent Border Guard continue to push for a stronger settlement over insurance and healthcare provision issues over the christmas break period.

It remains to be seen how, if indeed at all, our nation will react to these developments.


A DOZEN MORE BODIES WASH UP ON OLD YHARNAM'S SHORES

The Drug-fuelled violence in the Yharnam canton seems to be escalating, as a dozen bullet-riddled bodies were recovered by the Yharnam Coast Guard from the Polesian Sea earlier this morning.

While the exact origin of these victims is unknown, their dress and the currents carrying them suggest they were murdered in Crotobaltislavonia, though by who and for what reason is also uncertain. The Yharnam Gendarmerie has offered to return these bodies to Crotobaltislavonia's authorities for identification and burial.

While details on the find have largely been suppressed, photos leaked online suggest that these were almost definitely victims in a brutal close-quarters gunfight.

 

[Bergenheim]

Bergen Times, News Roundup
Breaking Stories from the Last 24 Hours

• The Border Guards have agreed at the eleventh hour to generous provisional terms drafted by the Administration's negotiation team, with guardsmen set to resume border-watch duties throughout the Christmas period. This comes despite assurances from the NDF that they could handle things, and a generous offer by leading PMCs to handle border security.
• High Art or Low? The popularity of Bergenheim's Snow Queen Musical, and declining attendance rates for traditional Germanic opera, has sparked a debate about the role of high and low media in the public space. Some insist that state funding is needed to preserve Bergenheim's unique cultural heritage. Others think theatres should get with the times.
• Who Watches the Watchmakers? Zwicke luxury watches have adorned the wrists of Europe's businessmen for generations, but increasingly this once essential accessory has fallen out of favour even with the rich and powerful. Can Bergenheim's Watchmakers survive in a modern economy?
• "It's Not Christian"- Controversy about the secularisation of the holiday season is never far from people's minds or twatter posts, but this week fresh fuel was added to the fire by an avant-garde performance of the nativity by Midweis's most provocative artist, Bahnsky, in which baby dolls representing the baby Jesus were fed to a roaring log flame. This particular image, meant to be starkly anti-capitalist in nature, has ended up becoming symbolic of the Bonfire of Vanities that is modern secular life, with many yearning for simpler, more religious and folksy times.

 

[Bergenheim]

Der Glöckner
Opinion Pieces by Werner Neumann
Views expressed may not necessarily reflect the Bergen Times
​

"The boy who cried wolf was not a fool for lying, but rather for telling the same lie twice." -Proverb of the Week

It's Christmas at Ground Zero, and the button has been pressed. While the House of Burghers and the Vogt Administration duck and cover with their yuletide lovers, chaos seems to have broken out in close neighbour Crotobaltislavonia.

While the Coup seems to have been thwarted, this incident will only likely draw more ire towards Vogt's mercurial foreign policy, and the exact whereabouts of notorious Foreign Minister Angela Zweigler, last seen after the IOF Summit heading to Banja Luka for prolonged trade discussions with her opposite number in Crotobaltislavonia, Foreign Minister Jedreck.

Emerging throughout this winter of discontent has been the suprising popularity of the social media presence of our head of Defence Forces, General Lotti Degurechaff. While she has not been pushed or presented as any sort of feminist icon, she seems to be a much stronger representation of the ideals of this administration. A soldier since the age of sixteen, the forty-three year old was one of the youngest to receive such a prominent cabinet post, and one tasked with such a vital role as the national defence.

Yet regardless of her sex, her career credentials are impeccable, and the National Defence Forces itself seems to appreciate her unique style of command, with former Generals saying that she is certainly the right man for the job.

But it was not in her capacity as a military leader or youthful prodigy that brought her to our attention. Rather, her skillful use of social media and efforts to reassure the public in this chaotic time have brought her a suprising amount of attention. It is rare for any figures in the military in any democratic nation to recieve such notice, let alone one in Bergenheim, which has not had a national-level military involvement since the 50s.

It is very telling that in all the wild speculation and talk about the unfolding events of the last 36 hours, noone is talking about the Vogt Administration's clumsy effort to both express solidarity with the bombings in Treviso and assure people it was monitoring the situation closely.

The civillian government, as has been noted in previous columns, has steadfastly refused to address concerns via social media. It's first forays into doing so have thus been predictably clumsy.

It is strange therefore, that it has not chosen to take advantage of the popularity of its own Defence Minister, and claim Lotti Degurechaff as part of that feminist, democratic agenda. Surely a relatively young, openly homosexual and extremely accredited soldier, not to mention popular social media presence, would be a transformative asset in Midweis?

With only a few days left before the new year, even this columnist is holding his breath to see if the Vogt Administration might suprise us yet again, and this time with a display of actual competence.

 

[Bergenheim]

Archchancellor Vogt Calls for Peace!
​

The New Year began with a bang, both from the opening of the traditional doors to the House and from the explosive rhetoric on display. Taking the podium almost immediately after the completion of the Ceremony of the Keys, the Archchancellor set out in bold, precise and commanding tones what Bergenheim is going to do in response to the Crotobaltoslavonian Crisis.

Showing the front-facing leadership that has been absent from her governing style these past few months, the Archchancellor immediately called for, and received, an Emergency Powers vote, empowering her to act decisively and immediately on issues of National Urgency.

With the House of Burghers voting in her favour, her first act with the new powers was to call for a Peace Conference, a move hotly anticipated even before the business of national governance was resumed.

With this done, she quickly vacated the House of Burghers, and nominated Chancellor Sheev Kessler of Midgard Canton to act as Vice-Archchancellor in her stead on the mundane and domestic policies of the nation, at least for the duration of the CBS crisis.

Such was the urgency and energy of her departure that she bypassed the usual Midday Meet the Press, and flew immediately to Konigsruhe Headquarters by private helicopter. There, it is presumed, she co-ordinated issues of national defence with General Lotti Degurechaff, and began taking phone-calls and organising the peace conference.

It is highly likely that, as has been done in the past, the Edelgarten Conference Center will be used to host all incoming foreign dignitaries, with invitations confirmed to have been sent to Elbe, Crotobaltislavonia, Carinthia-Harkany, Kadikistan, Geotri, Eiffeland, Trivodnia, Serenierre, and, curiously, Xinhai, perhaps as an additional neutral observer.

Travel Chaos as Air Traffic Disrupted by Elbe Closures

The New Year is always a time of heavy traffic and difficult weather, but this year's heavy disruptions were caused by an extraordinary and paranoid overreaction by the Kingdom of Elbe, who have apparently excluded all foreign air traffic from their air-space, stranding thousands of Bergenheimer citizens in the more rural cousin country.

A spokesperson for the Flugzeugwerke confirmed that they and representatives from the Office of the First Hand would be speaking to Elbe for clarification, and to try to get Bergener citizens home by other means as quickly possible.​

 

[Bergenheim]

Bergen Times, News Roundup​

Breaking Stories from the Last 24 Hours​

• The markets have begun to recover after a terrifying 24 hours saw numerous currencies tied to the CBS Crisis experiencing significant devaluation. The Republic Bank of Bergenheim says that it is considering lowering interest rates.
• Gossip magazines have seized on the news of the developing relationship between Queen Juliana and Prince Ludwig of Eiffeland. Despite lacking its own royalty, there remains fierce interest in royalty and fairy tale romances amongst many in Bergenheim.
• Rumours abound of abuses at the border, as the National Defence Force has been called to reinforce the Border Guards. Outrage persists over news that nobody with only Crotobaltislavonian citizenship is being allowed in.
• Fabrien-Neu, the glamourous magazine for women's lingerie, has announced that interest in the "Ambassador Line" peaked over the christmas period, and that it is more than likely that your wife or significant other is wearing Zweigler-brand underwear. First Hand Zweigler has so far refused to comment.
• First Fist Lotti Degurechaff spotted boarding a plane for Eiffelland. Her notoriously outspoken twatter has fallen silent for the time being.

 

[Bergenheim]

ITS NOT CHRISTMAS AND ITS NOT OVER, CRISIS GOES ON​

President Meier Lauterpacht of the Trivodnian Free State declared the Christmas Crisis to be over after confirming this morning that Trivodnian special forces killed rebel Crotobaltislavonian general Alexander Radek as he attempted to enter the Free State's territorial waters.

This statement appeared to be confirmed by state news sources from within Crotobaltislavonia,and twitter was initially filled with optimistic messages. However, speaking from the middle of the All-Parties Peace Conference, the Archchancellor was more cautious in response, and stated that the Crisis was far from over, as the fall out from the instability would continue to affect the region for months to come.

For many Bergenheimers, the most pressing question is when the State of Emergency will be ended, and the General Draft dissolved, as thousands of young people continue to be held under arms in the National Defence Force and its other arms, ostensibly protecting the nation against all contigencies.

The emergency powers granted the Archchancellor may also be withdrawn, as the primary factor in her recieving them, the possibility of Civil War in Crotobaltislavonia, seems now to be receding, though rebel factions continue to fight within the unstable region.

First Fist Degurechaff has largely been unavailable for media comment, confirming only that she and the NDF are monitoring the situation closely, and that ongoing defensive co-ordination with Eiffeland and other key allies is taking up all of her time.

 

[Bergenheim]

MURDER AT THE BORDERS? CALLS FOR INQUIRY
​

News has broken in the Elbe Press of an alleged unprovoked shooting of a refugee by the Bergenheim National Defence Forces. The controversy has stoked growing fears that the hardline stance taken by the current administration in response to the Crisis has paved the way for abuses of power and inhumane treatment that contravenes the founding Humanist principles of the Republic.

"Its a national disgrace." said Eleanor Harkany, CEO of the Open Borders Safe Harbours NGO. "We have been campaigning for years for a clearer nation-level policy of unlimited asylum for those in need. The sealing shut of our borders, in the dead of winter, has undoubtably inflicted considerable trauma and yes, many preventable deaths on those most direly in need."

The Vogt Administration has found itself being criticised for its heavy-handed approach, and permitting untrained reservists such broad powers, including apparently the right to shoot to kill, in maintaining border security. The Border Guards were quick to distance themselves from the incident, pointing to their full-time, professional status and the fact that they have safely guarded Bergenheim's borders, rifles in hand, with no unlawful deaths in decades.

Although no official comment has been made by the Archchancellor or the Inner Council of the Keys, a spokesperson from the House of Burghers stated that there would be "serious review" of the necessity of such draconian powers, and that a vote to re-consider the Archchancellor's emergency powers had been brought forward to mid-February, unless there were any further developments in the situation.

Not all reactions to the "Gate 13" Incident have been negative, however. Right-wing Bloggers and activists on behalf of "Gold Mountain" have spread viral memes, adding hateful right-wing slogans to the picture of the murdered refugee. The notorious online hate community is widely known both for its social media savvy and its promotion of extreme racist, anti-semitic and misogynistic views.

"Let's be honest, if we let them all in they'd ruin what we have. You want things to stay this good in Bergenheim? Keep the Slavs and Yids out." stated Gold Mountain "spokesperson", NigelFarrago88.
"Open Borders is White Genocide."

With the All-Powers Conference in Midweis now hotly debating this very issue, it remains to be seen how this incident will effect the ongoing talks.

 

[Bergenheim]

Bergen Times, News Roundup​

Breaking Stories from the Last 24 Hours​

• The House of Burghers voted to officially censure the Kingdom of Gunnland for its failure to curb arms sales to Crotobaltislavonia during this Crisis Period. This has sparked protests from the Gunnish minority within Bergenheim, who have traditionally been very close and feel this is a betrayal.
• An inquiry into the Gate 13 Incident has begun, with judges and lawyers chosen randomly from the existing pool. Concerns about national bias have been dismissed by the First Judge Weber himself.
• Mothers against Blud began their first leafleting campaign in Yharnam city, trying to educate people about the rising number of young fatalities from the addictive chemical substance flooding into the country from the East.
• Sporting News Outlets have reported a drop in interest, as many people can now get personalised sports news online.
• Lotti Degurechaff a man? Anonymous sources claiming to have access to private medical documentation suggest the notorious First Fist was born with an extra chromosome and may be genetically male. No official comment has been made as of yet.

 

[Bergenheim]

Der Glöckner​

Opinion Pieces by Werner Neumann
Views expressed may not necessarily reflect the Bergen Times​

"You may not see the Tiger, but he sees you." -Proverb of the Week

It must surely be this swelteringly hot summer that continues to keep the Vogt Administration lethargic. After teetering from embarassment to crisis to incompetent failure six months ago, the government now finds itself immersed in an even more dire crisis, possibly the worst in Modern Times.

Having declared its neutrality as always, there is great uncertainty and unrest from all corners of the country. Social media is abuzz with Bergenheimers of all ages, wondering if we will be next.

For make no mistake. The Innersee is not a bulwark. If Trivodnia falls, the Rurikgrad Pact will push onwards to our very borders, and neutrality will become impossible when so mighty a power, so antithetical to our own political system and way of life, is crouched on our doorstep.

We have grown too complacent, too proud of our mountains. The Christmas Crisis was a chance for us to awaken, to arise, to prepare.

But we have learned little, and acted far, far too slow, and now it is too late. Our Air force is ageing and inadequate. Plans to accquire new Wirbelsturm Jets were announced in April, but there is no hope of them being delivered now, with Eiffeland at war with the enemy.

Seven Months ago, I talked in these pages about how our administration was indolent, like a rotten tooth that needed loosening. I called for a need to awaken.

But it is not a tooth that needs pulling anymore. We are far past such exigencies. We now face a hungry animal, prowling our borders. We pretend that it will not eat us, if we lie still, close our eyes, and play dead.

Yet such a foolish strategy, if even that alone could work, is fatally compromised by our economic need, our hunger, our addiction and greed, to the enormous profits from the mercenary trade.

Free Companies of all kinds, be they aid-workers or armed soldiers of fortune, have flocked like never before. Fuelling this outpouring of gun-for-hire is the naked political motivation behind the uptick in recruits. Hundreds of nationalists and anti-communists, unable to secure free passage to Trivodnia otherwise, have signed up with whatever Free Company will take them. This political volunteer force, eager to fight the Rurikgrad Pact, may find itself fatally compromising the missions of the normally professional and apolitical mercenary outfits, some of whom may even be seeking contracts with Kadikistan or Xinhai.

Traditionally, the Free Companies have tried hard to avoid conflicts between their units. But it is impossible to avoid the rising sense that this is one fight we cannot duck. One fight we cannot ignore.

And even as the Vogt Administration turns a blind eye, our young men and women go now, under the guise of greed, to fight their enemy in Trivodnia.

Because if they fail, then, dear readers, the fight will most assuredly come to us.

And high mountains will not block bombers or missiles.

 

[Bergenheim]

Bergen Times, News Roundup​

Breaking Stories from the Last 24 Hours​

• Archchancellor looks for free trade opportunites further and further abroad, looking for agreements with Ostveg and further afield.
• Gate 13 Inquiry finally concludes, after several months of deliberation. It has been decided that a formal criminal investigation will begin into the conduct of several dozen military suspects, and a formal censure given to the Border Guard for failing to intervene.
• National businesses continue to struggle as crisis and conflict in the east and west causes a shortage in many goods, both luxury and necessity. Some have even called for Rationing to be implemented.
• Borders found to be sufficiently strengthened. New wave of CBS refugees from the war have been carefully guided to new "Detention Centers", where children are kept in comfortable surroundings with their parents.
• Controversial and popular millitary figurehead Lotti Degurechaff returns to social media, promising not to make un-PC statements, while also unambigiously voicing support for Trivodnia.

 

[Bergenheim]

"A Brisk Crossing" As Rurikgrad Pact Forces invade Trivodnia

The storm finally broke after weeks of tension and uncertainty, with the mass invasion of Kadikistani and Xinhai forces across the Northern and Eastern borders of the Free Republic of Trivodnia. Most notably, it is confirmed that leading elements have reached as far as the Trivodnian city of Brisk, threatening a rapid penetration towards Amstov.

While Eiffelland has declared its intention to stand with its ally, so too have Serenierre and Occidentia, opening up a Western Front that will see the great Germanic Kingdom beset on all sides by enemies. It remains to be seen if Eiffelland or anyone else can aid Trivodnia in this dire time.

Neutrality has been repeatedly assured by our government to all belligerents, and all official military personnel have been recalled from Eiffelland. Despite the guarantees, it is understood that two of the Free Companies will be flying to fight alongside Eiffelland in the coming conflict, though wether against the Rurikgrad Pact or the western enemy is unknown at this time.

A Third Free Company, the Drachenfels Regiment, has also guaranteed its intentions to deploy to Loago, on an unrelated three-month training contract. It is rare indeed to see so much of Bergenheim's infamous private millitary forces going abroad in such force, but these are troubled times.

There are many questions and concerns on everyone's mind. We at the Bergen Times promise to do our best to bring all the news we can, as frequently as we can. A Hotline has been set up for those who have mercenary families, to inquire about the status of loved ones serving abroad. Additionally, check online for our 24 hour rolling news feed.

It is surely not the beginning of the end, but only the end of the beginning, for this Great War in Gallo-Germania.

 

[Bergenheim]

Day of Infamy, as Two Blitzkriegs Threaten Global Stability

What is now becoming known as the First World War has entered a yet grimmer phase, as not one but two seperate neutral nations were invaded without warning by opportunistic regional neighbours.

Al-Kez, a colonial nation of Occitania, was early yesterday evening invaded by the full might of the Republic of Engellex, dismaying many across the globe who had hoped this last unengaged superpower might yet act as a broker of peace in Gallo-Germania.

Yet even as Engellex broke hearts, treaties, faith and the borders of Al-Kez, the Grand Duchy of Bourgogne also sought to capitalise on the misery and chaos of our neighbour, Crotobaltislavonia, pushing through it with callous ease in its goal of reaching Trivodnia, and joining the maelstrom there.

Such disastrous developments have sparked near-panic across Bergenheim, and the Emergency Powers Cabinet has been forced to implement a new Rationing Act, as supermarkets see shelves stripped in record panic-buying.

Fuel prices have reached an all-time high since the 1950s, and the Emergency Powers Cabinet has authorised the issuing of fuel coupons to those offering car-pool, and diminish the burden on public transport.

Such desperate measures, coming so hot on the heels of one another, has left many in confusion and a daze, as almost overnight the prosperity of Bergenheim has been greatly diminished, through no fault of its own.

Yet the search for blame cannot be far behind. Some blame the Chancellor for jeopardising our neutrality with reckless oversight regarding Eiffellander violation of the borders. Others listen more and more to the increasingly demagogic words of the First Fist, Lotti Degurechaff, whose Sturm und Drang invective has led many, particularly in the youth, to desire an end to national neutrality in exchange for a a strong stance of national unity.

The Emergency Powers Cabinet has censured the First Fist repeatedly, but seem unwilling or unable to censor her.

With such troubles brewing in the nation, the news that neutrality may no longer be an adequate shield to the sudden hunger for war will no doubt be another burden for us all to carry.

 

[Rheinbund]

Aussenministerium
Trier, Eiffelland

We are willing and prepared to guarantee Bergenheim's freedom. We also call upon the Bergenheimers to not despair about their future as a prosperous and free nation, and to not fall for the sweet but definitely false words the Kadikistani government may be whispering in your ears. Look at the way the Kadikistani government rules its country, and look at the way the Kadikistani government is behaving towards the neighbour countries of Kadikistan. This country has a long record of trying to impose its will upon its neighbours and not respecting the sovereignty of its neighbours. Keep in mind that what is currently happening to Trivodnia may also happen to Bergenheim when the Rurikgrad Pact can reach the country through Trivodnia and Crotobaltislavonia.

Rüdiger Zimmermann, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Vice-Chancellor

 

[Great Engellex]

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In JOINT COMMITTEE, August 7 2018
a LETTER of ADDRESS by the PARLIAMENTARIANS of the​

ENGELLEXIAN REPUBLIC​

In the ENGELLEXIAN REPUBLIC PARLEMENT ASSEMBLED the FOREIGN AFFAIRS JOINT COMMITTEE,

The Foreign Affairs Joint Committee has been persuaded to urgently make the following letter to the Government of Bergenheim.

The Engellexian Republic Parlement is presently not engaged in a State of War with the Republic of Borovanger, or the Territory of Al-Kez, nor any other sovereign State or territory.

signed on Order and on Behalf of the Foreign Affairs Joint Committee,

Lord Benjamin Boxer,
Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Joint Committee