Trivodnian media

[Polesia]

Di Tsayt

Active servicemen demand right to vote

AMSTOV - The government is facing another battle in the Supreme Court after lawyers representing an undisclosed number of on-duty military personnel lodged an appeal against the ban on voting for active servicemen.

The ban dates back to the establishment of the Free State, when the Founders wanted to ensure the armed forces would remain a politically neutral, non-partisan institution. At the time, the military was being formed from different partisan groups that fought in the Independence War, sometimes against each other. Removing the right to vote for those serving was seen as a means of preventing soldiers and generals getting back involved in politics.

Recently the ban has come under criticism for effectively denying suffrage to thousands of young conscripts who are enrolled each year after school or university. Prisoners are the only other section of society not allowed to vote. Veterans and reservists both still have the right.

"The current rules are an affront to democracy," declared Berl Sheiman, one of the lawyers arguing against the ban, "if anyone is deserving of the vote, it is the brave men defending this country."

Previous governments had considered overturning the voting restrictions, but never went ahead with their plans, fearing a defeat in the National Assembly.

But now the ruling Social Democratic Alliance faces an opposition supportive of extending the suffrage to servicemen, with the armed forces have grown increasingly hostile the Social Democrats' foreign and defence policies.

Senior officers openly lobby the government for more military spending, while demobilised troops played a leading role in the protests against Chancellor Alexander Kahnemann after he called for a speedy normalisation of ties with Kadikistan not long after it threatened to invade.

All the opposition parties now want the voting ban quashed by the Supreme Court. This is the second major legal fight the government has faced during the election campaign, having successfully fought off a challenge by a number of smaller radical parties recently disbanded for unconstitutional activities.

The Social Democrats are reportedly confident the ban will be upheld, but many fear a restless military post-election, especially if the result is close, could prove a dangerous opponent.

"The army has thrown its weight around before... it could do it again," worries one Social Democratic backbencher.
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[Polesia]

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Social Democrats on course for landslide victory

The Social Democratic Alliance is on course for another majority, as undecided and centrist voters flock to the party's message of national unity and defence of the constitutional status quo.

Despite public in-fighting between the Alliance's Jewish and Krasnislavian wings, polling by the Sheremet Information Centre and Independent Research Group puts the party on 39 per cent and 42 per cent respectively.

The survey results - the first to be published since Chancellor Alexander Kahnemann first called a snap election - will likely please the Social Democratic leadership, who had feared Kahnemann's forgiving approach to Kadikistan earlier this year would see it punished at the ballot box.

However, the surveys do point to an increasingly polarised Trivodnia, with the Krasnislavian National Party riding high in the polls, while the Jewish People's Party and Homeland Union face a shrinking support base.

"Krasnislavian nationalism is growing as a force, while Jewish statism appears to be on the decline," explains Dr. Ignacy Alferov, senior research fellow at the Sheremet Information Centre. The SIC puts the KNP on 24 per cent of the vote share, which would make it the second largest party in the National Assembly after the Social Democrats.

"While Social Democrat strategists initially worried the focus on constitutional issues would undermine them... it appears to have galvanised their voters," continues Dr. Alferov.

Theodor Domeyko, chief analyst at the Independent Research Group, now expects the Social Democrat campaign to pivot away from the economy and towards defending Trivodnia's unitary set-up.

"Clearly there is limited appetite among voters for constitutional reform," Domeyko explains, "especially in the Jewish community... the Social Democrats will likely try and capitalise on this fact."

The next big question is whether the KNP will interpret its surging support as backing for a more radical position on Krasnislavian statehood, perhaps even calling for independence. However Domeyko cautions against such a stance.

"The current KNP policy of a confederal Trivodnia appeals to people across the spectrum... changing it would jeopardise that," he warns.

Another casualty of Trivodnia's changing political landscape is the Alternative. Originally a party of the liberal middle class, it is increasingly reliant on Trivodnia's other Slavian minorities.

"The post-election political map will likely see the SDA dominant along the Polesian coast, the KNP controlling the Inner Sea region and the Alternative on the periphery, with the Jewish People's Party and Homeland Union taking a smattering of seats," predicts Domeyko.

The port-city of Kretyn, the historical capital of Krasnislavia and bastion of trade union activism, will emerge as a key battleground between the SDA and KNP, Domeyko says. Even if the SDA win a landslide overall, losing Kretyn the KNP will strike a deep psychological blow to the party, he claims.​

 

[Kadikistani Union]

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Office of the People's Commissariat for External Affairs
Under supervision by the National Committee for Justice and the Rejuvenation of Socialism
​

We are concerned about the growing popularity of Krasnislavian nationalism in Trivodnia and will monitor the situation regarding the upcoming elections closely while also remaining a vigilant partner in the Inner Sea. Furthermore we wish to extend the support of our nation and that of the Kadikistani Communist Workers' Party to the Jewish Democratic Workers' Party and the Krasnislavian Jewish Democratic Workers' Party. We stand in solidarity with this wrongfully banned union of Trivodnian Marxist-Leninovists and wish their militants the best of luck in persuading the working class of the bourgeois nature of these elections. Elections that can never be democratic unless the ban on the KJDWP and the JDWP is lifted and its courageous leaders once again free men. Despite an organized media boycott and judicial oppression the people of Trivodnia will not stay blind to their social-economic realities for yet another century. Parliaments and other such Assemblies will always remain just one of the many fronts where class struggle can be waged, the fronts in the streets and places of work will always remain more important than the charade.

Signed,
Petar Kujundzic
People's Commissar for External Affairs
Democratic Socialist Republic of Kadikistan

 

[Polesia]

די צײט | Di Tsayt ‎

Social Democrats urged to compromise on devolution

AMSTOV - The Social Democratic Alliance's leadership is being urged to embrace some form of devolution in order to stop Krasnislavian voters flocking to the Krasnislavian National Party in protest.

The call comes after recent polling showed the KNP emerging as the second largest party in the National Assembly after the Social Democrats.

Yury Bogdanov, a prominent Krasnislavian Social Democrat, said his party's "inflexibility" over constitutional reform risked costing them votes in crucial battlegrounds such as the port-city of Kretyn.

"There is clearly a desire for change from the status quo in the Krasnislavian community," Bogdanov claimed, "we must respect that or we'll be punished at the ballot box."

The Krasnislavian Social Democratic People's Assembly, one half of the Alliance, was reportedly considering running a parallel election campaign, as Chancellor Alexander Kahnemann, who is ethnically Jewish, is largely unpopular with ordinary Krasnislavians.

"The SDA is slowly becoming seen as a Jewish movement," warned one backbencher anonymously.

However Chancellor Kahnemann's team has supposedly drawn up plans to unify the Social Democrats into one formal party to tap into a growing sense of Trivodnian nationalism among the younger generations.

"The youth is finally moving last old divisions," claimed one inside source close to the decision making.

Constitutional issues have been at the centre of this election, which was called by Kahnemann to shore up his authority within his own party after many started to speak out against his soft stance on Kadikistan.

The Chancellor had hoped a series of high profile economic deals with Burgundy, Eiffelland, Nichtstein and Pelasgia, which would enable new infrastructure to be built, would be the focus of campaigning. But the KNP's call for a confederal Trivodnia, and the reaction from other parties, has so far dominated election coverage.

The Alternative backs a federal system, with Trivodnia's other Slavian minorities given statehood too. The Homeland Union supports the KNP in pushing for a confederacy, while the Jewish People's Party says rural and municipal devolution must be the priority.

To date the Social Democrats have resisted demands for change, and positioned themselves as defenders of Trivodnian unity.

The latest survey by the Independent Research Group puts the Social Democrats on 38%, the KNP on 26%, the People's Party on 11%, the Alternative on 9% and the Homeland Union on 7%. Minor parties like the Independent Social Democrats and Orthodox Union make up the rest. ​

 

[Polesia]

DER MORGEN ZSHURNAL
The Morning Journal

TRIVODNIAN CATHOLICS PATIENTLY WAIT FOR NEW POPE

St. Mary's Tiburan Catholic Church in Kretyn is an unassuming building, being a small concrete block nestled between ramshackle bars and rundown hotels. But it is an important centre for the local Gunnish community, who come here every Sunday to pray. After Mass, there is just one subject on their lips: who will be the next Pope.

"We don't know, we really don't," says one elderly lady who asked not to be named.

Her uncertainty is shared by most of the congregation we speak to. For years the Church has felt like a lost ship, as Pope Pius slowly declined from Ill health to death. A string of terrorist attacks allegedly perpetrated by Catholics has raised further questions about the faith's place in the world.

"The Jews have Trivodnia, Orthodox Christians have Pelasgia, but there is no power to protect us," laments a younger Gunnishman who works on Kretyn's docks.

The big divide among the Cardinals who will elect a new Pope is believed to be the role of the Church in world affairs, with more conservative elements wanting an assertive Papacy. Other, more moderate factions worry about over-politicisation of the Holy See.

Catholicism has been around for centuries in Trivodnia, largely thanks to the efforts of immigrant communities and missionaries. A Pelasgian rite minority exists along the border with Ruthenia-Galicia, while Tiburan rite Catholics can be found in Amstov as well as Kretyn.

Catholic missionary activity has recently been criticised by ultra Orthodox Jews and Christians concerned by potential conversions, although there has been little sectarian violence beyond the attempted lynching of a priest a few weeks ago when news of a supposed Catholic terror attack first emerged.

"Nothing to do with Catholicism," says one Church goer in Kretyn. "Not real Catholics," adds another.

The government has vowed to come down hard on anti-Catholic discrimination, as have opposition parties. The view in Amstov is that these are the actions of disgruntled loners, and not part of a wider conspiracy.

Catholics in Kretyn tell us they feel safe for now, but worry what the future holds.

"The glory days are long gone," mourns the elderly lady.
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'Kadikistan more progressive than Trivodnia'

The Krasnislavian National Party has been thrown off course after a senior figure claimed Kadikistan was more "progressive" on the issue of federalism than Trivodnia.

Sergei Hleb, vice chairman of the KNP, who is standing in the key battleground seat of Sluck, made the comments at a party rally in the mining town.

"Even Kadikistan is being more progressive on the issue of federalism," Hleb said, to a mixture of applause and boos.

He was quickly rounded on by colleagues and rival parties, who accused him of ignoring the discrimination Krasnislavians face in Kadikistan.

"There is nothing progressive about the way Ivar approaches the Krasnislavian national question," said KNP leader Uladzimir Sannikov. "At least in Trivodnia Krasnislavians get to decide their own future," added Yury Bogdanov, an influential Krasnislavian Social Democrat.

Hleb has since apologised for his remarks, and is expected to stand down either later today or tomorrow. The KNP is already on the hunt for an alternative candidate, according to party sources.

The incident comes just weeks after a member of the Homeland Union was forced to resign after claiming Kadikistani and Kashtanese refugees were bringing drugs into Trivodnia.


​

 

[Kadikistani Union]

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Office of the People's Commissariat for External Affairs
Under supervision by the National Committee for Justice and the Rejuvenation of Socialism​

It is concerning, to say the least, that major Trivodnian political parties are gaining popularity by spreading lies regarding the conditions of ethnic Krasnislavian Kadikistani's. The Kadikistani State nor the governing Kadikistani Communist Workers' Party have ever implemented a discriminatory policy concerning the many ethnic minorities that enrich our great nation. In fact with the voting on Amendment 369 on the verge of bringing federalisation to our great nation we can say with an elevated certainty that the Krasnislavian minority will soon have a fully autonomous regional assembly at their disposal. Within the framing of an Autonimous Socialist Republic the free people of Kadikistani Krasnislavia will flourish and thrive, hoping the fate of their oppressed brothers and sisters under the boot of Amstov will once be as deserving and gratifying as their own.

Signed,
Petar Kujundzic
People's Commissar for External Affairs
Democratic Socialist Republic of Kadikistan

 

[Polesia]

Der farnakhter shtern

Splinter Social Democrats fight ban

The Independent Social Democratic Party and Movement for Radical Social Democracy have taken to the Supreme Court to fight a surprise ban imposed on them, just weeks before voting is due.

The two parties - splinter factions from the ruling Social Democratic Alliance - were named as "foreign agents" by the Supreme Prosecutor and accused of working for the World Socialist Republic, otherwise known as the Implarian Republic.

Both parties deny the accusation, and in turn accuse Chancellor Alexander Kahnemann of being increasingly autocratic.

"These are the actions of a dictatorship, not a democracy," read a joint statement by the two organisations, who have decided to contest the ban together despite a history of animosity.

Kahnemann declined to comment, but spokespeople said he had "full confidence" in both the Prosecutor and Court.

This the first time the law against foreign involvement in Trivodnian elections has been used against a party not allegedly tied to Kadikistan. Only last month the Jewish Democratic Workers' Party was banned for taking orders from Ivar, a charge it denies.

Other parties, such as the Pan-Slavian League and Orthodox Union, have also been banned this election cycle, but for violating Trivodnia's strict anti-discrimination laws instead.

Interestingly, the Independent Social Democratic Party and Movement for Radical Social Democracy are using their electoral irrelevance as a defence, arguing the World Socialist Republic would not be interested in using such minor outfits. The two parties only secured several thousand votes between them at the last election.

The World Socialist Republic was also in the news yesterday after controversial presidential candidate Donna Trumm claimed she would end the "ethnic fighting" in Trivodnia after a conversation with a university student.​

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

Latest news regarding the Trivodnian elections have caused great concern for the future of the Trivodnian democracy. It has become evident that laws designed to protect the freedom of the Trivodnian people from outside interference are misused to deprive them of their democratic rights. The Socialist World Republic has never had cause nor motivation to infringe upon the independence of Trivodnian democracy and we reject the accusations raised in the strongest possible terms.

The Trivodnian ambassador has been called to receive a formal complaint and the World Republic considers the charges against the Independent Social Democratic Party and the Movement for Radical Social Democracy an insult against our Republic. As President of the Socialist World Republic I furthermore wish to state my desire for a formal meeting with Chancellor Kahnemann to discuss the adjustment of bilateral ties in wake of these preposterous claims.

Socialist World Republic
Office of the President
Nathaniel Winters

 

[Polesia]

Ministry of External Affairs

Just to be clear: the Supreme Prosecutor is an independent, politically neutral body that does not make decisions at the behest of the Chancellor.

While we do not consider the Socialist World Republic an enemy or hostile state, agitation for Trivodnia to join the Socialist World Republic as a constituent or subservient part, of which the two parties named in your statement stand accused, is a clear violation of numerous laws and also an affront to the Free State's constitution.

The Supreme Court will hear the case as an impartial adjudicator and decide whether to uphold the ban based on the weight of the evidence.

Chancellor Alexander Kahnemann would be more than willing to meet President Nathaniel Winters when our two countries' respective elections have concluded.

 

[Polesia]

DER MORGEN ZSHURNAL
דער מארגען זשורנאל
The Morning Journal

NATIONALISTS AGREE POST-ELECTION COOPERATION

Trivodnia's leading nationalist parties have agreed to work together after the election, as polls show the Social Democrats' lead falling.

While ruling out a formal coalition, the Homeland Union and Krasnislavian National Party have pledged to cooperate "closely" in the next National Assembly to push for some kind of devolution deal, ideally carving Trivodnia up into two ethnically-based constituent parts.

"There is a clear and genuine appetite to change the way the Free State is designed and structured," read a joint statement from the two parties, which previously had been major rivals, with their supporters often clashing violently in the streets.

"This marks a new chapter in Trivodnian political history," declared KNP leader Uladzimir Sannikov. "The old era of Social Democratic hegemony is coming to an end," added Homeland Union head Moisei Carlebach.

The Social Democratic Alliance, which fiercely opposes any constitutional reform, sees both danger and opportunity in the emerging nationalist alliance.

"On the one hand this could galvanise our supporters," suggested one Social Democrat insider, "on the other, if our poll ratings continue to decline, it could mean the end of Trivodnia as we know it."

Yet publicly the party's position remains unchanged. "A confederal Trivodnia is a weaker Trivodnia," thundered Treasury minister Igor Savitsky at a rally in Kretyn. The port-city is emerging as a key battleground, with the KNP increasingly confident it can win over the working class neighborhoods that have been a bedrock of Social Democrat support.

The charge that Free State will be weakened by devolution is one oft-repeated by the Social Democrats, but it hasn't stopped the KNP and Homeland Union from setting up a preliminary boundary commission to look at where the borders of a confederal Trivodnia would lie. "It is going to be a long and messy process," admitted Sannikov at the commission's launch.

The picture is complicated by the presence of Trivodnia's other Slavian minorities. The Alternative is demanding they be represented in a federal Trivodnia, and is reportedly keen on working with the KNP and Homeland Union to push for a new constitutional settlement.

All parties downplay the prospect of the Supreme Court blocking their reforms. But the opening clause of the Constitution makes the clear the Free State is "indissoluble" and "indivisible". To amend the Constitution requires a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly, and the same again in a popular referendum.

The position of the Jewish People's Party, which has long been sceptical of the idea of a Jewish state, in either Trivodnia or the Holy Land, could end up being crucial. If the party reverses its historical opposition to a Jewish polity, it could change the electoral balance in favour of devolution, especially if the Social Democrats underperform.

The People's Party declined to comment when approached by the Morning Journal.

Latest polls put the Social Democrats on 36%, the KNP on 27%, the People's Party on 13% , the Alternative on 9% and the Homeland Union on 7%.


​

 

[Polesia]

די צײט | Di Tsayt ‎

Chancellor rocked by family drug ties

AMSTOV - The Chancellor is under pressure after the Socialist World Republic announced its federal police service had discovered ties between a close relative and local drug cartels.

An intelligence dossier passed onto the National Watch, which handles high level crime, reveals a cousin of Chancellor Alexander Kahnemann receives bribes in return for turning a blind eye to illegal goings on in his town.

While the family member has not been named, the details revealed point to Natan Kahnemann, a Social Democratic city councillor in Kretyn. The port-city is known to be a drug smuggling hub, with Kashtanese heroin, cannabis and synthetic highs passing through before heading off to the Implarian region.

The Chancellor has so far refused to comment on the allegations, although is reportedly furious at his cousin for compromising him at the height of campaigning - and the Socialist World Republic's federal police for making s public statement.

"Alexander personally helped ensure Natan was selected for city council," explains a source familiar with the situation, "this could not have come at a worse time."

The Chancellor also believes the revelations are direct revenge for the banning of the Independent Social Democratic Party and Movement for Radical Social Democracy, which were accused of being puppets of the Socialist World Republic.

"Announcing the sharing of intelligence like this is not normal law enforcement procedure," continues the source, "this was a diplomatic attack."

The federal police announced the findings via international news wire Affiliated Press, with SWR President Nathaniel Winters also commenting. "The handling of this case was very unusual," concedes one Trivodnian law enforcement official. Additional information was later provided by domestic leaks.

Natan Kahnemann's current whereabouts is unknown, and some believe he may have been tipped off and since gone into hiding.

Local Social Democrats fear his implication into the drugs trade will hinder the party's chances in the upcoming national elections, where it is facing a stiff challenge from the Krasnislavian National Party. "This could hurt us badly," laments one candidate.

In a statement the KNP has called for a "full and proper" investigation, but otherwise the response has been muted. "We know there are rotten apples in our own ranks," admits one KNP insider.

Dozens of politicians have been accused of having links to the drugs trade, though few have been successfully prosecuted. National Assembly members currently enjoy legal immunity thanks to a historic law.

The revelations are all the more damaging as it follows just days after Trivodnia joined forces with Kashtan to demand money from the international community to fight the war on drugs.

Chancellor Kahnemann also attended a number of anti-drugs raids, as he looked to position himself as tough on law and order.

"This is certainly a humiliating moment," says one senior Social Democrat.
​

 

[Polesia]

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Krasnislavian radicals demand unilateral independence declaration

Krasnislavian nationalists are calling on the Krasnislavian National Party to unilaterally declare independence should the Social Democratic Alliance win the election and not compromise on devolution.

A coalition of KNP candidates, leading cultural figures such as author Vladimir Blovka and prominent business men like Maksim Tank have written an open letter to the party's leadership urging "decisive action" if demands for autonomy are ignored.

The document, published in full in today's Republic, will put pressure on party head Uladzimir Sannikov, who recently agreed to work with the Homeland Union to create a binational Trivodnia, to toughen his stance.

"The KNP will be failing in its duty to its voter should it not deliver some form of Krasnislavian statehood," reads the letter, "if a compromise cannot be achieved, we must consider extraordinary means."

The party is on course to receive its best election result in decades, having been polling consistently in above 25 per cent.

In its manifesto, the KNP proposes transforming Trivodnia into a confederacy by dividing it into two ethnically-based states, one Jewish and the other Krasnislavian.

The idea has been backed by the Homeland Union, which wants to carve a Jewish state out of Trivodnia until one can be established in the Holy Land. The two parties have agreed to work together, and recently formed an informal boundary commission to set out new borders.

The Alternative also wants reform, but prefers a federal system of four states plus special status for Amstov and Kretyn. It too has an expressed an interest in collaborating with other parties to force constitutional change.

Sannikov said in response to the letter that he was "committed to a multi-party approach" and would avoid "confrontational methods".

The barriers facing the KNP and others in overturning Trivodnia's unitary set up are considerable. Constitutional amendments need two-thirds support in the National Assembly and the same again in a referendum. With the Social Democrats on course for a majority, its highly unlikely any amendment would pass.

In their response to the letter, the Social Democrats have warned any unilateral declaration of independence would be classed as "treason". "Any such moves would be a very serious crime," said Chancellor Alexander Kahnemann.

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[Polesia]

DER MORGEN ZSHURNAL
דער מארגען זשורנאל
The Morning Journal

PEOPLE'S PARTY DEMANDS END TO "BOOZE TOURISM"

Higher taxes on alcohol and tougher punishments for drunk tourists are at the heart of plans by the Jewish People's Party to crackdown on problem drinking in coastal towns and resorts.

Trivodnia has grown increasingly popular as a destination for hen and stag do parties, with younger generations from places like Bourgogne and Eiffelland coming for the cheaper drinks and emerging club scene.

Their arrival has not been welcomed by all. Initially restricted to the big cities and special resorts, this type of "booze tourism" has been spreading to smaller towns and villages, where locals blame the visitors for increasing crime and pollution.

Quiet fishing communities like Bragin on the Polesian coast have been transformed by late-night bars and large hotels to cater to tourists.

In response, the People's Party wants new restrictions on the leisure, entertainment and hospitality industry, such as shorter opening hours, as well as harsher sanctions for misbehaving visitors.

"Anyone arriving in Trivodnia must show respect, or face the consequences," insisted People's Party leader Yitzhak Epstein in an interview with FSBS Kanal One.

Increasing tourism had been a priority for Chancellor Alexander Kahnemann, who loosened visa requirements to boost visitor numbers.

Responding to the People's Party's demands, Tourism, Sports and Culture minister Zofia Neuberg said the police and National Watch should take a "zero tolerance" approach to "criminality" but avoid "targeting foreigners".

Not everyone in the People's Party is happy with the proposal, and many believe it should be focusing on other issues. "The biggest question in Trivodnia right now is the national one," sighed one candidate, referring to the ongoing debate on reforming the Free State's unitary structure, "but we're not even part of the conversation."​

 

[Polesia]

Der farnakhter shtern

Homeland Union makes last push for Jewish state

The Homeland Union has made a last plea for Jewish voters in Trivodnia to back the creation of a Jewish state, as polls show it has failed to make any significant breakthrough despite its headline-grabbing manifesto.

Citing renewed threats from the terrorist Krasnislavian Patriotic Army and recent claims of Jewish child sacrifice in Crotobaltislavonia, Homeland Union Moisei Carlebach warned only a Jewish state could guarantee Jews in Trivodnia safety and security.

"The Jews will never be safe until we have a government of our own that will protect our interests," declared Carlebach at a rally at New Ararat, a settlement largely populated by Jewish settlers from overseas.

The Homeland Union backs a Jewish state within a confederal Trivodnia, a policy shared by the Krasnislavian National Party. The two parties have agreed to collaborate in the next National Assembly.

Surveys consistently put the Homeland Union at less than 10 per cent, meaning it will only likely get a handful of seats. Many of the party's most fervent backers are Jewish émigrés who moved to Trivodnia to try create a Jewish nation-state outside the Holy Land. However, most are not Trivodnian citizens, so are ineligible to vote.

The Homeland Union's leadership is largely formed of Crotobaltislavonian and Kadikistani refugees who were granted emergency citizenship through aid programmes, and therefore are allowed to vote. But the party has failed to breakthrough with Trivodnian-born Jews, who mostly back the ruling Social Democratic Alliance or Jewish People's Party.

Homeland Union insiders had hoped Krasnislavian nationalist demands for devolution would galvanise Jewish voters into supporting the same. But the opposite seems to be the case.

"They like the status quo," sighs one Homeland Union candidate, "they think change is dangerous."

This private analysis explains Carlebach's pivot towards defence and security issues. He pledged close cooperation with a new Krasnislavia, insisted their would be a "confederate army" and no "belligerence" towards Kadikistan. He also promised to continue working closely with Bourgogne and Eiffelland, two of Trivodnia's closest military partners.

The Social Democrats hit back, insisting a confederal Trivodnia would be "weak, divided and easily exploited".

The Jewish People's Party, which has long rejected the need for Jewish statehood, also dismissed Carlebach's calls.

Earlier this week a People's Party candidate had to apologise after accusing the Homeland Union of wanting to "swamp" Trivodnia with "basically Urodoah", referring to Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews.

The Homeland Union advocates creating a temporary or alternative Jewish state in Trivodnia until one can be established in the Holy Land. As such it supports a "Welcoming Law" offering all Jews full citizenship should they immigrate here.

The party has also started several illegal settlements, often in deeply Slavian territories, where it claims historic 'Mountain Jew' towns and villages existed, which were allegedly established after the Kaduygar hordes passed through what is now Trivodnia. The exact location and even the very existence of these places is disputed by historians.

Only weeks ago did a huge fire break out in New Ararat, the largest of the Jewish settler colonies in Trivodnia, which killed close to one hundred people, many women and children.

Currently the Social Democratic Alliance's polling average is 37 per cent, followed by the KNP on on 26 per cent, the People's Party on 14 per cent, the Alternative on 11 per cent and the Homeland Union on 9 per cent.
​

 

[Polesia]

די צײט | Di Tsayt ‎

Alternative drops liberal policies from manifesto

AMSTOV - The Alternative has abandoned controversial policies such as decriminalising personal drug use as it looks to position itself as the party of Trivodnia's Slavian minorities.

At the centre of the party's recently launched manifesto is a commitment to restructuring Trivodnia as a federal state. In it, the Alternative condemns the "bi-national" approach of the Homeland Union and Krasnislavian National Party, urging both to recognise the "multi-ethnic" nature of Trivodnia.

The Alternative also attacked the Social Democratic Alliance for "ignoring the need for constitutional reform" and "failing to protect the interests of minority communities".

The manifesto represents an extraordinary about-turn by the Alternative, which used to be one of the strongest defenders of the Free State's unitary set-up, arguing adding more layers of government would prove costly and divisive.

Speaking to reporters, Alternative leader Shmuel Bernstein acknowledged the party had experienced a "dramatic change of direction" but that this was a result of "listening to voters" rather than "simply giving up long-held principles".

"Times have moved on, so have we," quipped Bernstein at a press conference.

In addition to ditching its opposition to devolution, the Alternative has dropped its support for better protections for the LGBTQ population, drug decriminalisation and liberalising abortion laws.

"This was a disappointing document," said the Trivodnian Human Rights Centre in its response to the manifesto.

The change in policy was driven by internal polling by Alternative strategists, who argued the party's social liberalism was putting off religiously conservative Slavians they were trying to attract through their federalist message.

"The Ruthenians, Galicians, Kadikistanis, Polanis... all want better representation for themselves, but not for gays," one Alternative consultant put it bluntly.

"As for drug-related crime, well they all blame each other for that", he continued.

Not everyone in the Alternative is impressed by the changes. One senior insider described it as a "historic betrayal", although declined to say whether they would resign in protest.

The Alternative was established in the early Fifties by a group of liberal professors and students wanting a third way between Social Democracy and the identity politics of Jewish and Krasnislavian nationalists.

Key pledges in its founding charter included tax cuts, deregulation and promotion of a "unique Trivodnian character".

Economic reform is mentioned in this manifesto, although details are vague.

The Alternative has said an independent body would decide Trivodnia's new internal borders, which would then require a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly and a popular referendum to be adopted.

The Free State currently only has two levels of government: national and municipal.

Responding to the Alternative's manifesto, the Social Democrats insisted they would stick to their position of anti-federalism, warning federalisation would "weaken" the Free State.

In their own joint statement, the Homeland Union and the KNP said Trivodnia's other communities would have a "welcome place" in a new bi-national confederacy, and "further division" was "unnecessary".
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[Polesia]

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Chancellor aims to reposition Trivodnia as new trade gateway

In a landmark speech designed to put the Chancellor back at the centre of the Social Democratic Alliance's campaign, Alexander Kahnemann is to unveil his vision for Trivodnia to become a regional trade hub.

Speaking in the docks of Kretyn, Kahnemann will say the Free State can be the "beating heart" of a "thriving commercial network" connecting the Inner and Polesian Seas with the Lyric Sea and Kalahari Ocean.

Citing the billions secured in funding from Bourgogne, Eiffelland, Nichtstein and Pelasgia for new infrastructure, the Chancellor will vow to transform Trivodnia's economic fortunes, with the Free State having been plagued by decades of weak growth and high inflation.

"With new roads and railways, the Free State can support the investment needed to be a workshop for the world," Kahnemann will claim.

Meanwhile, the discounted bond sales also agreed with the four nations will finance schools, hospitals and housing, Kahnemann will promise, as he aims to secure the Social Democrats another majority in the National Assembly.

Removing customs barriers with Elben and Ruthenia-Galicia, where most Trivodnian imports flow through, will also be an immediate priority for his next administration.

"By taking the initiative, we can win the good will of others, and together create shared wealth," Kahnemann will declare, adding "richer Trivodnians will be happier Trivodnians."

Despite calling the snap election to shore up his authority, the Chancellor had taken a back seat during the campaign, as voters focused on constitutional issues such as devolution. Polling has shown Kahnemann is widely disliked in the Krasnislavian community, which has become increasingly nationalistic.

But with voting due next week, the Chancellor is keen to make his mark and shift the debate back to the economy, where he feels the opposition parties fall short.

"Nationalists on both sides are claiming they can make lives better for their own people, but have no concrete policies, just empty promises," an ally of the Chancellor says.

According to close friends, Kahnemann thinks he can see off his rivals by delivering higher growth, employment and wages. The Chancellor initially attempted to deregulate the economy and cut taxes when first taking office, but was defeated by the threat of widespread strikes.

However, a restored majority in the National Assembly would embolden him to try again, sources in the Chancellery suggest.

Trivodnia has benefited from the outsourcing of some manufacturing thanks to lower labour costs, but red tape, corruption and taxation are considered major obstacles by a lot of foreign companies.

Any renewed attempts at liberalisation would likely provoke the traditionalist old guard in the Social Democrats, who fear it would undermine workers' rights. "The welfare and security of ordinary Trivodnians cannot be compromised," says one veteran left-winger.

Meanwhile, Krasnislavian Social Democrats who have seen the speech are reportedly furious it avoids the issue of constitutional reform. "People are demanding better representation at a local level and all the Chancellor can do is carp on about trade routes," seethed one backbencher.

Polls have consistently given the Social Democrats a double-digit lead, with the Krasnislavian National Party set to come second place.

Analysis suggests support for the Social Democrats is hardening among Jewish voters, who are clinging to the status quo. The Homeland Union, which wants a Jewish state within a confederal Trivodnia, has failed to see any breakthrough, while support for Jewish People's Party, which opposes any form of Jewish statehood, remains steady. Most of the Social Democrats' new support has come from the Alternative, which is repositioning itself as the defender of Trivodnia's Slavian minorities.

With constitutional issues and ethnicity proving the main dividing lines, the Chancellor is reportedly confident he can make a pitch on boosting the economy without losing voters.

Proposals for a grand canal physically linking the Inner and Polesian Seas were to be included in his speech, but have been dropped to avoid concerns over Kadikistani interference and in light of recent spats with Crotobaltislavonia.

"Trivodnia's main problem is we have bad neighbours," said one aide.​

 

[Elben]

Königreich Elben
Ministry of Foreign Affairs​

Communique 2017-12-03/01
Marked: General

The Kingdom of Elben always seeks to further trade with its neighbors. His Majesty looks forward to learning more about the Free State of Trivodnia's proposal. However, it should be noted that Elben is open to moderating trade barriers, not lowering them completely.

 

[Polesia]

DER TOG

AMSTOV ATTACKERS SHOT DEAD BY POLICE

• Gunmen killed after national manhunt
• KPA claims credit for killings
• Campaigning resumes as voting nears

The three snipers responsible for the bloodshed in Amstov earlier this week have been killed in a shoot out with police after one of the biggest search operations in Trivodnian history.

A spokesman for the National Watch confirmed in the early hours of this morning that the suspected attackers who killed over 20 people in a series of targeted shootings at the National Unity March in the capital had been shot dead by a local police offer.

They were stopped near the Kadikistani border, where patrols had been heightened in response to the terrorist incident, and after attempting to flee, were mown down.

The police officer's department and name have not been released for fear of reprisals, but President Meier Lauterpacht insisted in a separate briefing the policeman would be honoured in a private ceremony.

The identities of the suspected killers have not been released either, but last night the Krasnislavian Patriotic Army, a Krasnislavian nationalist terror group, claimed responsibility for the massacre.

"These were the first shots in the fight for a restored, indepndent, united Krasnislavia," read a statement circulated by social media accounts sympathetic to the KPA. Its authenticity was later verified by the Free State Intelligence Bureau.

Despite the Affiliated Press claiming FSIB sources told the news service Kadikistani operatives were behind the violence, the FSIB has since clarified it does not believe that is the case.

"All the evidence currently suggests this planned and executed by the KPA," said one FSIB official in an interview with FSBS Kanal One, who promised an investigation into the leaks.

The Krasnislavian National Party, which also wants a reunited independent Krasnislavia, has strongly condemned the shootings. "There can be no forgiveness for such a crime," said party leader Uladzimir Sannikov.

The exact number of dead and injured from the attack has not been confirmed, although over 20 are believed to have been killed and many seriously wounded, including prominent politicians such as the Social Democrats' Yury Bogdanov, an ethnic Krasnislavian.

"Terrorism cuts across all communities," said Bogdanov's family in a public appeal urging against "scapegoating" and "further hatred".

The attackers targeted the National Unity March in Amstov, an organised protest against plans to divide Trivodnia into ethnically-based regions. While supposedly a non-partisan event, many senior Social Democrats attended, as did many high-ranking Jewish People's Party members.

With the Free State in the midst of a surprise election, campaigning was stopped in respect of the dead and to allow law enforcement to focus resources on capturing those responsible for the shooting. With the suspects now dead, all parties have agreed to resume campaigning.

Gunfire was first reported in central Amstov around lunchtime on Monday. Mayor Yosef Beydeman praised the response of the Amstov Capital District Police, who flooded the streets within minutes of the shots being heard.

"Their quick response no doubt saved many lives," Beydeman said in a memorial service for the victims held yesterday.

Some however have criticised how the gunmen managed to escape, and were only found today. "Beydeman WRONG!! there couldve been more killing because of poor ACPD response!!" wrote Olexander Burg on social media platform Twatter.

Others questioned how they were able to carry out the attack in the first place. "The Unity rally was a heavily guarded event... there will be questions," said one politician, who asked not to be named.

The FSIB and National Watch are still looking for accomplices, and the threat level has been raised to 'severe' by the Ministry of National Defence, which suggests another attack is "imminent".

Trivodnia is no stranger to political violence, with elections often seeing clashes between supporters of rival parties. However attacks of this type have not been seen since the 1980s, when Krasnislavian and Jewish militants were behind a wave of tit-for-tat bombings and shootings.

The attack saw both the Amstov Bourse and Trivodnian Mark plunge, but they have since recovered after the suspects were announced dead.

Across Trivodnia, many are hoping this is not a return to the past. "We have made so much progress," said Boris Gurevich, who lives in Amstov not far from where the shootings happened.​

 

[Kadikistani Union]

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Office of the People's Commissariat for External Affairs
People's Federal Socialist Republics of

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​

While there are many within the Kadikistani Communist Workers' Party, especially the Krasnislavian Section, who sympathize with the idea of a united socialist Krasnislavia the Kadikistani Union will never condone nor support in any way nationalist terror groups such as the Krasnislavian Patriotic Army. Such acts are inspired by a dangerous fascist form of ethnic nationalism that stands in sharp contrast to inclusive civic nationalism. Furthermore they do no share any ideological association with Marxist-Leninovism nor do they advance the position of the Kadikistani Federal State. Therefore we do not see and indeed take offence regarding the insinuation issued by Associated Press that the Kadikistani Directorate of Intelligence is behind this. We demand to know where these wild accusations are coming from and if they have any base in reality at all or are just another set of malicious lies somehow originating in Trivodnia.

Last but not least we wish to congratulate the Trivodnian internal security forces for successfully taking down the terrorists responsible for the tragedy in Amstov. The elimination of these cowards seems to be one of the few positive steps being taken in the right direction.

Signed,
Petar Kujundzic
People's Commissar for External Affairs
People's Federal Socialist Republics of

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