Trivodnian media

[Polesia]

Der farnakhter shtern

Supreme Court clears way for single-party rule

A dramatic ruling by the Supreme Court has paved the way for the Social Democratic Alliance to govern unopposed, with the country's highest judicial authority deciding the opposition boycott of the National Assembly can be treated as a mass abstention.

"There is nothing in the constitution or any other law to compel candidates into formally taking their seats once elected," read the Court's judgement, "equally there is nothing to say a minimum attendance [in the National Assembly] is required in order for votes to be legally valid."

The decision has provoked howls of outrage and accusations of political bias by opposition parties. "No surprise Supreme Court sided with Soc Dems," tweeted Alternative party leader Shmuel Bernstein, while the Jewish People's Party warned the ruling would turn Trivodnia into the "next Crotobaltislavonia". With its leadership still under arrest, the Krasnislavian National Party slammed the Supreme Court as a "disgrace" and "morally illegitimate".

In his response to the judgement, Social Democratic leader Alexander Kahnemann gave the opposition 48 hours to take their seats in the National Assembly, or threatened to govern without them. "The time for games is over," declared Kahnemann in a broadcast statement, "get out of the pram, pick up your toys and get back into the Assembly." President Meier Lauterpacht also called for the opposition to end their boycott, suggesting voters were "sick and tired" of "politicians' games".

However there are those within the SDA are against taking their seats without the opposition present. "Voting in a half-empty chamber... we'd look more ridiculous than Raoul Farrago," said a senior Social Democrat.

Kahnemann has been laying the groundwork regardless, offering to set up a special cross-party committee to "explore" devolution - a bid to appease the Social Democrats' Krasnislavian wing, which would be the main opposition should the party try and govern by itself. He also been meeting with trade union leaders and left-wing backbenchers to reassure them about his economic policies.

For some in the opposition, the prospect of the Social Democrats ruling without any obstacle is forcing them to rethink the boycott. "Our voters expect us to represent them the best way," says one Folkist, "right now it is on the streets demanding another election, but that may not be the case forever."


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[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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​

The Kadikistani Union, especially the autonomous Socialist Republic of Krasnislavia, is very concerned about the ongoing developments in the neighbouring state of Trivodnia. As social-capitalists concentrate all political power with themselves without being given such a sizeable mandate by the Trivodnian people, be they Krasnislavian, Yiddish or any other ethnicity, a large part of the populace rightfully feels excluded. Our great nation has learned that while a strong form of centralization is essential to properly run a nation, it is in the best interest for the sake of democracy that people from all corners of the country are properly represented. But while the Union progressed greatly on this field with the federalization and the creation of various autonomous socialist republics, like the Krasnislavian one, it seems that Amstov is doing the opposite. Like they do in the Union the Krasnislavians deserve a voice in Trivodnia and Elben, even if that voice is not the same as ours at least it is a Krasnislavian one.

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

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[Polesia]

FREE STATE BROADCASTING SERVICE

"Good evening and welcome to the six o'clock bulletin. I'm Kristina Milyev for Free State Broadcasting Service news and these are today's top stories.

"The official swearing in ceremony for the National Assembly has been pushed back yet again, as behind-the-scenes negotiations continue between the Social Democratic Alliance and opposition parties. Social Democratic leader Alexander Kahnemann had previously given the opposition 48 hours to end their legislative boycott and take their seats in the National Assembly, threatening to go ahead and govern without them if not, but has since agreed to continue with negotiations instead. Devolution and constitutional reform more generally continue to be the main areas of dispute between the parties.

"The economic aid package agreed by Carinthia-Harkany for Trivodnia has been the source of a new political row in that country, after a senior Harkaner politician claimed Trivodnia was receiving better treatment than Harkany. Former Harkaner Prime Minister Katalin Nándor made the comments in a TV interview with a local news station. In an official statement President Meier Lauterpacht thanked the Carintho-Harkaner government for its generosity but did not reference Nándor's complaints.

"In a separate statement, President Lauterpacht also warned the new military base in Crotobaltislavonia, which will be manned by unarmed Kadikistani troops, threatened to plunge the region into another crisis and sought reassurance there would be no permanent Kadikistani military presence in Crotobaltislavonia. Social Democrat leader Alexander Kahnemann said the base was "proof" of the President's "failed" foreign policy and called for a harder line on Kadikistan. Other parties said more detail was needed.

"Recriminations between Trivodnia and Gunnland continue, with reports Gunnish migrant labourers, many of who work in Trivodnia's ports, are having their visas cancelled or denied. Earlier this week President Lauterpacht expelled the Gunnish Ambassador from Amstov and withdrew the Free State's diplomatic presence from Windhaven, accusing the Gunnish government of anti-Semitic "bigotry" and actively aiding Kadikistani military operations in Crotobaltislavonia, which the Gunnish government strongly denies. President Lauterpacht caused a minor sensation on social media after mistakenly calling Gunnish leader James Blackthorn Robert Blackthorn in his announcement.

"Lastly, the Supreme Prosecutor is reportedly considering dropping the charges against the Krasnislavian National Party leadership after the President promised to pardon them as part of a wider deal. Sources inside the Prosecutor's office say they cannot justify the expense of a "pointless" trial.

"That's all from me this evening. Next, the weather. Thank you and goodbye."​

 

[Polesia]

DER MORGEN ZSHURNAL
דער מארגען זשורנאל
The Morning Journal

OPINION: CATHOLICISM, NOT COMMUNISM, IS OUR GREATEST THREAT

For two entities that are so often opposed to each other, the recent parallels between the Free State and the Tiburan Catholic Church are eerie. Both have been gripped recently by unprecedented political deadlock dragging on for months. Yet while Trivodnia is still without a government, the Catholic Church this week finally elected a Pope.

White smoke signalled the elevation of Johann Wolfgang Ehrenfried as the next Pontiff. Pope John XXIII, as he will be known, emerged as a compromise candidate from a conclave bitterly divided between conservatives and liberals. Chosen purely for his age and obscurity, it is expected he will soon die and the whole process will start again, with the rival factions hoping to have convinced enough of the more moderate cardinals by then to back their preferred candidate.

For Trivodnia, it is obvious that the best outcome in such a scenario would be someone from the progressive wing of the Catholic Church. To reactionaries, Jews are as much the problem as homosexuals, Freemasons and libertines. They have never forgiven us for the alleged murder of their Messiah - somewhat ironic given he apparently died for all our sins.

But we should be realistic about what the future holds. The next Pope will likely be a vile anti-Semite in the vein of Cardinal Taft. No doubt they'll put their anti-communism second to their "anti-Zionism" (the lie behind which all Jew-haters hide) too, much like Gunnland and Elben have in Crotobaltislavonia.

With news of a Kadikistani base threatening to plunge Gallo-Germania into crisis once more, many in Trivodnia are looking East nervously again. But their real attention should be to the Catholic kingdoms in the North.

By Yael Feirberg, a former National Assembly member and Jewish People's Party activist.

Please note the opinions here do not necessarily reflect the editorial stance of the Morning Journal.​

 

[Rheinbund]

Aussenministerium
Trier, Eiffelland

We feel urged to comment on the opinion article regarding Catholicism published in the Morgen Zshurnal. Indeed, like the article describes, a group of members of the Tiburan Catholic Church, among others Cardinal Taft, have antisemitic opinions. And indeed, like the article describes, the more liberal members of the Tiburan Catholic Church do not have such opinions. However, suggesting that Catholicism is a larger threat to Judaism than Communism, like the title of the opinion article suggests, goes too far. Did Yael Feirberg forget that exactly Tiburan Catholic nations like Eiffelland and Bourgogne invested lots of money in Trivodnia to make its economy stronger? Did Yael Feirberg forget that exactly the Tiburan Catholic country Eiffelland took up 50,000 Crotobaltislavonian refugees, mainly Jews, to save them from certain imprisonment and probable death in their home-country? Yael Feirberg should not forget the good deeds done to Jews by Tiburan Catholics.

Rudolph Kögler, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Vice-Chancellor

 

[Polesia]

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KNP vows to continue National Assembly boycott

The Krasnislavian National Party has pulled out of cross-party negotiations and pledged not to take its seats in the National Assembly after accusing the Social Democratic Alliance of insulting Krasnislavians and other opposition parties of betraying their electorates.

In a statement issued late last night, the KNP confirmed it had walked out of talks with the Social Democrats, Alternative and Jewish People's Party and vowed to continue with its legislative boycott alone. "We will not take our seats in the chamber so long as the Social Democrats continue to insult Krasnislavian national aspirations with meagre compromises," read the release, "we will stand alone if we have to, even as others betray their voters."

President Meier Lauterpacht, who helped broker dialogue between the parties, called the move "disappointing" and warned he would not pardon the KNP leadership, currently facing charges of sedition and disrespecting the Constitution, unless they agreed to some kind of deal. The Social Democrats, who have been the main target of KNP criticism, attacked what they called "crude posturing". The Alternative and Folkists were similarly critical of the KNP.

Both opposition parties have confirmed they will continue discussions with the Social Democrats on returning to the National Assembly. If a compromise is agreed, and the two parties take up their seats, it it is likely the Social Democrats will go ahead and form a government without the KNP present. "Krasnislavian obstructionism will not stop us," said one SDA official.

The KNP believes its position of abstentionism will go down well with its increasingly radicalised base, with support for Krasnislavian independence at an all time high. While unilateral secession remains a minority position, backing for a mutual break up of Trivodnia has crept over the 50 per cent mark among Krasnislavian voters. "Clearly there is a feeling the Free State has failed," thundered KNP leader Uladzimir Sannikov from prison earlier this week.

Yet some in the KNP fear a lack of engagement in the political process will soon come back to bite them. "We're at risk of being left out on key decisions around public spending," confides one party insider. This feeling will only worsen if other opposition parties take their seats. "The Folkists and Alternative will squeeze cash out of the Soc Dems for their own supporters," adds another KNP candidate.
​

 

[Polesia]

FREE STATE BROADCASTING SERVICE

"Good afternoon and welcome to the weekend lunchtime bulletin. I'm Aliza Kleinmann for Free State Broadcasting Service news and these are today's top stories.

"After nearly four months of unprecedented political upheaval, the Free State edged closer to normalcy, with the new National Assembly and the Free State Council - Trivodnia's ministerial body - sworn in, and Alexander Kahnemann reappointed as Chancellor.

"However the chamber was noticeably emptier than usual, with the largest opposition party, the Krasnislavian National Party, continuing in its legislative boycott in protest to the incarceration of its leadership and the Social Democrats' refusal to compromise on the issue of devolution.

"The Alternative party and Jewish People's Party both took their seats after securing additional funding and powers for Trivodnia's smaller towns and cities. The Social Democratic Alliance also committed itself to a cross-party commission to explore devolution options, but has said it will vote against any proposals that divide Trivodnia along ethnic lines.

"The Homeland Union is also boycotting the National Assembly, and a protest camp remains in Amstov's main plaza Independence Square. However bad weather and swearing in of the National Assembly has seen many demonstrators return home. President Meier Lauterpacht, who helped broker dialogue between the different parties, welcomed the return of what he called "normal governance" and urged the KNP to return to the negotiating table.

"The Social Democrats will announce their legislative priorities next week, although controversial measures such as abandoning constitutional neutrality are likely to be canned. Party sources tell FSBS the focus will be on the economy and public finances.

"Meanwhile the Supreme Prosecutor has dismissed rumours it is considering dropping charges against the KNP leadership, who stand accused of sedition and disrespecting the Constitution.

"The Ministry of the Interior has also denied that the chief of Gunnish clan MacLeish is hiding in Trivodnia, or that Gunnish migrant workers are being discriminated against. A spokesperson instead said the downturn in regional trade meant as many visas weren't needed as usual.

"Lastly Kadikistan has lashed out at reports that the Burgundian Grand Duke attacked the country as "imperialist". Ivar insisted its intentions in Gallo-Germania were purely peaceful and Kadikistani troops would soon be leaving Crotobaltislavonia. The Ministry of External Affairs said it would not comment on "media rumours" but said Kadikistan's actions "spoke for themselves".

"That's all from me for now. Next, the weather. Thank you and goodbye."​

 

[Polesia]

The Free Statesman

Amstov moves away from Trier

After decades of close friendship, cracks are beginning to emerge between Trivodnia and Eiffelland that will not be easy to repair

While claims of an Amstov-Trier axis responsible for recent regional crises are rife in th Gunnish and Kadikistani press, the truth is relations between the two countries are that their lowest point in recent history, with the Christmas Crisis driving a wedge between the once close allies.

Trivodnia's political class remains apalled at what it sees as Eiffelland's blasé acceptance of Kadikistan's complete takeover of Crotobaltislavonia. "They have let Ivar right in the middle in the Gallo-Germania!" exclaims one civil servant. According to sources within the Ministry of External Affairs, Retalia was more forthright in its offers of military support than Eiffelland. Burgundy and Pelasgia, like Eiffelland, were also reticent - but for good reason in the eyes of Trivodnia's establishment. "Chagny is distracted by internal troubles and still stung from its intervention in the 1957 Crotobaltislavonian civil war, while Propontis is conscious of its status quo treaty commitments," explained a senior diplomat. But there's no such charity for Trier. "They could have done more," said one military officer.

Anti-Eifflandian sentiment has started to manifest itself in policy. It is an open secret Duncan MacLeish, wanted in Eiffelland for smuggling all manner of contraband and helping kidnap Gunnish princess Julian, is hiding in Trivodnia. The Ministry of the Interior has so far refused to extradite the clan chief, denying he is even here, viewing him as a potential weapon in the fight against an increasingly anti-Semitic Windhaven and mindful of Clan MacLeish's considerable commercial investments in the Free State. If Eiffelland pulls the right levers, no doubt the MacLeish head will be sent packing. But for Amstov to dig its heels to defend an arms and drug smuggler with links to Zionist terrorism in opposition to one of its biggest benefactors shows how difficult how relations have become.

Eiffelland's ties to Gunnland have also been a source of disquiet in Trivodnia. Gunnish politicians openly accuse Jews of being part of an international financial-military conspiracy, and Gunnland allowed Kadikistani troops through its territory to Crotobaltislavonia. Yet Trier has done little more than the odd outspoken statement. "President Lauterpacht got more flak from them when he tried calling a second election," sighed one aide.

Outside of government, Krasnislavian National Party and Jewish People's Party politicians warn about the 'gay agenda' being pushed by Eiffelland, warnings that have been given extra wind by news reports of the Eiffellander royals' promiscuity. "How do you sit the Eiffellander king's family on a stool?" goes one popular joke in the bars in Kretyn, "turn it upside down."

This is not to say Trivodnia is to break from the Trier Concord anytime soon. Media reports that the Burgundian Grand Duke was privately railing against Kadikistani "imperialism" and Retalia's openly hawkish tone on Ivar have comforted those who favour to close alignment with the alliance. Eiffelland is also rumoured to have offered further military assistance by providing the most up-to-date air defence systems and the country remains an important source of investment.

But regional rivals sense an opportunity. Carinthia-Harkany is looking to improve trade and military ties with Trivodnia, taking a similarly critical view of Trier's handling of the Christmas Crisis. However this has not without domestic controversy, with Harkaner politicians complaining Trivodnians get better treatment than their own countrymen.

Chernovy also reportedly reached out to the Free State during the Christmas Crisis, but memories of Qissarim Jews fleeing to the fledging Free State during the 1920s still colour ties, and Radagora also has unrest in Arrety and Ostrovakia to contend with.

Yet Amstov is still sending out feelers. "Trier may be one of the more listened to voices in the room, however others are beginning to shout loudly too," quipped one analyst.​

 

[Gunnland]

Enquêteur of Gunnland

Chief Duncan MacLeish is not under investigation for any crime committed under Gunnish jurisdiction. My office has closed the case file on the alleged "kidnapping" of Her Majesty last summer, which along with our international partners we determined to be a mixture of misunderstanding, paranoia, and wild rumor.

Padraig B. Smith
Enquêteur

 

[Rheinbund]

Thought of Prince Ludwig: "How nice. Johann* jumps from one bed to the other and has slept with more women than three Casanovas added up, and nobody talks about it. But when I get a relationship, the whole world calls me promiscuous."

* Prince Johann, the second-oldest son of the current King.

 

[Polesia]

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KNP faces potential leadership challenge

The Krasnislavian National Party has been plunged into chaos after Zhanna Khalinkina, an outspoken female Assembly Member from the party's progressive wing, launched an audacious bid for power.

With KNP leader Uladzimir Sannikov and other senior officials behind bars, Khalinkina has written to the party executive committee for internal elections to elect a "temporary" leadership. Sources close to the veteran AM say she would put herself forward as a candidate. "Zhanna would be the first female party chief in Trivodnian political history.. it would be a landmark moment," gushes one ally. Khalinkina's office refused to comment.

Friends of Sannikov are furious with Khalinkina, accusing her of undermining the KNP at a critical moment. "Selfish b*tch" is how one described her to Republic.

Khalinkina was a frequent critic of Sannikov's hardline position on Krasnislavian independence, attacking his support for unilateral secession and abandoning the idea of a binational, confederal Trivodnia. She also questioned the KNP's continued boycott of the National Assembly when other opposition parties have taken their seats. "If Zhanna becomes leader we'll soon be back in the chamber fighting for Krasnislavian interests," declares one associate.

Khalinkina is also an ardent feminist, and has called for Trivodnia's restrictive abortion and divorce laws to be loosened. She is also a known republican, although accepts the KNP's current policy of a public referendum to decide whether to restore the monarchy or not.

Sannikov's inner circle believe these positions alone mean she would not be selected by KNP activists. "Zhanna is far too radical," says one high ranking member. However they are fighting to avoid a contest altogether, arguing Sannikov and his team are capable of leading from prison.

What remains of the KNP executive committee says it will decide by the end of next week. But with Sannikov's friends arrested with him, remaining committee members may be more open to a leadership challenge.​

 

[Polesia]

DER TOG

KHALINKINA WOULD PUSH KNP TO EXTREMISM

Uladzimir Sannikov may favour independence but he is what is keeping Trivodnia together, argues Zigfrid Vogel.

Just when you thought Trivodnian politics was about to get boring, the Krasnislavian National Party has kicked up some excitement with a potential leadership challenge, as its leaders sit behind bars for fighting for independence.

Zhanna Khalinkina, famed for her looks and outspoken views, has lodged a letter with the KNP executive committee calling for internal elections to pick a temporary leadership while current KNP head Uladzimir Sannikov and others are incarcerated. Her friends and family say she is looking to become the first female party leader in Trivodnian history - quite a feat for a girl who grew up on the outskirts of Kretyn with a single mother.

Her more moderate position on Krasnislavian independence means many in the Social Democratic Alliance and elsewhere see her as a potentially constructive partner compared to the hard-line Sannikov. If elected as party leader, Khalinkina would likely lead the KNP back into the National Assembly. But while things would go smoother in the chamber, out in the streets it would be a different story.

The KNP base is all about faith, flag and family, and for women, children, church and kitchen. Khalinkina is very much in the minority with her liberalism, and would likely alienate many KNP voters and push them towards alternative, likely more extreme forces.

The good news is that all of this means Khalinkina is unlikely to make it past the KNP selectorate. But we should not underestimate her. The fact she was a KNP assembly member is a miracle at all. That is why Sannikov is fighting tooth and nail to have the leadership challenge thrown out.

He may come across a thuggish oaf, but Sannikov is more cunning than you would think. In getting himself arrested and refusing to take the KNP's seats in the National Assembly, Sannikov can pretend he is fighting for Krasnislavian independence without having to deliver on it, making himself a martyr in the process, which is why those who believe in the Free State should - perversely - hope be clings on.

Zigfrid Vogel is the lead weekly political columnist for the Day.​

 

[Polesia]

די צײט | Di Tsayt ‎

Remembering the 1988 New Ararat massacre: 30 years on

NEW ARARAT - A mournful silence fills the street of the city, as Trivodnia's first and largest Zionist settlement marks the 30th anniversary of the country's worst peacetime massacre.

On 6th April 1988, New Ararat was the site of a pitched battle between the National Watch, the Free State's gendarmerie, local Krasnislavian militias and Jewish militants. A Supreme Court ruling had judged the local council - run by the Homeland Union and its allies - to be violating the Constitution and demanded it be disbanded, with direct rule from Amstov imposed until fresh elections could be held. The government, then led by the Jewish People's Party, under pressure from opposition parties, was forced to act. The consequences would be bloody.

The feared Special Battalions of the National Watch, trained to handle riots, hostage situations and terror attacks, were deployed to remove the local administration after it refused to resign. Joining them were nearby police departments, mostly Krasnislavian in number, as well as citizen mobs, again largely Krasnislavian, who objected to the presence of a Zionist community in otherwise majority Krasnislavian lands.

The residents of New Ararat quickly erected barricades and formed self-defence groups in response. The place had been a hotbed of Zionist militancy, and was known to harbour terrorists believed responsible for serious atrocities. The 1980s was a violent decade as long-standing ethnic tensions boiled over, with endless tit-for-tat killings leaving hundreds dead. Jewish nationalists who wanted to make Trivodnia as a Jewish state targeted Krasnislavian separatists pushing for unilateral secession, and vice versa.

After a three-day siege, the National Watch finally stormed the mountainside settlement named after the semi-mythical resting place of Noah's Ark. Close quarter combat resulted in the death of 134 New Araratians and 16 law enforcement agents. Four Krasnislavian men, part of the gangs that looted New Ararat after the massacre, also perished.

Free State security forces were accused of extreme brutality and extra judicial executions. Jewish paramilitaries were found be using civilians as human shields. Krasnislavian looters meanwhile shamelessly ransacked the ruined and abandoned homes and shops.

At first the National Watch claimed all its confirmed kills were armed insurgents, and denied collaborating with Krasnislavian extremists for the operation. However video evidence soon forced a change of position, with Watchmen filmed beating women and children and ignoring blatant crimes by Krasnislavian provocateurs. An internal investigation was eventually launched by the National Watch in 1990, although noone was ever formally disciplined. "There was legitimate reason for law enforcement agents to act in the way they did given the credible threat of dangerous violence," read the final judgement.

This in itself sparked more protests, where casualties were thankfully limited to a few wounded, as the National Watch and local police exercised restraint in the face of extra public scrutiny.

Yet the damage was done. Elben and Kadikistan condemned the Trivodnian government, as did close allies such as Burgundy, Eiffelland, Retalia and the South Tiburan Empire. Jewish terrorism would continue until the early 1990s. The JPP were quickly forced out of office.

A later inquiry by the now ruling Social Democratic Alliance in 1998 came to a different conclusion, accusing the National Watch of "excessive force" and "wilful negligence", while also condemning violence by "Zionist agitators". Demonstrations, again predominantly peaceful, by Trivodnia's different communities gripped the nation. Folkists and Krasnislavians tended to defend the actions of the National Watch, blaming the bloodshed on the Homeland Union, which was and still is overwhelmingly backed by foreign-born Jews. Both the Alternative party and Social Democrats blamed the Union too, while also heavily criticising law enforcement behaviour. Only the Homeland Union and the international Zionist movement refused to blame the resistance at New Ararat, claiming all violence was in self-defence.

Even today the exact narrative of the tragic event is disputed. Monuments to the deceased on either side have been blocked on fear of provoking unrest. The event is absent from school textbooks, and public discussion rare.

Sadly the massacre was just one in a series of disasters for New Ararat, which has experienced deadly fires and disease outbreaks as well as clashes with neighbouring Krasnislavians. The city's population has varied dramatically as a result, with many new leaving after only a couple of years due to poor sanitation, bad infrastructure and safety concerns.

New Ararat was founded in the 1920s by Zionist settlers looking for an alternative base outside the Holy Land. Initially populated by Jewish refugees from Chernovy and Kadikistan, Jews from across the world started migrating to there too. While other Zionist communes exist in Trivodnia, New Ararat is by far the most established.

The Homeland Union tightened its grip there after the massacre, despite numerous later challenges from central government. With the Union still boycotting the National Assembly, the city is likely to be politically isolated further. And with Krasnislavian nationalism rising, some fear a return to fighting. "Dark clouds are coming," mutters one New Araratian.


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[Polesia]

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KNP avoids leadership contest

The Krasnislavian National Party has managed to avoid a potentially costly and divisive leadership election after the party's executive committee said there were "no clear grounds" to trigger a contest.

The decision will come as a blow to Zhanna Khalinkina and her supporters, who tried to convince the committee a temporary senior team should be installed while KNP leader Uladzimir Sannikov and other top party figures remain behind bars. While never officially confirmed, sources close to the outspoken female assembly member say she was aiming for the leadership.

However the KNP executive committee agreed Sannikov and his team were "perfectly capable" of running the party while incarcerated, and so dismissed calls for an internal election.

Khalinkina is a frequent critic of Sannikov, attacking his hardline stance on Krasnislavian independence and sociallly conservative positions on abortion and divorce. She's also privately questioned the KNP's boycott of the National Assembly.

Her defeat at the committee will please Sannikov, though may cause a rift between more progressive factions and the KNP mainstream. Allies of Sannikov are rumoured to be pushing Khalinkina to quit after her failed "coup attempt" as one party official put it.

Khalinkina has insisted she will stay and denies trying to take the top job for herself. But even if she survives, she likely find herself increasingly ostracized within her own party.
​

 

[Polesia]

Der farnakhter shtern

Krasnislavians increasingly favourable towards Kadikistan

A shock survey has revealed a sharp increase in the number of Trivodnian Krasnislavians who have a favourable view of Kadikistan, leading to some in the Jewish community to warn of a potential "fifth column" should war break out with the Free State's largest and most threatening neighbour.

Polling by the Three Seas Research and Information Centre found while the majority of Krasnislavians in Trivodnia still hold negative opinions on Kadikistan, more Krasnislavians are either neutral, somewhat or strongly positive in their perception of Ivar than ever before, despite swathes of Krasnislavian territory remaining under Kadikistani control.

Igor Klitschko of the Three Seas Research and Information Centre suggested the think-tank's findings represented a "historic shift" in Krasnislavian opinion. "Having long resented Kadikistan as an occupying force, there is a clear and growing sense of pan-Slavian solidarity among Trivodnian Krasnislavians," Klitschko said. Klitschko cited Ivar's recent embrace of ethnic federalism, with Kadikistani Krasnislavians getting their own state, as a key factor.

Among Trivodnia's Jews however, feelings towards Kadikistan have hardened considerably, with Kadikistan's support for the openly anti-Semitic regime of Raoul Farrago in Crotobaltislavonia driving resentment. Elben and Gunnland likewise saw their favourability among Trivodnian Jews fall, with both countries also seen as having supported Farrago during the Christmas Crisis.

This divergence in opinion over Kadikistan - widely seen in Amstov as Trivodnia's single greatest geopolitical threat - has led to fears of worsening domestic tensions, between a more hawkish Jewish community and more dovish Krasnislavian population. In a now deleted social media message, the Day political columnist Zigfrid Vogel even suggested Krasnislavians could act as a "fifth column" in the case of a Kadikistani invasion.

For Krasnislavian nationalists, such insinuations are a grave insult. "We had to watch as our homeland was carved out between the Jews, Kadikis and Elbeners," growled one Krasnislavian National Party official, who noted until recently it was Trivodnian Jews had been more favourable in their views on Kadikistan.

Yury Bogdanov, a senior Krasnislavian Social Democrat, said today's research was proof his party needed to abandon its opposition to ethnic devolution, or risk Krasnislavian support for the Free State collapse entirely. "There could be civil war, or worse," he warned the Evening Star.

For full tables from the research by the TSRIC please turn over to page two



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[Polesia]

DER TOG

KADIKISTAN STIRS UP KRASNISLAVIA ISSUE

• Ivar reconsidering 'One Krasnislavia' policy
• Foreign policy and constitutional reform debates collide
• KNP slams Social Democratic Alliance

Amstov is bracing itself for another regional crisis after reports Kadikistan is thinking of readopting its Socialist One Krasnislavia policy, potentially putting the socialist superpower on the warpath with Elben and Trivodnia.

According to The Proletarian, the official online magazine of the Kadikistani Communist Workers' Party, Ivar is considering resurrecting the policy to smooth over internal divisions within the KCWP's Central Committee, Kadikistan's most important political body.

A well-placed party source allegedly told The Proletarian Kadikistan would back the reunification of Krasnislavia - currently divided between Elben, Kadikistan and Trivodnia - to win support for changing the colours of the Kadikistani flag.

Responding to the rumours, the Trivodnian Ministry of External Affairs urged Ivar to "think carefully about its next steps". A return to the One Krasnislavia policy would "undermine not only the recent peace achieved following the Christmas Crisis, but the decades of delicate stability all nation-states of the

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have worked hard to secure" the Ministry argued in a public statement.

For the newly installed Social Democratic government, which is deeply divided between its Jewish and Krasnislavian wings over the issue of devolution, the timing could not be worse. "They've done this to f*ck us," said a senior Social Democrat, claiming Ivar was exploiting Trivodnian internal tensions as "continued punishment" for the Free State's supposed role in the Christmas Crisis.

In a provocative press release, the Krasnislavian National Party said while it will only ever support a "free and democratic Krasnislavia", Kadikistan's recent embrace of ethnic federalism combined with its backing for a reunited Krasnislavia meant Ivar was "more progressive" on the "national question" than Trivodnia.

The Krasnislavian Social Democratic People's Assembly, one half of the Social Democratic Alliance, is now demanding the party backs some form of devolution to satisfy Krasnislavian voters' demands, putting it on a collision course with its sister party Jewish Social Democracy in Trivodnia, which opposes any type of decentralisation. "Ordinary Krasnislavians have made their voices heard loud and clear," says Yury Bodganov, an influential figure in KSDPA.

Recent polling found more and more Trivodnian Krasnislavians held favourable opinions on Kadikistan, reversing a decades-long trend of hostility and sparking fears that Kadikistan will use communal divisions to weaken the Free State. "We're at a dangerous crossroads," warns an intelligence officer, who reported increased Kadikistani activity in Trivodnia.


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[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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The Central Committee of the All-Union Kadikistani Communist Workers' Party, through the People's Commissariat for External Affairs, wishes to state clearly that there is no official document or motion currently on the table demanding the return of the One Krasnislavia Policy. As far as the Kadikistani Union is concerned the fate of Krasnislavia lies with the Krasnislavian people, be they in Elben, Trivodnia or the Socialist Republic of Krasnislavia.

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

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[Polesia]

DER MORGEN ZSHURNAL
דער מארגען זשורנאל
The Morning Journal

BREWING REGIONAL CRISIS THREATENS GOVERNMENT'S DOMESTIC AGENDA

An emerging regional crisis driven by an increasingly assertive Kadikistan has thrown the government off-course, as foreign policy and national defence look to dominate political debate.

The Social Democratic Alliance, which was hoping to focus on the economy after finally being sworn in and avoiding a second election, is scrambling to respond to a potential Kadikistani deployment to Crotobaltislavonia and Ivar considering readopting its One Krasnislavia policy. Lech Belka, speaker of the National Assembly, has agreed an emergency weekend session to discuss next steps.

Luckily the Social Democrats are likely to enjoy broad support from the opposition, with both the Jewish People's Party and the Alternative party backing the government's current diplomatic approach to try head off both provocations. Even the Krasnislavian National Party and Zionist Homeland Union, which are still refusing to take their seats in the National Assembly, have spoken out against Kadikistan and Crotobaltislavonia.

"Hopefully this can all be avoided through dialogue," says a Ministry of External Affairs official, who pointed out neither the airbase or resurrected One Krasnislavia policy have been confirmed. The Central Committee of the Kadikistani Communist Workers' Party issued a statement declaring there was no "motion" to resurrect the One Krasnislavia policy and Crotobaltislavonian dictator has yet to decide whether to invite Kadikistani warplanes.

Privately, many Amstov insiders think even if Ivar does not press ahead with either options, both have been intended to stir up domestic tensions in Trivodnia. The One Krasnislavia policy would no doubt embolden many Krasnislavian nationalists to demand Free State makes the same committment, while additional Kadikistani troops in Crotobaltislavonia would lead more hawkish Social Democrats to push for abandoning constitutional neutrality, which would allow Kadikistan to paint the Trivodnian government as a regional troublemaker too.

For Chancellor Alexander Kahnemann, the situation has created a massive distraction from his domestic agenda of economic reform and infrastructure spending. The One Krasnislavia policy would also see devolution remain front and centre, as the KNP will ramp up demands for better Krasnislavian representation within Trivodnia.

Renewed instability will also make Trivodnia's recovery harder, with cross-border trade and international investment suffering. "Our hope is this is just a temporary spike in hostility," prays one businessman.​

 

[Polesia]

рэспубліка
respublika

Alternative attacks "ethnic duopoly"

The Alternative party has launched a blistering attack on the Free State's other main political parties, accusing them of "narrow divisionism" and "ignoring other communities", which has prevented the country "coming together as Trivodnians".

In a speech during the emergency National Assembly debate on Kadikistan and Crotobaltislavonia, Alternative leader Shmuel Bernstein blamed current domestic tensions on the ruling Social Democratic Alliance as well as the opposition Krasnislavian National, Jewish People's and Homeland Union parties. Bernstein claimed recent debates on devolution dismissed Trivodnia's minority populations. "We are more than just Jews and Krasnislavians," he declared, describing the Free State as an "ethnic duopoly".

The Alternative, previously a staunchly centralist party, now wants a federal Trivodnia divided by economy and geography, unlike the Social Democrats, who oppose any reform, or the Folkists, who prefer devolution on a town- and city-level. The KNP says it is gunning for Krasnislavian independence but would likely accept the bi-national confederation proposed by the Zionist Homeland Union.

Previously a party of the urban middle class who rejected old dividing labels and embraced a new Trivodnian identity, the Alternative has since evolved into the voice of Trivodnia's smaller minorities, including Elbeners, Galicians, Kadikistanis, Polonians and Ruthenes. As a result, it has abandoned many of its original liberal positions, including improved LGBT rights, relaxed abortion laws and easier divorce. The Alternative also at first backed Social Democratic Chancellor Alexander Kahnemann's conntroversial 'Tiburanisation' policy - replacing Hebraic and Cyrillic scripts with the Tiburan one - before later opposing after grassroots pressure.

While the appeal to minority ethnic interests has broadened its base outside university students and wealthier city neighbourhoods, the Alternative remains a relatively small player, holding only 18 out 650 seats in the National Assembly. As such, it has been largely ineffective in achieving in its goals of better representation and promotion of smaller languages and cultures.

The pivot away from liberalism has also caused rifts. The youth wing Young Alternative, wants progressive social policies and free market reforns. Elected representatives are not so keen, fearing upsetting their usually conservative voters.

Similarly, Alternative head Shmuel Bernstein, an ethnic Jew, potentially faces the chop, as rivals say the party should be led by someone of from a "non-dominant community". Today's tirade by Bernstein will be seen as an attempt to bolster his position, while also shifting the debate away Kadikistan and Krasnislavia.

In response, the Social Democrats accused the Alternative of "playing a double-game" and insisted only they stood for a "united Trivodnia" while the JPP described Bernstein's speech as "dangerous attention seeking". The KNP declared the the Krasnislavian "national question" was the number one priority. Only the Homeland Union expressed any enthusiasm, suggesting Bernstein's remarks indicated the need for a "fundamental rethink" of the Free State.​

 

[Polesia]

די צײט | Di Tsayt ‎

President pushing for talks with Crotobaltislavonia and Elben

AMSTOV - President Meier Lauterpacht is reportedly considering behind-the-scenes negotiations with Crotobaltislavonia and Elben in order to avoid another regional crisis, as Kadikistan stirs the pot with support for Krasnislavians and potential airbase by the Polesian Sea.

Having vowed to take a more active foreign policy to maintain peace in the Three Seas region, President Lauterpacht seems set on a collision course with Chancellor Alexander Kahnemann, who has grown increasingly hawkish and vowed to take a hard-line on perceived Kadikistani provocation. "The struggle for power has just begun," warns one insider, who predicts further disagreement.

Lauterpacht believes dialogue is crucial to securing Trivodnia's safety, while Kahnemann fears appeasement will only encourage later disputes.

With Ivar rumoured to be mulling a return to its One Krasnislavia policy - reuniting Krasnislavian lands under a socialist government - the President thinks reaching out to Elben, given its own large Krasnislavian population, will be crucial. "Krasnislavian nationalism, egged on by Kadikistan, cannot be contained by us alone," says a presidential aide.

The President also believes reassuring Crotobaltislavonia will stop Crotobaltislavonian dictator Raoul Farrago from inviting Kadikistani warplanes to his country. "Normalising bilateral relations is key to avoid an arms race," the aide continues.

Should discussions go well, Lauterpacht is even prepared to enter multilateral talks on managing Lake Elbe, which Trivodnia, Crotobaltislavonia and Elben all claim jurisdiction over. Crotobaltislavonia allegedly suggested something similar before the Christmas Crisis.

Yet the actions of both those countries followed the failed coup in Banja Luka massively complicate relations. Farrago went onto accuse Trivodnia, which he repeatedly called the "Yiddish Free State", and Crotobaltislavonian Jews for the coup. Elben at first allowed Kadikistani military aircraft to fly over into Crotobaltislavonia to reinforce Farrago, before reversing the decision, resulting in Ivar imposing sanctions on the Germanian kingdom.

The breakdown in ties between Elben and Kadikistan leaves an opening for Trivodnia, analysts believe, especially with resurgent Krasnislavian irredentism. But Elben's reactionary Catholicism, wih its anti-Semitic tendencies, is a roadblock. "Will the Folkists and Zionists bury the hatchet with the Elbeners to unite against the Slavians, be they Krasni or Kadiki? Unlikely," says the Times columnist Nissim Kessler.

Rapprochement with Crotobaltislavonia will be even more toxic with Trivodnian Jews, especially given the naked anti-Semitism if Farrago's regime. "Banja Luka is a well of poison," seethes one Jewish People's Party Assembly Member, who vowed to try and block any attempts at reconciliation.

Yet the President's friends are confident a deal can be done, if Crotobaltislavonia and Elben are willing. "If they are open to a chat, who knows," says one ally.
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