Wieserreichische Welle: Germania: Augsburg in Transalpine talks with Christiansborg?

[Great Engellex]

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DULWICH, FRIDAY, 25th NOVEMBER 2011​

The Right Honourable The Secretary of State has received the Command of her Imperial and Royal Engellexic Majesty The Queen-Empress
to make known the following gracious Statement of her Imperial and Royal Engellexic Majesty
to the King, and Lordships of the Empire of Wiese.​

An Extension of The Queen-Empress' Statement in Council.

TO THE KING, AND LORDSHIPS OF THE EMPIRE OF WIESE​

I am instructed to EXPRESS on behalf of her Imperial and Royal Engellexic Majesty;

That the devotion of her Royal and Imperial Majesty the Queen-Empress to the Great Engellexic Armed Forces is so that she should not ever wish the temptation to dismiss the benefits of peace unless war was a necessity forced upon the Queen-Empress and Ministers through an act of war against the Empire of Great Engellex. The Great Engellexic Army will guarantee the reconstruction and return of stability in Preuti-Borussia, and, should this be challenged, be in an absolute position to achieve that victory most honourably.

The Queen-Empress has by her honourable acts fulfilled the oaths made at her coronation of the independence and prosperity of her people, despite the ceaseless provocations from less honourable quarters of European diplomacy. In the crisis which gave way to the present continental conflagration the efforts of the Queen-Empress were up to the last moment aimed toward achieving a peaceful conclusion without the means of conflict.

From the commencement of this war, the Queen-Empress, in conjunction with her Ministers and Parliamentarians, was the first to state readiness to enter into peace negotiations.

The Great Engellexic people, and people of Europe, supported her Majesty in her keen desire for a continent expressive of freedom and stability.

Great Engellex sought within it’s borders the free development of society, trade and industry, and abroad territory unhindered economic competition with nations enjoying equal rights. The disastrous development of events in the year 2011, born and accelerated from the Federation’s Imperialist greed, abruptly broke off the desired course of development and transformed Preuti-Borussia into a scene of Great Battle.

Appreciating the importance of the Augbsurg declarations, the Queen-Empress and her Majesty’s Ministers have not failed to submit the suggestions contained in the declarations to earnest examination. The considerate and consistent measures which we have taken, in the closest contact with representatives of concerned Governments of Preuti-Borussia and Europe, to discuss and find answers to the questions raised prove how earnestly Dulwich desires a just and lasting peace.

Her Majesty the Queen-Empress welcomes with sincere respect the leading realisation of the Borussian Peace, in which his Majesty the Emperor of Wiese clearly expresses his absent appetite for war and reluctance to engage the military victories of Great Engellex in Preuti.

By the Grace of GOD, of the UNION of GREAT ENGELLEX, CHARLOTTE, the QUEEN-EMPRESS, through the SECRETARY of STATE, Sir ANTHONY PELHAM-HOLLES​

​

 

[Wieserreich]

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Reichsministerium des Auswärtigen
Imperial Ministry for Foreign Affairs
​

"On behalf of His Imperial and Royal Majesty Friedrich Wilhelm the Second, Wieser Emperor, King of Swabia, Archduke of Saxony, etc. etc., I am instructed to express His Majesty's shock and disdain for this ridiculous accusation that His Majesty has any appetite for war, blood, or any other unchristian act of barbarism such as that. The Wieser Empire, under His Imperial and Royal Majesty's personal command and interest, has only made movements to bridge the communication gap between the European Defence Federation and Great Engellex.

"The Wieser Empire, in its earnest and most honest mediation efforts, at no stage did criticise either of the two partners engaged in war over Montelimar, and at no stage did it violate a stance of firm non-alignment and neutrality between the negotiating powers. It is our continued hope even now, as Great Engellex speaks against an immediate ceasefire and peace in public for a second time in the recent days, that the European Defence Federation and Great Engellex will swallow their shameless pride and prejudice and adhere by the agreements made.

"It is not in our interest in any way whatsoever to see prolonged conflict in Gallia, and we will actively strive towards it by any means necessary in order to ensure that the crisis in Gallia is either resolved or severely contained. It is our desire to thusly inform the right honourable gentlemen and ladies steering the wheels of the European Defence Federation and the Kingdom of Great Engellex that we expect a ceasefire to be proclaimed by both sides, no later than on 23:59 hours (Augsburg time) on Monday 28 November, where both sides will openly adhere to the ceasefire terms already agreed upon, and proceed to meet for negotiations.

"It is His Majesty's desire that, if this deadline is failed to be met by either of the two sides, the Wieser Empire will immediately and unconditionally cease any diplomatic contact with the European Defence Federation and Great Engellex for the purpose of securing peace in Gallia, and will exhaust all other legal and pacifist means available to it to ensure that the Gallian crisis is therefore contained in the problem-zones west of Germania and does not affect the Germanian League in any other way. In addition, His Majesty has personally instructed that the terms of the proposed ceasefire be published in the event of either the European Defence Federation or Great Engellex refusing or failing to announce a two- or one-sided ceasefire by 23:59 hours on Monday 28 November.

"This decision our Emperor and King has come to with great pain and regret, seeing that certain factions participating in the negotiations for peace in Gallia are continuously failing to adhere to their promises to their international partners, and continue to accuse the Wieser Empire of underhanded, unchristian methods and desires. If these certain factions continue to refuse the Hand of Peace in whatever form it takes, they shall find themselves before the One True God as the Truth will shine brightly under the Light of All His Glory. As of whatever factions wish continued peace in Gallia, they will shine with apparent and evident colours under the same Light for God and all Mankind to judge.

"His Majesty looks forward to the European Defence Federation and Great Engellex seriously considering the position they have found themselves in as a result of their paranoia and unchristian way of handling their friends and neighbours, and to seriously consider the consequences of a continued theatre of war around Gallia as a result of their unwillingness to return to the embrace of God and Civilisation. If they choose the arms of war over the arms of God and Peace, they shall forever be branded by their choice in the minds of Many and All."

Regards,
Heinrich Maximilian Graf von und zu Babelfisch
Imperial Minister for Foreign Affairs

 

[Wieserreich]

New Year's Address by Emperor Friedrich Wilhelm
​

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand and Eleven, this Empire, this Nation, this Civilisation had to go through some of its toughest moments of the past century. It was a good and bad year that turned sour as, in the international scene, brother chose to hit brother, sister chose to hit sister, and in one case -our case- a brother chose to even stab a brother in the back. Nevertheless, in this year full of war, suffering, disease, poverty and belligerence, we were taught many more lessons, we were taught many more things.

As the new year comes, the Reich sets forth new priorities. The Reich, standing as an unaligned and neutral power in the heart of Germania, loyal only to its standing international commitments and betrayed by non-Germanian entities, is continuing to face unique circumstances. As we recover from the blight Augsburg had to face, as the world continues to stare down at certain powers in our stead, as warfare continues at the very gates of our Germanian League and our friends and brothers' countries, the Reich must understand its priorities.

In the Year Two Thousand and Twelve, we must stand as united as we have always stood, and more. The Reich will not be able to defend itself from the vultures and the hawks who seek to further expand the Second Great War that our world is suffering. The Emperor must be prepared to defend His subjects. The state must be prepared to fulfil its role. The subjects must be prepared to fight, whether by working or by taking up arms or by striving for charitable donations for those suffering in the world.

This year, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, our dearest mothers and fathers; this year, the Reich must stand prepared for anything- and Reich does not stand for a political entity but all that lies within its borders, every last man, woman, child, idea and gun, our culture and our Faith. This will be a difficult year, for as Augsburg might have recovered, new hardships might befall us sooner or later this year. It is my humblest hope that, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, other nations will see logic and seek to abandon death and destruction in favour of peace and rebuilding. But knowing this is a harsh world we live in, Us the Reich must be prepared for the absolutely worst possible outcome.

May the New Year help bring health, prosperity and pride to our People, as Wieserreich's sons and daughters continue to fight for their Fatherland and Siblings. God's guidance and blessings.

- Friedrich Wilhelm II.

World War Report: Global finance collapsing, causing introversion of economies
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The reckless issuing of threats of embargo, walking out of entire financial unions overnight, the continued belligerence of certain powers: global finance has already caused several countries to enter a recession and has been incredibly expensive even for neutral powers otherwise benefiting from arms and fuel sales to various camps. Bantyr and Suionia to the Northwest, Montelimar and Engellex to the West, Solaren in the south, Talemantros and Altai to the southeast, and the list continues: war, in most cases with several more powers getting involved just for the whim of doing so.

The difficulties global trade is facing are a solid environment which not only causes the introversion of economies and economic blocs, which seek out the comfort of neutral powers more readily accessible than overseas markets, but also help illustrate the problems inherent with such reorientation. When unstable countries such as Suionia are factored in, trade blocs -in this case the ailing and badly hurt Northern Council- suffer thanks to their weakest and least reliable links going berserk at them. See, for instance, the seemingly schizophrenic walkout of Suionia from the northern dollar, announced amidst a global climate of war and uncertainty.

The Germanian League has been faring much better; the territorial integrity of its member states, added to the safety all members have thus far enjoyed from direct war (even the belligerent Eiffelland and Franken have not been hurt in their metropolitan areas) means the Germanian League is an inherently better position, of not one of stable risk. The Germanian League recently unveiled considerations and negotiations to expand the scope of the bloc, and as far as we have seen there are no pointers towards another direction. A solid threat to Germania, however, is the possibility of economic stagnation or collapse in this climate of global idiocy.

As businesses and economies seek out the more certain partnerships to be spared from the risks of global free trade it is expected that certain countries will continue to suffer, and the financial crisis the world entered when Engellex invaded Montelimar and the EDF was attacked by Solaren will continue. The continued suffering, in a modestly optimistic scenario, can be expected to further expand as power-hungry nations seek to nullify their self-proclaimed enemies by any means possible ("this faction is done for" is a common argument as of late, after all) and renew the cycle of hatred and suffering for everyone.

Happy new year, and enjoy your grabs while you can.

In the other news:
​

• Society: Augsburg rebuilding proclaimed 'complete' by burgmeister, emperor.
  
• Sports: Sports leagues to resume after 9 January, Christmas break encourages players and teams to practice and relax.
  
• Culture: Traditional New Year concerts an unlikely success amidst a climate of global fear and financial tensions.
  
• Security: Reichswehr welcomes new year with DEFCON 1 alert, continued drills and preparations for the worst.
  
• Business: Danzig seizes Solaren assets, refuses to return them. 'Blatant theft' say observers.
  
• World: The war continues, is Apocalypse a step closer?
  

 

[Wieserreich]

Foreign rating agencies to downgrade Wieser bonds
​

Breotonia-based Shaw-Sterling sovereign debt rating agency proceeded to downgrade Wiese from a BB rating, which was granted to it in the aftermath of the Augsburg attacks, to a CCC rating implying that Wiese might be in danger of defaulting in parts of its debt obligations. The move comes mere hours after Wiese's foreign ministry criticised considerations of Danzig's Springer to downgrade the country. The two credit agencies share concerns of a high military budget, large state involvement in the economy and trade balance.

For the Baden cabinet, which faces general elections in 2012, these are very unfortunate news that are expected to bolster domestic opposition. Members of the Reichsrat from both major political parties were quick to sign a document inquiring the government for the causes of the downgrade, and prompting Imperial Treasurer for the State Mr. Schallber von Schalberg to reply during the afternoon meeting of the Reichsrat in the Reichstag palace. According to Mr. Schallber, concerns for Wiese's credit rating are 'unfounded at best'.

"It is true that the [Wieser] Empire maintains a relatively high defence budget at under 5.5 percent of the GDP, however this figure is misleading in that it includes strictly non-military funding for the Reichswehr's civil functions. It should also be remembered that the Reich has a considerably smaller defence spending than many of its neighbours, both in proportion as well as absolute figures. The latest publicly available data estimate that some of the countries we border spend over one-tenth their GDP on defence, which corresponds to no nearly double our defence spending in both absolute and proportional figures" commented Mr. Schallber on the defence spending concerns.

"Concerning state involvement in the economy I wish to remind our creditors and international partner of how things are ran in the Reich. There is little to no state management or state-controlled enterprises, as we tend to favour a model in which the state no different from a private investor, and asset management is handled independently in most cases" the Treasurer continued to clarify. "Wiese's economy is a modern, predominantly free market capitalist economy which has always welcomed free foreign investment, and continues to benefit from a healthy trade surplus" he added. "Of course, the world war during 2011 has had an effect on most countries, including ours, but this only served to further improve our ties with our neighbouring trade partners."

Wiese's projected budget for 2012 is expected to run on a healthy surplus, with aims to reduce public debt levels in maintenance of healthy state finances, especially amidst a continuously escalating international financial, military and political crisis. Part of the 2012 budget will be funded from the 2011 budget surplus, according to the official projections from the Imperial Treasury for the State. Mr. Schallber added that "there are no plans in the immediate and predictable future for Wiese to resort to increased borrowing, especially from the international community or foreign creditors". "On these grounds" Mr. Schallber added, "we are confident that the recent ratings from credit rating agencies are not going to seriously affect us".

Nevertheless the news are expected to have an impact on the relations between the governing CSU and KVP, which are already tense in light of the upcoming general election. Early polls suggest that the election might favour the CSU, which is broadly expected to elect the next chancellor for the country. Other matters expected to impact elections are plans for a reduction of civil defence and military drills, which became more frequent after the attack on Augsburg using Breotonian cruise missiles; greater integration with the Germanian League; and the stance of the country over the continued war in Gallia. The budget reductions projected in the 2012 budget are expected to bolster support for opposition parties such as KPW and DNF.

Defence: Military to reorientate before 2012 budget, world war
​

2012 is bringing many chances to the world, and to the Reichswehr as well. The military is now facing new challenges, as Gallia might soon be entering its second year of continued warfare and the threat of another unprovoked cruise missile attack looms over the world's capitals and financial centres. The conflict in Solaren, which is uncomfortably close to major trade ports and financial centres such as Luebeck and Danzig, is also expected to influence the military's upcoming reorientation, as is the 2012 budget.

For the first time in many years, in 2012 the Reichswehr was told to consider cuts in unnecessary and old equipment, bases and personnel in a continued drive for financial efficiency, better quality, and greater preparation for a possible foreign intrusion in Wiese's territory. High readiness helped dramatically reduce the losses of the September 2011 bombing of Augsburg, which proved to be an effective live-fire drill for the air defence network and the strategic radars.

It is a challenge for the Reichswehr: Engellex and Montelimar successfully displayed that the EDF-promoted policy of small, highly mobile, high-quality military units is obsolete where overwhelming numbers might be considered, and Engellex successfully overwhelmed its enemies with both numbers as well as a quality military force and excellent strategy. Adapting such scenarios for Wiese implies that plans for dramatic reductions in the country's defence capability will either be shelved once again, or face pairing with military alliances with friendly nearby states.

At the same time, the defence of Wiese's overseas interests remains a considerable challenge as the country lacks a blue water maritime force as well as a coastline to consider projection. This has made Wiese particularly isolated from the naval-heavy conflicts in Himyar and Solaren as well as elsewhere, though it also means the country has less fronts to hypothetically worry about. As Germanian League membership effectively grants Wiese a coastline as far as trade is concerned, perhaps the rumoured militarisation of the Germanian League will mean the Reichswehr will see increased deployment in neighbouring countries, and receive training in preparation of some naval-oriented warfare.

Another possible scenario is further adaptation to Wiese's traditional isolation from foreign military conflicts, while maintaining a credible conventional military deterrent and a network of associated alliances and partnerships, such as those already in place with countries such as Eiffelland, Franken and Wendmark, in order to ensure the country's security. In such a scenario the military can benefit while downsizing either in volume or in spending, the latter achievable through a healthier budget and reducing administrative and maintenance costs however possible.

In the other news:
​

• Society: Elections near and political parties preparing for the 2012 contest for Reichsrat seats.
  
• Sports: Essay: The world war and the bad climate for international sports.
  
• Culture: Slavic culture expo in Augsburg to open for 31 January - 29 February.
  
• Security: Foreign Reichswehr deployments to have returned by 1 February; civil defence considering alert downrating.
  
• Business: Schweiner's book "How can one man pull numbers out of his anus and make money out of it" proposed for Uni teaching.
  
• World: Havenshire mobilises navy reserve as tensions mount abroad.
  

 

[Wieserreich]

Germanian League security talks continue in Elbebruck ​

Foreign ministers of the Germanian League member states continue talks on common security issues in the Germanian League seat in Elbebruck, Wendmark, as the international conflicts in Solaren, Montelimar and Altai show only minor signs of de-escalating. The talks are expected to cover a wide range of issues with emphasis on mutual defence, support, and other such issues. Despite their economic links and bilateral security cooperation agreements, the Germanian League members are not under an "umbrella" defensive agreement with the exception of Franken and Eiffelland.

Talks have been proceeding shyly for a few months now, however proponents of the agreement point to the continued violence in the Germanian League's near-abroad as a sign that security cooperation among League members is best formalised. Opponents of the idea point that the Germanian League member states will have reduced independence as a result of militarily aligning themselves with each other.

Thus far, government officials from several League countries, including Danmark and Wiese, have pointed that an agreement won't reduce the independence of member states. "Security cooperation among Germanian League members is already taking place" pointed Heinrich Maximilian Graf von und zu Babelfisch, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Wiese. "For instance, our country in particular has decades-old links with all other Germanian League members on security sectors, including strategic partnerships, mutual aid, and defensive agreements." He later added that "the Germanian League is discussing a streamlining of existing agreements and cooperation and their integration into one treaty, possibly with an increased scope if it is deemed necessary".

Opposition has also been firm however, in part deriving from the nationalist and communist political scene of the Germanian League countries. Lars Mikkelson, editor of the Danish Fremtiden stated that "many people are resistant to closer integration especially with Wiese due to historical antagonism". DNF chairman Heinz Rasmussen warned against "republican and protestant influences stemming from abroad, and especially Wendmark and the SVP" while KPW's secretary-general Angela Wepps-Zhukowski stated that security integration poses "potential risk not for our countries' independence, but for the freedom and rights of the working classes of the Germanian League" as it would "open the way to state interventionism and the loss of hard-earned rights".

Security: Defence alerts downrated, military to ease alertness​

Wiese's chancellor Otto Reichsgraf von Baden announced today that the immediate danger made apparent after the Seprember attacks on Augsburg was deemed "not immediate" and that the government has ordered the gradual reduction of alert status throughout the armed forces and civil defence. "This" added Reichsgraf von Baden, "does not in any way compromise the security of our country or our people", citing that the alert downratings will be slow and smooth to allow both for better transition as well as to maintain high readiness in light of conflict involving nearby countries.

Specifically, the alert status for the Reichswehr and Thuringia-based Landwehr is to be reduced from the wartime DEFCON-1 (maximum readiness) to DEFCON-2 (war readiness), with the air defence and border contingents to retain high alertness. Other Landwehr units and the Landsturm (reserves) will be reduced to DEFCON-3 (medium readiness) status. The Volkswehr (civil defence) will be reduced to DEFCON-4 (above normal readiness), down from DEFCON-2.

The alert changes will be effective at midnight on Monday 9 January, 'barring extraordinary circumstances'. The readiness reduction is close to normal levels, with Thuringia-based military contingents reduced to their standard of DEFCON-2, while the rest of the military was at DEFCON-3 readiness before the bombing at Augsburg. Certain military units in Saxony and Mecklenburg had DEFCON-5 ('normal') readiness before the Augsburg bombings, and are expected to be among the first units to eventually return to such a status. These news will mean a reduction of military and civil defence drills to their normal, pre-crisis frequency.

News of the lowered military readiness gave a slight boost to the Augsburg Stock Exchange, which has not been faring particularly well amidst the continued global tensions, much like its international counterparts. This move marks Baden's beginning of refocusing on the national economy, with promises to prevent a recession or economic stagnation because of war abroad. Despite the economic climate, many of Wiese's industries have been working at nearly full capacity to satisfy military orders from abroad. Other economic sectors have seen a decline in output as a result of reduced foreign demand.

In the other news: ​

• Society: CSU, KVP to hold party congresses ahead of 2012 elections.
• Sports: Football championship to resume this Sunday with a climactic ZSKH vs. Zenit match in Oldenburg.
• Culture: Three Wieser films to be presented at Cantigny film festival.
• Security: One Wieser national arrested for espionage by RSA in Augsburg.
• Business: Altai bond auction mildly successful, may prompt improved credit ratings.
• World: Danmark, Polasciana in industry talks; Wiese watches 'with great interest'.

 

[Wieserreich]

Reichsrat, Reichstag approve new Germanian League treaty
​

In a cycle of strong negotiations and activity in both houses of the parliament, the new "Treaty Establishing Collective Security in the Germanian League" was voted in favour by the majority of the Reichsrat and the overwhelming majority of the Reichstag. The new treaty establishes a collective security space among Germanian League member states, with an annex amending the Treaty on the Germanian League to drop a clause previously signifying that the Germanian League "is not an intergovernmental military alliance". The new treaty will become an integral part of League legal jargon when all five Germanian League countries have ratified it.

In the Reichsrat, the treaty enjoyed support by the firm majority of the CSU and KVP, many independents, and the entirety of the DNF although it had been criticising the treaty in the past. In total, some 341 members of the Reichstag voted for, 160 against (including all 52 KPW members), 13 abstaining, and 2 not attending the vote. Communist Party chairwoman Angela Wepps-Zhukowski stated that the militarisation of the Germanian League "is presenting a social and political threat at home" though she cited collective security "a sad necessity".

In the Reichstag, things were far different, with 260 Lords voting for, 17 against, and 26 abstaining. The abstentions were the entirety of the Princes of the Church, citing the neutrality of the Catholic Church on such matters, while the votes against included a few well-known names of the political scene. With the conclusion of voting in both houses of the parliament, Reichstag speaker [wiki]Elisabeth III of Braunschweig[/wiki] is expected to take the treaty and the houses' recommendations to the emperor for its formal ratification later tonight. The treaty is expected to be ratified within 72 hours, as with past examples.

Thus far, Danmark and Wendmark have both ratified the Collective Security Treaty, with Wiese possibly being the third country in doing so. This leaves the parliaments of Eiffelland and Franken to proceed with ratification. Of the five Germanian League states, Eiffelland and Franken share membership with the European Defence Federation whereas the remaining three have been traditionally neutral and not members of intergovernmental military organisations. The ratification of the Collective Security Treaty will mean the creation of new dynamics in the previously defenceless Germanian League, allowing it to better assure the security of its member states and respond to crises in Gallia and elsewhere in its near-abroad.

Economy: The shift of imports and exports amidst the global war crisis
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With the world at catastrophic war, no final end in hostilities in sight and several failed pacification attempts before Christmas, international trade has taken a severe hit, particularly in the areas closest to the theatres of conflict. Altai, Bantyr and Solaren are three sources of trouble, and the Scanian financial crisis is only escalating the issues for local economies. At the same time, the uncertainty caused by the Talemantine war on Altai has risen to increased prices in crude oil and natural gas, with fossil fuel producers seeing increased profit. It could be said that together with arms manufacturers, they are the big winners of this situation.

In Wiese the global trade threat has seen a limiting of opportunities towards countries like Arendaal and Talemantros, as military conflicts disrupt sea trade to these areas; and the fall of Montelimar meant that river-based trade with Gallia through Wendmark is no longer an option, although it never represented a significant proportion of Wiese's imports or exports. By comparison, trade with bordering countries has increased, even limiting them as transit points to a certain degree. Wiese's largest trade partners remain several countries that border it, and since June 2011 commerce has seen an increase in ties with Germanian League countries, as well as other nearby countries like Polasciana and Greater Sarmatia.

Disruptions in trade generally mean more expensive products, and in the case of countries with net imports of staple foods, threatening shortages. Luxuries are also harder to come by, particularly as far as distant imports are concerned, both due to the increased price (due to increased risk of shipping) or because certain producers have been... terminated due to military conflicts. Industrial production has taken a hit as well as considerable customers shifted their complete attention on military production. Of course, this benefited arms manufacturers in Breotonia, Kiev, Wiese and elsewhere.

As Europe becomes a more and more uncertain place to be in, it seems nations will gradually prefer the cheaper, safer option of a good neighbour for trade, as opposed to extravagant trade deals across seas. Unless a proper naval force acts to assure creditors, investors and tradesmen, overseas trade could take a blow from the exchanges between Engellex and the EDF, Altai and Talemantros, and Suionia and Bantyr. This could also mean trouble for colonial empires that prefer domestic trade as opposed to regional trade, ignoring the massive distances, as well as countries who depend on overseas imports for their survival such as Danzig.

In the other news: ​

• Society: Wieser blogger 'elit_1779' sparks controversy with her vulgar online essays. (See future posts.)
• Sports: ZSKH loses 1-0 to Zenit in Oldenburg in 2012's first football match.
• Culture: Wendmark to allow Solaris church to operate at home?
• Security: Car bomb rocks Ajaccio airport in Nicosia, at least 2 killed and 5 injured in the attack.
• Business: Franken replies to Kiev commercial initiative "with mixed feelings". League deal with Kiev in the rumours.
• World: Talks of free trade deals between Danzig and Altai, Talemantros.

 

[Wieserreich]

Germanian League ratifies military compact
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The new treaty on collective security among Germanian League member states has been ratified by all five parliament, with the treaty now becoming part of League law. According to the treaty, it entered effect when the majority of its signatories ratified it - these three being Denmark, Wendmark and Wieserreich. Franken and Eiffelland ratified the defence treaty shortly after. The event has been hailed as 'the beginning of a new era in Germania and Europe' by Reichskanzler von Baden.

The new treaty establishes a common framework and defence pact for the Germanian League member states, adding a full military aspect to the previously economic-only compact. The Germanic League, a free trade area spanning from Franken to Eiffelland and connecting Montelimar and Vistrasia to the Sarmatian steppes, faced increasing security concerns amidst continued escalation of conflicts in Gallia and an assertive Kiev on its eastern borders. The diplomatic arm of the military cooperation will be based in Elbebruck, Wendmark along with most of the other League infrastructure.

Although a military alliance of this scale is a new concept in Germania, it is not the first form of security cooperation among Germanian League countries. Apart from sharing significant defence research and development and already adhering to the same standards of equipment, the Germanian League countries possess significant arms industries in land, aerospace and naval systems alike, the modern form of which began in the 1960s and 1970s among Wiese, Franken and Eiffelland.

League air-naval exercise announced for Gulf of Lorraine
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With the ink barely dry in the new Germanian League treaty, the alliance was quick to announce a first round of military drills in the Gulf of Lorraine among all Germanian League member states. The exercises, which will be hosted by Denmark and Eiffelland, will involve air and naval contingents of both countries as well as Franken, and air contingents of Wendmark and Wieserreich. The exercises were reportedly scheduled to be held between 1 and 7 February, in sea area already reserved in international and national waters.

The stated objective of the drills will be the harmonisation and familiarisation of League naval and air forces and simulation of anti-submarine and anti-shipping warfare - a brand new experience for the pilots of Wendmark and Wieserreich, both of which are landlocked countries. It will reportedly include up to 200 aircraft of all types, including combat and reconnaissance aircraft, as well as a suiting amount of ships and target decoys. Credit has been given to the governments of Denmark and Eiffelland for the operation.

It is the first military exercise involving all Germanian League countries, with promises of continued military cooperation and activity coming and going. Although the League spokesmen have not been available for comments, other plans on the works include the harmonisation of air defence systems, a League-wide minimum for national defence spending, formalisation of common military standards, a proper chain of command, and other. In addition, VRL has announced plans for a new aircraft assembly line in Denmark, to service the country's aircraft orders.

In the other news:
​

• Society: Princess Amalia of Schaumburg in extended Christianborg visit, reportedly guest of Crown Prince Sweyn.
• Sports: Ice hockey: Zenit, ZSKH in unlikely bad performance. Will Kaiserstuhl win this year's championship?
• Culture: Oldenburg gallery opens its gates to Wieser Oikawan cultural expo. Community leaders praise the initiative.
• Security: Denmark in 'significant' Eurofighter, Eurocopter deal: VRL to open assembly line in Aaben-unden-Marken.
• Business: Germanian League discussing international pipeline deal with Talemantros, Kiev, other parties.
• World: Kiev, Talemantros announce Germania-Gallia pipeline hopes; warm reception implies negotiations will follow.

 

[Wieserreich]

World: The Germanian League, its internal politics, and those who seek to manipulate it
an editorial by Markus Radetz von Radetzky, found on WW-Welt.wr
​

The militarisation of the Germanian League, paired with the decline of the European Defence Federation in the Gallian region, has come with a significant shift of politics in the Germanian area as the now defensive coalition of culturally similar countries includes decision makers uninvolved in the global politics that the EDF was and remains involved into. As the new coalition flexes its wings and seeks to secure respect for its position in the global political scene, however, there has been an invariable shift in both its interior politics as well as the treatment it receives from the outside.

The Germanian League was originally conceived as a free trade area to succeed the Wieser and Wendmarker Central Germanian Free Trade Area, which was to include Danmark and Eiffelland. After the initial ratification, Franken acceded to the compact not long after. The new trade league allowed for the significantly cheaper transfer of goods from north to south and vice versa, virtually eliminating most applicable tolls, tariffs, and various costs. For instance, Franken could now trade with Eiffelland overland, circumventing the custom tariffs of in between countries.

With the violent Engellexic invasion of Montelimar and the massive loss of EDF prestige over the Solaren, Montelimar and Altaic wars, the League began negotiations of signing a second, defensive treaty to safeguard the security of its neutral, non-aligned member states. With the formalisation of these and their manifestation in the Collective Security Treaty ratified by all League members the past few weeks, this gave birth to the Germanian League as a self-defensive economic bloc which continues to adhere to non-alignment, neutrality, and free trade.

At the same time there were offers from various petroleum exporting nations (namely Talemantros, Jurzan and Kiev) for pipelines crossing into League territory, and from there to specific League and/or foreign destinations such as Engellex. The Talemantine-Kievan-Engellexic bloc has already drafted up official proposals for reaching Engellex overland while there have barely been any peace negotiations over the situation in Montelimar - which in turn might imply that the far right wing bloc of nations has specific plans for the geopolitics of Gallia and Germania.

In the same time period we have seen an upsurge in Wendmarker rhetoric over the situation in Montelimar, as well as Danish naval activity in the Long Sea region. The recently announced Germanian League naval exercises and recent pipeline competition imply that the Germanic nations are trying to show outsiders a united front while negotiating with them as well as expanding their mutual relations on a practical level. However, it can also be assumed that the upsurge of activity by the otherwise non-aligned Germanic League member states comes with internal discussion as well.

The recent rhetoric from Kiev, of which the petroleum and natural gas monopolies replied with insubstantial rhetoric over unspecified and invalid obstacles in the 'entire League' by 'Wieser bureaucrats' implies a direct attempt to intervene in domestic League affairs, as the Germanic League seeks to utilise the free market to appease to the business requirements of third parties. Other rhetoric also focused exclusively on Wiese, which has been seen by various powers (from fascist Kiev to communist Carentania) as the 'replacement of Franken' in Germanian politics.

This is not the first time Wiese in particular has come under fire for lacking reason. Other companies, agencies and countries have previously sought to pressure Wiese into making concessions of sovereignty, whether by lies or skewering of facts. Recent cries of over-militarisation and state-run economics, domination of the Germanic League, and alleged financial trouble for the Wieser government based on a presumed lack of openness are now paired with open attempts to make Wiese buckle under the weight of foreign pressure, and create a subsidiary empire over it.

There are significant signs of interventionist policies and doctrines. For instance, the recently launched oil pipeline competition was hailed as unprofitable by the Kievan companies, even though the expansion of the current network can massively increase their market share in Germania or even Gallia. Such a move could increase Kievan petroleum exports by hundreds of thousands to millions of barrels in that direction, simultaneously providing extra revenue worth dozens of billions to the state monopolies and the Kievan government. The same holds true for other interested parties.

At the same time, however, Kiev openly rejected this multi-billion pipeline deal and any form of negotiations, despite the fact that the Germanic League openly stated their terms are fully negotiable. It will not be unreasonable at this stage to assume that the rest of the Anglo-Kievo-Talemantine bloc will adopt a similar policy, opening the ground for other petroleum exporting countries and perhaps even Jurzan to fill in the gap. This lack of negotiative mood, paired with the issuing of excuse-like reasons for their sudden lack of interest, further points to a political clash over Germania.

As the Germanian countries mature their relations and cooperation, they will no doubt have to face with increasing foreign interventionism in their domestic and international relations, both with each other as well as third parties. The hints are apparent, from wars triggered by neighbour or near-neighbour countries of League members, to costly and bold foreign expeditions and punitive measures for the slightest and simplest of excuses. The open call for Nuremberg to be elevated to a leading power in an alliance otherwise consisting of equals among equals further hints towards that.

Whether the Germanic countries will accept that opposition and budge under the pressure provided by the multi-million man war machines backing up these state interests, or whether they will adopt an independent foreign policy seeking out fair and equal partnerships based on open and free negotiations among equal parties, it remains to be seen. However it can be said that the current 'open contest' of the League can be broadly interpreted as a test for the true intentions of all parties who may express interest or not.

Markus Radetz von Radetzky is a journalist specialising in the coverage of international political, diplomatic and financial news. The writer clarifies that his views do not reflect the views of WW-Welt or the public authorities of Wieserreich in any way or form.

Security: Military to brace for budget cuts in 2012, 2013
​

The Reichswehr is bracing for its first budget cuts in more than a decade as 2012 will see its spending shrinking by up to some 0.5% of the GDP, into 2013. The cuts are expected to be made by selling off redundant military equipment, unused military property and former bases, less scheduled military tests, concluded or discontinued research and development programmes, and cuts of civil personnel behind the Reichswehr. According to the Ministry for War there will be no effect on the operational capability of the Army, Air Service or Landwehr.

The cuts are expected to come mainly from defence-wide expenditure, and expenditure by the Air Service and the Landwehr Luftwaffe. In 2010 and 2011 a substantial number of missile tests were conducted, with their frequency having caused significant increases in the bugets of these arms. In addition the two services are facing the conclusion of historic armament programmes and discontinuation of maintenance of old aircraft which has now been fully retired from 'either and/or both' active service and military reserve. There are no plans for personnel or equipment cuts.

The increasing lack of defencive needs in the Alpine Line on the Wieser-Danish border, as well as the Rheinburg among Wiese, Danmark and Polasciana, is expected to also contribute to the defence cuts. The lower of alert status and/or decommissioning of old or redundant infrastructure will play a role on the service-wide expenditure cuts. The Alpine Line has seen increasing lack of relevance since the warming up of Danish-Wieser relations, and the accession of both countries to the Germanic League.

Currently scheduled cuts will amount to a reduction of per capita defence expenditures by some $165, according to War Ministry officials. This would bring Wiese's per capita defence spending, which amounted to over $1600 in 2008, to below $1500 in 2012, and perhaps further lower in 2013. The War Ministry has, however, ruled out any 'immediate plans' on cutting down on the size of the armed and paramilitary forces of the country, given international tensions threatening Germanic League member states. However further cuts can come from decreasing alert status or maybe changing the length of military service.

These cuts come amongst an upsurge in defence spending for all other Germanic League countries, and not even a year after the Breotonian-sponsored terrorist attack on Augsburg using submarine-launched Archer cruise missiles. According to a war ministry official, 'a higher defence budget does not necessarily mean better armed forces, and we are seeking to cut out redundant spending and save up wherever necessary'. He added, 'we are trying to improve spending efficiency and reduce peacetime costs without affecting our immediate defence capability.' The cuts could save up between $10 and $20 billion on the government budget.

In the other news:
​

• Society: Internet blog points to Breotonia for Augsburg bombing, sparks public debate in capital city.
• Sports: Allgemeine Sachsen FC loses to FK Darmstadt 0-2 in climactic Anhalt match.
• Culture: Church to revive campaign to ban homosexual unions, criminalise homosexuality; Communists, rights groups to firmly oppose.
• Security: Thoughts of reducing alert status outside Eastern Military District; War Ministry refuses to comment.
• Business: Government to sell off stocks in specific businesses? Reichsrat in fierce debate, could influence government budget.
• World: Augsburg formally denies RusPetrol, RusGaz allegations of 'dictatorship, obstacles', summons Kievan ambassador for consultations.

 

[Wieserreich]

Politics: Elections 'due in April' hint Reichsrat sources
​

According to sources from within the Reichsrat the political parties are discussing of the planned 2012 election to be held sometime in 'late April', considerably earlier than the previously expected June dates hinted during previous leaks and discussions. The election, which will complete and seal the Imperial Council's 2008-2012 term, will probably and as per tradition be followed by polls for the 170 gentry seats of the Reichstag some one week later.

The political parties of the Reichsrat have seen the political scene particularly influenced from the Engellexic military adventures in Gallia. A substantial pro-Engellex faction exists in the Imperial parliament, led by supporters of the Weilburg dynasty which boasts direct blood relations with the Queen of Engellex. These supporters are predominantly members or supporters of Prince Schwarzenberg's Christian Social Union, the main rival and coalition partner of the Imperial People's Party and Count Baden, who serves as chancellor.

Whether Engellex's military campaigns and unresolved war in Gallia will cost Schwarzenberg it remains to be seen, however current polls point to an unusually close clash between KVP and CSU. The latest polls show voting preference at 33% for KVP, 32% for CSU, 12% for DNF, 11% for KPW, and 8% for independent candidates or other parties. Some 32% of those asked stated they will not vote, did not disclose a vote, or will vote 'none of the above' - these have been deducted from previous figures.

As with previous elections, the independent faction and the undecided are very likely to decide the competition between KVP and CSU, however the opposition DNF and KPW are expected to make longer-term gains despite the DNF's current poll setbacks. The 2008-2012 KPW-CSU coalition has been accused of inflammatory responses to international situations, which has put Wiese under particular scrutiny with certain groups in the international scene.

Finance: Danish merchant initiatives seen 'very positively' by Wieser corporations
​

The recent Danish initiatives in commerce with non-Germanian League countries, including Kiev and Polasciana among other countries, have seen very warm reception by the Wieser business scene. Archduke Franz, CEO of KIW and member of the Reich Congress of Industrialists and Merchants, has stated that the Congress has seen the recent initiatives as a bright opportunity for commercial expansion within Germanian League framework.

"The recent deals are not only likely to benefit the Danes, but they can benefit other Germanian League countries as well" stated Archduke Franz, who is currently third in line for the Imperial throne. "It will more than likely promote investment in Danmark and Danish-based subsidiaries, and potentially increase the status of Danmark as a trade hub between League members and third countries" the royal and businessman stated.

The Congress believes that the deals set up a favourable environment to circumvent what they cited as 'politically-motivated obstacles' from certain countries, and called for the post-election Imperial government to proceed with similar moves. Among the countries cited as 'suitable for approaching in various ways' were Engellex, Kiev, Vangala, Wasatch, Yujin, Havenshire, Europaland, and others. Some of these have previously created a negative climate for foreign businesses, some towards German or Wieser businesses in specific.

Other Congress members also praised the work of the Danish government, and the Congress will discuss the dispatch of a group of 'envoys' to discuss possible investment options in Danmark in the coming weeks. Danmark already sees considerable flow of commerce and investment from Wiese, some of the latest including a new VRL aircraft assembly line in Aaben-unden-Marken to serve the Danish Air Force's aircraft orders.

In the other news:
​

• Society: Weilburg's Amalia prolongs Christiansborg stay, increases gossip of 'courting' the Danish crown prince.
• Sports: Hornburg and Oldenburg to co-host charity 'mini-championship' of football veretans. The proceeds will be donated to the Knights of Ascheburg for charity in favour of Montelimar war displaced.
• Culture: Communists disrupt sermon in Freiburg after priest verbally attacked homosexuals and foreigners. No arrests were made, and none was injured in the dispute.
• Security: Wiese to host foreign troops? Government refuses to comment before the upcoming elections.
• Business: Government stock sell-off postponed for after elections, to be heated topic between KVP and CSU.
• World: Germanian League proceeds with pipeline offers evaluations, does not disclose progress.

 

[Wieserreich]

Kievan provocations on eastern border prompt legation action
​

The military of Kiev has conducted major exercises close to the Thuringian-Kievan frontier involving not one but two military districts and the scale being sufficient to 'halt movement and ground flights' according to Kievan local and state media. The exercises, which were attended by Danish envoys, proceeded along with a notification of no ill intent to Nuremberg, in a highly provocative move by the Kievan authorities.

Chancellor von Baden responded immediately to the Kievan military manoeuvres by ordering the envoy to Kiev's capital, Peter Heidelberg, to proceed with a formal complaint and inquiry to the Kievan government. "The Reich was never notified in advance of such provocative manoeuvres, implying ill intent" stated Reichsgraf von Baden, adding that the Kievan move to notify other Germanian League countries in advance was 'highly provocative and a deliberate attempt to sour bilateral relations'.

Kiev's military exercises come shortly after continued diplomatic provocations and not long after Wiese conducted its own manoeuvres of a very similar nature on the other side of the border, albeit at a significantly smaller scale. Baden's government, which has been bracing itself for potential military budget cuts and upcoming elections this April, will now face the issue of an increasing lack of justification for a promised $10 to $20 bn budget cut in the War Ministry budget, with that money potentially reallocated to reinforce defence in Thuringia and Braunschweig.

Parliament elections scheduled for 7-8 and 14-15 April
​

The government has formally released the date for the upcoming elections for the Reichsrat and Reichstag following the sessions of the two parliamentary bodies earlier this week. According to the announcement, the general election is expected to proceed in 7 and 8 April for the Reichsrat and 14 and 15 April for the Reichstag amidst a hot political climate for the contending parties. The palace has reported that Emperor-elect Karl IV signed the acts late on Friday.

The governing coalition's components, the CSU and the KVP, are bracing themselves against the influence of independent candidates and the DNF and KPW, with hot topics including the dispatch of military personnel abroad, sharing military bases with the Germanian League member states, as well as considered military budget cuts touching 0.5 percent of the GDP. The result of the election is also expected to influence considered sellouts of government stock in joint stock corporations.

All adult citizens may vote for the Reichstag elections, however only ennobled citizens of any kind may vote for the 170 contended seats of the Reichstag. The seats are contended by politicians of similarly noble background, the institution and legislation broadly considered archaic. Several KVP members and the KPW have sought to amend the election law after the 2012 election but they are expected to face stiff opposition from the DNF and potentially CSU members.

In the other news:
​

• Society: Magazine special issue on 'homosexual celebrities and nobility' sparks outrage.
• Sports: Zenit Oldenburg to face Allgemeine Sachsen in football the coming Sunday.
• Culture: KPW organises History of Christian Communism lectures in Augsburg. Catholics critical of motion.
• Security: Several ballistic and cruise missile tests scheduled for 2nd Quarter 2012 by War Ministry.
• Business: Danmark expected to see increased Wieser trade share in first quarter of 2012.
• World: Kiev conducts major military exercises on Wiese border but only notifies Franken and Danmark of it.

 

[Wieserreich]

Kiev legation announces cultural exchange expo
​

Wiese's legation in the state of Kiev has announced its plans to hold a cultural exchange exposition in the Kievan capital between April 1 and April 30. The exposition, which will concern the various Slavic and German cultures and their history and interaction in Thuringia and the Sarmatian steppe is aimed at bridging the 'friendship gap' between the various German and Slavic peoples and especially Wieser Germans and Kievan Slavs.

P. Heidelberg, Envoy to Kiev, stated that the project was aimed at fostering Kievan-Wieser friendship on unofficial levels. "It is our hopes to foster friendlier neighbourly relations, starting with the perception of common folk and slowly proceeding towards the upper echelons of society and government" stated the envoy. "Our aspiration is to mend the present troubles between not only Kiev and Wiese, but the Slavic and German cultures in general" he added.

The exposition, which will carefully exclude potentially offensive material and work its way to a rapprochement of the two neighbouring cultures, is broadly expected to receive a broadside from hyperconservative and overzealously nationalist media, private citizens, and Kievan government hardliners. Nevertheless the legation appears determined that if there is a way to friendly neighbourly relations, this might be the only way to start.

THOR 2012: Missile launches, invasion simulations, and more
​

The annual THOR military exercises expected to begin early next month have seen a press release from the War Ministry concerning some of their content. The military manoeuvres, which will include elements of all branches of the armed forces and reserves, will reportedly include 'tens of thousands' of manpower and their associated 'hardware' in exercises in reserved terrain of the War Ministry and the Reichswehr, including possibly 'foreign contingents' taking an active part in the movements.

The manoeuvres, which usually take place in Thuringia and Schaumburg, are expected to include the simulation of a foreign invasion and the response of the Wieser (and now Germanian League) forces. THOR 2011 involved several ballistic and cruise missile launches against various simulated targets, as well as large manoeuvres near the borders. It is unknown what will THOR 2012 involve, however it is expected to largely be along the same lines.

Although taking place in military zones where airspace is already shut down, this year's THOR is expected to see a small increase in airspace reservation for certain hours of the day, particularly if missile launches take place. According to sources in the government the War Ministry is already reserving its right to closing certain areas of Thuringia's and Schaumburg's airspace 'if required', implying a large scale of exercises in the works.

The drills will take place during the week between April 7 and April 15, together with the general election. Personnel involved will reportedly be allowed to vote if desired.

In the other news:
​

• Society: Gay magazine special on homosexual nobles and celebs sparks legal action from noble houses.
• Sports: Strelitz football match devolves to street fighting; 112 apprehended, 24 arrested for violence and resistance against authority.
• Culture: Havenshire's Princess Rebecca to reach adulthood; major nobility to attend celebrations.
• Security: Three Kievan nationals arrested for human trafficking on Braunschweig-Kiev border; turned back together with would-be illegal immigrants.
• Business: Saxon government to invest in greater Wendmark infrastructure links, Landtag passes bill.
• World: Government hopeful of speedy Montelimar conflict resolution, says Foreign Ministry.

 

[Wieserreich]

General Election: CSU first party in Reichsrat, KVP in second place
​

With 99.7% of the votes accounted for, last Sunday's general election results for the Reichsrat indicate a major CSU breakthrough, allowing the Christian Social Union to control a plurality of the Imperial Council. Prince Schwarzenberg's coalition surprised observers, securing some 32% (+2%) of the seats and earning the first place in the results. Incumbent chancellor Otto von Baden's KVP earned 30% (-5%), followed by DNF (16%, +1%) and KPW (14%, +4%). A further 8% of the votes went to independent candidates, down from 10% in the 2008 election.

The new Reichsrat composition will consist of 165 seats for the CSU (+10); 155 for the KVP (-26); 82 for the DNF (+5); 72 for the KPW (+20); and 42 independent (-9). The CSU emerged victorious in most traditional areas, benefiting from a weakening of the KVP in rural areas, from where it saw most of its new voters. By contrast, the KVP managed to hold onto its traditional voting centres, the cities, while DNF earned most of its votes from Thuringia and Saxony, and KPW increased its share mainly in Mecklenburg and rural areas.

Prince Rudolf of Schwarzenberg, chairman of the Christian Social Union, will serve as the new Imperial Chancellor. The new parliament will hold its first session the upcoming Monday after the conclusion of the Reichstag election, during which Prince Schwarzenberg is expected to announce the composition of his cabinet. It is expected that the CSU and the KVP will continue their cooperation though several key ministries may change hands. Prince Rudolf has stated he intents to keep 'experienced politicians' in their current offices 'if required', and that KVP's Count Babelfisch is among the 'top options' to continue leading the foreign ministry.

Explosion rocks legation in Kiev; many dead, state sources
​

In an unprecedented terrorist attack of a frightening scale, the Imperial legation to Kiev has been rocked by a massive explosion reportedly tearing apart a 'significant' part of the legation grounds, including the main building. According to sources from the legation, the explosion, which seemed to have been caused from underground, led to the creation of a gaping hole that collapsed part of the legation's buildings and grounds. Several officials and civilians are counted among the attack's victims, as the legation was housing a friendship exposition at the time of the attack.

According to unofficial reports, the Wieser envoy to Kiev, Peter Heidelberg, is among the victims of the attack. Mr. Heidelberg was meeting with his Wendmarker counterpart at the time, who is also missing. His family is reported safe and sound by surviving staff. The exact number of casualties has not been reported by the local authorities, although embassy estimates put them in the range of 'one to two dozens' among those present in its grounds at the time. Several civilians are missing or injured.

In response to the unprecedented attack 'from underground', the Foreign Ministry has issued a travel warning to all Wieser citizens in or heading towards Kiev, requesting their return the soonest possible. Heinrich Maximilian Graf von und zu Babelfisch has also summoned the Kievan ambassador for explanations. According to the ministry, the legation and citizens will be evacuated from Kiev 'the soonest possible' until further notice, although select staff are expected to remain at another League embassy to conduct bilateral relations, The matter is expected to be addressed by the new chancellor the coming week.

In the meanwhile, the Ministry of the Interior has offered the Kievan government assistance in the form of firefighters and medical personnel.

In the other news:
​

• Society: Schumburg's government to sue Havenshirian fast food firm 'Burger Kaiser' over 'Schaumburger' dish; 'we are not hamburgers' says minister.
• Sports: 10 to face trial over Strelitz mishaps after football match.
• Culture: Crown Princess Rebecca of Havenshire comes of age, does gala in Franken.
• Security: Kievan travel, communication blackout sparks increased alert in border provinces amidst THOR 2012 manoeuvres.
• Business: Saxon infrastructure investment bill to possibly go to Reichsrat next week; possibility of federal funding.
• World: Polasciana-League accession talks held in Danmark.

 

[Großlausitz]

Private cable to The Prince Schwarzenberg

On behalf of The Prince Regent and His Majesty's Government I would like to convey you my congratulations upon the electoral victory. I look forward to work with you on a better future for Germania.

Peter Comes
Graf Peter Solms
Ministerpresident of His Majesty's Government

---
Das Auswärtige Amt

On behalf of His Majesty's Government I would like to offer our sincerest condolences upon the loss of many a life in the course of this tragedy. We will carefully evaluate our own embassy's security in the light of the recent events.

Robert Comes
Graf Robert Beaumont von Miltenberg
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Deputy Ministerpresident of His Majesty's Government

 

[Potenza]

You must be registered for see links

​

The Grand Duchy sends her most sincere condolences to the nation of Wiese regarding this attack against her sovereignty. We also extend our sincere condolences to the family of those who have lost their lives, in particular the family of Peter Heidelberg. We hope that this will be resolved in the spirit of justice and stability.

Franco Frattini
Foreign Minister

 

[Wieserreich]

CSU, KVP in cabinet formation talks
​

Prince Schwarzenberg, chairman of the Christian Social Union and formally appointed by the Emperor to present a new government the coming Monday, as well as Count Baden, incumbent chancellor and chairman of the Imperial People's Party, have formally announced that the two primary political factions of the country are engaging in coalition talks for the 2012-2016 parliamentary term. According to tradition, the second party's chairman Mr. Baden is expected to abstain from holding an office, and function as head of the opposition in Reichsrat instead.

Leaked information want several key ministries to not change hands. The important Foreign and War Ministries, which are technically outside the jurisdiction of the Chancellor as they fall under direct Imperial supervision, are expected to remain at the hands of Count Babelfisch and von Bumgarner respectively. Other ministries however may as well change hands in both reshuffling as well as through the introduction of new faces. Prince Schwarzenberg stated he is considering to increase the representation of women and commons in the top tiers.

The new government will have to be sworn in at Sunday evening latest, with Prince Schwarzenberg having to present it before Emperor Friedrich Wilhelm shortly before that. The ceremonies required normally take a significant part of the day, leaving less time for last-minute talks between the triumphant CSU and the KVP for the terms of the new governing coalition.

War Ministry releases September Catastrophe investigation
​

In the aftermath of the April 8 election for the Reichsrat the Ministry for War has finally released the results of its long-awaited investigation concerning the September bombings of Augsburg, which cost the lives of over 600 civilians and caused damages exceeding $6 billion. The investigation, which was done by the War Ministry in cooperation with the RSA and foreign intelligence agencies will be officially presented before the Reichsrat and the Reichstag in their opening sessions the coming week.

The report, which utilises intel from EDF, Germanian League and neutral intelligence agencies and military forces including Breotonia's ONI, presents reliable information and evidence concerning the nature of the September attack. The investigators report that the cruise missiles that struck the Imperial capital were Breotonian ARCHER missiles, manufactured by Ryes-McLees Aerospace - a subsidiary of the Breotonian-Oikawan industrial conglomerate Shaw-Fujikawa. This information has been confirmed by Breotonia's Office for Naval Intelligence. The missiles are broadly pointed to have been smuggled to a terrorist-sponsoring regime or organisation along with the capabilities to launch them.

According to the report the attacker cannot be officially identified, although it warns that very few countries are known to possess a capability to launch cruise missiles of those numbers and slip unnoticed. Believing to be originating from a submarine of large size, the missile attack happened under the nose of several EDF navies as well as Breotonia, all of which possess the capability for such a missile attack, as well as had naval forces in the area at the time. The report also criticises the response of certain public agencies to the attack, particularly in certain areas of the Augsburg metropolitan area, and evaluates the civil defence response.

Prince Schwarzenberg has yet to comment on the report but he is believed to do so coming next week, following the conclusion of the Reichstag election as well. However, various CSU and KVP delegates have independent suggested that the issue of international arms smuggling will be rather major in the report's official discussion and study by the legislation.

In the other news:
​

• Society: Kaiser Burger row continues, DNF prompts Schaumburg to levy sanctions on the Havenshire fast food chain.
• Sports: Animal rights activist 'trampled' by Freiherr Arz von Straussenburg during hunt, Mecklenburg Landpolizei to investigate.
• Culture: Catholic Church criticises the raising of nun hemlines by a whole inch in the Halle diocese in Braunschweig. 'Whole ankle now visible' complains angered priest to the bishop.
• Security: Wiese, Wendmark staff evacuated from Kiev along with documents; only cadre personnel staying in legation for very basic functions and protection of grounds.
• Business: Schwarzenberg pledges 'measures to increase production and exports' to Germanian League and third countries.
• World: Terror attacks in Nicosia, Kiev prompt official condolences by Emperor to the countries and families affected.

 

[Wieserreich]

Reichstag election concludes, Elisabeth III retains speaker chair
​

With the Reichstag election concluded, a total of 170 of the 303 seats of the upper house of the Imperial legislation have been won by contesters throughout the Reich. The election, which took place on Sunday 15 April, reshuffled the majority of the seats of the body, with the remaining still in the hands of royalty, hereditary nobility, and the bishops of the Catholic Church. The event was of major importance, especially since the members of the Reichstag are officially banned from associating with any political party of the Reichsrat, including the CSU, KVP, DNF and KPW.

The Reichstag conducted its opening session on schedule, presided by Emperor Frederick William himself, and attended by all 291 members registered. The opening session proceeded with the election of the speaker for the 2012-2016 term, which was contested by the Duchess and incumbent speaker [wiki]Elisabeth III of Braunschweig[/wiki], Prince Gottfried II of and to Babelfisch, and Archduke Joseph of Saxony and Swabia. The incumbent speaker was able to secure re-election with a narrow majority in the second round of voting, five votes ahead of Archduke Joseph. She has been serving in the role since 10 November 2008.

The opening session was ceremonially followed by the traditional voting of the first legislation of the term, granting certain of the Reichstag's powers to the Reichsrat on a four-year term. Under tradition, the bill is drafted thrice, the first two attempts vetoed by the Emperor to commemorate the two unsuccessful attempts of such an action in earlier Wieserreicher history, with the third attempt 'conceded' under the insisting of the Speaker, the Electors, and the King of Wieserreich. The opening ceremony was not interrupted and did not face any unlikely issues.

Of note is the appearance of both Emperor Frederick William, who both seemed unusually tired. The Emperor, who turns 102 this August, has traditionally enjoyed peak health despite his son's health issues in 2004. Spokesmen of the Imperial Household assured the public that the Emperor was merely tired from his recent duties in light of the Easter celebrations and swearing in Prince Schwarzenberg's government last Sunday, while Emperor-elect Carl stated that his father was 'in peak condition' and 'a paragon of his age'. Although the Emperor was unavailable for direct questions, he was reputed to have joked about being a 'Methuselah'.

Schwarzenberg swears in, announces elevation of diplomatic missions
​

Prince Rudolf of Schwarzenberg was officially sworn in the night of the Reichstag election, with the majority of the cabinet remaining largely the same individuals but with key changes in particular ministries. Apart from the War and Foreign Ministries, who remained at the hands of the same individuals, the rest of the cabinet so heavy reshuffling with the inclusion of several women and commons in the government. Shortly after the cabinet was sworn in, in full accordance to the traditional ceremony, the new chancellor made the traditional announcement in public television and radio, stating "I have been tasked with the sacred duty, before God, Emperor and the Reich, to chair the Imperial Council of Ministers, as per His Majesty's my Lord's commandments."

Prince Rudolf was quick to announce the elevation of two diplomatic missions from legation to embassy on a unilateral level. The legations to the State of Wendmark and the Kingdom of the Danes are to be 'immediately' upgraded to a full embassy status, the Prince going as far as stating that the new future of the Reich as a full member of the Germanian League does not include the discrimination of allies in such a manner. Franken and Eiffelland have already had a full embassy status in their diplomatic missions with Wieserreich. The move was allegedly expected to be reciprocated by Wendmarker government according to sources in the foreign ministry, with Danmark already having a full embassy in Augsburg.

The move of the new chancellor to finally upgrade the aged legations to full embassy status marks the end of a historical period of de jure snubbing of Wieserreich's two neighbours and, especially in the case of Wendmark, former territory. Wendmark achieved its independence in 1858 after a bloody civil conflict between Catholics and Protestants during the [wiki]Revolutions of 1848[/wiki], whereas Danmark had broken away since the 17th Century in the aftermath of the [wiki]War of the Roses[/wiki] and [wiki]Isabella I of Swabia[/wiki]'s victory over the Electoral armies.

The move has been formally hailed by the Reichsrat, though the German National Front advised 'particular attention' to what it addressed as the 'pressing matter of Wendmarker cultural and potentially other ambitions against the Free and Imperial Saxony'. Despite a major population exchange between Catholic and Protestant territories in the 1849-1858 period, nationalists in both Wieserreich and Wendmark persist the old rivalries of the two religious Saxon groups in both sides of the border, without official government support or sanctioning.

In the other news:
​

• Society: DNF: "Rally at Havenite embassy, protect Schaumburg's cultural heritage" - some local officials supportive.
• Sports: Mecklenburg: Straussenburg firmly denies charges of animal rights activist; "I never trampled that woman".
• Culture: Comedian publishes "nunkini" suggestion in prominent Braunschweig TV channel, Catholic Church protests.
• Security: Danmark provocatively imports Shaw-Fujikawa arms despite recent evidence of the company's support of the terrorist attack on Augsburg.
• Business: Government 'to submit pro-exports ideas soon' suggests Trade Minister Amadeus Freiherr zu Klimburg.
• World: Tensions arise between Engellex, Danmark over the latter's reputed deployment of ships to Altai.

 

[Wieserreich]

Schwarzenberg announces pro-business measures
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Prince Schwarzenberg has formally announced a broadly-expected package of economic measures before the Reichsrat today, the package intended to benefit native Wieserreicher industry and business. The motion comes after CSU's election promises and the reduction of economic growth due to the military conflicts in Gallia and Himyar the past year.

The package, intended to benefit both domestic as well as international consumption, includes the reduction of corporate taxation, the implementation of investment zones in cooperation with the state governments, as well as a change of terms in government involvement in the businesses it has a stake at. Joint federal-state construction projects of civil and military importance will supplement the measures, especially in Thuringia and Mecklenburg.

A particular aim has been the vehicle industry, with Wieserreich possessing a world-renowned military, professional and private automobile industry. The industry will now find it easier to export its produce, though military vehicles will continue seeing close regulation in arms exports. The open-up targets both the Germanian League and non-League countries, with the cheap automobile brand Sachs reportedly hoping to enter the Kievan market among others.

Another great target of the reforms is aimed at Wieserreich's native energy industry and the country's natural gas, coal, uranium and electricity exports. Prince Schwarzenberg's bill will mean that companies such as KEF will have greater freedom of exporting and importing necessary fossil fuel, especially with the ongoing expansion of Germanian League pipelines in cooperation with foreign companies.

Catholics raise anti-gay bill in Reichstag
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The Catholic faction of the Reichstag, under the sponsorship of both the Archbishop of Preßburg Rudolf Cardinal Schmid and the Archbishop of Augsburg Paul Cardinal Mayer, has formally introduced an anti-homosexuality bill in the Upper House of the Imperial parliament. The bill, which proposes the abolition of civil unions for same-sex couples, notably excludes a reputed reintroduction of a ban on homosexuality.

Homosexuality has been promoted as greatly immoral by the Catholic Church in Wieserreich, and its decriminalisation by Imperial decree in 1991 saw a lot of popular opposition. The country has allowed same-sex civil partnerships since 2001, again under Imperial decree, which was greatly opposed by the Catholic clergy and faithful of the country.

Adolf Freiherr von Schmeltzern zu Wildemannsek openly criticised the motion of Archbishop Rudolf Cardinal Schmid, stating that 'this bill, although respectful, is one that would take the honour and civility of the Reich back by several decades'. Other Lords in the Reichstag also appeared rather critical, but none of the six sovereigns barring the Prince of Ascheburg, who appeared generally supportive, took a stance on the matter.

The bill is currently being debated and is expected to see a preliminary round of voting on its clauses coming next week. If that fails, the bill will not face a vote to be adopted. The Palace has also been unavailable for comments, especially amidst concerns of an Imperial veto in the event the Reichsrat passes the bill.

In the other news:
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• Society: "Electors to meet" say rumours circulating from Schaumburg, none available for comments.
• Sports: Straussenberg to face trial over alleged trampling of animal rights activist during hunt.
• Culture: TV personas wearing "nunkinis" parade Darmstadt in protest of Catholic boycott of local TV.
• Security: Babelfisch states that Wieserreich 'might pursue global ban on cruise missile trade'.
• Business: Butter imports from Danmark to face temporary fee increase of 1% amidst competitiveness concerns.
• World: Engellex announces unilateral armistice at last; analysts debate whether it is goodwill or war fatigue.

 

[Wieserreich]

Reichsrat approves Schwarzenberg business bill
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With Chancellor Schwarzenberg introducing a series of pro-business legislation in the Reichsrat last week, the series having been nicknamed 'Schwarzenberg Business Bill', the lower house of the Imperial parliament proceeded to read and study the legislation until the final vote earlier today. The vote, which passed with an absolute majority, means the enforcement of a number of measures meant to revitalise economic growth after the slump the had caused Montelimar War.

Together with a change of certain legal regimes the Reichsrat approved several public construction projects for both highways as well as other purposes. Included in the bill were modernisation plans for the country's Rheinburg and Alpischestellung, which are expected to help assist the construction industry as well as serve the interests of the Reichswehr. The majority of bills will be in effect from 1 July, including new rules on corporate taxation and investment.

Corporations have welcomed the change of measures, which is timed with Danmark's suspension of free trade area agreements with four other countries in Germania. KIW's spokesman Hans Webber has stated that the new regime can help attract foreign investors and continue Wieserreich's industrial and exporting role in Germania, whereas it can also assist domestic investment as well, particularly as a dynamic change in the League market is seen as a move to benefit the local economy on the long term.

Prince Schwarzenberg has now introduced an 'emergency' funds bill in the Reichsrat, to be voted the coming Friday. Under the funds bill, a number of resources of the federal government will be unlocked for the potential intervention to avoid dramatic price hikes in certain products as a result of an increased cost of trade with Danmark and Eiffelland. Economic analysts suggest that the government's preparedness for this implies readiness since before the elections in Danmark.

Danmark cuts League ties, invites Kiev
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Barely after coming into office the new hypernationalist-dominated Danish cabinet proceeded to immediately not only severe all economic and military ties with the Germanian League, which is largely formed by countries directly neighbouring the country, but also invite an invasion force-sized military contingent from Kiev to allegedly ensure the country's security. The force, which is to number approximately 40.000 men, is to come even as the Danish authorities promised to send a further 30.000 men to Himyar.

This move, paired with expelling the Imperial envoy to Danmark over a row between the two countries' foreign ministers, has particularly clouded Germanian foreign affairs. Nevertheless Augsburg and Count Babelfisch himself downplay the importance of the events, despite the fact that Danmark's move is in clear violation of League Law as a suspension of membership does not equal a withdrawal from the League.

"It is alarming that the announcements from Kiev and Danmark came not only simultaneously, but also on the very first moments of existence for the new Danish government" reports WW-Welt's analyst Georgina Adler. "It is wholly possible such a move had been prepared beforehand, which implies particularly negative intent on Danmark's part. At this stage it is difficult to believe Augsburg and Christiansborg will see any normalisation in their relations in the immediate future. It should also be reminded that after Danmark severed its diplomatic relations with Wieserreich, it becomes the second country with complete or partly severed ties with the Reich after last month's annihilation of the Imperial legation in Kiev."

The government has been encouraging about the climate, however, and Prince Schwarzenberg called for the public to give Danmark some breathing space. "We must respect the democratically elected government of the Danes as much as it allows us" commented the chancellor. "Although immediate circumstances are unfortunate I am confident that this series of misunderstandings bears no malicious intent behind it, and that relations will quickly improve, especially as Danmark and Wieserreich have a historical friendship. In either case, the Reich is prepared."

In the other news:
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• Society: Polls suggest a rise in DNF's popularity after its Danish equivalent rose to prominence.
• Sports: Straussenberg trial: 'This woman is a lunatic' says accused, denies ever trampling activist.
• Culture: Weilburg 'frustrated' over royal marriage news from Arendaal, report friends of the royal family.
• Security: Surprise drill shows high readiness in border response forces; 'black holes' in defence to west, north border shame war ministry. Military readiness to heighten as a result.
• Business: Defence contractor protest as government suspends defence dealings with Danmark; "must re-discuss the deals with the new tariffs in mind" suggests trade minister.
• World: Cantignia education board officially demotes Corsica to Talemantine vassal, amuses several onlookers.

 

[Wieserreich]

Schwarzenberg: "Illegal and irresponsible arms trade is an enemy of humanity"
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Prince Schwarzenberg has continued his election statements on illegal arms trade, today going as far as labelling it an enemy of mankind during an interview for WW-Radio Augsburg. The chancellor, who was recently appointed following the Reichsrat and Reichstag election, has appeared as a vivid opponent of unregulated arms trade and hints firm support behind his ideals.

"Illegal and irresponsible arms trade, that which is unregulated and leads to cowardly and terrorist attacks, is an enemy of humanity" stated the Prince during the interview. "I have previously opposed it, and I shall continue opposing it. The current climate in Germania and the world openly shows that arms trade regulations must be placed, with any necessary measures to be taken to secure the rights of citizens and security of states."

The statement, which comes amidst a row between the Reich's arms industries and the government because of a suspension of the contracts between the aforementioned industries and Danmark "for renegotiation", has sent chills in the backs of certain corporate executives and possibly foreign delegates. Schwarzenberg has not hinted any contract cancellation however, stating that the prices have to be renegotiated with the new tariffs in place.

Prince Schwarzenberg began his personal campaign against illegal arms trade following the September Disaster, and with the announcement of results of the investigation before his election he criticised Breotonia and Shaw-Fujikawa for their 'intsrumental' role in the attack. His campaign has found support in the face of several CSU and KVP members of the Reichsrat, but incredibly, even the central committee of KPW.

Although he did not hint his next steps in his interview, Prince Schwarzenberg stated that he was working 'with all those he had to and wished to' in order to present a legal framework and proposal concerning his ideas. He did not clarify the exact intentions of the proposal, however, but again stated that the Danmark arms contracts were 'presently not endangered, unless Christiansborg unilaterally refuses negotiation'.

Royal successions, and how it can affect Germanian geopolitical realities​

An editorial by Markus Hennegau.​

The geopolitical reality of Germania is changing pace faster than ever, with not even Wieserreich's own century-old Kaiser able to give the region a wave of certainty. In his eighty-two year long reign as Emperor, Friedrich Wilhelm II has overseen more changes than any other monarch, however Germania has never before seen such a rapid wave of geopolitical change as it does now.

It has not been very long since the King of Eiffelland announced his secession in favour of the Crown Prince, a move imitated fast by Danmark and now Franken. Although the latter two have yet to properly make the move, it is only a matter of time until three of the four Germanian monarchs have all stepped down instead of living out their days in office. With new monarchs, however, we also see new faces.

I should note that there has been a wave of support for such a move to take place in Wieserreich as well, although HM Friedrich Wilhelm's announced retirement in 1990 was a bolder move than anything anyone could then imagine. As it stands now, however, the Palace hints no resignations either from the century-old Kaiser, nor from the Kaiser-elect who will replace him and that happens to be as old as the Emperor's rule.

As it stands now, three of the five core Germanian countries will be seeing new monarchs, and with them, new policies. For instance, Crown Prince Jakob of Francony has already shown support for the 'neo-reactionist' movement, in a move that openly shows part of the royal agenda to come. A similar step has been undertaken by the monarchy in Danmark, despite the country's complete alienation from it neighbours.

The current process, which will be completed after the accession of Emperor-elect Karl IV or possibly his yet-to-be-designated successor (presumably Archduke Franz) will have completely changed the face of Germania and those running it. As Germania will then be ruled by royal youths, who knows what the future may hold for the relations between its countries and peoples in general.

Markus Hennegau is a Wieserreichische Welle journalist.

In the other news:
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• Society: DNF vs. The Dane: 'the illegal nation-state occupies Free German fatherland, must be opposed'. Other political parties criticise the statement.
• Sports: Strelitz 10 to face trial tomorrow; evidence of 'hard misdeeds' exists according to Reichspolizei and Gendarmerie sources.
• Culture: Thießen opens expo on the House's history in Augsburg gallery; expo to tour the country during summer, beginning with Saxony.
• Security: War Ministry vows to increase readiness in Wendmark, Franken border after local drill failed to meet expectations. 'They must learn from the East and South [districts]' stated an official.
• Business: Arms manufacturers to open forum and discuss with government over 'issues of mutual concern'; other industries seem welcoming of new business regulations.
• World: Pope Stephanus rushed to hospital; emperor, chancellor, royals, politicians and citizens send their regrets and express their universal concern.

 

[Wieserreich]

Reichswehr unveils new EDF-League integration for air defences
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With Wieserreich, Eiffelland and Franken already participating in the EDF integration of early warning systems, it does not come as shocking news that the Reichswehr has now unveiled plans to continue the integration, currently still of EDF scale, and expand on it to include a broader array of air defence systems, reconnaissance and early warning. According to Reichswehr spokesmen, the move concerns Wieserreich though it is on a League level of cooperation.

The initial expansion proposals for military systems integration was reportedly of Danish origins, although the country suspended its participation in the trade area and military compact before official announcements were made. According to the Reichswehr officials, the Germanian League will expand on the current scale of integration and cooperation of the countries of Wieserreich, Franken and Eiffelland, to include Wendmark as well as a broad level of new methods and systems.

Wieserreich's native early warning radar system is already integrated to its EDF counterpart and the country's air defence network, though the latter lacks the same level of cooperation with allied forces because of the previous geopolitical reality in Germania. With the Germanian League adopting mutual defence conditions, the Germanian nations now desire to improve their self-defence by assisting each other on ever-greater levels. According to senior government officials, more details will be revealed 'when time is ripe'.

Questions of Identity and Faith: Wieserreich as a religiously aligned state in the 21st Century
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An editorial by Markus Hennegau.​

Wieserreich is not unique in its adherence to religious alignments in the eve of the 21st Century, although the course of the past decades have seen a great secularisation of society and traditions. Things such as the legalisation of homosexuality, same-sex civil partnerships, the reduced importance of the Catholic Church in politics and the increased adoption of secular policies by all four major political parties including the KPW are hinting the introduction of an era where the religiously-aligned state might eventually become fully secularised.

At the same time, however, important institutions and traditions such as the Princes of the Church in the Reichstag, the requirement that an elected Emperor be of Tiburan Catholic faith and the fact the Emperor is still considered the Protector of the Faith among Catholics at home and abroad means that the country still maintains a rich religious tradition. Indeed, the overwhelming majority of the population and even all major political parties in the Reichsrat universally profess at least nominal adherence to Catholicism or Christianity in general.

Many of these traditions seem obsolete, however. Princes of the Church have long represented the more religious and conservative portions of society in the Reichstag, going as far as trying to accurately represent their parishes; and the to be the Defender of the Faith has been used more as an excuse for the Emperor to attend the funeral of the several popes that died during his reign, than anything else - which is not unimportant given the monarch is otherwise not allowed to leave his domains, but still shows the diminished importance of such traditions.

Will it be acceptable for the Wieserreicher to see an Emperor who is not Catholic, or perhaps even religious at all? Will it be welcome to replace the unelected Princes of the Church in the Reichstag with more elected representatives from those with the necessary political rights? There seems to be several anachronisms in the country, many serving a practical purpose but others indeed obsolete. Today, it seems that even the political parties that form the country's governments are slowly leaning in favour of increased secularisation.

However this might affect the very identity of the Wieserreicher, which was forged through fire and blood to eventually be that of the Catholic loyalist during the turbulent dissolution of the Holy Germanic Empire, a process that is considered to have ended only with Wendmark's secession in 1858. But today, is it still the faith that makes the identity? Is it still the loyalty to the Kaiser and the Reich? Or has Wieserreich too evolved to become an ethnic German nation-state? People seem to broadly disagree here.

Eventually, one must remember that Wieserreich remains a union of several cultures and even ethnicities. Although Catholicism and the German language are by far the overwhelmingly dominant in the country, they continue to be two of the three unitary points where the various German states of the Holy Germanic Empire began meeting their adversaries, including ethnic and religious minorities alike. From the Wends to the Jews and the Oikawans to the various rites met in and around the Alps, all have no less than two of those three in common with all others.

For a federation built on the principles of loyalty to what the Reich represents as an ideal, honour in one's life and interactions and the courage to continuously strive for one's society and self, it seems that the otherwise anarchonistic lack of strong nationalism in its traditional sense is not entirely out of place. While some nations have been built on the grounds their constituent peoples had common goal, faith and identity, this seems to have been built on the ground of shared traditions, culture and language instead.

Markus Hennegau is a Wieserreichische Welle journalist.

In the other news:
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• Society: Danmark to restore diplomatic relations, Augsburg welcomes move; 'envoys will eventually return to Christiansborg and Kiev' state government sources, but do not give dates.
• Sports: Strelitz 10: heavy convictions being considered for three, lighter sentences for the rest. Trial continues running. Defence to 'rebuke all lies and accusations' according to lawyers.
• Culture: Special television dedication to Crown Prince Jakob of Francony earns surprising views in Reich; record views in Schaumburg, according to statistics.
• Security: War Ministry to introduce troop exchange bills in Reichrat according to sources. Details are still being processed according to officials, exchanges will concern mainly League allies.
• Business: VRL cancels Danmark plant plans, as 'investment is no longer viable' following the Danish moratorium on League deals. The cancellation will cost hundreds of jobs to the local community.
• World: Danmark abandons Germanian League commitments, does not abide by its signature after government-sponsored poll. 'Sacred results, will be respected' according to Babelfisch.