Il Ducato | News from Potenza | Who Sunk the Nembo?

[Potenza]

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National Alliance Wins Election​

Election results are in, and officials are announcing a victory by the conservative National Alliance under Gaetano Merlino. He had formerly been trailing behind Filipo Serrati's left-leaning Democratic Party, but found a resurgence in the polls just weeks before votes. The National Alliance had formed a coalition with the Forza Potenza, Party of Freedom and Union of the Center parties, gathering more votes and seats in the Chamber of Ministers.

Official tally numbers were as follows:

National Alliance: 51% [306 seats]
Democratic Party: 43% [258 seats]
Potenza of Values: 3% [18 seats]
Southern League: 2% [12 seats]
Potenzan Socialist Party: 0.5% [6 seats]​

Merlino told supporters at his celebration gathering that his government would move to fight crime, improve the economy, and grant a greater voice to the people. He is expected to submit the formation of parliament to Grand Duke Eldizio I tomorrow morning for approval.


Other News
:idea: His Royal Highness Count Niccolo of the House of Grimaldi to publish book next week
:idea: Potenzan Socialist Party members light building on fire in Turin in protest to the election results

 

[Great Engellex]

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DULWICH, MONDAY, 12th DECEMBER 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 Grand Duke, and Lordships of the Grand Duchy of Potenza.​

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

TO THE GRAND DUKE, AND LORDSHIPS OF THE GRAND DUCHY OF POTENZA​

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

I had the opportunity of opening to his Excellency the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to her Majesty’s Court the prevailing sentiments entertained by the Queen-Empress and her Ministers with respect to the elections in Potenza.

I hope to have the satisfaction of finding that, without specifying any specific course, the nature of the new Government of Potenza should be more enthusiastic to arrangements desired with respect of the Great Continental War and indeed Great Engellex. The Queen-Empress understands that the Grand Duchy of Potenza remains master to any and all future arrangements, to execute her own liberal purpose towards Preuti-Borussia in her own way and at her own discretion.

I beg that this communication should be considered personal of her Majesty and Ministers and not formal, if only to adhere to diplomatic customary.

The existing commercial relations between the Empire and the Grand Duchy we hope to discuss at the earliest convenience. The security and general questions on Potenzian property, principally, I believe, in Montelimar, I venture to assure the new government would be sought to resolve without delay.

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

​

 

[Euskadi]

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Bulegoa de la Lehendakaria Euskal Errepublika
Office of the President of the Republic of Euskadi​

Gaetano Merlino,

I send my congratulations to you and the National Alliance for the victory at the polls though it is with great sorrow that such a victory is overshadowed by such personal tragedy and send my condolences for your great loss.

Juan José Ibarretxe
Lehendakaria Euskal Errepublika
President of the Republic of Euskadi

 

[Potenza]

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Transcript of Merlino Victory Speech​

I really don't know what to say as I stand up here. It has been a difficult month for me, as many of you know. During elections, we politicians often try to make ourselves out to be like gods. I was guilty of that myself - I'm not going to lie. I tried to follow the traditions of those who had gone before me. I tried to show myself as a man without problems, and as we found out...that wasn't the case. You saw my personal flaws plastered across the internet and television, and you saw my grief shared in like manner. I have received condolences from family, friends, and even many of you. There are too many to name - if you sent me condolences, I want to thank you. You probably don't think I read your letters and emails...well, I did. And everyone of them meant something to me. More than you'll ever know. I was even surprised when I received a letter earlier today - from the President of Euskadi himself - thanking me for the victory, and offering his compassion that it had to happen around such a tragic event in my life.

It truly was tragic. I will miss my son, Roberto. He was a great source of joy to my life. My wife and I had been trying for many years, and so he was something like a gift from God. He was always eager to see the first birds of spring, and he was always happy to point them out to me. He was always excited to see me on television, and though it might have annoyed other fathers, it never bothered me to hear him say "There's daddy! There's daddy!" over and over again. When we started campaigning, he'd ask me every morning, "Daddy, are you prime minister yet?" Then in the evening, he'd ask, "Daddy, will I get to meet the duke? Can I meet the duke yet?" Now, my son will never meet the duke - but he's met the Lord. And I know if he were here today, his eyes would be beaming, and he would be happy to see all of you.

But there's a deeper thing here, there really is. Why did the nation elect a prime minister so mortal? It's because you all recognize something. You recognize we're all mortal. Politicians have a habit of treating their voters like idiots, and they don't take you enough for granted. You have real problems, real emotions, and all you ask from your elected officials is to be heard, but you won't be heard when your politicians are "supermen" who think they're above everyone else. If a politician has a perfect moral life, has his finances in order, and never gets mad at his wife or yells at his children on a bad day, why should he bother listening to a population who does? Why should he listen to the man who has to have two jobs so his kids don't go hungry? Why should he listen to the mother who had to bury her son because he was murdered? Why should he listen to the rants of a people who are tired of the same old tripe being thrown at them?

The fact is, Potenza needs politicians who will not be like the old guard. Potenza needs leadership that reflects the people, that understands them, and recognizes that when they serve, they serve not for themselves or for their party, but for the people who elected them. You need a government that understands what it is to have grief and pain, to feel embarrassment and shame. That is why you voted in this election, and this time, for once, that is what you got! You now have a government that knows what is causing our people to suffer, and has felt the pains of it, and is now ready to do something about it.

Our nation is suffering from all corners. Our financial sector is struggling. The previous government thought you could throw money at the problem while tying down the hands of the very people who help this nation grow. That comes to and end. We are a free market in an international scene, and we need to act like it. We cannot pretend that we live in a box and all rules we make don't affect anything outside the box. At this time when many nations are looking for resources and trade partners, we need to take advantage of that. You cannot free men with money - you free men by breaking off their chains.

Our nation is suffering on the international scene. Wars are happening all around, and the effects are being felt across our borders. We cannot pretend that we can bury our head in the sand and think the world's evil will go away. Potenza needs to step up. We have no desire to create an empire, but we will reach out to our neighbors and the problems of the world and show that our nation will do what is needed to restore peace. Wars are resolving themselves across the globe, and a new era is dawning - we need to make certain we are a part of that. The age of Neustrema is over - if it ever indeed truly existed.

Our nation is suffering from crime. Why is that? Because we abandoned the war. We cannot throw money at the problem here either. Our Carabinieri have been woefully underfunded and undersupported by the previous government. That ends now. The Carabinieri have my full support. Funding will be provided for new equipment and increased personnel, and the war of the streets will be won. The murder rate will go down, and once again Potenza will be a safe haven no matter where across the nation you go.

Finally, and most of all, our nation is suffering from being heard. Past governments were far too passive. We have permitted the Chamber of Ministers to be nothing more than a waste of government spending. Elections mean nothing. The elected body is simply meant to appease the people. That ends now. A new era is here where the people will be heard. It is not true Niccolism when the voice of the people is placed under the duke. The Chamber of Ministers must stand up and take greater responsibility in the months to come. Oh, I know these are daring words I'm speaking, but they have to be said. The people need to be heard, one way or another. Power must be given to the power and balance must be maintained. If politician and voter alike can band together, this will be a possibility. You voted, and you got what you wanted. Now we must speak up together. We must let the world know what Potenza is doing here today.

Potenza, today your voice was heard!

 

[Potenza]

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Grand Duke and Prime Minister to Discuss Cabinet Shift​

In a surprise move, the grand duke's office announced earlier today that discussions will begin between Duke Eldizio I and newly elected Prime Minister Gaetano Merlino to discuss a dramatic shift in the make-up of the Potenzan government. For almost 200 years - since the Constitutional Convention of 1828 - the cabinet controlling the various ministries has been under the direct command of the grand duke. This might, however, soon change. Eldizio announced that he was willing to discuss a transition where the prime minister became head of the cabinet, with some power still retained by the position of grand duke.

"We are hoping to transition towards a government that reflects the spirit of Niccolism much closer than has been previously seen," the duke told Il Ducato staff earlier.

Prime Minister Merlino said he was surprised but delighted over the offer, and that he will be meeting with the grand duke personally tomorrow to discuss the transition. The two men have given assurances that no budget cuts or jobs are in jeopardy - simply the chain of command. The grand duke likewise said that even the ministry heads themselves might stay, pending review by the Chamber of Ministers. There is still discussion about whether future ministry heads will be taken from the parliamentary ranks or promoted from within the ministry themselves.

Some have also mentioned that the grand duke may hold talks with the prime minister over the possibility of an expansion of the Potenzan nobility, in order to create a functional "upper house" as is seen in other nations.


Other News
:idea: Ministry of Law Enforcement offers Carabinieri to train new Solaris police force
:idea: Carabinieri spokeswoman denies allegation from AP sources that the driver who hit Merlino's son has direct mafia ties

 

[Touzen]

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Ministry of Revolutionary Defense and Foreign Affairs
_________________________________________________________
"Servants to Citizens!"
​

Nokanawa 16 December, 62


​

The Constitutional State recognizes change for the better in Delegationist societies and welcomes any and all steps towards the creation of delegationist democracy in societies that have not yet attained this state of development. The Constitutional State must underline the tremendous importance it ascribes to the creation of a government that is based fully on the democratic election of delegates, as it is a dialectic step of progress away from despotic delegationism and its rule based on hereditary right. A society that is transformed in the fashion now outlined is at the same time making steps towards the elimination of all relationships based on delegated rights, and thus towards Post-Delegationism. Subsequently, we welcome the latest announcements of the Potenzian government and will eagerly observe the changes in the political process to come.

Forever Free,
Nakamoto Shigeru
Minister of Revolutionary Defense and Foreign Affairs

 

[Potenza]

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Count Niccolo di Grimaldi releases new book​

His Royal Highness Count Niccolo of the House of Grimaldi published his long anticipated first book, entitled Statducalism: A Study on Principle. It hit Potenzan stores early today.

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The name Statducalism is a conjugation of two Tiburan words: stato ("state") and duca ("duke"). The book outlines what Niccolo calls "Neo-Reactionism applied to Potenzan standards." Calling historical Niccolism a failure, and argues that it was doomed as a failure to begin with. Two government bodies, he argues, cannot cooperate side by side, as one will inevitably usurp power over the other. Niccolo suggests instead for there to be one higher authority with lesser authorities to "temper and humble" that higher authority. More specifically, the count calls for a reshape of the grand duchy's government based upon a more leader principle focus. The government would be run by the grand duke at the top, with a representative body underneath him, similar to the current Chamber of Ministers. The representative body would serve as the voice of the people and have the power to remove the grand duke from power if he grows too unpopular or proves too dangerous. The only two main limitations upon this elected body was regarding their ability to appoint one of their own as head of state, as well as the power to completely abolish the monarchy.

Niccolo argues that the grand duke, as the head of state, serves a four-fold function: 1) he is both head of state and commander in chief of the armed forces, thus being in control of the country; 2) he serves as a national figurehead and symbol, representing not only himself, his throne, and his royal house, but the entire nation; 3) he serves as a role-model for the average citizen; 4) he serves as the primary and special patron of culture, industry and business. Much of this is similar to Niccolo's writings concerning Neo-Reactionism and the importance of monarchies in the 21st century.

The book is only 270-pages long, but much of the last 100-pages Niccolo spends proactively responding to the attack of critics. He argues against allegations that his proposal eventually leads to absolute tyranny, and also responds to any charge that he is removing the power of the people in toto. Many have already attacked the book, saying that Niccolo argues in favor of dictatorships, and that his version of the leadership principle draws too closely to the leadership principle found in some forms of fascism. Others charge it was an inappropriate publication given the current discussion on the roles between the Chamber of Ministers and the Grand Duke.

Other News
:idea: Prime Minister Merlino and Grand Duke Eldizio I to meet tomorrow to discuss cabinet shift
:idea: Flutist on the Roof sells out for first performance in San Salvo

 

[Potenza]

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Prime Minister to run cabinet; Chamber of Nobles established​

The meeting between Grand Duke Eldizio I and Prime Minister Gaetano Merlino ended this morning, with the results published by both parties later this afternoon. It has been confirmed that the cabinet will be given over to the prime minister with no changes will be made to the leadership of the various ministries, and no government jobs are currently at risk. It was agreed that, in the future, ministers would be promoted from the ranks of the ministry itself rather than appointed from the ruling party, as is seen in parliaments across Europe. The grand duke will maintain executive level of power in regards to military and police forces, while the prime minister will be able to execute legislative power within the Ministries of Defense and Law Enforcement.

The Grand Duke also announced the formation of the Chamber of Nobles, as a balance to the power of the Chamber of Ministers. This would essentially be all the royal families of Potenza organized together and permitted to voice their own opinions and concerns regarding the country. This body would be lead by the Lord Speaker, who would act, according to the grand duke, as a kind of "royal prime minister." His Royal Highness Count Guido della Torre was appointed by Eldizio as the first Lord Speaker of Potenza.

There is no real precedence for such changes, making some political analysts nervous about the transition. The Chamber of Ministers is expected to vote to amend the 1828 Constitution to give the prime minister power over the cabinet, but the original constitution says nothing of a Chamber of Lords or "royal parliament." The Grand Duke's statement earlier today assured citizens that this is all keeping within the true spirit of Niccolism, upon which the government of Potenza was founded.

Other News
:idea: Royal delegation to be sent to Franken for Christmas celebrations
:idea: Fr. Teodoro di Grimaldi promoted to Episcopal Vicar by the Archdiocese of San Salvo

 

[Potenza]

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Feature Article: In Defense of Statducalism
by His Royal Highness Count Niccolo di Grimaldi​

Since the publication of my work regarding the suggested doctrine of Statducalism, there has been much discussion from various circles in regards to my arguments. Some were of merit, some did disservice to the paper they were printed on. One major article which was published in a Turin newspaper not too long ago was written by Mr. Frederico Manzani, an editorialist for the paper. In his article, which nearly took up most the publication, he attacked not only my book, but myself as well. At first, I intended to simply ignore it altogether, especially as I am currently busy preparing for a diplomatic trip to Franken. However, I was contacted by many of Manzani's supporters, who claimed I was a coward for not responding, and that my silence revealed that Manzani had, in fact, nailed my coffin shut. Eventually, I began to have the sinking feeling that these threats were being fueled by Mr. Manzani himself, and that the paper was using my silence to proclaim victory. I therefore decided to write this response, which Il Ducato has graciously permitted me to publish.

My delay of attack should not be taken as cowardice. Indeed, I could have written this article shortly after reading Mr. Manzani's own. I did not write a response because, initially, I did not deem a response necessary. For certain, Mr. Manzani wrote an elegantly written piece. In fact, extravagantly written. Mr. Manzani can use words, and he is obviously an experienced writer. This is why, all the more, it is such a shame that his content is so shockingly bad. There was literally nothing worthy of response nor respect in his article. Mr. Manzani has truly written something remarkable in that he gave Potenza a well written article that contributes absolutely nothing to society. He gave us the literary version of a golden bowl filled with dung.

At this point I know most of my critics will crumple up this article and toss it aside, declaring that I have responded with nothing but emotionalism. Those with rational minds, however, will immediately recognize that I obviously came to the conclusions presented in the previous paragraph because of specific reasons which led me to such a conclusion. I will now attempt to expound upon those reasons in the following paragraphs.

Firstly, Mr. Manzani calls me a hypocrite. He says that my criticism of Niccolism as a flawed system is poorly founded, as Niccolism has historical precedent while Statducalism does not. Here we find two incredible errors. The first error is that having any kind of historical precedent presents one idea as being more valid than another, a classic case of arguing from antiquity. One must wonder if Mr. Manzani would have said the same thing to Niccolo di Niccoli back in the Renaissance, when the scholar first dreamed up his form of government known as Niccolism - surely by then it had no historical precedence from which the scholar could have drawn his conclusions. The second error is that Mr. Manzani shows his ignorance in regards to contemporary forms of government found throughout Europe. For one, the Talementine Empire has a form similar to Statducalism, in that it has a monarch at their head with a democratic body below. Many forms of federal monarchies take such a form, and have done so for quite some time. Where, now, is this absence of historical precedence Mr. Manzani claims my doctrine has?

Secondly, Mr. Manzani accuses me of masquerading Neo-Reactionism as Statducalism. Here Mr. Manzani seems to not understand doctrines and sub-doctrines, or how one can categorize one under the other. I explained in my book that Statducalism was Neo-Reactionism applied to Potenzan standards. In other words, I wrote it for Potenzan citizens concerned about their current form of government. Neo-Reactionism could be applied to nations with kings, queens, or dukes, whereas Statducalism could only really be applied to those with dukes in power.

Thirdly, he repeats the argument of some that, despite my best intentions, Statducalism will inevitably lead to a dictatorship or absolute monarchy. He seems to forget, however, that I specifically wrote in an article that any monarch who steps into that territory will expect to lose his head, and that a state will only fall into such tyranny at the acceptance of its own people. The purpose of an elected body within Statducalism, and indeed Neo-Reactionism, is to temper the control of the monarch and to present a way of removing the monarch if he fails in his duties. This, however, can only be done with a large voice of the people. I bring up the latter because Mr. Manzani, while continually mentioning the danger of a dictatorship, seems to care little for the danger of what some call a "mob-ocracy." A stationary, controlled authority is needed lest the elected body fall into chaos and seeks to win every small desire of their voters. Instilling fear of a dictatorship does not hide the needed fear of democratic anarchy.

Fourthly and finally, Mr. Manzani launches into outrageously silly character attacks. He claims I despise Niccolism because it bears my name, not seeming to realize I owe the name Niccolo to no one else but my mother and father, and Niccolo di Niccoli to his. He claims I am seeking power for my brother, even though I nowhere made mention of the House of Grimaldi in my book, let alone did I name any royal family. He claims I am seeking glory for myself and thus I have invented a little doctrine to get my name in the history books, disregarding that, if I so desired a name for myself, I might have indeed called it Niccolism, or asked that people name it after myself. As it stands, I have done neither. I have named it for what it is, and I have pushed for it only because I care about our nation and desire to see it strong.

There are many who have read my book, and yet not read it, but for them I care little. I do not write for those who read, but for those who truly read, and have a rational mind to see the truth before them. Anyone will recognize that our current system of government is creating unbalance for the sake of balance, and therefore is itself a giant paradox. While speaking to a gentleman from the Franken embassy, I was told: "Your system of government is as confusing as it is unique." The recent changes between the prime minister and the grand duke have not helped concerns. If we desire to grow in this modern society, the grand duchy will have to return to its true roots, and recognize that we need a system of government in which we can find ourselves centered. This should be the concern on everyone's mind and soul. I cannot help those who have neither.

 

[Potenza]

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Economic Reforms to be Enacted​

The prime minister's office announced earlier today that economy reforms were scheduled to go ahead as scheduled on Monday, January 2, 2012. This was after a nearly week long debating session in the Chamber of Ministers, during which Prime Minister Gaetano Merlino argued that reforms were necessary to bring the markets back to their pre-recession high. Members of the opposition Democratic Party opposed the reforms, saying that the economy was already recovering, simply at a slower rate.

The bulk of the reforms would consist mostly in removing the restrictions placed upon various markets and businesses by the Democratic Party during their tenure as the majority party in the Chamber. Merlino assured his fellow ministers that labor and health restrictions and guidelines would not be removed, only economic restrictions "to permit the markets to breathe again." Restrictions would also be removed that the prime minister believes would allow for greater investment in Potenza, as well as allowing foreign companies and businesses to grow inside Potenza and provide further job opportunities.

Merlino commented to journalists later on: "We were elected on the grounds that we would get the economy back on track. During an election, the people speak and show what they demand from their government; after the elections, it is time for the politicians to give an account for what was promised. Here the National Alliance is living up to the desire of the people to bring the economy back on track. Potenza needs to let the rest of the world know that her marketplace is a thriving garden and not a desert wasteland."

Other News
:idea: His Royal Highness Lord Speaker Count Guido della Torre and others return from function in Franken
:idea: Ceremonial Christmas ball held at the Engellex embassy; Grand Duke and Visconti household attend

 

[Potenza]

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Operation Reconquista Implemented​

Earlier today, the largest amount of Carabinieri ever deployed in the history of the law enforcement ministry moved into the streets of several major Potenzan cities, including Turin, San Salvo, Taranto and Treviso. Over 30,000 police officers, many armed with submachine guns entered areas of high crime, rounding up suspects who thousands of eyewitnesses had earlier attested were guilty of crimes ranging from vandalism to murder. A faction of the Carabinieri were put on patrols in the trouble areas.

Prime Minister Merlino announced about the same time that this was part of Operation Reconquista, a joint plan between the prime minister's office and the Ministry of Law Enforcement to fight against the surge in crime throughout Potenza. During the economic recession, there was a simultaneous rise in crime, in particularly the murder rate. It was estimated, at one point, that over 14% of Potenzans in 2011 died by murder. Merlino campaigned in 2011 with a promise to reduce the crime rate to its pre-recession levels. In his announcement, Merlino assured that those arrested in the sweep - and any sweeps following - would be treated with all rights according to the law.

The Ministry of Law Enforcement also announced that security cameras were going to be installed in several high traffic locations. This will begin with the areas around government offices, move to various major places of business and trade, and then to areas of high crime. They will serve not unlike security cameras already present inside many stores, banks and government offices. Now, however, they will be on the outside.

Other News
:idea: Grand Duke Eldizio I and Visconti household travel to the Talemantine Empire for special event
:idea: Three Potenzan films submitted to international film festival

 

[Thaumantica]

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___________________
FOREIGN OFFICE
VESPER : : NOVEMBER 18, 2011
​

THE Covenant would seek to learn from Operation Reconquista, should the after action report findings become public or available to restricted access for law enforcement agencies interested in implementing similar anti-crime operations. Bold action in the spirit of public safety is seldom the modern solution to nations in contemporary Europe. The sheer knowledge and experience garnered from Operation Reconquista may serve to inform not only the war on crime in Potenza, but the global war on crime as well.

Forward Cantigny!
Benjamin Stokes,
Chief Officer

 

[Potenza]

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All information regarding the results and consequences of Operation Reconquista will be made available to the public by a special after action report from the ministry, as well as a full report on paper available upon special request.

Mariastella Gelmini
Minister of Law Enforcement

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[Great Engellex]

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DULWICH, FRIDAY, 13th DECEMBER 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 Grand Duke, and Lordships of the Grand Duchy of Potenza.​

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

TO THE GRAND DUKE, AND LORDSHIPS OF THE GRAND DUCHY OF POTENZA​

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

Her Majesty the Queen-Empress has relayed instructions to his Excellency the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Grand Duchy to observe the execution and progress of the law enforcement operation. It is hoped the Potenzan constabulary forces will be enthusiastic to an Engellexic monitoring of the efforts.

It is hoped that the strategies and efficiencies of the Royal Constabularies may be enhanced from your own renewed efforts.

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

​

 

[Potenza]

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​

The Grand Duchy of Potenza would be more than happy to permit observers to accompany assigned Carabinieri units in their execution of Operation Reconquista. We look forward to further dialogue on this matter, and the mutual benefit our two nations may have from such cooperation and monitoring.

Mariastella Gelmini
Minister of Law Enforcement
​

 

[Potenza]

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Merlino Meets with Business Leaders​

Prime Minister Gaetano Merlino recently met with several prominent businesses inside Potenza to discuss increasing exports from the Grand Duchy. Among these businesses included representatives from the following companies: Beretta, a weapons and firearms manufacturer; Fornasari, an automobile manufacturer; and Veneto, Potenza's largest wine producer. Smaller businesses were also represented, including Capriolo Pictures, a young film company whose controversial feature, "The Love of Film," was entered at the Vesper International Film Festival. Although some businesses, such as Beretta, had previously stated an interest in greater expansion in overseas markets, Merlino stated concern that there was not enough speed, and it might have been hampered by the restraints present in the current economy.

"Let me clarify this is not a government bailout," the prime minister said, answering possible criticism from his own party ranks, "Potenza is not entering a corporate welfare state. We are, however, permitting greater freedom for businesses to open up overseas and bring greater interest from foreign markets in regards to Potenzan investments. We are also letting them know that their home nation supports them." Very little funding has been given by the ministries for overseas ventures. Much of the funding, in fact, has come from the ranks of Potenzan nobility. Both the Visconti and Torriani houses have expressed a desire to assist businesses in foreign expansion. Beretta has historically received great support from the Morosini house, which has already stated it will assist the arms manufacturer in expanding outside of the grand duchy.

Merlino also said that he encouraged businesses not to "pull up anchor and leave their homeland." No benefits would be given to businesses for outsourcing their employees, and no attempts will be made to harm the business interests of local Potenzan markets. "We are in an international crisis in an international economy," he told journalists earlier today, "many places need jobs and businesses to get growth back on track, and there is a great vacuum that it would be in our interest to fulfill."

The prime minister also said that foreign investment would be tied directly back to San Salvo, and that businesses would be protected and monitored by the foreign ministry, as well as the economy and finance ministry.

Other News
:idea: Foreign Ministry strongly condemns Europaland's "blank check" to insurgent groups
:idea: Potenzan animated film "The Bad Men from the Sky" wins Best Animated Feature at the Vesper International Film Festival

 

[Potenza]

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Feature Article: Jesus the Christ
by His Royal Highness Father Teodoro di Grimaldi, Episcopal Vicar of the Archdiocese of San Salvo​

Yesterday, word reached the archdiocese that the Supreme People's Congress of neighboring Lusitania had decided, with near unanimity, to permit the public worship and faith of Christianity. Many of those within Christ's Church will surely thank His Immaculate Heart and the Immaculate Heart of his beloved mother for such glory, but there is a darker side to the news. The devil loves to disguise bad news as good. It was announced by the Lusitanian president that "Christianity and socialism were compatible and the Church could only join the Revolution." He described our Blessed Lord as "a revolutionary of his age, defying the establishment, fighting the rich and the powerful in name of the poor and the defenseless and establishing everlasting and brotherly morals." However, he says, the faith was taken hostage by "Slavery, and then Feudalism and now Capitalism." From this legalization of Christianity, the Lusitanian government would set up its own church - the "People's Catholic Church" - whose goal would be to demonstrate that "Jesus Christ and Karl Marx will walk side by side."

I hope that for the Potenzan faithful, those last few words send a shiver up your spine. The people of Lusitania need our prayers much more during their time of religious freedom than they did during their persecution.

This theology is not new. Christ's Church has always dealt with the problem of what many call "the social gospel." It has sought to replace the teachings of the Church, the Magisterium, and the commands of our blessed vicar in Tibur with the needs and desires of socialism. Our priests become politicians, our charities empty themselves of grace, and our salvation becomes dependent upon political alliances rather than dependency on God. It is, in effect, a religion in and of itself, one that seeks to break away from the teachings of the Church for the teachings of men. It is a heresy through and through, and may those who follow it be anathema!

What socialists forget, when they attempt to plant our Blessed Lord into their system, is that the charity of the Church was always one of free will. It was never compulsory upon the people. There is no zakat as there is with those who follow Mohammad. What's more, there is no institutionalized charity as there is in socialism. In socialism, the poor are helped, yes, but at the point of a gun. Charity is not charity unless there is a possibility for some to say "no" where others have said "yes." It is exactly why the Lord relies upon us to accept Him - because there is no point in providing what happens to those who say "yes" unless we permit some to say "no." With socialists, however, they demand everyone say "yes." Compulsory charity is not charity at all.

Socialists, in fact, would find themselves more at home with Judas than they would with Christ. When the woman anointed Christ's head with the expensive ointment, he who would betray our Lord asked why she did not sell it to give the money to the poor. Our Blessed Lord, knowing Judas's true intentions, reminded him that the poor they would have with them always. How different such a statement is from those who support the spreading of wealth! That we are to help the poor is of course commanded of us, but it is through the church as an active body of God's people, not through a government system.

It is interesting that the Lusitanian president declares that Jesus and Karl Marx would walk side by side, and yet Christ never claimed to be beside anyone but the Father, as he does in the fifth chapter of Saint John's gospel. This is quite fitting for the socialist, because to the socialist, Karl Marx is their god, and Christ is here to serve his every whim. Their trust is not in God, but in a political system, and salvation can only come through this political system. Salvation is found in the government, not in the kingdom of heaven or Christ's Church. They do not worship Jesus the Christ - they instead worship Jesus the Communist. Yet our Blessed Lord never partook in the politics of His day, and rather chose to serve His function as Messiah. He was not Jesus the Communist, but Jesus the Christ, and we should never confuse those two roles.

This means there is a clear message to Lusitania if they desire to serve our Blessed Lord: do not mix socialism with salvation, and do not attempt to control the faith of men by giving them faith in their government. If the people are permitted to choose their faith, then there might be hope. And that hope will be in their turning to the apostolic, historical church founded by Christ, built upon the rock of Peter, and maintained by the Holy Spirit for over 2000 years until today. This is the archdiocese's invitation to all Lusitanians, now that they can freely worship, to come home.

In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, I write. Amen.

 

[Potenza]

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Foreign Ministry Releases "After-Affairs Report"​

Foreign Minister Franco Frattini met with various news outlets to give what he calls an "After-Affairs Report" to discuss various external affairs that the Grand Duchy of Potenza had either been monitoring or taken involvement in.

Part of the report states that the Grand Duchy gives her approval and support to the Empire of Great Engellex in regards to her recent annexation of the province of Flanders-Hainaut, in northern Montelimar. "As someone who has seen the war through two governments," the minister stated, referring to the change of power in the Chamber of Ministers in 2011, "I can promise you no one in Potenza wanted to see the war to the north, and we are happy that it is winding down to a close, and that Engellex is stabilizing the situation." He also said that Potenza was behind Engellex's efforts to root out and destroy the various anarchist movements seeking to further destabilize the situation.

The foreign minister also gave his firm support for the independence of the region of Zamosca from Altai, as part of the peace-treaty signed between that country and the Talemantine Empire. Mr. Frattini stated: "Potenza was invited to attend the peace conference between Talemantros and Altai as an observer, and I personally attended along with much of my ministry staff. Altai was not compelled to surrender Zamosca to her independence, and the meeting ended as officially as we would have wished it to end. Criticism against the Zamoscans' independence is only being lobbied by those whose world-view is inherently anti-Talemantine, or by those who are not seeing their own interests met with Zamosca's independence."

The foreign minister also discussed the recent political tensions in neighboring Lusitania, between the People's Republic and the Lusitanian Union. He told journalists that his ministry had already asked the two main Lusitanian political elements to remain calm and to resolve their problems peacefully, and that they had offered to present the Grand Duchy as a mediator between the two parties.

When asked by a reporter if the Grand Duchy was consideration military intervention, Frattini said that no such option was on the table save for consideration, and that the very term "military intervention" meant a number of things. He said the prime minister, in discussion with the Ministry of Defense, had considered offering Potenzan troops to establish a DMZ between the two factions if conflict became immanent. He also said that, if war were to erupt, the Potenzan military would serve in a specifically limited role, meant to protect Potenza's borders and establish a "buffer zone" if need be. He also reminded everyone present that the Grand Duke still retained executive power over the military, and that any deployment would have to be by the approval of Eldizio I, not Prime Minister Merlino.

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[Potenza]

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Chamber of Nobles announces reinstatement of duchies​

The first meeting of the Chamber of Nobles, held at the Grand Duke's palace in San Salvo, ended with a surprising announcement regarding the power of the nobility within Potenza. Since the Potenzan War of Unification, which ended in 1815, the various duchies had been disbanded and united into a single nation under the Grand Duke, though the other noble families were eventually allowed to return. Although most of the royal families returned to their various palaces and places of former rule, they held no power over those regions. Now, however, the Grand Duke Eldizio I has announced that the duchies will be reinstated to their former areas of control.

What this means, as the Grand Duke explained, is that, in addition to the partition of the country for the Chamber of Ministers, the country will likewise be partitioned into various duchies, as similar to their historical borders as possible. The regions affected by this: the House of Cornaro will represent the area of northern Potenza, around Treviso; the House of Morosini will represent the area around the city of Cremona; the House of Grimaldi will represent the area around the city of Turin. The only two royal families with ties different to their historical roots will be the Visconti and Torriani houses: the Visconti will directly rule over the region of San Salvo (traditionally Torriani territory), while the House of della Torre will rule the region southwest of the capitol (traditionally Visconti territory). The Chamber of Nobles will release a detailed map later on giving the exact details of these partitions.

The dukes over these regions will serve many roles. For one, they will represent the regions before the Chamber of Nobles. For another, they will act as governors and benefactors to the various regions, keeping a close tie with the people and the country's nobility. They will also communicate and work with the respective parliamentary ministers for the regions under them. The Grand Duke assured the people in his announcement this morning that this move would not conflict with the power of the Chamber of Ministers, nor would it create any serious leadership change within local town and city governments.

Prime Minister Gaetano Merlino said he was surprised but not shocked by this announcement, and that he believed this was merely a greater formation of the Potenzan ideal system of Niccolism. He also joked that he may have to form a "Ministry of Royal Affairs" in order to keep a greater link between the happenings of the Chamber of Nobles and the Chamber of Ministers.

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[Potenza]

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Further Information Released on Duchies Reinstatement
​

The Grand Duke's office released an official map outlining the division of the Grand Duchy into the various historical duchies from Potenza's past.

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​

The control over each individual duchy - with the exception of the Duchies of Venosa and San Salvo, will be given to their historical families, as listed below:

Duchy of Treviso: House of Cornaro
Duchy of Cremona: House of Morosini
Duchy of Turin: House of Grimaldi
Duchy of Venosa: House of della Torre
Duchy of San Salvo: House of Visconti

The royal houses will be considered the de facto rulers of their respective duchies starting next Monday. The Grand Duke's office restated a list of assurances regarding this change:

1. No power will be taken from the Chamber of Ministers
2. Grand Duke Eldizio I will remain the national leader
3. The nobles will represent their regions at the Chamber of Nobles
4. No changes will be made in regards to city and town governments
5. The dukes will work in cooperation with, and not against, their parliamentary counterparts

Some politicians and political groups are already protesting the move by the Chamber of Nobles. The left-leaning Democratic Party has said the move is a step backwards towards more realized democracy in Potenza. They furthermore stated that they were deeply disappointed in the Grand Duke's move, stemming most likely from the traditionally assumed alignment between Eldizio and the party. The Potenzan Socialist Party, along with the Southern League, have launched official statements of protest to San Salvo, saying that they will refuse to accept any direct rulership from a duke or count. The two parties are most strong in the duchies of Cremona and Turin.

Prime Minister Gaetano Merlino restated his support of the Grand Duke's move. His National Alliance (a cooperation between Merlino's Party of Freedom along with various centrist and center-right parties) issued a statement in support of the reinstatement. Merlino said calling it an attack against democracy was a poor characterization of the move, and that it was merely a greater realization of Potenza's governmental model of Niccolism.

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