Jydsken-Østveg
Established Nation
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In the spirit of modernity and in reflection of neighboring national policies press freedoms have been expanded while the King is rumored senile (Picture: King Frederic III in a horse carriage parading around Le Vieux Bourg)
28 août 1920 — Anglaise
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The Kingdom was shocked with abrupt and sudden news that press reform had been decreed and approved by the Crown. Cardinal Pierre-Alexandre Dubois announced it late Friday evening, hailing it as reform that was necessary for keeping up with neighboring freedoms and liberties that would steal men of great science with the allure of additional freedoms. This did not come without detractors however as conservative voices believe the decision was made without the consent of King Frédéric III who is largely seen as senile in his late age of 96 years old.
News travelled quickly to Crown Prince Philippe who as tradition has often dictated is currently serving in place of the King in the Germanian Kingdom of Saxe-Holstonia across the fjord. The Crown Prince has immediately left his post in the wealthy merchant city of Saksborg and will return to Le Vieux Bourg to try to wield whatever influence he might be able to muster. Yet this could prove problematic for him as he has been away from the Royal Court for so long. The Kingdom of Saxe-Holstonia has been left in the care of his daughter, Béatrice.
It is thought that the Crown Prince will seek to take on the role of Crown Regent while is father is potentially incapacitated, but the mental condition of King Frédéric III is difficult to assess. He is seen as combative, narcissistic, and confident, but somehow still utterly confused as to who he is meeting or where he is at times. It may be difficult for Crown Prince Phillipe to find any space in a Royal Court which may not be interested in his meddling at this point. Phillipe himself is 68 and seen as out of touch with the elite of Le Vieux Bourg.
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The Cardinal himself who has aided the King for seventeen years now, has often been disliked by many of the Royal Court but has been upheld as the Cardinal of the People. This reputation has given him a lot of sway as far as public opinion goes and rightfully could be seen as of key importance in the maintenance of order in the Petits-Pays during the Great War compared to the civil disarray seen in many other nations during the conflict. His ability to hold the nation together has earned him great respect from the King despite their frequent ideological differences early on.
Press Freedoms granted now include the ability to write critically about the monarchy and the government. In the past these were not allowed and to be printed more liberal thinkers would have to travel to Vrijpoort and distribute radical ideas in secret. It is expected that this new freedom will have to be utilized responsibly as the Crown will not free prior violators of the censorship laws and the fines for certain violations of censorship, mainly gossip involving the crown have not been removed.
Either way, the news came as a shock to the Estates General which was only granted permanence in 1880 with the Liberal and Labour Parties erupting in cheers, while Conservative and Agrarian Parties sat stunned in silence. The question remains to see how this will be seen by the more conservative elements of society such as the police and army. Unless more is known, the policy can only be seen as something in which to be tested in which to see what can be tolerated by the Crown and what if any role the current Liberal Party governed Estates General shall play in its administration. ■
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