Lodamun

[Tetracycline]

We Have a Presidency

After years of contentious and sometimes acrimonious debate within the Presidium, culminating in the quittance of GNRG MPs and a charged electorate which voted in pro-Presidency parties, the bill to create a Head of State for Lodamun has been voted in and formally passed with a two-thirds majority: http://classic.particracy.net/viewbill. ... lid=441045

With the Shadow Alliance, Eastern-Central Alliance, People of Freedom, and the United Republics Party all sponsoring the bill, and with Popular Liberation Front support, the move to form a new executive leader, the President, as Head of State was passed in February. The Head of Government and leader of the legislative branch is thus the Prime Minister and leader of the largest party after Lodamese elections.

The most controversial aspect of the bill was the partisanship of the presidency: as Lodamese politics have been split among several parties, many MPs voiced concern, sometimes impassioned, for the future of such an executive.

UDHFU leader Tony expressed such objections:

It forces the people to choose someone who didn't even get simple majority; also it weakens the executive branch. Then how the hell this proposal is going to strengthen the democracy.

To which the United Alliance government coalition spokesperson Joim Devany of the PLF rebutted:

If a binding clause that stipulates non-partisanship of the President as Head of State is enacted, then your fears should be eased. Additionally, it would actually strengthen the executive by formalizing a separate Head of State to act as commander-in-chief and presider of constitutional authority, thus shifting some powers away from a single Head of Government (who is, in fact, always going to be a minority-elected leader) toward a neutral Head of State. In so doing we help create a separation of powers between the legislative, the Presidium and its Prime Minister, and the executive, a President.

Ultimately, the vote fell more or less among pro-United Alliance (government coalition) versus Lodamese nationalist parties (separate opposing parties). But as it is, a new president will be sworn into office, and thus opens up a landmark chapter in Lodamese political and national affairs.

[Cybeny6]

Democratic Reform of Lodamun's Executive Branch After 300 Years

Interim President, Prime Minister Celebrates in Port Golavia

Port Golavia- Big celebrations at Shadow Alliance Headquarters as the ECA's reform of the Executive Branch passes with a super-majority.

The Shadow Alliance have supported these reforms since the Shadow Alliance's formation 25 years ago.

Interim President and Prime Minister Nick Bird left the Presidum to join the celebration at Shadow Alliance HQ as soon as the bill passed.

"Cherish this day" he told party faithful "Cherish it. This is the first fruit from the United Alliance's labour."

"Only a few months have passed since we formed the government, and we are already starting to see results"

"No longer can the Presidum cherrypick a President who doesn't have the support of the people"

"This will bring about a new golden era of democracy in Lodamun"

After sharing a few drinks with members of the Shadow Alliance, Prime Minister Bird headed back to the Presidum, slightly tipsy, to continue work on the Religious Freedom of Lodamun Bill and get the required support.

[Bobbo255]

Presidium Passes Historic Presidential Reforms

Reforms Pass Following 25 Years of Campaigning and Lobbying From the ECA

David Butterman is the first Deputy Prime Minister of Lodamun in over 300 years. The Eastern-Central Alliance stood alongside the other parties in United Alliance today in celebrating another victory for the new government. For the first time in over 300 years, Lodamun will have a presidential election, as The Head of State and Head of Government are now two separate officials.

Mr. Butterman thanked his fellow coalition members for their support at the ECA party headquarters in Norstavan, while also paying special tribute to People of Freedom who crossed the floor to support these crucial reforms; "Without PF's support, it is very clear that these reforms would not have passed. I thank Amy Lane and all members of the PF caucus for their support and friendly correspondence."

He also paid tribute to Alex Gleed and Judith Collins - The ECA's inaugural leadership team who set off the campaign to change the structure of the electoral branch.

Mr. Butterman said he looked forward to standing in the first Lodamese presidential election in over 300 years, and is hopeful of victory.

Following the passing of these reforms, the Leader of the ECA will always stand as the Presidential nominee, and the Deputy Leader will stand for Prime Minister. As a result, Environment and Tourism Spokesperson Donna Mendoza has been promoted to the Finance portfolio, as Carl Lexington is promoted to the Head of Government Portfolio. Mr. Lexington says he will serve out his term as Finance Minister.

The 114-strong ECA caucus has some serious celebrating to do.

[Bobbo255]

From the Office of the Minister of Finance

March, 3871

Following an inquiry by the Ministry of Finance and after consulting other cabinet members, I have decided to freeze the assets of KFS to secure the Lodamese Dollar.

I believe that the current law (Exchange Rate Regime - The exchange rate of the national currency is allowed to float, but the government is permitted to intervene when necessary) is enough to justify this.

Sincerely,

Carl Lexington
Minister of Finance
Great Democratic Republic of Lodamun

[Siggon Kristov]

KFS May Take Lodamese Government to Court
April 3871

KFS may take the Lodamese government to court for abusing a law to freeze its assets. According to the Finance Minister, the government used the current law on the exchange rate regime to justify the freezing of KFS assets. Kevin Landau, the former Finance Minister of Lodamun and current CEO of KFS, insists however that the law is unrelated and that this is "a political move by the government" that will discourage future investors from engaging with Lodamun. "The law on the exchange rate regime allows the government to intervene in setting the exchange rate, but has nothing to do with seizing the assets of a private international institution" Kevin Landau said.

Kevin Landau has also accused the government of dishonestly using the line of "saving the Lodamese dollar" to get support from MPs for their actions. "The exchange rate of the Lodamese Dollar in other national currencies will definitely not change as a result of KFS leaving Lodamun," he said. When questioned about the value of LOD in KRV, however, he said that "as long as Lodamun maintains high government spending without falling into debt, its currency value in KRV will remain the highest as it has always been." He also promised that Lodamun, like any other country, will continue to receive technical assistance and recognition of its currency if it ratifies a treaty that recognises the KFS' location as the financial centre of the world.



The executives of KFS are advising the government that there is no good way out of this for them, except to unfreeze its assets before a court case occurs. "If we take our case to the courts, and the result is unfavourable for us, there are other countries that we could go to, and there are other private companies that will be hesitant to come to Lodamun based on the handling of the case," a legal advisor to the KFS said. "Lodamun is only going have an even worse image, and damage its currency's status as the international trading currency, when other countries side with the KFS and boycott the LOD," a marketing advisor for the KFS said.

"Lodamun was failing to maintain its status as financial centre of the world in the late 3400s, and then the Karavs came and rescued Lodamun's banks," said Gregory Xinpusen, a cousin of Tackoppe VII and local consultant for KFS operations in Indrala, "luckily we have had our assets spread out across a few countries. We still had most of it in Lodamun, so it will be a hard hit to us, but if we built KFS from nothing once, we can do it again." Gregory Xinpusen said that he will consult with the head of KFS operations in Indrala and Beluzia to "check on things" to advise Kevin Landau on his next move.

Currently, there is a conference to decide the relocation of the KFS. At first, relocation was a mere consideration, but Kevin Landau has confirmed that KFS will definitely relocate as Lodamun "has become inconvenient." He assured the world that the asset freeze will not prevent KFS from leaving Lodamun, and he does not understand the point of the government's move to freeze the assets of KFS. The government of Lodamun may be temporarily freezing the assets to buy time until new laws are passed. The new laws, which are being proposed by the URP, will allow the government to seize and nationalise KFS' assets. "The success of KFS did not come from the Karavs' wealth or assets," Kevin Landau said, "it came from their political capital in the international community."



The new government of Lodamun has been criticised for its failure to negotiate, and its unnecessary and drastic actions that make their failure obvious. Instead of negotiating to convince the KFS of reasons to stay, the government has become hostile to both the Karavs and the anti-Karav factions that caused a split of the GNRG. Supporters of the new government have criticised the government for not playing on the divide between Karavists and other Nationalist factions, and Karavists have criticised the new government for conflating them with Fertigists.

[Niju]

Lodamun Times Newtwork

UDHFU protests for KFS

Lodamun:UDHFU proested against the goverment for freezing the KFS assets.The protest was led by thousands of UDHFU supporters,and fellow nationalists.The govermemnt's decision to turn down KFS is becoming too controversial,even in international levels.



Tony commented that "The current rulers do not know what they are doing.They are just plain dumb.Or they have much more evil intentions.Whatever they are,i jsut wnated to ask that,who is responsible for this mess?.I know some people are know realising that,if we could change the past..."


Tony inspiring the protestors outside the UDHFU HQ,last night




OOC:This article is not meant to hurt anyone.I just wanted to promote RPing

[Cybeny6]

United Alliance Laughs off Legal Threats from KFS

Attorney-General claims government position is "pretty legal"

Port Golavia-It has been tense times in the Presidum, as government members and opposition members continue to discuss the treatment of KFS in Lodamun.

To date the Finance Minister Carl Lexington has put a freeze on the KFS's assets as the Presidum prepares to nationalise the KFS. The KFS, in response, have launched legal threats at the government, but has not yet filed the case in court.

The Attorney-General Steven Joyce has just held a press conference responding to the KFS's threats:

"We're pretty relaxed about the situation to be honest" Joyce tells the media "The advice we have received is that the governments actions are pretty legal"

"The relocation of KFS represents a risk to the Lodamun economy, and therefore the value of the LOD. As KFS removes jobs and currency reserves from the country, the value of the LOD will fall. While the primary method of controlling the exchange rate is for the government to sell or buy foreign currencies, the Exchange Rate Regime, as set up in 3553, does not place any restrictions on the type of interventions the government may use. This means the freeze, and subsequent nationalisation of KFS's assets is an appropriate response to the situation."

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Meanwhile, at Shadow HQ, pro-government supporters are seeking harsher consequences for the KFS, as they rally in response to the protests by the nationalists.

"Down to the KFS!" says one protester "They deserve to be jailed for trying to take down the Lodamun economy."

"If they really cared about Lodamun they would be opening up a dialogue with the new government" says another "Instead they are being spiteful, and doing their best to undermine Lodamun!"

Prime Minister and Interim President Nick Bird could not be reached for comment when trying to get his opinion on whether KFS deserved tougher sanctions.

[Tetracycline]

Citizens Demonstrate Against the 'Strangulating Policy of the KFS'



Angry citizens took the streets the whole week in Lodamese cities to protest the KFS decision to leave Lodamun, and moreso its threat to destabilize the Lodamese Dollar. Many expressed an impassioned concern over the loss of jobs and the tremendous devaluation of the LOD with a KFS exit, which would not only come with a layoff of thousands of jobs, but also a hit on the national economy as KFS assets, mainly bonds and other securities, would be dumped.

This comes during a time of tremendous political change - specifically the creation of a presidency - which the KFS cited as its reason to leave Lodamun. While KFS spokespeople remarked that such would render their services inoperable in the nation, many citizens from students to investors disagreed entirely.

"We voted for a change from fascist nationalism and supported an executive, but all we get in return is a slap in the face from [the KFS]?" Andrea Symantos, a Rapula University law student sighed. "There's absolutely no reason for them to destroy our future. The strangulating policy of the KFS is what's to blame."

"Obviously this is a huge concern for the nation's economy and future," Pat Fitzgerald, an Southeast Union Bank branch manager in Andalay, spoke. "The KFS decision to essentially destroy the LOD's value means that our nation's buying power is severely compromised. And I know of many colleagues who are now jobless thanks to its impulsive decision, to say the least."



When asked about the government's decision to freeze KFS assets - which the financial organization pledges to bring to court - protesters were slightly more divided on the topic.

"I don't think it's normally right for the government to do that," Ms. Symantos replied, "But in this situation, what the KFS did was totally wrong. So if it's what we have to do, it's what we have to do. Our future depends on it."

[Siggon Kristov]

Kevin Landau Accuses Government of Misleading Citizens
July 3871

According to Kevin Landau, the former Finance Minister and current CEO of Karav Financial Services, protesters are only angry because the government is misleading them. He says the government completely ignored a news article in which he ensured to clarify certain things:

Kevin Landau has also accused the government of dishonestly using the line of "saving the Lodamese dollar" to get support from MPs for their actions. "The exchange rate of the Lodamese Dollar in other national currencies will definitely not change as a result of KFS leaving Lodamun," he said. When questioned about the value of LOD in KRV, however, he said that "as long as Lodamun maintains high government spending without falling into debt, its currency value in KRV will remain the highest as it has always been." He also promised that Lodamun, like any other country, will continue to receive technical assistance and recognition of its currency if it ratifies a treaty that recognises the KFS' location as the financial centre of the world.

"This nonsense that the new populist government is propagating is to try to get revenge for our opposition to Carl Lexington's policies," Kevin Landau said, "KFS is not obligated to stay in Lodamun, and it's ridiculous to pretend that our decision to leave is a 'strangulating policy' and it is just dishonest to suggest that we are going to destabilise the Lodamese economy and devalue Lodamun's currency on the market."

The KFS is known for advising government policy in multiple countries. Kevin Landau said that the Lodamese government would have taken its advice if it really wanted the KFS to stay. He also criticises the government for failing to negotiate, as the government has instead resorted to drastic measures that Opposition MPs say are only strengthening their desire to leave.

[Bobbo255]

Finance Minister Carl Lexington Laughs off Kevin Landau's Accusations

Claims that it is Landau himself enacting revenge - against the new Lodamese Government

Carl Lexington walked into the press gallery in the Presidium today with a prepared statement, and a very serious manner. He began with a quote from Mr. Landau himself;

after the possibility of a collapse of Lodamun's political system, KFS is now taking bids from all countries (including Lodamun) to decide where its headquarters should be.

"I repeat."

after the possibility of a collapse of Lodamun's political system

"The bitter remnants of the GNRG are on display for all to see. When they were in the Presidium, and indeed part of the previous nationalist government, they did everything they possibly could to cling on to Lodamun's past, and refuse to look into the future. Any member with an opposing view to this was shot down with arrogance and bravado. Now, not only has there been a change of government, but there has also been a reform of Lodamun's political system. This was the one area that the GNRG defended and cared about the most.

"It is no mere coincidence that almost immediately after the new government was elected, and the bill to change the structure of the executive branch was created, Kevin Landau threw a tantrum and decided to threaten to relocate KFS. I think this is disgusting, immature and is clear evidence of KFS purposely trying to cause damage to Lodamun.

"It is highly hypocritical for Mr. Landau to say that;

This nonsense that the new populist government is propagating is to try to get revenge for our opposition to Carl Lexington's policies

When he is the one enacting revenge on the current Lodamese government.

"I have frozen all KFS assets, and further action will follow."

The finance minister then promptly left the press gallery to continue sorting out this mess caused by the incompetent Kevin Landau and KFS.