Vanuku

[Rogue]

OOC Source: US Department of Defense

Stormkaap: The HMS Wrntumai, Vanuku's now sole supercarrier, has set sail for its sea trials after a 1 year delay in construction. The consortium of defense companies in charge of construction was met by the Minister of Defense, King and Prefect for the opening ceremony. The new carrier features a new electronic catapult system, better command center, bigger deck and newly updated lifts amongst over 200 other new minor updates. It was designed by both Stillbosch and KAAP design bureaus and constructed by a consortium of smaller naval construction companies. SATURN was in charge of developing a new multirole carrier capable fighter, as the Unionfighter, even the newly upgraded versions, are not capable of being carrier operated. The program for the construction of this new naval fighter has almost been completed, SATURN expects to roll out the first few "X-18" multirole naval fighters a month before the HMS Wrntumai returns from its sea trials, delivering all 140 ordered fighters over the course of the next 2 years.

Other naval modernizations are also fully underway with the new Zeven Provincien class frigate under production. It is based on both old Vanukean models as well as the Narikaton model and features new air defense systems, radar systems and more. The navy has ordered around 11 frigates. Furthermore over 20 Banstill-class destroyers have been ordered, which will also be modernized and be used largely to escort the new carrier. The Vanukean Navy is still weighing its options when it comes to its submarine fleet, with its current fleet of 7 needing replacement in the coming years. It has put out a contract with both Stillbosch and KAAP announcing their interest. The navy seeks to order around 10 new submarines once a design has been decided upon. In total the navy will be receiving over 100 new ships in the coming years, ranging from transport to refuelling and logistics, as well as a newly design amhibious assault ship and the earlier announced frigates, destroyers and submarines. Once the entire program is complete the Navy states it hopes to have a "capable, medium sized navy that can project power abroad and protect land and sea at home."

The HMS Wrntumai will be on sea trials for two years, travelling to the Antonese Sea and harbouring at several ports along its way. once returned any last updates will be implemented before it is officially brought into service.

(OOC Reference for the carrier: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerald_R. ... ft_carrier)

[Rogue]

OOC Source: Google

Wiel: The Vanukean economy is seeing large benefits going its way thanks to a increase in global trade and the bigger role Vanuku starts to play in this trade. The Vanukean share in the global trade market used to be less then 0.2%, with renewed deregulations and other incentivizing government policies however Vanuku its exports have boomed, with the country now boosting over 1.5% of global exports. A increase of 650%. This new trend isnt just helping the Vanukean economy grow, it is also increasing Vanukean influence abroad. The Vanukean economy has grown from a meager 900 billion to over 1.5 trillion in the last 10 years, attributed largely to medium but steady growth and a growing private sector with a creative entrepeneur class. The main exports of Vanuku are services, in the form of online services such as software and internet platforms, but also small industrial goods like tools and machines have been a increasing export for Vanuku. The Kingdom is seeing a greater focus on energy as well, shipping off at least 40% of the oil they gain from drilling in the Majatran Sea, with Petrovan focussing more on the green energy market in the next few years, making the need for fossil fuels lower for consumers at home.

Despite the positive signs for the Vanukean economy and its influence abroad, recent economic indicators have some analysts, economists and even government insiders eating their nails. Growth has stagnated and even declined to "only" 1.5% this year and unemployment increased for the first time in 8 years to 3.8% unemployment. These are still good numbers, but do indicate that the Vanukean economy is slowing down and its "Golden Age" it experienced in the last decade is on the decline. Furthermore purchasing power has decreased, with the wealth gap in the country becoming all the wider and the rich spending less money then the poor, further slowing down the economy. The Ministry of Economic Affairs stated it is still optimistic about the future of the Vanukean economy but with increasing expenditures for defense and a economy showing signs of slowing down many economists predict a different outcome.

[Rogue]

OOC Source: VTBM

Wiel: The Grand Council will vote on a bill next week that will mean the total ban on abortions of any kind in the Kingdom of Vanuku. The limited right to abortions was protected by the previous government under Prefect Merlkai, him being a liberal. But with the new socially conservative Prefect Sumrak in power the king his requests have finally been heard. The king himself is a social conservative and strong hosian believer. He has publicly advocated to an end for contraceptives, a strengthening of the church and the banning of abortions. Now, at least for one of these points, Prefect Sumrak and his Ministry of Justice is going with this request and has proposed a bill to the Grand Council that would ban any and all abortions in the country, even those provided to raped or disabled women. The bill is heavily criticized by human rights groups and the Vanukean Womens Association, stating that "Current abortion laws are already extremely restrictive in our country. With this ban we open the door to dead women seeking unsafe abortions from non registered doctors. This would be a disaster."

The king has publicly supported the proposed bill, stating that it is a victory for life over death and indicating he will immediately sign the bill if passed by both the Council and reviewed by the Senate. Whiel the bill is likely to pass the conservative council, many activists hope the senate will declare it unconstitutional in its review of the bill and see the senate as the last hope to protect limited abortions in the country. International human rights groups have also condemned the bill, stating it will move Vanuku "back by decades" socially speaking and urging the government to reconsider the proposal.

[Rogue]

OOC Source: Interxion

Wiel: The Vanukean Government has announced a new round of government investments to significantly improve the internet all accross Vanuku, from broadband connections to wifi and 4G the government hopes to modernize Vanuku in a field that it has long neglected. Vanukean internet has only really been rolled out in places like Wiel and Prinsenaard, big cities with large populations. But even in these cities connection is often slow and outdated. This outdated system is causing Vanuku to lag behind and is limiting the potential for growth. With the presented plan, presented by Minister of Economic Affairs Aldrmai Heijkai, the government will reserve over 50 billion in a fund, meant to encourage new providor companies to venture into the industry and for existing ones to improve, expand and streamline their networks. Companies can apply for money in the fund, up to 100 million per company with the possibility for exceptions for big projects. The only condition put on it is that quality of the network from specific providors increases, the network expands coverage or they create a new network. Several minor provisions also dictate by how much a network must grow and grants additional funds to companies taking risks, such as expanding into a different network market. The hope is that all 50 billion will be allocated to the sector within the next 10 to 15 years and that 94% of Vanuku will have broadband connection thats stable and reliable.

The announcement also comes as the Sumrak government is struggling to maintain a strong economy. For over 12 years the Vanukean economy grew and entrepeneurship rose to major levels. Unemployment was low, private investments were high and generally the economy benefitted from a hands off aproach. In the last year however the economy has slowed down, now sitting at just 0.5% growth and possibly even dipping in the negative numbers next year. To counter this trend the Sumrak government has increased taxes in several fields and tried to use this new revenue for government investment, hoping to spur growth that way. Unfortunately, this did not seem to help and angered the conservative base of the Prefect, which has benefitted from low taxes for years. This newest initiative is yet another attempt by the government to maintain the strong economy Vanuku has enjoyed for years, but the forecasts arent promising and with more challenges on the global stage also looming the time of Vanukean economic recovery might transition into a painfull stalemate.

[Rogue]

OOC Source: US Department of Defense

Kalibaka: Prefect Sumrak has announced the total withdrawal of Vanukean KVJ and logistical personell from the country of Istapali as the country spirals into civil war. The decision came after "intense discussions with the King and Ministry of Defense" and comes as the danger to Vanukean military and civilian units in the area became to great to continue operations. The Vanukean presence in Istapali was meant to stem the tide in the fight against terrorism, working with the Istapalian forces to defeat the UFHF. However, in the last two years Istapali has slowly spiraled into civil war and the sheer amount of different factions now vying for power in the country is making the situation, "unbearable" to work in. The Prefect stated that

We started this mission with a clear goal. Aid the Istapali Armed Forces in defeating the UFHF and stabilizing the tribal and desert regions of their country. Unfortunately, we have not yet fullfilled this mission. The UFHF has gained ground and with it other radical groups and the central Istapalian government has all but collapsed. Working and fighting in such a situation is nearly untangible. In discussion with the king, i have therefor authorized the withdrawal of all fighting and ground personel within the next 3 months. Our logistical base will be closed down and our assets returned home. Our fight against terrorism isnt over, in fact it is just beginning, but we are forced to fight this battle in a different way. The Vanukean defense apparatus will keep us safe and we will continue to monitor the situation and act if neccesary

The comments of the Prefect clearly leave open a door for possible future operations. Furthermore insiders suggest that Vanuku will maintain several covert agents in Istapali to monitor the situation, keeping Vanukean intelligence active in the Dovani nation. The securty level at home will remain at stage 5, the highest threat level, with the Korpsveldjagers still guarding important government buildings and, in major cities, public locations with a lot of traffic. President Fandika of Istapali, who now leads a military government, stated that he is "saddened" by the Vanukean withdrawal and condemns it, citing "the complete lack of compassion with the Istapalian people, Vanuku only thinks of itself, its mission is not complete and terrorist roam throughout our lands. We will not forget."

The withdrawal is scheduled to be complete in 3 months, with the faith of humanitarian aid tied to the Vanukean mission still uncertain. If it dissapears, it will mean the loss of a steady source of basic needs for a estimated 200.000 Istapalians in the region Vanuku operated in.

[Rogue]

OOC Source: Haerlemsbodem

Wiel: King Mrukai has come under criticism in the last few weeks due to the appointed of several controversial mayors in different municipalities. Since the adoption of the new constitution, the king has gained a wide range of new authorities and rights with one of these new rights being the right to appoint mayors in any municipality. In the last 2 years, a large number of formerly democratically elected mayors started to retire, granting the king his first big opportunities to appoint a large set of mayors to their positions. It started with Stormkaap, where he appointed a right wing conservative to the position. This was no problem, as most of Stormkaap itself was conservative oriented. The problems however started when the king began appointing conservative mayors in more liberal oriented parts of the country, sparking outrage in the municipal council of the respective municipalities.

Now a climax has arrived, the King has appointed Ultra-conservative former leader of the Young Vanukean conservative organization Alex Balstein as mayor of the capital Wiel. Balstein has advocated for the total ban on contraception, the enactment of segregation of boys and girls in schools and the total ban on immigration. Wiel itself has long been governed by the Wiel Workers Party and while former mayor Hjelm clashed with the WWP himself fairly often, he was still considered a moderate liberal. With mayor Balstein now leading the city, the WWP has issued a memorandum announcing they will not work with the new mayor and will try to overwrite any legislation he vetoes or tries to push through himself. The King has come under scrutiny by his decisions, with many wondering if the king is using his powers to the benefit of himself and his conservative allies, or for the betterment of the general population. Prefect Sumrak, himself a ally of King Mrukai, has been forced to question the kings decisions by public pressure and stated he will, "be in discussion with the king to be more considerate in his mayoral appointments." But as oppossition in the Velvet Movement also seems to grow to the King's mayoral appointment powers, many seem to wonder whether the poor decisions of Mrukai might yet again take away royal powers of appointment for his successors.

[Rogue]

OOC Source: Airbus

Wiel: The Resurgent Tiger program is nearing its completion date and is finally able to present finalized product in a orderly fashion. The new Unionfighter-V2 jets have all been delivered, a total of 160, and the X1-Tiger bomber jet has also been complete, with the last few orders of the aircraft currently being processed. The new ARAT infantry systems and new uniforms have all been applied to infantry units and the new PUMA IV tanks, 250 in total, have been undergoing some field exercises and seem to perform as needed. Newer equipment, such as the new VH-90 multi purpose helicopters have also been developed and gradually implemented, allowing for both transport, tactical insertion and reconnaisence missions. A total of 300 of these have been ordered. The creme de la creme however is the HMS Wrntumai supercarrier, Vanuku its sole supercarrier, which has undergone sea trails and rigorous changes afterwards for years now. Last week, it was officially entered into service and inspectors cleared the ship for operations. In addition to the ship, the 140 ordered X-18 multirole fighters, capable of being operated on the carrier, have also been entered into service, allowing the carrier to finally have a permanent set of 50 of these jets on deck and in storage, with the new VH-90 helicopters and some other equipment also being stored on the supercarrier.

In the last 9 years the navy has also obtained additional destroyers, frigates and submarines, amounting to a total of 38 additional warships and 40 logistical ships entering service in those years. The navy now has over 20 banstill class destroyers, some of which will be entering the carrier strike group while others will likely perform independent missions, 11 Zeven Provincien class frigates and 7 newly developed "Oceaan" class attack submarines as well as the new carrier and all logistical support ships. It doesnt make the Vanukean navy a major navy, but it does give its navy, "the tools to perform independent missions, protect Vanukean waters and work with our allies." said Rear Admiral Vjetlan Goedkoop. The entering of service by the HMS Wrntumai marks the end of the resurgent tiger program, which has cost the state over 140 billion, 40 billion over budget, and marks one of the biggest Vanukean military projects to date. While the new Vanukean military holds less assets then it did before the program, the assets and equipment it developed or purchased is highly modern and created to be in sync with one another. "The goal here wasnt a massive military. The goal was a highly modern, highly trained and decently sized military capable of dealing with modern threats and problems as well as adequatly defending our own territory and that of our allies."

While the Resurgent Tiger program is now officially complete, the Vanukean Ministry of Defense emphasized that military development will continue, with a renewed focus on special forces and their training likely in the pipeline. For now, Vanuku has a new and hyper modern military after years of hard work and billions in funds.


The newly upgraded Banstill-class destroyer


The new X-18 multirole fighter, specifically designed for the navy, also part of the navy rather then the airforce

[Rogue]

OOC Source: ABC

Stormkaap: It was a fear many economists and some government insiders had for some time. After over 2 decades of increased prosperity and stable growth, the now highly capitalist economy of Vanuku has entered its first recession in decades. The economy had grown by over 85% in just two decades, amounting to a GDP of 2.1 trillion as of now. But after all those years of lowered unemployment and great growth the Vanukean economy is seeing its dependency on the free market bite it from the back. Growth had already stagnated in the last 4 years but now, after 6 months of negative growth, the Vanukean economy has officially entered a recession. Lowered consumer demand, combined iwth a increased inflation rate and highering unemployment have caused the Vanukean economy to dip in the negative numbers, with a growthrate of -1.2% reported last month. Unemployment has been on the rise, as companies small and large fail to get lucrative loans and are facing higher rent and payback ratios they are either forced to file for bancruptcy or get rid of employees. The unemployment rate went up from just 3.5% last year to over 4.8% now, still manageable, but a clear sign that it is on the rise. The government its lavish spending on the military also got Vanuku into some trouble however, with the debt to GDP ratio now exceeding 100% at 101% of the GDP. It is expected to lower in the next few years as Resurgent Tiger comes to a close but might also not, as the government is now forced to invest into the economy to turn the tide.

The dependency on the free market only worsens the problem. Investors are getting worried, which shows itself on the stock market where the market went down by over 200 points yesterday. consumer confidence is also hampered, with people sitting on their money rather then spending it, which in turn slows down the economy even further. Economists fear that next year Vanuku might find itself in a full blown crisis if nothing is done. To turn the tide, the now 8 year incumbent Sumrak government has announced a series of measures to revitalize the economy. They plan to make it more attractive to start a bussiness by creating new tax rules for starting bussinesses. The government will also be in discussion with banks to potentially guarentee loans for struggling bussinesses, to make sure that those bussinesses will not go bancrupt by having the government pay the interest on their loan. Furthermore the VAT tax will likely be lowered to around 19% (its 21% now), which should make groceries and small luxury products cheaper, hopefully driving up consumer spending. But all these measures come with their own problems, likely increasing the government its debt and potentially setting the stage for a debt crisis. With all these developments and the Vanukean Golden Economic Era now officially over, the Sumrak government might soon have to decide what they deem more important: economic stability and growth, or keeping down the national debt.

[Rogue]

OOC Source: Pinterest

Wiel: King Mrukai has, after a political crisis lasting over 4 months, disbanded parliament "on his own accord" and triggered a early election to replace all 225 members. The crisis, which has become known as the "Sumrak Crisis", started as the Vanukean economy showed signs of crisis and recession after years of relative growth and prosperity. The government, led by Prefect Sumrak, announced several measures with taxation and regulatory laws, aimed at stimulating the economy and turning the tide. But domino's fell, and the economy continued its decline. The growthrate went into the deep red, standing at -2.5% last year, unemployment skyrockketed as bussinesses closed and the private sector employed most before, standing at 17% now. Furthermore the lack of social services, cut down by the conservative Sumrak government during better years to fund military projects, now caused economic hardships to hit harder. Millions either lost a majority of their income and fell below the poverty line or became homeless. It is one of the worst economic crisis in Vanukean history, but something that could have been prevented according to many analysts. The Sumrak government became the target of anger as reports came out that Sumrak himself, together with other top ranking government officials, had funneled money to overseas accounts as the stock market plummeted and the economy faltered. Failed attempts at resurecting the economy last year also caused a partial debt crisis, with the debt to GDP ratio now standing at around 126%. It is clear that the economy and country is in dire shape.

With the crisis and scandals the King was pressured from many sides to intervene. He personally envied Sumrak and it is known that he and the Prefect go back decades, being close friends and both devoutly religious. But, with his own position being threatened and the country moving into immense crisis within just 2 years, the King used his executive powers and announced the dissolution of the Grand Council. This automatically triggers new elections, to be held in a month. Sumrak stays on as Prefect for now, but in several interviews the king has expressed his desire "for new leadership", making many in the country happy but prompting a major divide in the ruling Velvet Movement. With elections incoming, its likely the movement will win most if not all seats again, but factions have started forming in the movement and with a FPTP system in place, its unclear which faction within the movement will come on top. The reactonaries, formerly led by Sumrak but now led by Hjelmar Trej, are expected to lose big, with some of their better known candidates struggling in the polls against other Velvet candidates. The Social Liberal faction is a new faction in the party, led by health minister Heijkai Sagzi. The Social Liberals are advocating for policies of social liberalism, internationalism and a strong committment to a "semi-welfare state". The Social liberals want to keep the core principles of the free market, but limit its power through regulations and "smart taxation", they also want to renew efforts to reform the MEA and strengthen internationalism, something the Sumrak government stopped during its rule. The Social Liberals now seem ahead in polls, with many of their candidates seeming to outperform their reactionary and conservative rivals. That sends us to the last faction, the conservatives, less radical then their reactionary counterparts but still conservative in nature. It is the "old ruling class" of the movement, which has long stayed on the sidelines. They are performing moderately in early polls, making many believe that we might see Sagzi as Prefect, having to make a compromise with conservatives to get in power.

While the Velvet Movement is thus poised to win the election easily, the different ideologies in the party are being tested and many look forward to a change of course and a return of stability for a economically and socially broken nation.

[Rogue]

OOC Source: Middle East Eye

Wiel: King Mrukai has appointed Heijkai Sagzi as Prefect of the Council three months after the elections took place. The elections, won by the velvet movement, saw the Social Liberal faction of the movement win in a landslide, winning over 2/3rd of seats with their candidates. The conservatives came behind with 1/3rd and the reactionaries lost all their seats, a major blow for the previous reactionary ruling class which loses all influence. While this is a much bigger win for the social liberals of Sagzi then previously expected, allowing them to rule on their own, Sagzi has made a gesture to the conservatives, allowing one of their prominent members the position of Minister of Defense in his new cabinet. The rest of cabinet positions will be filled with social liberals. The King was hesitant on appointing Sagzi, thinking he might be to left leaning, but after several discussions now named the "Palace Accords" the two came to a agreement. Military policy is to remain the same and some of the more stringent restrictions on abortion and euthenasia will be kept in place. In return Sagzi will get full freedom to reform the economy without royal interference and will be allowed to increase international ties and spearhead a effort to reform the MEA. He will also be allowed to move health back into state control and add some regulatory measures to make it fairer, this was included to ensure that those that can barely afford healthcare will be able to still receive it.

Sagzi stands at a massive task. The Vanukean economy is on its knees, poverty and unemployment are on the rise and he has to maintain a expensive military while reforming the economy. He states he seeks to "maintain the free market" but reform it in such a way that "innovation and investment is what drives it, not unlimited growth and profit." His new cabinet, now being voted upon in the Grand Council, will assume office next month and is already working on the "Comprehensive Economic Safety Plan" or CESP, a massive reform package to restructure the Vanukean economy and reverse or at least halt economic decline. While the Velvet Movement is still in power it is now the chance for the Social Liberals to take the helm and many accross the country are celebrating in the hopes of a new approach and a end to the 3 year suffering they have been finding themselves in.