Vanuku

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Re: Vanuku

Postby Rogue » Fri Aug 20, 2021 2:33 pm

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OOC Source: USA Today

Wiel: Mrukai of the house of Shtén. A uknown name till now. The house of Shtén shortly ruled the Kingdom of Vanuku decades ago as the longtime ruling Banmek-Steuart-Vrnhmel family faded. After a short return of the longtime royal family which saw the house of Shtén dissapate into the background again it has now reemerged as the ruling house within the kingdom, reforming the political "velvet movement" and uniting a large variety of minor royal houses into one strong bloc. The new bloc, thus led by Mrukai of the house of Shtén, has a common ideology of monarchism, social conservatism and economic liberalism, believing in a strong central government that gives the people individual rights and preserves a free economy, which can then be competed in by companies and the houses themselves alike. The different houses, upon the failure of the Banmek house to regain influence, thus formed the Velvet Movement and designated Mrukai as their desired King. Now, after getting the backing of both the electorate and the intelligence community within Vanuku, Mrukai has been crowned King of Vanuku, assuming the throne and taking it from its vacant state. The crowning of the new king also came with a fresh wave of political reform in the form of a brand new constitution, a consitutition that proved to be controversial, moving Vanuku back to its semi-constitutional past. It is in line with the ideology of the new ruling Velvet Movement but has drawn strong criticism from liberal minded Vanukeans.

In the new constitution, duped the "Royal Constitution", the king is granted a large number of new rights and authority. Including the right to decline or sign bills, with bills only going into effect when signed, the right to disband the Grand Council and appoint the Senate, the right to appoint the Prefect after an election subject to parliamentary approval and more. The new constitution also introduces a bicameral parliament. While the Grand Council remains the prime legislative body, the new senate will be tasked with reviewing new laws on its constitutionality and on possible overlap with current legislation, only being allowed to send back a law when one of these two things is in violation. The new constitution is promoted by the new ruling house and party as a "stable measure" to allow Vanuku to blossom once more. As a gesture of good faith, the King has appointed Reshd Merlkai as the first prefect of the council, he is a known liberal and the king likely hopes that his inclusion into leading government will help with the transition into this new reality.

The constitution was adopted 2 weeks ago, with the new governed likely to be installed in two days.
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Re: Vanuku

Postby Rogue » Fri Aug 20, 2021 2:56 pm

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OOC Source: Carnegie Europe

Wiel: The Defense industry has responded with great jubilation after news reached several media outlets that the new government of Prefect Reshd Merlkai is preparing a series of deregulatory reforms, also aimed at the defense industry. The new reforms would allow for greater freedom in the industry and give companies the room to do more and targetted investments. Furthermore the "shackles" of state involvement would largely be gone with these new reforms, with all state owned defense industries being sold to private bidders. One sidenote however is that these new reforms will also mean a end to government subsidies in the defense industry. Vanukean defense companies will thus be fully reliant on their own capacity and selling experience in order to stay affloat. Despite this, defense companies seem to applaud the decision with companies like "KAAP" stating, "It is great news that this new government seeks to give private enterprise a chance. We will work with our government partners in continiously developing new defense solutions and hope for a fruitfull relationship in the future. Vanuku its biggest defense company, Radnek Defense Technologies, has stated that it is "sattisfied" with the upcoming reforms and likewise expresses its hopes at further public and private cooperation.

To partially compensate for the loss of government subsidies in the sector, the Ministry of Defense has announced that it will soon be in discussion with the cabinet and King in a potential "defene surge", seeking to revamp and rebuild the Vanukean military. While its operational capabilities remain "normal" according to defense reports the Ministry reportedly seeks to rebuild the Vanukean navy particularly at least one of its aircraft carriers and strengthen the airforce to "rebuild peak defense capabilities." The Landmacht might also receive attention, as instability in some parts of Terra make the need for a "effective fighting force more pressing" according to Defense minister Reskai.

Apart from the defense deregulations the new reforms will also partially privatize and deregulate the travel and public transport sector, seeking to give the Vanukean government a quick cash impulse and grant private companies in these sectors the space to expand according to the prelimenary announcement by the Ministry for the Economy. The package is set to pass the Grand Council next week, with the King already indicating that he will sign it into law, making its passing through the senate a near certainty.
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Re: Vanuku

Postby Rogue » Fri Aug 20, 2021 3:21 pm

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OOC Source: ArchDaily

Wiel: Market confidence is on the rise as more details are released about the newly announced economic reforms planned by the government of Prefect Reshd Merlkai. The new reforms are in line with the Velvet Movement its ideology of Economic Liberalism and distance themselves from the "mixed market" approach of previous Vanukean governments. When the Velvet Movement was originally created it promoted a mixed market, with strong state influence in crucial sectors. This core ideology has thus changed with the government of Reshd Merlkai believing in a truly open market with only some "common sense" regulations. This new approach is reflected in the upcoming economic reform package of which more details have emerged this week. The package introduces a wide array of privatizations, largely of former private companies that have been nationalized in the past, as well as a set of deregulatory measures aimed at giving the private market more space in previously innacessible markets such as airport and airline management. The new reforms will also give way to private construction companies to compete for public works projects, something that was previously done by government owned companies. Smaller deregulations can be found on the financial markets in this new package, with the central bank no longer prone to interference by the central government and instead being fully independent, with only the director and board now being appointed by the Prefect while before its entire operation was subject to government interference.

All this upcoming changes, likely going into fully effect next year, have boosted market confidence in the government and has seen the Wiel stockmarket reporting large increases and a upward trend. The economy is doing relatively well, with a growthrate of 2.2% and unemployment sitting at 8%. The government does however maintain some control, keeping in place regulations on the stock market and maintaining some public transport influence to ensure low income people can afford to travel by public transport. Despite these "assurances" it is clear Vanuku is on the path to a more market oriented economy, something that the market is happy about but a approach that needs to show its worth in the years to come.
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Re: Vanuku

Postby Rogue » Fri Aug 20, 2021 6:15 pm

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OOC Source: Aircraft Wiki

Wiel: The Vanukean Ministry of Defense and Unitary Command Staff have jointly revealed a new military program, as anticipated last month, which they have named the "Resurgent Tiger" program. This program, a series of reforms, investments and procurement packages, has as its ultimate aim the restructuring, rebranding and strengthening of the Vanukean Armed Forces. It will include all current branches combined under the Vanukeaanse Krijgsmacht and its command. These branches include the Land, Sea and Air forces (Landmacht, Zeemacht, Luchtmacht) and the renowned Military Constabulary (Korps Veldjagers). These branches will be receiving new logo's and new uniforms each and will also be internally reformed, with the reforms aiming at a "rapid force, capable of rapid deployment, strike missions and generally a strong but light presence wherever needed" according to Commander-General Klaas Valk. The Resurgent Tiger program features a total of 100 billion in investments over the course of the next 10 years. This includes partnerships with defense companies, reforming and optimizing training programs, strengthening regional and international partnerships and increasing the pace of procurement. Instead of focussing on numbers however the program focusses on technology.

With our private partners and the experience of the Krijgsmacht we will aim to deliver a modern, technologically advanced and rapid force capable for modern missions and the new battlefield. Our airforce will be reformed and a new focus will be created, with a focus on multirole aircraft and fighter pilot training as well as a more balanced inventory of aircraft in general with the latest technology on board. Our ground forces will focus completely on the modern battlefield, with billions invested into modernizing but downsizing our tank fleet, developing new infantry equipment and uniforms for our soldiers on the ground, specializing our training programs and downsizing the size of our active force, instead focussing on specialized training and modern infantry equipment and tools. Our navy will see a aircraft carrier once more, as we pledge to invest into the procurement of one modern supercarrier for the future of naval combat. We will update our fleet of frigates and submarines and make sure our seas are protected and our partners can be assured of our protection as well. Overall, our Resurgent Tiger program will focus on quality over quantity and deliver Vanuku a modern fighting force that is ready and capable to deal with modern threats. You may now ask questions.


Said Commander-General Klaas Valk, commander of all Vanukean forces. In the questioning round more details came to light. The King had personally approved of the program, ensuring its commencing. The Landmacht will be downscaled from 400.000 men now to only 150.000 at the end of the program. Conscription will also be abolished, paving the way for a better trained and equipped force. The airforce will get rid of the large variety of aircraft, instead launching a program to update its Unionfighter fleet and creating a new fighter bomber, making those two fighting aircraft the only aircraft in service after the program finishes. Initial investments and reforms are set to begin late next month, with the timeline suggesting a total of 10 years of intensive investment and reform. Will Vanuku return to its days of military prowess? Only time will tell.
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Re: Vanuku

Postby Rogue » Sat Aug 21, 2021 8:29 am

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OOC Source: CURIA

Wiel: The Judicial system, a hot iron that has long been a point of contention for conservatives and liberals alike. For years the court system was a weird mix between government authoritarianism and control and freedom of justice. The new government, led by Velvet Prefect Merlkai, has now put forth a judicial reform bill in the Grand Council that seems to be a gamble. The new reform, aimed at making the justice system more fair and balanced, is a step away from central government control and in favour of a more decentralized partially free judicial system. It is a suprising move by Merlkai, who is leading a largely socially conservative government that just recently passed a new constitution that actually increased authoritarianism in the country. Merlkai however is himself a known liberal and is likely using his newfound legitimacy as Prefect to push through this bill. Conservatives in his own party seem to be in oppossition to it, and so is the King which has according to sources already hinted at possibly not signing the reform if at his desk. Despite this oppossition Prefect Merlkai pushes on, already heavily lobbying with the king and certain conservatives in order to get the bill passed.

The new reform will move the right to appoint judges and magistrates from the Prefect to local governments, with mayors and local councils being responsible to collectively appoint judges to the national level. Its a compromise, as Merlkai first wanted a independent commission to be in charge of appointments. With this compromise, more conservatives might be prone to supporting the proposal. Other major reforms in the package include the cutailing of the death penalty, which would only be allowed to be given to terrorists, traitors and crimes against mankind, the removal of mandatory minimums and allowing the citizenry to appeal a judgement to the high court with the Minister of Justice, until now no appeals are allowed.
It is unclear if the reforms will pass but if they do it marks a slight liberalization of the country its judicial system, likely appeasing many liberals agitated with the authoritarian constitution and guarenteeing certain civil freedoms with a new and fairer judicial system. If passed in the Grand Council many wonder if the King, described as a authoritarian, will sign the package into law.
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Re: Vanuku

Postby Rogue » Sat Aug 21, 2021 8:54 am

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OOC Source: NYLON

Wiel: As the Vanukean economy shows a small but noticable upward trend one of the sectors profitting the most is the music industry. The industry, long suffering from a lack of funding and support, has seen a sudden boost in recent years starting before the new government and constitution took over the country. The trend, largely fueled by young and energetic artists, is seeing new investments pouring into the industry from investors both domestic and abroad. New festivals pop up, with the new "Stormvloed" festival in Stormkaap being a prime example. New artists also rise up, releasing music videos, performing at concerts and giving the Vanukean public another layer of entertainment to enjoy. The numbers suggest that Vanuku has seen a 30% increase in music industry revenue and also the tax revenue from these developments is trickling into state coffers. This sudden boom has lead to the government launching several initiatives to encourage music production and consumption. One mayor program is the "Lets hit it!" program of the Ministry of Education, which grants subsidies to schools that decide to make music a mandatory subject at their school. This program was designed to "encourage our youth to be creative and let their inner voices speak in the form of music."

The music industry is currently worth over 2 billion but is expected to double in its size to 4 billion in the next 8 years. The rise of the music industry is also causing a rise of activity in other sectors, with restaurants and food stands profiting off the music industry and also growing by 10 and 18% respectfully. Consumer expenditure also increases in turn, further stimulating the economy, which currently sits at 2.5% growth and shows a upward trajectory as economic activity ticks up. The rumoured plans of the government to reignite cooperation within the Majatran Economic Association is also seeing many investors and companies preparing for a surge in economic activity, further stimulating Vanukean growth.


AMANI, one of Vanuku's new, popular and upcoming pop singers, showing the growth that the music industry is experiencing
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Re: Vanuku

Postby Rogue » Sat Aug 21, 2021 9:21 am

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OOC Source: Breaking Defense

Wiel: A consortium of Vanukean defense companies has reached a agreement with the Ministry of Defense and Vanukean Zeemacht on the development and construction of the planned supercarrier for the Vanukean navy. The agreement, named the Vanukean Initiative for Naval Defense or VIND, puts together naval design bureau KAAP, Stilbosch and aerospace company SATURN Aerospace. The consortium will, together with constructors hired by the Ministry of Defense, redesign, construct and test a sole aircraft carrier for the Vanukean navy. The new carrier should be highly modern and include modern systems, heavily software driven and ready for the modern naval battlefield according to its specifications. The three constracted companies were approached by the Ministry to perform the immense task, which is estimated to cost around 30 billion when finished. The many systems and immense scale of the new ship will likely drive up its cost. Specifically for the ship the navy seeks to also develop a naval multirole fighter, capable of operating from the carrier. While the airforce will only focus on two designs for its future, the navy will thus develop its own, seeking to have a seperate airwing capable of performing carrier based missions. The deal made with KAAP, Stilbosch and SATURN will see SATURN develop a catapult system for the ship as well as design the desired carrier capable aicraft to go with it, KAAP will use its expertise to create the detailed design of the new ship and Stilbosch will work with a variety of smaller private contractors to develop the internal systems, including lifts, electrical systems and more. Revenue is evenly distributed, with all companies receiving around the same for the contract, only SATURN will receive slightly less then the other two included into the deal.

The name of the new carrier has been designated to be the HMS Wrntumai, named after former Queen Wrntumai of the same house as the current king. It will be the single most expensive program undertaken by the Ministry of Defense and military in decades, likely exceeding the planned budget and possibly being delayed. The current estimate expects the supercarrier to be completed in 5 years, the necessary funds has already been reserved from the Ministry of the Economy and the King yesterday signed the approval for the construction of the massive carrier, which will likely be amongst the most advanced on Terra. The other former carriers previously in Vanukean service will be fulyl decommissioned and its parts used for other projects. Making the HMS Wrntumai the only Vanukean carrier in service upon completion.
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Re: Vanuku

Postby Rogue » Sat Aug 21, 2021 6:59 pm

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OOC Source: Google

Eroncourt: A Vanukean diplomatic delegation, led by Prefect Reshd Merlkai, has concluded a three week long series of talks with Lourennaise counterparts to come to agreement of what many call the "Oriental Pact", a strong improvement and expansion of Vanukean-Lourennaise relations. The pact, formalized into a 100 page document, significantly strengthens diplomatic ties between the two kingdoms and seeks to rebalance the diplomatic order in Terra. The details of the pact are clear, Lourenne and Vanuku will be closer alligned and seek to compliment eachother. The different pages talk about economic, diplomatic and political relations between the two countries. For example a system of judicial extradition will be set up, allowing fugitives from Vanuku to be handed over to Vanuku and vice versa, strengthening the judicial relationship between the two countries. A direct line of communications will be set up between Eroncourt and Wiel, meant to make diplomatic overtures easy and manageable between the two Kingdoms. A new diplomatic organization will also be created, chaired by a Vanukean with a Lourennaise board to help in its management. The new organizations, ironically named the "Oriental Association", seeks to promote cooperation, diplomacy and world congress participation accross Terra, representing Vanuku and Lourenne in this regard and seeking to create a greater role for diplomacy and cooperative action within Terra. When it comes to the economy, the pact will see a massive economic deal to be ratified, with Lourenne being allowed access to the Vanukean energy market, promoting their green enery alternatives while Vanuku in turn will be allowed access to Lourennaise markets for their manufacturing and defense products. Furthermore the Pact stipulates that Vanuku will put forth a deal in the MEA that would create a free trade zone between MEA member states and Lourenne, further boosting trade between the two blocs.

When it comes to the military, the newly agreed upon pact stipulates that both nations will look for opportunities to perform combined exercises and "further promote a agenda of peace, advancement of diplomacy and international order."

This major deal will bring our nations close together, setting the stage for a new global order based on respect, mutual understanding and diplomatic action. Lourenne and Vanuku, by signing the Oriental Pact, will give the good example and ensure a continued committment to peace, trade and cooperation in our time.


Said Prefect Reshd Merlkai upon concluding the deal with Lourenne. Both nations are set to ratify the pact in the coming months with international observers stating that this might be a new powerfull relationship in the making.
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Re: Vanuku

Postby Rogue » Mon Aug 23, 2021 10:09 am

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OOC Source: Greek Government

Wiel: In its effort to strengthen regional and global cooperation the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under the leadership of the Merlkai government, has issued a memorandum that describes its intention of reviving "active cooperation within the MEA" as well as "strengthening its role in Majatran intergration, cooperation and justice." The memorandum, signed by both the Prefect and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, is seen by experts as a "love letter" to the rest of Majatra. The MEA (Majatran Economic Association) is a economic organization creating a free trade zone, MEA fund and promoting trade and economic cooperation between its member states. Since its inception by Deltaria it has been perceived by many to be the guiding factor towards the "century of peace" that Majatra has find itself under. No war or rivalry has taken place on the continent since the inception of the association and economies in the region has seen unprecedented intergration with eachother, causing growth for the majority of Majatran economies. One major part of the association its success is its widespread application, with 9 of 16 majatran nations currently a member of the association. But another part of its success has been its purely economic nature, with no real political structures in place that could potentially see rivalries form between member states.

Majatran nations have generally seen that when war would commence on the continent, the economic ramifications of the increasingly intergrated economies of the MEA would be immense, so immense that a war would not be worth it. In its memorandum the Vanukean government now emphasizes the importance of the MEA and seeks to expand its responsibilities. Minister of Foreign Affairs Bhtjar Tri layed out Vanukean ambitions with the organization but was carefull not to push for extreme political elements to be added to it. In his memorandum he called for the association to be renamed into the MA, Majatran Association, removing the "economic" in between. Furthermore he calls for the creation of a "Majatran Court of Justice" intergrated into the organization which would ascribe to certain continent wide values and have jurisdiction over human rights laws and economic freedom laws, applying their ruling over member states. Furthermore a new "Executive Office" should be created with different departments, handling different economic sectors and potentially "Majatran Cooperation", promoting it on the organizational level. Another major point in the memorandum, a freedom of movement clause, allowing citizens in member states visa and passport free travel to other member states. With the current member states in place it would mean freedom of travel from Barmenistan to Kafuristan, basically making the entire continent a free travelled area, hoping to further move together Majatran nations.

Foreign Minister Tri has handed the memorandum to the Ministry of the Economy, stating that "i relayed our points to the economic ministry and we have decided to move forward in proposing these points and plans to the other MEA member states in the next session."

If these changes occur, it would be the single biggest intergration effort of Majatran nations in centuries.
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Re: Vanuku

Postby Rogue » Mon Aug 23, 2021 10:34 am

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OOC Source: The News Mansion

Wiel: Radnek Defense Technologies has been granted a new contract to replace the current fleet of Leopard tanks with a new, Vanukean designed alternative. The contract, put forth by the Ministry of Defense as part of the Resurgent Tiger Program, was detailed as a contract to replace the large fleet of current Leopard tanks with a "modern, digital and universal combat main battle tank capable of modern combat and a variety of missions, from fire support to strategic defense and more." The current fleet of Leopard's, around 400 in total, would be replaced by 250 of the new tanks according to the contract details, justifying the decision for a reduction in tanks by saying that, "with the new evolution in modern combat ordinary tanks become less relevant and the need for a small but highly modern force remains, a lower number of modern and digital combat platforms thus is of higher importance then the quantity these new tanks will be produced in."

For the design of the new tank Radnek has taken lessons from both the Leopard and other tanks such as the Challenger and some elements from Deltarian tanks. The new tank will have a smoothbore gun and include a lot of digital and software driven features. Digitalization played a large part in its design says Radnek and the current design allows the tank to be a all rounder, capable of a variety of missions from armoured assaults to infantry support, intergrating its digital systems with possibly new systems within Vanukean aircraft and infantry equipment. The contract as a whole is worth over 2 billion. Radnek has come to agreement with the Ministry of Defense that the first batch of 25 "PUMA IV" tanks will be delivered next year. If these prove to be sufficient and work well, the remainder of the 250 order will be delivered over the span of 5 years in batches of 25 each time as well. The current fleet of Leopard tanks will be gradually phased out over the coming years with the last of the Vanukean Leopards being phased out in 7 years time, they will be sold to nations willing to buy the slightly older design. 100 of the old Leopard will be dismantled and its parts used for other projects.
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