"I was pushed out of the cabinet and party by the Prefect."Former Minister of Defence Eksandr Anzlék defects to GNPOnce a loyal follower of Duke Zhtál, now a leading member of the GNP: retired Colonel Eksandr G. Anzlék.July 4418 - The former Minister of Defence, Eksandr Anzlék, has defected to the Greater Nationalists. The retired Colonel announced the news himself earlier today. "I have taken a big decision by alligning myself with the Greater Nationalists, yet I feel that it is one for the better." The former Minister resigned several months ago after the promotion controversy and alleged disagreements with the Prefect. During the press conference Anzlék shed lights on the affairs. "I was pushed out of the cabinet and my former party by the Prefect. He did not want me there anymore as I objected to his plans. The Joint Chiefs of Staff proposed a war plan to him and I advised him a dozen times to ignore it. I might have made some hefty threats and tried to get other ministers to join my cause, which he did not appreciate. I can not say what the plan was, only that it was such a terrible thing that it had to be avoided at all costs. I hope it is off the table now but I fear the worst."
The Prefect made a controversial move after the resignation of Anzlék by assuming the post of Minister of Defence himself. Chairman Jlekai Nasir of the GNP heavily criticized this move. "It is blatantly non-democratic, the Kingdom of Vanuku is a constitutional monarchy, not an autocratic state where the Prefect can do as he likes." The Chairman was not the only one to harbour mistrust at the move, some fear the Prefect is trying to tighten the democratic process of Vanuku.
Colonel Anzlék however has remained silent on the issue. "Anything I say will come across as a disgruntled former employee on this issue" he said, with a cheeky smile. Anzlék has, after an inner party vote, joined the leadership board of the GNP.
Opposition Leader Jlekai Nasir pleads Kalistan to not cut ties"Please do not punish Vanuku for the mistakes made by Prefect Zhtál"Former Prefect Jlekai Nasir (right) talking with Director-General Daníl Ráhklarz of the State Security Agency after a meeting.September 4418 - The leader of the opposition, former Prefect Jlekai Nasir, has pleaded Kalistan not to cut all ties with Vanuku. "Mistakes were made by this government," Nasir said "but not by Vanuku as a whole." The Chairman of the GNP said that it would be a gruesome mistake of Kalistan to resign from the respective treaties between their nations. The former Prefect stated his beliefs that the population of Vanuku no longer supports the government of Duke Zhtál. "What he did is unacceptable. Thousands of lives, radiation, the chance to spark a global nuclear war. The risks were too high, the Prefect has gone mad with power."
Rumours go that Nasir has personally written to the leader of Kalistan to urge them to reconsider. "Punish those who did wrong, not the entire Kingdom." is a statement often repeated by Nasir nowadays. Critics however have rightfully said that Nasir has little influence as the 'Opposition Leader'. With no way to pass legislation or to regulate anything the only powerful connection he can rely on is King Juhn, who by many is not seen positively at this point for not utilizing his Royal Veto against the deadly nuclear strike.
King Juhn X attacks government: "I did not endorse this tragic affair."Critics slam King for not utilizing his Royal Veto.Archduchess Mrjmai of Banstill, the 20-year old heir to the throne of Vanuku, may be Queen sooner rather than later.September 4418 - A visibly shaken King Juhn X made a public appearance today to speak about the nuclear attack. "Many of you have rightfully looked at me and stated that I have failed my duties. I agree. I did fail. But some of you, even the government in Kalistan, have stated that I endorsed this tragic affair. By God above as my witness, I did not endorse it. I opposed every inch of it. But Vanuku is a democracy, the people elected this government, I felt it was not my place to intervene. Now I know I was wrong. I beg you all for forgiveness. Furthermore I call upon Prefect Zhtál to immediately call for peace, end this war."
The monarch has been criticized heavily for not intervening at the nuclear strike. Supporters of the King however have said that all the Joint Chiefs of Staff supported the proposal and that the Prefect was 'adamant' to pass it. Insiders have leaked that the same nuclear assault plan was presented to former Prefect Nasir several years ago, who rejected it after consulting with the King. What changed his opinion is yet unknown. It has however been leaked that the King will inform the Prefect that as the monarch he is filing for a motion of no confidence in the government. While having no legal repercussions it is the tradition that the King endorses the cabinet.
However the uncertainty and regret of the King have raised another issue for many, does he still believe he is a fit ruler? The King openly stated he regrets his decision and made a grave mistake, further into the statement he even spoke about his talented daughter and her quest for peace. The Archduchess Mrjmai is now twenty and two years into her biology study, she uses her free time to do charity across the nation and has already been noted as a quick thinker and talented speaker. Expert on the royal family, Jebr Strhosíék, has stated that an abdication would not be impossible. "Clearly the King is doubting his situation right now, there is always a chance he believes his daughter could do better as the first Queen of Vanuku in its history."