Cobura

[Mishakal]

Anna-Eugenia Faust's Reign Reaffirmed.
Internal Vote of the Central Committee and Electoral Gains Ensure the Continued Commissarship of Anna-Eugenia.

Augustus --- Earlier today the Central Committee of the Workers' Communist Party of Cobura (WCPC) announced the results of it's internal vote regarding it's confidence in the reign of Anna-Eugenia Faust. To no one's surprise the Central Committee voted overwhelmingly in her favor.

"Everyone already knew that Comrade Anna-Eugenia would win," says Toban McFearsome, the WCPC's choice for Prime Minister, "Due to the success of the party at the polls we are now the second largest party in the Senate and are in the position to negotiate a new cabinet with the other parties. The Confidence Vote became a mere formality after all of that."

The Vote did bring some changes to the membership of the Central Committee as three of it's members, Patricia Hammer, Jon Osterforth, and Kristian Swan tendered their resignations soon after the sitting session of the Central Committee.

Anna-Eugenia was quoted as saying that, "It was with deep regret that she accepted the resignations of three of the founding members of the WCPC, but that it was her hope that they would continue to support the party as private citizens."

The Commissar later in the day selected three replacements, Seth Tuttle, Paul Faust, and Henry Stearns. Each of them had been on a shortlist of possible party members to select for such an honor due to their successful management of the local chapter of the WCPC in Dilganato. Which has become the parties current stronghold State in Cobura.

Accusations from some critics that Anna-Eugenia is turning the party into a "Faust Dynasty" due to the selection of her brother went unanswered.

--By Roxy Yuthers

[Mishakal]

Anna-Eugenia to Retire?
Rumors swirl about the possible retirement of Anna-Eugenia from her position as Commissar of the WCPC

Augustus --- In the capital of Cobura today another press conference was held in which once again representatives of the Commissar denied rumors of retirement plans for Anna-Eugenia.

"The Commissar of the Workers' Communist Party of Cobura has no intention of leaving her leadership role in the vanguard party of the people's revolution in the Republic of Cobura anytime soon." the rep said from the podium despite endless speculation in political circles regarding the possible retirement and election of a new Commissar.

The rumors began soon after the 2845 elections in which the party gained seats but the DU HoS Candidate, Michael Warner won in a landslide, Anna-Eugenia barely won second place with 26% of the total vote in both the first and second election runs.

A statement from the Commissar soon after the election contained her, "Disappointment in the party’s failure to articulate its policies to the Coburan public to ensure a peaceful Communist takeover."

The party meanwhile did confirm more changes in the membership of the Central Committee, five more members have announced their retirements from their seats. Shelly Godfrey, Eugenia Myst, Jason Vickbur, Anne Letts, Stefan Romani.

The retirements of Eugenia and Stefan were expected due to the later's recent diagnosis of prostate cancer and the tragic death of Eugenia's husband and firstborn son in a car accident in Nova Venice. However the retirements of Shelly, Jason, and Anne could signal a shift in the priorities of the WCPC due to Shelly's hardline views and Jason and Anne more democratic socialist take on policy.

Their replacements, Iesus Faust, Corey McLean, Yvonne Atticus, Yvette Faust, and Joshua Doral are all considered devout members of Anna-Eugenia's MLM politics (Marxism-Leninism-Maoism) and could signal that any change of the guard will not mean a change in party policy anytime soon.

---By Dallas Claybourne

[RPC]

August 2857

Ramirez: 'Make me President for life!'


President Kaspar Ramirez addresses the Coburan Senate

President Ramirez has shocked the Coburan Senate by declaring his intention to become President for life. The startling revelation came as the President addressed the Senate to outline his proposed vision for a future Cobura under his rule. While the members of the Revolutionary Party - the majority party - applauded vigorously and intermittently, the rest of the senate sat in a varying degrees of resigned silence, with only a few members daring to shout 'Tyrant!' at the President before being escorted from the building by security personnel. It was an unprecedented moment in Coburan history - an elected President calling on the Senate to make him a dictator - not since the dark days of Bohuslav Shevchenko has Coburan democracy been put under such strain.

In his speech, Ramirez declared "[the Coburan public] desire a strong willed and determined leader" and that "they have shown the utmost faith in myself and my party and we must do everything in our power to repay their loyalty." The President then turned to his brother Gustavo, the Prime Minister and asked "Do you know of a leader capable of taking Cobura forward and leading our people to a new era of prosperity and freedom?" Gustavo smiled and replied affirmatively that "You are the man for the job, Presidente!" Drawing a huge roar of approval from the Revolutionary Party members of the Senate. Ramirez then held up his hand and confidently announced "Make me President for life!" Resulting in the Revolutionary Party members taking to their feet for a five minute standing ovation.

It is unclear what the reaction of the Coburan people will be to these comments in the Senate, and it is likely that the answer will come with the elections in 2860 when President Ramirez could be standing for election for the last time.

[RPC]

January 2858

Ramirez hails 'economic miracle' in New Year speech


President Ramirez during his new years speech to party supporters

President Kaspar Ramirez has hailed what he terms an 'economic miracle' in his annual speech to party members in Rio Irkawa. The President was referring to the 6.26% rise in Gross Domestic Product that Cobura had achieved for the previous year, announcing that "the workers revolution has proven itself to be a resounding and heart-warming success story". In addition to praising the work of various government economic initiatives in achieving this success, President Ramirez also said he owed special thanks to the workers councils throughout Cobura, to whom he attributed an 'unprecedented consumption boom'. He then went on to state that: "What has taken place over the past year is nothing short of an economic miracle. Through the destruction of the capitalist classes and ascension of the proletariat to positions of power we have created a better life and a better future for the people of Cobura."

Finance Minister Alicia Bennington was somewhat less enthusiastic, saying that while she welcomed the economic growth rate achieved "great care must be taken with regards to the financial situation. Our current debt stands at over 7% of GDP and we must prevent this from spiralling out of control in the name growth for purely growths sake." The Finance Ministry has already put forward proposals to raise Corporation Tax and the Luxury Goods Tax in an attempt to reduce the total deficit, as well as asking Prime Minister Gustavo Ramirez to 'tone down' his proposed spending plans in the future years. The Prime Minister has stated however that "spending will definitely be increased, especially with regards to national industry and the social services."

For economic data on the Republic of Cobura, visit the website of the Coburan National Statistics Office: http://cobura-nso.webs.com/

[RPC]

September 2860

Foreign Minister denies rift with Zardugal


Ellena Felling takes questions from reporters.

Cobura's Foreign Minister Ellena Felling has strenuously denied claims that a rift has developed between Cobura and its neighbour and long-term ally Zardugal. International pundits and government insiders had suggested that the Zardugal government had been shocked and angered by Cobura withdrawing from several treaties, including the Cobura-Zardugal Friendship Concord and the Axis Agreement. In the immediate aftermath of the withdrawals, the Coburan Foreign Ministry released a statement claiming that Cobura had withdrawn for reasons of 'national sovereignty and democracy', but Zardugal disputes the motives behind the Coburan Revolutionary Government's actions. One Zardugal government official, who asked to remain anonymous, remarked that "it's a diplomatic slap at the least. Any respectable nation would seek to work out the differences and highlight them versus ripping them to shreds". It is believed that this view is commonly shared throughout the government of Zardugal and even between some Coburan senators.

During a foreign office press briefing however, Miss Felling retorted that "Cobura has done nothing more than exercised its sovereign rights, and has fulfilled the democratic will of its people in withdrawing from the aforementioned treaties." When pressed to answer whether Cobura was seeking to distance itself from Zardugal and join a hostile alliance, she laughed and said "Complete nonsense. This is the stuff of fantasy and conspiracy theories. Cobura has no quarrel with Zardugal or any of our neighbours. We respect them and their sovereign rights. All we ask is the same in return, without other nations throwing tantrums like spoiled children." Asked if she felt Zardugal had thrown a 'tantrum' she smiled and answered simply "No comment." Recently re-elected President Ramirez has also criticised Zardugal's reaction, calling it "an appalling misjudgement" and remarking that "They have no right to question our motives on this issue. We have done no wrong and relations were absolutely fine between our two nations - at least until they threw a hissy fit."

[Mr.Conservative]

Massive demonstrations amidst NBP's campaign launch
Coburan News Central reports



At a massive party conference in Augustus, the Chairman of the NBP, Nate Fitzgerald, launched their campaign for the elections in six months. “It’s time to build a national movement now, and to start working for a better future for Cobura now!” Said the Chairman in his keynote speech to the conference, which was a jam-packed stadium in the middle of Augustus. The conference held by the NBP received great criticism for relying too heavily on big corporations and wealthy donors. To this, the chairman responded, “Just because the NBP has a lot of successful voters, should we be embarrassed? …they’ve fought their whole lives; they’ve achieved the Coburan dream through hard-work… If, for anything, these individuals should be rewarded, not humiliated,” While the conference was raging on, with huge masses of voters, staff and elected politicians, members of the Socialist Youth” were outside protesting. According to Jack Ashcroft, the Police Chief of Southern Augustus, the protesters were estimated to be around “800-1000”, and not “posing a great threat, yet” the police had to intervene on several occasions as the demonstrations got out of hand.

The Socialist Youth leader was quoted in a speech amidst the caterwauling of anti-capitalist slogans, “The NBP should get out of our country… they [NBP] are nothing but fat-cats who live off of bailouts and stock-swaps …it’s time for a rebellion against this kleptocracy the NBP wants.” After a quote by the Socialist leader, “Let’s take up arms now, and take them all… the fat-cats – all of them!” Chief Ashcroft changed the status of his servicemen to “high awareness.” Then there were serious physical fights between the socialists and the police. Some of the aforementioned managed to break into the stadium, but were quickly taken down by bodyguards and other private guards. In a total, the Chief had a Press Conference just now, where he reported: “50 arrests, about half of them were lightly wounded. No deaths occurred, but there were 5 demonstrators who ended up in critical conditions, and we have reports they are no in stable condition.” “No NBP supporters we have identified were harmed,”

Nate Fitzgerald used the situation to his advantage, saying “this is why we need more cops on the streets to take out these radicals… these thugs,” After massive applause, and a chanting of his name, and later the Police Chief’s name for exercising the brute force on the demonstrators, the people in the crowd were in absolute ecstasy. “Put ‘em all behind bars and throw away the key now!” Mr. Fitzgerald screamed on the stage to great applause and chants.

Polls indicate that the NBP is doing fairly well, along a 15% mark on average. As a very new party in the early stages of the campaign, according to our Chief Political Analyst, this is “astonishing,” and, “as the socialist leader said earlier this evening, maybe they should start worrying a bit more about the ‘kleptocracy’ after all.” The Analyst said clearly he thought that these ‘rebellions’ by socialists only give the NBP “more sympathy,” “it’s time to get real, the NBP deserve seriousness,” “Coburans aren’t stupid,”

On policy, the Chairman focused primarily on national security and foreign relations in interviews with journalists, “We need to take out all terrorist threats, both domestic and international,” “it’s our responsibility… to take out all threats to our great Republic.” Indicating this Hawkish stance, Fitzgerald remained clear that he thought the Cobura should use military force “whenever necessary,” and that we should “go outside our borders to fight the terrorists on our premises, not theirs.” On foreign relations, the Chairman focused mostly on Jakania and Zardugal: “We share borders with two sound Axis nations, and I insist on strengthening the ties between us in the Majatran,” Our Foreign Policy Expert, Dr. Lewis, made it clear that this was an important move by the candidate. Even though this is not likely to draw a lot of votes, “it’s important that we shift our policy to a friendlier, proper line…We need their help in the global fight against terrorism.”

[Mr.Conservative]

Foreign Minister unveils new pro-Axis foreign policy
Coburan News Central reports

At a recent press conference, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Isaiah Cohen, unveiled a new policy initiative that will provide a proper framework in a new foreign policy for Cobura.

Mr. Cohen said in his press conference “Cobura will stand next to the Axis whenever we can, and we will work with pro-Axis nations in the quest for a strong, sound Terra, and especially Majatra.” The Foreign Minister said even that “Cobura should be ready to sacrifice for our great cause…through aid and through intervention if necessary,” When a follow up by the reporter of the Augustus Chronicle about what the Minister meant with “intervention”, he specified that the need to keep a strong and sound military and have something to “back up our words with,” was necessary. “It’s more important now than ever before to face the global threat of terrorism,” “Our national security is at stake, and we need to stand up and fight.” The Foreign Minister continued in his press conference that, “…the Axis plays an integral part in Coburan interests, and we have multiple studies by the Cobura Central Intelligence Office, the Foreign Ministry and others who say clearly that it is in our best interest to ratify the Axis treaties and show our willingness for this great and noble cause,”


Foreign Minister Isaiah Cohen at the Press Conference

The Foreign Minister went on and commented on issues concerning Zardugal, Jakania, and Vanuku. A reporter from the CNC asked: “Like Jakania now, that is a nation close to us, yet not in the Axis, will we simply decline building better relations with them?” The Foreign Minister made it clear that, “Absolutely not… we will work to have better relations with all countries, with main emphasis on the Majatran states…Jakania will be in our loop, and we will continue to brew sound relationships with all nations that behave friendly towards freedom, and do not aid terrorists,” “But make no mistake: if a nation is aiding terrorists, we’ll be their number one enemy, Axis or not.”

According to unnamed sources inside the Foreign Ministry, there’s been quite a lot of discussion over this new policy proposal, and certain members of the cabinet have expressed their concerns with running this pro-Axis line. We unfortunately have not been able to reach these insiders, and have therefore not been able to get a comment from the dissent.

Our political commentator, Dr. Crawford, a doctorate in international affairs and long time Augustus insider, said “the Foreign Ministry’s new initiative is absolutely sound… this is what we need in order to renew our focus in foreign policy,” “It’s time that we do something else than simple idleness; Cobura is created for so much more,” Dr. Johnson at the University of Augustus, commented that this policy initiative was “idealist and realist,” “This is like mixing together the best of idealism with an old-school styled raison ‘d’état,” Even nationalist organizations endorsed the move as a way of making Cobura the “prime power in Majatra,” this might, however, be a bit far-fetched. A critical foreign policy expert at the magazine International Affairs, said that “This is just recycled war-mongering by the NBP” and characterized the initiative as a “follow up of what the Chairman has said earlier about how they want to go out and colonize the world,” “This is about power, power, and more power.”

Regardless of what experts might analyze, it does seem as if the Coburan people want something new from the Foreign Ministry, and Cohen has delivered exactly that. Polls indicate that upwards to 55% of Coburan adults support the initative, with a high percentage of “Not sure” whereas only 24 % outright disapprove.

[Mr.Conservative]

Bomb goes off in Augstus; 55 killed
Coburan News Central reports

During a conference at the Coburan Economic Forum today, a bomb went off in the luxurious hotel, Augustus Grande, killing 55 Coburans. The hotel was turned to debris by this enormous bomb. Speculations turn the spotlight on Socialist terrorists, and more specifically the organization “Socialist Majatra” We have yet to get a formal comment by the Chancellor, but Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. Gale Norton, confirmed that this was an “act of terrorism… a strike at the heart of Cobura in an attempt to demoralize us,” We are not sure whether or not he had clearance by the Chancellor’s office, but the Minister went on to set up and recognize the Coburan Central Intelligence Office, which has been an idea by the Foreign Minister. This department will identify threats to national security and investigate such matters. The IA Minister made it clear he had set up a “task force unit to find who did this, find the evidence and we’ll put them in jail and throw away the key… we will do anything we can to take them…” This was undoubtedly a blunt comment by the IA Minister, and when asked who could possibly do this, he responded: “We can’t currently condemn any particular organization, but the Socialist Majatra is in special focus due to recent events…” “As we mourn the loss of 55 Coburans today, our prayers go to their families, and we hope that the government puts forth a strong policy to take these terrorists down. There’s no time for ‘dialogue’ or other outright humbug, we need strict security measures now. “ said our chief political analyst, Dr. Duke.



A professor at the University of Augustus and expert on terrorism says it’s likely that this act is done by “the socialist organizations…we have reason to believe that they have gained quite more resentment against the NBP after they entered government,” “they’ve even broken up their conferences at times and attacked members of the NBP,” Another expert commented: “this is just a way by disenfranchised youth to express their opinions in a society that totally undermines them,” When the IA minister was confronted with this comment, he said “This professor lives on another planet, his comments are absolutely deranged… we encourage healthy debate… but we will not stand by and watch as our citizens get slaughtered in the street,”

[Mr.Conservative]

Socialist Majatra behind the Augustus-Bombing
Coburan News Central reports

After the explosion of a gigantic bomb in the middle of our beloved capital shattered our entire nation, turning us to grief, disbelief, and demoralization, the Coburan Central Intelligence Office (CCIO) set up by Internal Affairs Minister, Gale Norton, have now found substantial evidence that the Socialist Majatra organization stood behind these terrorist attacks.


Alleged terrorists getting arrested

During a press conference on the day of the bombing, the IA Minister made it clear that the Socialist Majatra was in their loop and with special focus. This evidently led to the CCIO putting almost all their resources on this organization, according to unnamed sources. Now, after weeks upon weeks of investigation, the CCIO found evidence on the computers at the underground headquarters of the Socialist Majatra just south of Augustus. According to the Spokesman at CCIO, the HQ was quite “remarkable” and with “high-tech technology,” which signalizes that this organization is getting “substantial funding from external donors,” the evidence found on their computers indicated blueprints of the Augustus Grande Hotel that was bombed. There were all the ingredients that were needed to make this exact bomb, and the recipe was found on one of the computers. The CCIO had known where this HQ had been situated for quite some time, but they did not want to rush in and destroy potential intelligence by use of surveillance. This was a smart move, and has now led to the discovery of who these terrorists are. The main people involved are Jonathan Smith (23), Josh Dalton (21), Mary Johnson (18) and the alleged mastermind is Smith Darling (29), a man with a doctorate in Physics at the University of Augustus. The IA Minister was stunned at how “young” these terrorists were, and how on earth they could “hate so early on…and for what purpose in God’s green Terra would they have for bombing and killing 55 innocent civilians!?”

According to the lawyers of the alleged terrorists, they would like the media to stay non-biased and not lean towards condemning these students, who they claim to be completely innocent. One of the student-terrorists at their press conference, shouted out that “they’re just doctoring data; they want a scapegoat!”

145 pounds of heavy substances were found at the headquarters, indicating that the organization also is into shady deals related to drugs. The CCIO said they will hand this case over the Justice and IA, and they will themselves focus primarily on the terrorism charges. According to the CCIO, the evidence they’ve got is so hard it will “puncture your kidneys…that’s why we’re not disclosing everything yet, due to the security reasons,” IA Minister, Gale Norton, hailed the CCIO’s extreme efficiency in finding the alleged terrorists and said that “…I’m so terribly glad that we now have found these culprits, we need to bring ‘em down and throw ‘em in jail,”

Political Commentator Dr. Duke commented on the implications of the surveillance techniques used here, which has spawned a quite serious debate in the ‘blogosphere’. According to legitimate sources, the CCIO had used expanded powers, granted by the IA Minister to use surveillance specifically against the Socialist Majatra. These techniques were according to Dr. Duke, “breaking with common practice of privacy regulations,” “Against basic human rights…” “It’s great we took them, but we shouldn’t become extremists ourselves,” the IA Minister commented that the CCIO should be able to use “all equipment and techniques necessary to take national security threats down,” “If you want them to fight with a hand behind their back, we’ll never catch the terrorists,” Blogosphere libertarians have launched quite harsh attacks on the actions of the IA minister and CCIO in their extensive usage of hacking methods and other breaking of “commonsensical privacy principles,”

According to a poll delivered by the Poll Research Institute to the CNC, an overwhelming 80% of adults approve of the government using “all techniques possible” to take terrorists down. Only 15% outright disapprove.

[Kang]

President visited Hudson Stadium

(CNNN=Hudson) A match between Hudson Eagles and Gwen Climbers which will be the beginning of the National Baseball League took place at Hudson Stadium in 14, February. After famous pop singer Roy Carlson sang 'Soldiers of Freedom', the Air Force honor guards showed up and played Presidential March. Audiences shouted for President when he walked to the mound. President Quincy raised his hand and took the salute. He pitched a ball to a catcher, Ian McCoy, Eagles` number 14. He shook a hand with him and again took the salute of the audiences. They enjoyed great game with president, and Gwen Climbers won by 5-3 in 10th inning.