Glorious Illuminator|The Shah's Official News Outlet
Shah to Abdicate Amid National Party Funding Scandal
July 5, 4163
Princess Vajesta attending the wedding of her cousin, who she will now succeed
His Most High Majesty Samrad I has announced that he intends to abdicate following the emergence of information suggesting he donated significant amounts of money to the Aldegarian National Party. The Shah, who has fulfilled the role since his father's death in June 4161, confirmed rumours that he was considering taking the unprecedented decision of stepping down this morning. With no children to succeed him, his first cousin Vajesta will now become the first 'Shahbanu of Aldegar' in the nation's history- much to the frustration of many traditionalists.
Samrad's shady transactions, which could be a breach of the law, have caused a serious decline in public support for the office of Shah. Polling indicates that fewer people now believe the Shah(banu) should be the official head of state than at any time since the ascension of Shahnam I. Vajesta I, as she will soon be known, will have her work cut out for her if she is to repair this reputation. This may prove particularly difficult given that she never expected to be thrust into the role at all.
Additionally, the scandal could have serious consequences for the Aldegarian National Party. Farzin Shahbahram has called an emergency meeting of the party's leadership to discuss the immediate course of action. The ANP have struggled to recover their early surge in support with voters and have suffered successive election defeats to the National Democratic Union. Some commentators are suggesting that the party may be dissolved in the wake of this crisis. Whether this is the case, only time will tell.