Aldegar

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Re: Aldegar Daily

Postby NationalDemUnion1 » Tue Jan 10, 2017 2:41 pm

The Bugle of the People- the Voice of the NDU

Sitting Down With Salman
Party Leader Gives His First Exclusive Interview

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Follow on from a dramatic first few months in charge, the Bugle’s Saira Khan sat down with the NDU Leader to discuss the future of the Party, the disputes with Baltusia and Istalia, and the next election.


Mr bin-Hamad, thank you for sitting down with the Bugle.
My pleasure, I’m always happy to talk to the press and discuss the important issues facing our party

Let’s launch straight into those, shall we? The NDU has been blamed by all sides for the present issues with Baltusia. How do you respond?
I’ll admit, the previous NDU government and the rogue faction supporting it within the Party executive have spectacularly cocked up. The sanctions and demands were insane, efforts to kill Baltusian politicans were beyond the pale, and the language used by officials was painful to sit and listen to. But let’s not forget, it was Baltusia that started this. We have accessed the official communique archives, and uncovered the following telegram text;
Hi we wish to discuss you shahs title can you remove king of baltusia from it if you can do this it would be much appreciated
Thank you
President Katherine Benn
Of Baltusia


I see- this certainly looks bad for the Baltusians considering they blame Aldegar for launching insults and efforts with no provocation...
Well, we are just putting this out there for everyone to see and for the government to use at its discretion. But look I’m determined, now I am in full control of the NDU, to shift attitudes and approach. We don’t want conflict or dispute, we want to de-escalate. Baltusia and her allies need to accept that the Shah will not renounce the title. We accept they don’t want His Most High Majesty, and the moment, as Head of State. If Baltusia can agree that it is the right of the Shah to use within Aldegar any titles he wish, we could support a compromise that these titles do not feature in any documents or when the Shah goes abroad.

That is markedly conciliatory considering earlier attitudes. What of Istalia?
*laughs* I think the Istalians have just gotten a bit excited at the prospect of flexing what little diplomatic muscle they possess. We don’t want to fight them, they are the ones who have been tossing around insults and harsh words. I’m quite happy to sit back now and let them shoot themselves in the foot over it.

Moving on from the realm of international politics; elections are now less than 4 years away. Is the NDU confident of a fightback?
Absolutely. We plan to put our listening exercise to good use by introducing legislation and policy to the Divan over the coming months to relaunch our campaign. Much like our last government, the Hezb-e have become too caught up in international affairs to deal with domestic politics. Let’s also not forget the new Nationalist Party- they have been relatively quiet on the policy front, but it will be interesting to see what support if any they can get.

Do you believe you can return the NDU to government?
This time? I’m relatively confident. I’m certain we will win back seats and run the Hezb-e closer than last time. If not, winning seats will put us in a position to kick on and get power back in the future. We aren’t finished as a force by a long shot.

Thank you for sitting down with the Bugle, Mr bin-Hamad
Thank you.
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Re: Aldegar Daily

Postby NationalDemUnion1 » Wed Jan 11, 2017 10:12 pm

The Bugle of the People-The Voice of the NDU

Bin-Hamad Goes On The Attack
Leader Challenges Government Over Baltusian Debacle

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Salman bin-Hamad addresses the members of the National Divan during the Bill Debate

Party Leader Salman bin-Hamad launched a devastating verbal assault on the Government over their failure to solve the ongoing dispute with Baltusia over the Shah's titles.

bin-Hamad took Court Minister Tutak Esfahani to task over his government's obtuse attitudes in the General Assembly, which the Hezb-e have insisted on blaming the previous government for. bin-Hamad accused the government of "leading us down a winding path to hell" by refusing to budge. Minister Esfahani trotted out the usual Hezb-e line of the legitimate government of Baltusia as corrupt and a puppet regime, which bin-Hamad refused to let lie.

The Leader pointed out that the NDU has prepared a compromise proposal, which Baltusia's President has taken on board and also put forward in their Congress.

Ms Daneer Tuzgaby, Shadow Foreign Minister, placed pressure on the government to "take steps towards peace and restoration of diplomacy" adding that "people in Aldegar are fed up of our nation being transformed into a pariah internationally...the Hezb-e blame the treacherous former NDU adminstration for the issue- well, if it was our fault that things got broken, you should have fixed them rather than break things further!"

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Daneer Tuzbagy talking to the press
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Re: Aldegar Daily

Postby jamescfm » Thu Jan 12, 2017 6:46 am

Glorious Illuminator|The Shah's Official News Outlet
Esfahani Laughs Off 'Pitiful' NDU Attacks
July 4, 4149

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Court Minister Esfahani responds to criticism from an opposition party

His Most High Majesty's Loyal Court Minister Tutak Esfahani has responded to spurious accusations from the opposition leader, Salman bin-Hamad. Bin-Hamad's National Democratic attempted to undermine the government's international strategy, declaring that 'people in Aldegar are fed up' and the Esfahani's ANP 'are leading us down a winding path to hell'. Speaking to the state radio broadcaster, Esfahani appeared unperturbed by the statements made against his party. When asked what he thought of the remarks, Esfahani chuckled and responded;
It's rather pitiful, isn't it? The National Democratic Union, who started this issue with Baltusia while in government now want to sell out the Aldegarian people to foreign interests in opposition. No wonder they were so categorically rejected at the polls! With individuals like Mr bin-Hamad making comments such as these and trying to undermine my government, is it any wonder that imperialists like Istalia and Baltusia think that Aldegar can be bullied and pushed around?

On closer examination, any person can see that the deal the NDU want us to support is nothing less than a surrender. Contained within the treaty are no articles which are beneficial to the people of Aldegar, for whom I work. Every single article seeks to improve the position of the neo-colonialists and human rights abusers; that is why we have firmly rejected the deal. Unlike the NDU, we in the Aldegarian National Party do not have any desire for diplomacy with Baltusia. Clearly, they must be acting on behalf of someone other than the Aldegarian people. I want to assure my people that we will not allow these traitors to derail all of our hard work by inviting the Baltusian Army to steamroll through the streets of Aldegaria.

It is also worth bearing in mind when you hear these words that they come from the same party who wanted to declare war on Baltusia, amass inhumane weaponry in our nation and destroy our well-known and well-respected international reputation for peace and neutrality! We simply won't let that happen.
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Re: Aldegar Daily

Postby jamescfm » Thu Jan 12, 2017 11:06 pm

Glorious Illuminator|The Shah's Official News Outlet
Government Encourage Boycott of Baltusian Referendum
December 25, 4149

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Deported Aldegarians protest the fact that they are unable to vote in the referendum

Following news that Baltusia will hold a referendum to settle the issue of whether or not His Most High Majesty should be recognised as the official Head of State in the nation, the Aldegarian government has made their position known on the vote. Court Minister and Aldegarian National Party leader Tutak Esfahani told sympathetic Baltusians to 'completely disregard the course of action pursued by a false and corrupt government'. Additionally, the fact that hundreds of thousands of Aldegarians were expelled before the vote took place raises questions about its legitimacy. The Aldegarian Ambassador to the General Assembly had previously commented that Aldegar would not accept the result of any referendum unless they conducted it.

At the present moment, there is little to suggest that the situation between the two Seleyan nations will improve anytime soon, with Baltusia still refusing to own up to their numerous crimes. Although the opposition has sought to undercut the government and appeal to foreign imperialists, the ruling ANP have refused to bow to the various attempts to destabilise the nation; making clear that any potential agreement must be beneficial to the people of Aldegar before it will even be considered.

The referendum will be held in June next year and the question will be 'should the 'Shah' be the King of Baltusia, and Head of State?'. In itself, that has caused some controversy from pro-Shah sections of the population. Many argue that the question is poorly phrased, that the quotation marks demonstrate a bias against His Most High Majesty, that it makes no mention of Aldegar and that it does not account for his heirs. Nonetheless, the Conservative Party of Baltusia have already established the 'No' campaign.
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Re: Aldegar Daily

Postby jamescfm » Sat Jan 14, 2017 3:09 pm

Glorious Illuminator|The Shah's Official News Outlet
Court Minister Retires
October 29, 4150

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Farzin Shahbahram, Internal Affairs Minister, is the favourite to succeed the Court Minister

His Most High Majesty's Loyal Court Minister Tutak Esfahani has announced that he will be stepping down. Esfahani, who has led the Aldegarian National Party since its formation in May 4135, cited his age and increased concerns about his physical well-being as the causes of his resignation. It is believed he spoke at great length with Shah Bardiya before making his final decision. His press secretary told us that 'His Most High Majesty would like to place on record his extreme gratitude for the fantastic work Court Minister Esfahani has done during his tenure. Without his unending desire to work for the Aldegarian people, our nation would be far worse off than it is today'.

Throughout his political career, Esfahani divided opinion but few deny that he has had a tremendous impact upon the nation as it is today. In his first term, he completey revamped the Aldegarian constitution, culminating in his resignation as Supreme Leader to crown Shahnam I as the Shah of the Aldegarians. Despite losing the following elections to the National Democratic Union, Esfahani remained resolute and in six years time the ANP found themselves with a two-thirds majority in the National Divan. In a period where Aldegar has felt constantly under threat, Esfahani was a comfortable familiarity.

Esfahani's resignation marks the first time that the Aldegarian National Party has had to appoint a new leader. Since it was formed, the written constitution has stated that 'upon a leader's resignation, his appointed deputy shall become acting leader. If that individual desires to hold the position permanently, they are permitted to do so. If not, they must consult with the former leader and the Executive Committee before nominating a new leader'. As a result, it is expected by most that Internal Affairs Minister Farzin Shahbahram (as deputy leader) will become Court Minister and ANP leader when the resignation is confirmed next week. Shahbahram has experience in the role, which he held while Esfahani was Supreme Leader of Aldegar. Since then, he has served in his current role twice.
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Re: Aldegar Daily

Postby NationalDemUnion1 » Tue Jan 17, 2017 11:29 pm

The Bugle of the People

ELECTION SPECIAL EDITION
VICTORY
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NDU RETURN TO POWER AFTER 6 YEARS
MAJORITY IN THE DIVAN SECURED- BUT ONLY JUST
BIN-HAMAD EXPECTED TO QUICKLY GET TO WORK

It was an historic day in Aldegar, as the NDU pulled off a shock comeback to triumph narrowly in the election.
Having trailed in almost every poll prior to the election, many within the Party had braced themselves for defeat, albeit a narrow one. However the pollsters and the Hezb-e Melli-ye Aldegār were left confounded as the electorate turned out in numbers not seen in 20 years, with 75% of voters casting a ballot, and the numbers swung the way of the NDU.

The day had started off with a March for Democracy in central Pāytakht-e Aldegār, with thousands of NDU supporters taking to the streets to rally the vote. Activists up and down the country knocked on doors and manned the phones to try and get every supporter out.
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NDU supporters waving the Party flag on the march

Salman bin-Hamad arrived at the Central Convention Hall in Tābestān, which the Party was using as its election night HQ, around an hour after polls across the nation closed. He took to the stage to a rapturous reception, stirring the gathered members for what would be a long, anxious night. After greeting Party delegates and candidates, he hurried to get changed into a fresh outfit and took his seat in the hall.
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Salman bin-Hamad arrives at the TCCH for election night

Just after midnight, the results started pouring in. The initial results from Polran, a National Party stronghold, were highly promising; the NDU picked up 9 seats and garnered 5.4 million votes, only 700,000 behind the Hezb-e Melli-ye Aldegār. The results from Amuro were however bad enough to cause an audible gasp, and several screams of panic; the Hezb-e Melli-ye Aldegār ran away with it, gaining 4 million more votes than the NDU and 13 seats to their 6.

The next three regions to vote were decisive. All had gone NDU heavily in the past, but had swung to the Hezb-e Melli-ye Aldegār in the last election.
All 3 lit up red on the election map, with the decisive result in Hikirena sending the hall into delirium as the NDU won 64% of the vote.
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Members of the NDU National Women's League celebrate the result in Kemoku

As the National Returning Officer, broadcasting live to the nation, confirmed and verified the results Salman bin-Hamad was all smiles. He rose to the stage to deliver a short victory speech, promising swift action and constructive politics.
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Salman bin-Hamad smiles as the results are confirmed

In all, the NDU won the election by 2.2million votes, though due to the complexities of the electoral system only have a majority of 3 in the Divan. The new Court Minister pledged to work hard to ensure no majority vote would be lost.
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Re: Aldegar Daily

Postby NationalDemUnion1 » Wed Jan 18, 2017 12:44 pm

Bugle of the People

COURT MINISTER UNVEILS NEW CABINET
WOMEN IN KEY CABINET POSITIONS AS BIN-HAMAD RINGS THE CHANGES

Court Minister Salman bin-Hamad had his cabinet approved by the National Divan yesterday, with several familiar faces returning to the scene.
Most of his cabinet had served in the previous administration, although none of them had been a part of the infamous Gang of Four which caused the untold strife and international shaming Aldegar has endured for most of the last decade.
Notable returnees include Finance Minister Salah Washid, who actually regained his seat in the Divan during the NDU's triumph. Henri Deschamps-Farooq, the notoriously hawkish delegate from Polran, resumes his post as Defence Minister, with several sources hinting that bin-Hamad had met privately with him to encourage him to tone down his previously bullish stance on Aldegar's weapon capabilities. Yosek Goeben, the trusted former high school teacher from the capital, once again fills the role of Education Minister. He is expected to push for educational reform.

However, the most striking appointments are to three of the four positions collectively known as the Great Offices- Internal Affairs, Foreign Affairs, and Justice. Salman bin-Hamad and the NDU are seeking to make great strides towards gender equalisation by appointing three women to these roles. This takes the number of women in the cabinet to four, with Yama Zapata being re-apppointed to her old role as Infrastructure Minister.
This marks the first time that a majority of the chief cabinet positions have been filled by women. The Bugle has compiled profiles on each.

Daneer Tuzgaby- Foreign Affairs
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Given her prominence in the media during the Baltusian crisis, it is hardly surprising that the 38 year old mother of 2 has been appointed to a position she has long harboured ambitions for. Raised in Polran and a graduate in International Relations and Economics from the National University, Tuzgaby worked for a Kalistani investment bank before returning to Aldegar to seek election to the Divan. Her ambition and ability has not gone unnoticed, with rumours that she is being prepared as bin-Hamad's successor.

Mara al-Shafiq- Internal Affairs
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A veteran politician, al-Shafiq has served as National President of the Civic Advisory Panel based at the National University for a decade. She has advocated for serious reform of the civil service and national bureaucracy, and was behind the reform efforts defeated by the last government. Her expertise and drive has meant that Salman bin-Hamad "considered no one else" apart from the 53 year old mother of three for the job. al-Shafiq aims to introduce major and landmark reforms during the course of the term.

Saira Ewad- Justice
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Serving Kemoku as a Divan delegate for nine years, Ewad has a firm local popularity back home. The 46 year old graduated from the Law School at the National University, and worked as a human rights lawyer specialising in minority rights issues. A member of the Mu-Tze minority, she has been seen as a prominent national voice for her people. Ewad has been a close friend of Salman bin-Hamad for close to two decades, and he can expect competency and efficiency as the new Minister attempts reform of the justice system.
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Re: Aldegar Daily

Postby NationalDemUnion1 » Wed Jan 18, 2017 9:42 pm

The Bugle of the People

STADIUM OVERHAUL ANNOUNCED
National Stadium to be rebuilt

The Infrastructure Minister today announced that the home of the Aldegarian national football team is to recieve a massive upgrade.
The Aldegar Stadium currently seats around 56,000 spectators, in increasingly dalapidated conditions.
Minister Mara al-Shafiq stated that His Most High Majesty had ordered a massive redevelopment of the stadium, along with investment in footballing facilities across the nation.
The stadium will undergo a massive transformation, with an extra 34,000 seats added beneath an all encompassing roof. The pitch of the two tiers will be shallower than at present to allow for the increased capacity, but the new roof design means there will be unparalleled views of the pitch from all sections. The iconic running track will be retained.
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The current Aldegar Stadium

The newly renovated arena shall recieve a new name upon completion. The new Shahnam I Stadium shall stand as a "lasting memorial and tribute to the late Shah.
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Artists rendering of the new stadium

The cost, expected to be around 450 million Crowns, is to be covered jointly by the National Sports Fund, the Infrastructure Ministry and the Royal Investment Society.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Clarifications and Corrections
We at the Bugle are always happy to set the record straight when we have done wrong.
Our piece on the new Cabinet neglected to highlight the proud history of female members in high ranking positions, making some glaring factual erros.
We are happy to apologise to the National Party for the piece, which was intended to highlight the ethnic diversity of the new cabinet rather than incorrectly overstate its importance to women.
Last edited by NationalDemUnion1 on Wed Jan 18, 2017 10:09 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Aldegar Daily

Postby jamescfm » Wed Jan 18, 2017 9:53 pm

Glorious Illuminator|The Shah's Official News Outlet
Shahbahram 'ready to work' with new government
December 17, 4152

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The Aldegarian National Party saw their two-thirds majority overturned in June

Farzin Shahbahram, the leader of the Aldegarian National Party, has stated that he is prepared to cooperate with the governing National Democratic Union for the benefit of the nation. In an attempt to heal the divisions between the two parties, the two-time Court Minister who took over from Tutak Esfahani as ANP leader, reinforced that both sides had the same central aims. Speaking at an event for a conservative think-tank, said Shahbahram;
It is in the best interest of both His Most High Majesty and the Glorious Shahdom, that our party is not tempted to become obstructionist for the sake of it. If we are to facilitate a robust economy and a powerful community, we must collaborate for the common good. As a result, I am ready to work with the National Democratic Union wherever possible on matters that are of great national importance. Whether or not the view of the other side is the same is of course their decision but I would hope that the slander and personal attacks would come to an end at least.


Shahbahram's slight jab at the government is believed to be in response to an article in The Bugle of the People, in which the paper criticised the ANP for their lack of women in the cabinet. The publication, which is aligned with the National Democratic Union, claimed that the most recent cabinet was 'the first time that a majority of the chief cabinet positions have been filled by women' despite the fact that the previous regime had a female Foreign Minister, Justice Minister and Finance Minister. In addition, the ANP actually employed more women in cabinet positions (six) than the current government (four).

Nonetheless, the former Court Minister has already begun turning his words into action. The Aldegarian National Party's General Assembly Ambassador has been ordered to return to Aldegar and the party has supported the Economic Relief Act to stabilise Aldegar's turbulent and struggling economy.
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Re: Aldegar Daily

Postby jamescfm » Thu Jan 26, 2017 10:07 pm

Glorious Illuminator|The Shah's Official News Outlet
National Party Looks Outwards
December 25, 4156

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ANP Foreign Spokesperson Tina Ghelkharia speaking on the need for greater Seleyan cooperation

At the launch of the Aldegarian National Party's election campaign, party leader and two-time Court Minister Farzin Shahbahram sought to moderate his position on international relations in an attempt to win back voters who deserted the ANP for the National Democratic Union's outward-looking vision of Aldegar. In front of backdrop which read 'Stronger Seleya, Stronger Aldegar', Shahbahram committed to continued membership of the Seleyan Union, which many believed his party would look to withdraw from if elected. On top of that, he spoke of a desire for a unified continent at a time when conflict has spread across Terra- from Rutania to Mikuni-Hulstria.

Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Tina Ghelkharia stated that, if she is Foreign Minister in eighteen months time, her first priority would be to open negotiations about a trade and cooperation deal with Kalistan and Indrala- two of Seleya's most influential powers. Ghelkharia remarked that the ANP may also consider signing up to the North Seleyan Train Operating Company, a collaborative project which has had rather mixed results through its history. The new approach has already begun to attract the support of younger, more liberal-minded voters who traditionally align with the National Democratic Union.

Nevertheless, Shahbahram remained fiercely critical of the government's economic strategy which he described as 'crazy nonsense'. He focused on a perceived lack of investment in public services such as infrastructure projects, which has limited the impact of free trade deals signed with a number of nations. Despite an ageing population, the government has not increased spending on health services in its entire term. The ANP pledged 'immediate utilisation' of the 30 billion crown surplus.
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