Republic declared - king barricaded in palaceDecember 2911The National Assembly has voted overwhelmingly in favor of abolishing the nation's monarchy and declaring a republic. In an historic vote that brings to an end the rule of Terra's oldest monarchy, politicians ordered unpopular King Joseph to step down and to leave his palace.
"The spirit of freedom has been honored today by us getting rid of this tyrant," Populist Party spokesperson Boris Jorgen told a gathered crowd.
"The Endralonian people have been freed from centuries of feudal tradition, and the doors of change have now opened," he said.
The abolition is a triumph for the coalition government and marks a fresh start for the country, still reeling from years of political division. Officials say Joseph, who ascended to the throne after the death of his father, will have 15 days to vacate his lavish palace.
Protestors outside the royal palaceOutside the palace a crowd of several thousands - who had been waiting impatiently for the vote - cheered wildly as the result was announced. Reformists have told Joseph to bow out gracefully and adapt to life as a "regular citizen" or else "leave the country."
"I am overjoyed. This is the most important day of my life," said a 21-year-old student.
Addressing the crowd a Populist Party Minister said: "Endralon has turned into a democratic republic, all laws and traditions that contradict this idea will be invalidated from today."
"All the privileges enjoyed by the king and royal family will automatically come to an end."
He later told reporters that Joseph "should understand and leave the palace by himself, that would be the best thing."