New Endralon and Kizenia

[Naseem Khan]

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
FC Stâmoarte secure historic victory over Dinamo Deltavaros in Confederation Cup final
29 May 5302


FC Stâmoarte players celebrate Aleksandr Vitayev's second goal of the game

In a heated contest at the Stefan Tatarescu Arena, FC Stâmoarte beat Dinamo Deltavaros 3-1 to win the Confederation Cup for the first time in over a century. Two goals from veteran Trigunian striker Aleksandr Vitayev and a late free kick from captain Petar Voiculet were enough to secure victory. Stâmoarte’s triumph is the first time since 5094 that a team outside the top division has won the trophy.

Confederation Cup glory marks the end of a remarkable season for Stâmoarte. Last week they secured promotion from the second division to the Confederation Superleague. Promotion back to the top flight appeared unthinkable only twelve months ago, when the club was almost relegated to the third tier for the first time since before the civil war.

According to Voiculet, the key to their success has been head coach Zobor Naranbaatar. Appointed in January last year, the young coach has overseen a remarkable turnaround in the club’s fortunes by focusing on a bold, attacking brand of football. Zobor is notable as being the only ethnic Kuzaki coach in the top four divisions of the Confederation league system.

Over forty thousand fans made the journey from Stâmoarte to Cetatea Albă for the final. The early atmosphere was tense. Vitayev’s opening goal thirteen minutes into the game brought a thunderous reaction from the Stâmoarte supporters. Dinamo were able to find an equaliser four minutes after half-time but they failed to gain control of the game.

Vitayev headed Stâmoarte back in front shortly before the hour mark. After that, the alb-negrii never looked threatened. Voiculet’s free kick in injury time secured the famous trophy and sent the fans into rapture. Dinamo supporters were left frustrated. Despite a disappointing league campaign, they had a good opportunity to end the season with a trophy yet they failed to capitalise.
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

[Naseem Khan]

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
Ninety-three people arrested over alleged plot to overthrow the Confederation government
1 September 5302


Protestors and police have clashed on many occasions in the past year

Minister of Internal Affairs Codrin Milosovici held a press conference this morning to announce that ninety-three people had been arrested in connection with a planned attempt to overthrow the Confederation government. Senior figures in the Socialist Left Alliance and several prominent journalists were among those arrested. Milosovici told the public that the plot represented “an existential threat to our way of life”.

In recent months, the government has taken several measures to combat what they refer to as “organised political violence”. President Razvan Apostol has pledged to create a specialist section of the police force dedicated to dealing with it. Earlier this year, he formed a new department within the government, known as the Special Security Taskforce, to address concerns about public safety.

Apostol’s government continues to receive criticism for alleged anti-democratic practices. Human rights groups have claimed that the arrests are politically-motivated but the government has dismissed these accusations. Opposition politicians within Kizenia and New Endralon are divided. Last month, a split in the Hosian Democratic Party led to a change in leadership. New leader Daniel Cojoc has said that the security measures are “essential to maintain law and order”.

Despite the controversy, Apostol’s approval rating among the public has increased since his election at the end of last year. By increasing spending on the military and infrastructure projects, his government has created jobs for unskilled workers in a variety of industries. The unemployment rate has now fallen below 20 per cent for the first time in six years. Economists have warned that the spending is not sustainable though.
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

[Naseem Khan]

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
Trigunian leader Karginova arrives in Kizenia and New Endralon for official visit
18 January 5304


Karginova will visit the under-repair National Cathedral in Cetatea Albă

Matriarch of the Trigunian Federation Zarina Karginova has arrived in Kizenia and New Endralon. Karginova is the first foreign leader to visit the country since the election of Razvan Apostol over two years ago. The two leaders met in the capital Cetatea Albă this afternoon ahead of a series of meetings over the next three days.

Despite ideological differences between the two leaders, both are reportedly eager to develop a positive international relationship. In the past two decades, Kizenia and New Endralon has been relatively isolated on the world stage. Apostol and his government hope that regional cooperation might benefit the country’s development.

Among the key topics for discussion during the visit will be military cooperation. Apostol’s government has invested significantly in the armed forces. Kizenia and New Endralon lags behind other countries in terms of equipment and technology though. Minister of National Defence Paul Milcu has said finding appropriate international partners is an important step for the country.

Government sources suggest that infrastructure will be another subject discussed by the two leaders. Kizenia and New Endralon’s rail system was severely damaged during the civil war. Large parts of the network have not been repaired and remain unusable. Apostol is reportedly hoping that Trigunian firms, such as the Builders of Trigunia Corporation Groupe, will be able to bring their expertise to projects of this kind.

Aside from formal meetings, Karginova is expected to visit a handful of cultural sites during her visit. Tomorrow afternoon she will be invited to address the Chamber of Deputies before a tour of the historic National Cathedral in Cetatea Albă. On the final day, Karginova and Apostol will share a symbolic visit to the Great War Memorial in the centre of the city.
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

[Naseem Khan]

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
Popular Action secure large majority in controversial snap elections
14 February 5304


Razvan Apostol re-elected despite ongoing controversy over the electoral process

With only a handful of areas yet to announce their results, the governing party Popular Action are set to win retain their significant legislative majority in Kizenia and New Endralon. Razvan Apostol has been elected to a second presidential term despite a controversial set of circumstances surrounding the elections. Opposition parties are claiming that voters were turned away from polling stations and human rights groups have criticised the conduct of the national authorities.

The elections were announced less than three weeks ago amid a heated national debate over policing reforms. Under the new legislation, the police will no longer require a court order to search private property. The largest opposition party, the Socialist Left Alliance, had repeatedly disrupted the legislation in the Chamber of Deputies.

As with Apostol’s first presidential election victory, controversy surrounded the electoral process. Under the current government, there has been a fierce crackdown on protest within the country. Freedom of the press has been restricted too. In the past year, several prominent critics of the government have been arrested under contentious defamation laws.

Speaking to a large crowd in the early hours of the morning, Apostol claimed the election results were a “victory for national democracy”. In the coming months, his government is expected to push forward with reforms in several policy areas. Popular Action passed a series of constitutional reforms in the previous term that granted additional power to the central government. In order to ease concerns about ethnic unrest, the government has taken several symbolic measure to promote national unity. Among these is the commissioning of a new national anthem which includes verses in the country’s two principal languages: Kizenian and Zyldavian.
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[TRA]

Beiteynu
Diplomatic delegation tours Keris

[Naseem Khan]

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
Left-wing opposition party banned following eighteen-month investigation
26 March 5310


Codrin Milosovici has overseen a series of strict new rules on political protest

The leading opposition political party in Kizenia and New Endralon has been banned by the country’s electoral court. The decision to ban the Socialist Left Alliance follows an eighteen-month investigation into allegations of corruption, embezzlement and terrorism. A number of key figures within the party have been arrested and sentenced during the course of the investigation.

While the investigation was ongoing, the Socialist Left Alliance was prevented from participating in the electoral process. As a result, the party was unable to field candidates in the 5309 presidential and legislative elections. Domestic and international critics have argued that this was the latest in a series of anti-democratic measures designed to consolidate power under President Razvan Apostol.

In the absence of the Socialist Left Alliance, no significant legal opposition parties remain in Kizenia and New Endralon. The only other major party is the Hosian Democratic Party. In the past decade, the party has become closely allied to the ruling Popular Action party. International observers have increasingly referred to it as a “satellite party”.

Long-serving Minister of Internal Affairs Codrin Milosovici hailed the decision of the electoral court in a press conference this afternoon. Echoing previous comments by President Apostol, he referred to the Socialist Left Alliance as “reds, agitators and Yeudis”. Throughout his nine-year tenure, Milosovici has overseen a fierce crackdown on protest and dissent in the country.
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

[Naseem Khan]

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
Thousands left unemployed after government approves firing of striking construction workers
22 June 5310


Investment in infrastructure projects has been a key issue in recent years

Over eight thousand striking construction workers have been fired by the private construction firm NSV Group. Earlier this week the firm sought approval from the government to fire the striking workers. Minister of Labour and Economy Kerekes Dániel announced today that the government would grant that approval.

The striking workers are members of the Kizenian-dominated Comunitate union. Across the past nine months, workers have walked out over a number of disputes related to pay and conditions. Union leaders have accused NSV of exploiting the high rate of unemployment to depress wages, as well as forcing members to work in dangerous conditions.

Companies are required to seek government approval before firing striking workers in Kizenia and New Endralon. The government was faced with a difficult decision when NSV made their request on Tuesday. Creating jobs by investing in infrastructure has been a central component of Popular Action platform. NSV and other construction firms have been key financial backers of the party. At the same time, they have relied on the support of unskilled labourers in elections.

Kerekes explained the government’s decision was taken reluctantly. Despite sympathy with striking workers, he said that delays to important projects were damaging the economy. Kerekes promised that the government would find work for those left unemployed.

Concerns have been raised about the potential for violence in response to the decision. The majority of fired workers are ethnic Kizenians from the city of Nepoleşti. Throughout the dispute, NSV has employed strikebreakers primarily from the city’s Zyldavian minority community. A heavy police presence has already been established in several key locations around the city, including the Lunca Nordului construction site.
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

[Naseem Khan]

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
Trigunian coup response exposes divisions in Popular Action government
8 January 5311


President Razvan Apostol is facing criticism from within his own party

Razvan Apostol, the President of Kizenia and New Endralon, has sacked two ministers over their response to the military overthrow of the Trigunian government. Minister of Justice Michaela Petran and Minister of Health Rasvan Iliescu were both sacked from the government for publicly condemning the military coup. Apostol’s decision has attracted significant controversy and highlights divisions within his party.

Last month the Trigunian armed forces overthrew the conservative government of Maksim Miloradov. Earlier in the year, Miloradov’s party had won a supermajority in the national legislature. At that time, Apostol was among the first international leaders to congratulate him, noting the two parties shared conservative principles.

Foreign governments in several other countries were quick to condemn the actions of the Trigunian military. Apostol’s government has remained silent though. Analysts have suggested the decision is motivated by a desire to avoid angering the Trigunian regime. The government has previously sought close cooperation with Trigunia to support the economic development of Kizenia and New Endralon.

Petran and Iliescu are not the only members of Popular Action frustrated at the President’s silence. According to sources within the party, certain members of the government have become frustrated with Apostol’s leadership. An anonymous legislator said, “he is beginning to lose touch with the national mood and it is time to think about succession”.

President Apostol moved quickly to replace the two sacked ministers. Kerekes Dániel, one of his closest allies, has been appointed as the new Minister of Justice. Kerekes had served as Minister of Labour and Economy for almost a decade. The incoming Minister of Health Vörös Béla is a less obvious appointment. For the past four years, Vörös has been the chief executive of a professional water polo club in Deltavaros.
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

[Naseem Khan]

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
Razvan Apostol announces he will not run for re-election next year
20 February 5313


Michaela Petran is among the most prominent critics of President Apostol

President Razvan Apostol has announced that he will not seek re-election in next year’s presidential election. In a brief press conference, he explained it was the right time to step back from frontline politics. The decision follows months of speculation about Apostol’s future and claims that he has become unpopular among senior figures within his own party.

Apostol has served as President of Kizenia and New Endralon for over eleven years. During this period, he has pursued a series of controversial policies aimed at political and economic stability. Apostol’s policies have effectively eradicated mainstream political opposition. Human rights organisations claim he has overseen a substantial degradation of political freedoms.

Economic stability has proven beyond his reach. In the past two years, Kizenia and New Endralon has been ravaged by double digit inflation. Political crisis in Trigunia was a key factor but reckless government spending has played a role too. Failure to deal with these economic challenges is one of the reasons that Apostol has faced internal criticism.

In the hours after his press conference, Apostol published details of a cabinet reshuffle. The new government includes many of his political rivals. Analysts have suggested this reflects an admission of defeat by the President. Despite winning three landslide election victories, he is no longer in control of the party that he founded.
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[ReformedEndralon]

Endraloni Foreign Minister Visits New Endralon