Aloria

[IntruderEmerald]

Economic growth lower than expected while unemployment falls
However concerns remain about stagnant wage growth

Aloria's economy grew by 0.3% in the last quarter of 4846, meaning annual GDP growth was 2.2% latest figures show. This was much lower than forecast, as critics of the government mount concerns that their economic strategy is failing. A group of centre-left economists have criticised the government's economic strategy of cutting public spending at a time of low economic growth, causing GDP growth to stall even further. Furthemore, they have questioned the reasoning for these public spending cuts whilst also cutting taxes.

"These cuts to public services haven't reduced the deficit, as any savings have been lost through tax cuts and sluggish economic growth".

However, the government have defended their approach, suggesting the reason to cut public services was not to reduce the budget deficit, but instead to reinvest it in their Great Infrastructure Programme, which they say has led to a "sharp" fall in unemployment over the last 12 months. New figures today do show unemployment has fell to 6.1%, down from 7.5% at the start of the year. It is unclear how much of this is due to the government's Great Infrastructure Programme however.

More worryingly is the new figures on inflation and wage growth which suggest wage growth is still lagging behind inflation. Despite inflation falling in 4845 closer to the government's target of 2%,it has risen again this year. Whilst wage growth is growing, and was 2.4% in the last quarter, wages in real terms continue to decline. The Conservatives have been criticised for failing to pay enough attention to wage crisis in the country currently. Prime Minister Barnes has promised to bring "substantial wage growth in real terms by 4848.

[IntruderEmerald]

Government sets net immigration target of 100,000



Guto Barnes has said he hopes to reduce net immigration to 100,000 by 4855 with a new plan to train Alorian workers to fill skills shortages. Currently net immigration stands at 225,000 which is down from 254,000 in 4845. However, the government say this level of immigration is too high to be sustainable and the prime minister has insisted an urgent review of the situation is needed. Some Conservative MPs have called for a cap on immigration in order to meet the target of 100,000 with immediate effect, however the prime minister has resisted these calls insisting the way to reduce immigration in the fairest way and also to not damage the economy is to have a better training scheme for Alorian workers in order to fill skills shortages currently being filled by high levels of immigration.

The new jobs-training scheme announced by the prime minister will allow people to partake in new industries and skillsets and be able to claim government grants and bursaries. The government has said the sectors of the economy with the biggest skill shortages are in healthcare professions and IT. Therefore, the prime minister has also announced reduce tuition fees for university students wishing to study a course relating to these industries.

Figures suggest it could take up to a decade for the impact of these new announcements to filter into the job market and see a reduction in immigration. The prime minister thinks a target of reducing net immigration to 100,000 by 4855 is a realistic goal, even though he is under pressure from some Conservative MPs to take more decisive action sooner. Currently, Aloria's immigration system operates on a quota scheme. It is thought the government is drawing up plans to tighten restrictions in order to make it harder for applicants to reach the requirements needed to fulfil the criteria.

[IntruderEmerald]

Conservatives look to restrict abortion and outlaw euthanasia while removing restrictions on smoking

The government has proposed the Health Liberties Bill, which restricts abortion to the first and second trimesters and makes euthanasia illegal. The bill also loosens restrictions on purchasing tobacco products. Furthermore, the government is looking to remove pharmaceutical subsidies except for those on low-incomes. The government say these restrictions remove some of the more extreme policies imposed by the last few governments and also protects individual liberty by removing restrictions on tobacco products and the advertising of addictive substances. The government has been criticised by many anti-smoking pressure groups, with a leading group and some healthcare professionals releasing a joint statement saying the government has launched an attack on the nation's health. However, Healthcare Secretary Meinwen Hier says the government is protecting individual liberty.

The bill is set to pass through Parliament without too much trouble, however some Conservative MPs have expressed concern at some of the measures in the bill. It is also thought that Defence Secretary Gareth Ellis is considering resigning from the cabinet over the bill, criticising the prime minister pro-smoking stance. Mr Ellis is also concerned about the economic policy of the government, with insider sources saying the defence secretary is concerned about the rising deficit and about how much money is being potentially wasted on the Great Infrastructure Programme.

[IntruderEmerald]

Government looks to cut aid and drops "ethical" tariffs
Prime Minister says: "Trade not aid!"

The government has proposed a bill that will tie foreign aid to poorer nations to trading rights, with the government looking to overhaul its foreign policy. Prime Minister Barnes has said tying aid to trade will have great benefits for both Aloria and developing nation, declaring he believes in "trade not aid!". Moreover, the government is planning to remove so-called "ethical" import tariffs on nations with lower environmental standards and labour rights. Instead, tariffs will only be imposed on nations who impose import tariffs on Alorian exports.

The Conservatives are looking to bolster their support due to the rise of the Alorian People's Party. The centre-left party is picking up in the polls and it is known that the prime minister is concerned that Conservatives' record on key issues such as reducing immigration and cutting the deficit are coming under question. As part of the Trade & Security Bill, the government is also imposing tougher border control measures with intensive security checks in order to please those Conservative MPs on the right of the party and with the their voter base.

Economic growth strong in 4847 as unemployment falls and wages rise

Latest economic figures

Latest figures show the economic recovery is continuing after a strong 4847 where the economy grew by 1.7% in the first quarter of 4848 and 0.4% in the second. Unemployment has falls to 4.5% and wage growth is now outstripping inflation. The government say unemployment is the lowest is over two decades and this is due to their Great Infrastructure Programme. Furthermore, the prime minister has expressed that he is "thrilled" by figures which show wage growth is growing faster than inflation.

However, critics of the government say that it has taken too long for wages to grow again in real terms and that the government didn't do enough, and still hasn't done enough, to reduce inflation. Figures for the latest quarter show inflation at 4.5%, which is 2.5% higher than the government target of 2%. There are also criticisms about the rising costs of the Great Infrastructure Programme, particularly the highly-ambitious high-speed line being built, which is due to be finished in 4855.

[IntruderEmerald]

Prime Minister expresses concern about Luthorian government

Prime Minister Guto Barnes has joined Hutori politician Bruce Kimmo in expressing concern about the far-right government in Luthori. The Luthorian government consists of the National Movement, Authoritarian Fascist Union and White Rose, all of which have supported far-right policies.

We have seen a lack of leadership on the international stage in dealing with the rise of fascism in Luthori. Whilst we recognise the Luthorian government was democratically elected, I do have concerns about the extremist policies the government is implementing. What is particularly concerning is the suppression of opposition politicians, including Jones Coldman. Furthermore, threats to ban opposition parties such as the Red Party of Luthori.

I would like to see an effort from Artanian leaders to put pressure on the Luthorian goverment to stop pursuing these extremist measures. Aloria fully respects the Luthorian regime's right to pursue policies they stood for election on, however we should not stand by as minority rights are violated and opposition parties are banned. Democracy is at stake.

- Guto Barnes, Prime Minister of Aloria

[IntruderEmerald]

Aloria to sign Luthorian sanctions
Aloria to be second country to sign international agreements sanctioning Luthori

The government has tabled a bill to ratify the Agreement to Sanction the Holy Luthori Empire and has the support of the Alorian People's Party on this matter. Aloria will become only the second nation in Terra to sign the agreement after Hutori. PM Barnes has said he is pleased with the international response to the Luthorian situation since Hutori politician Bruce Kimmo and himself voiced their opposition to the far-right government.

Despite the prime minister's approval for international sanctions, there are concerns about the economic impact of them on Aloria. The sanctions currently mandate for a total freeze on all forms of economic trade with Luthori, something which will impact Aloria due to Luthori being a nearby trading partner. The prime minister has stressed that these measures will not be in place any longer than necessary, however the Luthorian government doesn't yet seem deterred. It is rumoured that opposition MP Jones Coldman is to be sentenced to 3 years in prison for hate speech in a "politically motivated" trial.

[IntruderEmerald]

Alorian PM: More work to do in Luthori before sanctions are removed
Aloria will keep current sanctions in place until after the Luthori early election

The Alorian prime minister, Guto Barnes, has expressed his approval of the fall of the fascist government in Luthori due to the dissolvement of the Authoritarian Fascist Union. This has given Luthori's left-wing parties a chance to form a government until a snap election is held. Barnes says he is pleased to see the left-wing parties calling an early election despite them having a majority now, as Luthori's people must be given a chance to decide its future. The prime minister has also said he is pleased with how quickly the far-right government's policies are being repealed.

However, Barnes has said there is still work to do before the current internationally-supported economic and diplomatic sanctions are lifted. The Alorian government will not remove sanctions until the early election has been held and a government has been formed. Only then, the prime minister says will sanctions be lifted.

[IntruderEmerald]

Guto Barnes to stand down before 4853 election

The prime minister has announced his intentions to stand down before the next election, with the Conservative Party expected to hold a leadership election in mid-4852. Barnes has led the Conservatives since 4843 and was elected prime minister in 4844. He has led the country out of recession and more recently played a big role in the Luthori situation.

Barnes made a speech in Parliament today:

I have been privileged to lead this country and this party in the last 8 years but now is the time for new leadership to take this country forward through the 4850s and I have full faith in whichever one of our great Conservative MPs takes over this office and continues the Conservative mission to reform Aloria domestically and internationally.

I am proud of our achievements of the past 8 years. Balancing the budget and cutting taxes to rejuvenate our economy; kickstarting the Great Infrastructure Programme to get Aloria building; improving civil liberties by removing the policies of the health and safety mob; reforming foreign policy to put emphasis on trade not aid, and removing import tariffs; giving more power to people instead of union; showing commitment to tackling climate change, and playing an important role in taking action against the fallen far-right government of Luthori.

As a party and as a country we should be proud of these achievements, but I am clear that there is still more work to do. We need to bring down inflation in order for ordinary people to feel the impact of solid wage growth. After decades of mismanagement of our military, we need to restore its strength by investing in new technologies and working with our partners, such as Dorvik, to improve our military prowess. We need to level up education in the southern and eastern parts of country, which still lag behind the north-west. We need to meet our target of reducing net immigration to below 100,000 per year, something I admit we are currently not on course to do. But I have come to the conclusion that it cannot be me who can meet these challenges. A new leadership is required to tackle these problems, and to build on the success of the past 8 years. I wish whoever takes over this great office the best, and I will always be around to support colleagues in this parliament and whichever one of you becomes the next leader of Aloria and the Conservative Party.

[IntruderEmerald]

Conservative leadership election down to final two candidates

The Conservative Party leadership election has come down to the final two candidates after both Gareth Ellis and Meinwen Heir were eliminated in the last two rounds of voting by Conservative MPs. The results were as follows:

First Round
Walter Waxweiler - 247
Neirin Probert - 242
Gareth Ellis - 67
Meinwen Heir - 44

Second Round
Neirin Probert - 263
Walter Waxweiler - 260
Gareth Ellis - 77

Now that the race is down to two candidates, the vote will go to party members. Whilst the race has been close between Neirin Probert and Walter Waxweiler among MPs, the party membership is said to favour Mr Probert. The vote will take place at the end of the month.

Probert has been dubbed the continuity candidate, representing a smooth transition from Guto Barnes to himself. Probert has said the party needs to continue to approach the economic situation with a balanced position. In terms of foreign policy, Probert wants Aloria to play an active role on the international stage, and has praised the current prime minister for tackling the Luthori issue.

Waxweiler represents the right of the party, being more socially conservative than Probert. He has called for a dramatic reduction in immigration and a rejection of the modern liberal left. He has also criticised Barnes' interventionist foreign policy. He has used the recent terorrist attack in Deltaria to express his view for a more isolationist foreign policy, warning that hawkish nations reap what they sow from intervening in other nations' domestic issues.

Barnes urges caution after Deltaria terrorist attack

The prime minister has put the nation on the high alert after the recent terrorist attack in Deltaria. He has demanded that more police officers are to be put on the street in case of a similar attack in Aloria, warning that copycat attacks are highly likely. Barnes said this attack was an attack on all free nations and has offered assistance to the Deltarian government. Aloria has not experience a major terrorist attack for a number of years, although the risk still remains high, particularly in the capital Sildar Urbem. The prime minister chaired an emergency cabinet meeting this morning to discuss the situation.

Aloria lifts sanctions on Luthori, encourages others to follow

Aloria has lifted the economic and diplomatic sanctions imposed on Luthori during the time of the fascist government. Prime Minister Barnes has stated the new Luthorian government has shown a strong commitment to bringing an end to the fascist practices of the previous regime and there is now a new opportunity for closer cooperation between Luthori and Aloria. Moreover, the prime minister and his cabinet were said to be concerned about the impact of the restrictions on Aloria's economy, particularly the effects of the trade embargo on inflation. The government has also encouraged other nations to drop the sanctions.

[IntruderEmerald]

Neirin Probert elected leader of the Conservative Party, calls snap election



The Conservative Party membership has elected a new leader - Neirin Probert. Mr Probert is seen as the continuity candidate who will continue to push on with the agenda of the government under Guto Barnes. Barnes has said farewell to frontline political office and has said he is "delighted for Neirin", a Barnes loyalist. The losing candidate, Waxweiler - who represented the right of the party - said he was disappointed but wished Probert the best of luck. Probert will announce his new cabinet after a snap election however he is expected to keep many of the current ministers in place. Waxweiler, who is currently Minister for Food & Agriculture, is expected to get a promotion in a bid to ease tensions between the right of the party and the centrists.

The results of the leadership contest were as follows:

Neirin Probert - 61%
Walter Waxweiler - 39%

Probert has announced that he will hold a snap election as soon as possible to get a mandate from the country for his leadership. He has kept in place much of Barnes' special advisors and so he plans to run the election campaign on the message of being the candidate for stability and continuity. The key issues at the election are likely to be about Aloria's foreign policy, with Probert being seen as an interventionist, and the economy due to a rise in inflation in the last year. Inflation has been rising due to a combination of factors, including the trade embargo with Luthori - which has now ended - and big GDP growth that has not been seen for decades. Currently, wage growth continues to outstrip inflation, but that is forecast to change early in the new year.



As Barnes leaves office, he leaves the country on the brink of another economic collapse

Barnes leaves office after 8 years as our prime minister and here at the Alorian Echo we say good riddance. A legacy that the Conservatives cheer will soon bring Aloria to brink of economic collapse. As inflation rises, it is clear what is next. We will see economic collapse as the Conservatives look to grapple with the issue and it will bring mass unemployment. Of course, the Conservatives will say they have reduced unemployment to record lows, and that may be true, however they have not built this economic "miracle" on a solid foundation. They have wasted billions on vanity projects that have benefitted the most prosperous areas of the country, while deprived regions get left behind by Conservative incompetence.

Barnes may have got an easy ride in the last eight years from his own party and the electorate, but we all know that is because of the lack of a real, credible opposition party to the Conservatives. We need a new opposition that can tackle these problems head-on. Something needs to be done before this Conservative government unleashes even more wreckage on the lives of the poorest through big cuts to public services in a bid to reduce the deficit to meet their arbitrary target of reducing spending to 25% of GDP. The Conservatives call it a saving for a rainy day fund, but everyday under this Conservative government is a rainy day. As they celebrate record GDP growth, they fail to realise that this growth is not evenly spread. The capital and surrounding areas continue to get richer while the rest of us suffer from their endless regime of capitalist claptrap.