Dorvik

[jamescfm]

               21 July 4911


Chairman of BismarckPaulus resigns over remarks about female colleague

Phillip Krukenberg, the most senior figure in the leadership of BismarckPaulus, has resigned his position following public controversy over comments that he made regarding a female colleague. In a short audio clip that was widely shared on social media, Krukenberg made a string of vulgar and sexualised comments about Ina Voigt, one of the most senior figures in the company.

Although he initially resisted calls for his resignation, Krukenberg is believed to have jumped before he was pushed as the company's board of directors was ready to force him out. BismarckPaulus is among the oldest and largest firms in the country and a major producer of consumer goods but the controversy threatened to undermine their strong brand identity among the Dorvish public.

The scandal has provoked a reaction from both sides of the political aisle. Progressives have highlighted the comments as indicative of broader problems that women face at the top of the business and financial world and suggested it represents an example of institutionalised sexism. Men significantly outnumber women at the senior leadership level in almost all sectors of the Dorvish economy. Nonetheless some on the right have called the controversy an example of so-called "cancel culture".


Staatsliga signs unique new deal with streaming service Zu-Hause

Dorvik's national football league the Staatsliga has signed a major new deal with the streaming service Zu-Hause. Beginning with the 4912-3 football season, twenty-four Staatsliga games each season will be available at no additional cost to Zu-Hause subscribers. The deal marks the first time that the Dorvish football authorities have permitted games to be shown on a streaming service and follows similar movements in other countries over the past two centuries.

In the past decade the Staatsliga has been engaged in a battle with Endralon's Championship of Cantons to attract international viewership. At the same time, both countries have competed closely at the club and international level to establish themselves as the dominant footballing power in northern Artania. Both are already considered major contenders for the 4914 IFF World Cup but may have to compete with reigning champions Malivia.


Influx of new political parties registered with the Elections Commission

No fewer than three political parties have been registered with the State Elections Commission in the past six months. All three appear to be from the political right and are positioning themselves in opposition to Dorvik's left-wing government. In addition to the libertarian Civic Party formed in February, the far-right Association of Fascists and Radical for Dorvik were both registered in the past six weeks. The latter party claims inspiration from the historic party known as the Radicals (not to be confused with the left-wing Radical Party of Dorvik).

Recent polling has shown a notable increase in support for the centre-right Dorvish Democratic Hosian in the past twelve months too. Although the party contested the previous national elections, they did so with little election machinery and attracted few votes. Since then they have emerged onto the national stage with the defection of Marion Holthusen, a Radical Party member of Kongress identified with the party's Hosian socialist faction.

The sudden rise of parties of the radical right has led to suggestions of an "authoritarian backlash" against the democratic order that has emerged since the demise of the Free Conservative Party. Paskal Klostermann, a left-wing member of Kongress, has called for the State Elections Commission to restrict its criteria for registering political parties, saying "we cannot tolerate intolerance". The concerns are amplified by fears of further political violence following the bombing of the Radical Party headquarters last year.

Wirtschaftsnachrichten für Artania (Artanian Business News) is a leading source on business and finance in Dorvik and Artania.

[mrcricketer]

According to reports in Aloria press Controversial Musuem about Dorvik's Military involvement In Aloria CivilWar war & about rebel country National Social Republic of Aloria is on cards in Gavonshire , Aloria

viewtopic.php?f=17&t=250&p=171718&sid=e35946acfd569de10299a590a5d0b79b#p171718

[jamescfm]

          

               Linus Sachs | Haldor, Greater Kordusia | 12 July 4913


          General election results deliver shakeup to the nation's politics

The two largest political parties in Kongress were dealt major blows in national elections held yesterday. Both the centrist Constitutional Democratic Party (KDP) and the left-wing Movement for the Planet (BdfP) lost over fifty seats amid a surge in support for the radical right. In the presidential race, incumbent Christiana Kühne was defeated despite support from all three of the country's largest parties going into the election.

The major beneficiary of this collapse in support was the Democratic Hosians (DHvD). Elsa Krehl was elected President on the party's ticket and they gained sixty-one seats to become the largest party in Kongress. Opinion polling prior to the election had the party winning a plurality but it seems they did better than predicted in part due to lower support than expected for the far-right Radicals for Dorvik (RfD). Throughout the campaign, the DHvD pitched themselves as the party of moderates and conservatives in what appears to have been an effective appeal to the country's sizeable rural population with particular success in the south.

Elsewhere the centre-left Radical Party (RPvD) managed to recover eight seats following a poor performance in the previous election primarily as a result of their strong performance in the capital and the north. The election proved a resounding failure for the recently established Civic Party (Bp) who failed to win a single seat and attracted less than one per cent of the popular vote.

The major story of the election was the success of two new parties of the radical right: the aforementioned RfD and the Association of Facsists (VdF). While the former underperformed compared with some election polling, the latter did slightly better than expected and finished as the joint third-largest party with the same number of seats as the BdfP. At present it is not clear whether these major gains will allow either of the parties into government, however it will at least necessitate cooperation between parties of the left and the right in order to keep them out as well as reaffirming pre-existing concerns about political polarisation in Dorvik.

[ChengherRares1]

Der Unitarier
Religious revival and new Dorvish nationalism on the table?
February 4914

Dorvik as seen by part of Hosians who identify as Hosians only and reject clear denomination attempts believe that the nation has fallen thanks to the divisive conservative laws, alongside with the fact that capitalism has prompted a culture of rabid consumerism and furthering away from nature and from God himself. To improve this and set things back in line, major intellectual leaders laid the work for a new wave of Dorvish nationalism, alongside with believing there is a connection between egalitarianism, spirituality, collective unconscious and nationalism, with a decentralist twist and ecologist twist on top of all this.

Leader Stephan Steinitz has led fellow students and academic coworkers to found this new nationalism and thought thanks to the decaying society of Dorvik, from depression, alienation, to division and hatred everywhere.. on top of this, centralist nonsense and polluting, materialist state of mind and actions have led this nation to disarray, even if it is the top economy, it is seen by many Federalists as a premise of collapse, as people further away from nature and God, as they stray away from spirituality and asceticism, as they devolve into oblivion and hatred, as individualism has long surpassed it's value and the central government has became slowly more inept to lead this nation.

While other parties are too busy talking about "progress" or "purity", the NFP talks about "unity", "love" and "happiness", it talks about a new order, not focused on economic growth at the expense of others or environment, nor about meddling into other national affairs, but focusing on reconnecting with the higher world and with the lands that are given by the divinity.. alongside having equality and peace among people, in which local communities are empowered once again. Critiques have stated that the new FNP is far right under disguise, but many members have explained the new currents as egalitarian, even socially, more than anything.

It is yet to be seen whether the FNP will be seen as rightist or leftist, with some calling it centrist or third-way, as it axes more on spiritual renewal and national unity more than anything, with many important members being minorities of all kind. Again critiques have went after the possible inspiration from Lodamese academia, but such false accusations were retracted and proven wrong. The book "Memories of another world" by Lucas Schönfisch represent the holy book of the new spiritual movement that spreads like wildfire among devout Hosians and socialists.


[Janik Wassermann giving a sermon to people]

[DueWizard70]

Krehl Cabinet passes. DHvD/VdF/RfD coalition
February 4914

Haldor- After last month the proposed cabinet passed in Congress, today the last of the new members were confirmed. The DHvD, being the largest party, got seven cabinet seats, with the other two parties splitting the remaining seats, each getting three. The coalition has a total of 121 seats in Congress, just enough to get the majority.

The coalition was received with a lot of backlash, both from people outside of the party and within it. Party vice-president Marion Holthusen, leader of the centre-left faction of the party has been one of the biggest critiques of the alliance, saying that the decision was not made with party consensus, rather with Krehl acting on her own. Holthusen has now started an internal campaign, vouching for Krehl's destitution as party president. There has been some support for this, however, many party members seem to be waiting to see what Krehl will do in the coming months, and make their decision then.


Elsa Krehl

[jamescfm]

Left-wing parties seek to strengthen co-operation following disastrous election
     18 August 4914


Dorvik's two largest left-wing political parties the Radical Party of Dorvik (RPvD) and the Movement for the Planet (BfdP) have agreed new terms for co-operation as they seek to ensure that the country's far-right government is defeated at the next general election in four years time. Prior to last year's general election, the parties had formed a relatively successful coalition government but that was disrupted by a surge in support for the radical right with the support of the nominally centre-right Dorvish Democratic Hosians (DHvD).

Radical leader Lydia Schlesinger fiercely condemned President Elsa Krehl of the DHvD for her willingness to collaborate with fascist and ultranationalist parties that have joined the current government, decrying her decision as a "betrayal" of her party's moderate supporters. Schlesinger and her party had endorsed incumbent Christiana Kühne in the presidential race in hopes of preventing fragmentation of the left-wing vote. Although the move ultimately failed it ensured that Kühne progressed to the second ballot where she was narrowly defeated by Krehl.

In order to further strengthen the co-operation, party leadership on both sides have agreed not to stand presidential candidates against each other in the next election with a view to formalising this arrangement in the future. Both parties stated their desire in principle to create a "left-wing political alliance" that would allow them to maximise their campaigning efforts at national and local elections while still respecting the diverse membership and traditions that they each represent.

Individual members of each party will be permitted to obtain membership in both under the new agreement too, in an exception to the usual rules prohibiting dual membership. Furthermore, both parties pledged they would not enter into a coalition agreement with either to the two far-right parties currently represented in Kongress under any circumstances. Even before the election, Schlesinger and her party had made clear that collaboration was off the table and was reportedly disappointed that her DHvD counterpart didn't even approach her about a potential coalition.


Stimme der Zukunft is a left-wing weekly newspaper published by the Dorvish radical movement focusing on social and political issues

[Kubrick]

Bribery, fraud or incompetence; irregularities at Ministry of Education and Culture
10 November 4914 - Haldor, Greater Kordusia



After intensive research done by investigative journalists of FOKUS only one conclusion can be made: something is amiss at the Ministry of Education and Culture. In July this year an anonymous public servant (identity known by FOKUS) tipped off the editorial office of FOKUS about potential illegal activities within the Ministry of Education and Culture. A large operation followed and now FOKUS can conclude that something is amiss at the Ministry of Education and Culture. The current minister is Ingrid Schneider who got the job in October last year after the DHvD decided to govern with the right instead of the left. The coalition consisting of DHvD, VdFuM, and RfD has a 1-seat majority. The Hosian Democrats hold the most positions but political newcomer Radicals for Dorvik managed to gain control of three ministries: Finance, Infrastructure and Transport, and Education and Culture. The party had even higher aims, with Kongress-leader Lena von Bismarck citing disappointment over not receiving the Justice ministry. Much can be written about their policies but the RfD fought a hard bargain and seems to have 'won' most of it.

The party is not without controversy, which are hallmarked by the fact that it has two rather colourful leaders. Lena von Bismarck is a scion of the wealthy Bismarck dynasty and she, while estranged from most of her relatives, still holds a large share of the BismarckPaulus conglomerate as she is the direct descendant of former owner Heinz von Bismarck. BP was only recently in the news for effectively firing their chairman Philip Krukenberg. At the time Lena von Bismarck voiced disapproval about his resignation stating that Voigt's lack of performance were enough to warrant the hard-handed and sexist comments of Krukenberg. The other party leader is Heijinoju Megàmotojokai, a controversial Jelbic businessman. About thirteen years ago Megàmotojokai settled in Haldor after no longer being welcome in his native Jelbe. In his homeland it is no secret that his fortune has been made with rather underhanded and sometimes even illegal methods. Nonetheless the entrepreneur set up shop in Dorvik where he, as far as the fiscal agency can tell, has been doing things by the book.

Minister Ingrid Schneider is a rather unknown factor within this construction. She joined the party at its insurrection, allegedly being a friend of Lena von Bismarck, and before that worked for several years as a lawyer. This career however was not without controversy as she represented companies dealing with environmental lawsuits. Environmental watch group Naturmiliz have called her work "extremely detrimental" to the environmentalist causes in Dorvik. Nonetheless she was the RfD's chosen to head the Ministry of Education and Culture. Within this ministry she is known for a rather hands-on approach with little result. At random she will take charge of projects, dismiss people, and enforce certain decisions. She meets with countless lobby groups and the anonymous source has stated that these meetings are always private and confidential. Nonetheless they were able to confirm that most lobbyists get their way after only a few meetings.

In April 4914 a large team of accountants was suddenly dismissed after they brought to light several mistakes in the budget allocation of the ministry. At first their findings were taken rather serious but allegedly Minister Schneider intervened and the group was dismissed and reassigned to different departments. The fiscal problems were never discussed again. Further controversy arose within the ministry after analyses were often ignored. Specialized teams would study and analyse performances and whatever contractor would offer the "best deal". Previous ministers would take these analyses and take them as fact. Minister Schneider however often dismissed them as "speculative and deceitful", going against protocol. Such mistakes are estimated to cost the Ministry of Education and Culture a significant amount of money.

The minister herself was unavailable for comment but it is very clear to us at FOKUS that something is amiss at the Ministry. Whether there are fraudulent aspects, bribery scandals or if it is all just the sheer incompetence of Minister Ingrid Schneider: we do not know. But when we do, you will read about it here.

FOKUS is a Dorvish magazine focusing on news, politics and opinion.

[jamescfm]

Dorvik returns to FOMAT with politically charged song
30 July 4915



DORVIK: Following a brief break from the international competition, Dorvik is returning to the Festival of Musical Arts in Terra. Like their previous entry, the latest participant was chosen by the Radical movement, a collection of left-wing, socialist and anarchist political organisations that is represented in organised politics by the Radical Party of Dorvik. For the latest edition in Beaufort, Lourenne, the Dorvish will be sending the politically charged song "Das ist unser Haus" by the Happe-Bing-Guttmacher Collective.

Originally recorded almost two decades ago, the song is based around attempts by Dorvish police to remove student protestors around the time of fall of the country's authoritarian government. At the centre of the song is the emphatic title line, which translates to "this is our house" and has become a popular left-wing slogan as well as the official motto of the Radical Party.

[robmark0000]

And I mean, folks, the Revolution became a joke. First we all were enthusiastic and happy because finally someone kicked the ass of that crowned animal, and we embraced a somewhat more libertarian path, if soft socialism could be called "free"; at least it was surely less authoritarian. And then what happened? Guess what! Almost a decade after the start of the Revolution, we have a Fascist government. (Laughing.) I mean if there would be medicine for Kivonia-syndrome, I would personally offer it free in every public pharmacies and toilets, along with contraceptives. (Laughing.) It looks like the Dorvish people need it! (More laughing.)

About religion. What would be the normal reaction of a people that was oppressed in the name of religion, specifically Hosianism, for like centuries? I think we all know the answer, it is so obvious. Of course it is reviving it! (Laughing.) What else?

As a conclusion of this Revolution, its like "Hey Dorvik, do you want freedom?", and our answer is, proudly, on our ancient language: "Janein". (Laughing.)

Thank you for listening, I was Marc Haberkorn, humorist, my secondary job is being the President of the Bürgerpartei; if you like my jokes, maybe consider voting for us, if you don't like them, please try not to kill me. (Laughing, applause.) Auf Wiedersehen!

[jamescfm]

          

               Madleen Eisen | Haldor, Greater Kordusia | 12 October 4917


          Presidential race tightens with less than twelve months to go

Early polling for next year's presidential election in Dorvik suggests that the race will be close-run between incumbent Democratic Hosian Elsa Krehl and the Radical Party challenger Hauke Schwanthaler. Although the official campaign period does not begin for several months, Schwanthaler began informal events several weeks ago, after he was officially selected by the Radical Party and endorsed by the Movement for the Planet. Both parties have agreed to field a joint candidate in order to maximise the chances of defeating Krehl.

The past four years have been a unique period in recent Dorvish political history. Although Krehl's party formed a government with the radical right, they have failed to enact any meaningful legislation during this Kongress. At the same time, the decision to join the government led to infighting and ultimately the collapse of the Association of Fascists.

Prior to his official selection, polling suggested a strong lead for Schwanthaler in a head-to-head but this has been narrowing as the election draws closer. Dorvik has more nationally registered political parties than at any time in the past two centuries and the next election is likely to allow new political issues to rise to the surface as a result. While the left-wing alliance is united in their opposition to the government, there are areas where tensions have already arisen.

In contrast to their firmly secular allies, the Radical Party of Dorvik has a significant socially conservative faction that tends to support church teaching on issues like abortion. On foreign policy, some within the Movement for the Planet have advocated for withdrawal from the Northern Council following Lourenne's surprise decision. In stark contrast, Radical leader Lydia Schlesinger was quick to criticise the Lourennais decision and dismissed claims of the organisation being imperialist as "divisive, revisionist and inward-looking".