Barmenistan

[Reddy]

Kaxezên Yekbûyî
March 7, 5413
Government Rejects Tax Haven Allegations

Sékhmet, Sisle Grand Vizier Sasan Salih has dismissed claims by the Majatran Tax Justice Network an anti-tax evasion pressure group that Barmenistan has become "the top tax haven in Majatran and one of the leading ones Terra-wide." Under Salih, Barmenistan has abolished income and corporation tax. The country has also instituted policies aimed at encouraging foreign investment

The policies have led to a flowering of the country's tourism sector with the number of visitors nearly doubling from 8 million in 5400 to 15.4 million in 5410. An international consortium of investors has announced its plans to construct and run the largest casino resort in Terra in coastal Kathuristan, boasting some 8 000 rooms. Another growing sector is cryptocurrency with several mining data centres established nationwide.

Less savoury and perhaps less commendable in the eyes of the traditionalist party faithful is the rapid growth of a reputation of the country as a hippie paradise of sorts with sex tourism and widespread drug use developing in several previously sleepy population centres nationwide. Drugs remain illegal but the Government has proved tolerant, legally pursuing only locals and avoiding prosecution of foreign tourists.

[Reddy]

Kaxezên Yekbûyî
July 9, 5415
New Grand Vizier Pledges To Continue Market Liberalisation As Salih Retires

Sékhmet, Sisle Barmenistan's new Grand Vizier Bagher Sorani has vowed to carry on with the market-oriented reforms carried out under his predecessor Sasan Salih. Salih retired from politics ending an eighteen year tenure as Grand Vizier. Sorani then Vizier for Defence succeeded him in what was described as "an internal choosing." Salih insisted on a "generational change" and departed with the great bulk of his Viziers and other leading figures in the party giving Sorani a blank slate to create his own administration and policies.

The generational change has one ominous holdover - Salih has retained his position as First Secretary of the ruling party something which he has described as "not forever". The 74 year old says he only wishes to ensure a smooth transition to the 53 year old Sorani who rose rapidly as a Salih protege and backroom operator and was appointed to the Council of Viziers in 5305. He has always been a leading market liberal supporting Salih throughout his lengthy battle against rival party factions.