Saridan

[thefalloutfan101]

Die Republiek
The Republic is a centrist and occasionally center-left news organization based out of Duiwelslaag, in Boerestaat. The Republic reports mainly on general and political news.
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29th October 4622
With protests continuing well into the latter half of this year, the Progressive Party organizes even further
Seeing an opportunity present itself, the PP's Subcommittee Chairman, Rozane Smit, has formed a women's organization, under the party's umbrella.
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Speaking before the Boerestaat University's women's organization, a strong supporter of secularism in recent months, the Progressive Party's Subcommittee Chairman, Rozane Smit gave an at length speech in regards to women's representation, Saridani democracy, and the growing (and worrying) ambiguity from the ruling Hosian-Socialists in regards to church and state. Calling upon young women to act, Smit passionately stated to the crowd "We cannot trust a ruling government that holds one hand out, whilst retracting the other one back. Religious doctrine should not, cannot, and will not be utilized within politics, be it regional or national. So the task falls upon us to act in defense of our rights as women—Against any practice that seeks to lower control over our bodies."

In her closing statements, Smit ended with an announcement—Effective immediately, the Progressive Party would form it's own women's organization, one that would represent the political wishes of women at both local and national levels. Aptly named "Women for Democracy", it would begin accepting membership within the following day. Encompassing mostly center-left values but strongly pro-capitalist, the organization is likely to garner large support among women's groups, seeing as though the nation is still deep within protest against the ruling Hosian-Socialist regime.


Rozane Smit gives a smile during the founding press conference of PP's women's organization, aptly named "Women for Democracy".

[Uhtred]

Saridan Herald|The Nation's Best Quality Daily
1st February 4623
Werkerskatedraal Completed!

•Beskermer hails heroes of Hosian Socialism
•Construction has taken 8 years, cost over 60 billion SAR and had tens of thousands of volunteer builders
•Structure is 161.5 m (530 ft) in height and is believed to be the tallest on Terra


The Werkerskatedraal in Stadheilige, Tasselstaat

After eight years and tens of thousands of man hours the new Workers' Cathedral (Werkerskatedraal) in Stadheilige, Tasselstaat has been completed. The mega structure is over 160 metres tall and 124 metres wide, a testament, its supporters say, to the enduring love Saridan's people hold for the Lord.

At a special ceremony to mark the completion of construction, Beskermer Pieter Klaassen, joined on stage by Former Beskermer Arjen Van Kouwen, said

Today is a great day in the history of our nation. We came together eight years ago not just to build place of worship, not just to build a structure to honour the Lord, but to build a structure of dignity, of strength, of equality, of love, a building of all that had been stripped from us by years of misrule and misdeeds. And this was not just to be any Cathedral, it was to be your cathedral, my cathedral, a workers' cathedral. That is why when I look out today, I look upon the heroes of Hosian-Socialism. While other cathedrals are build by money and commerce, ours was build by community, love and Hosian-Socialism.
The Cathedral is a reminder though of the road we all must take. 8 years ago, there was nothing and now there is something. We ourselves like living stones are being built up and we will, if we work together in the spirit of Hosian-Socialism, be as great as this Werkerskatedraal.

Former Beskermer Arjen Van Kouwen, who started the Hosian-Socialist movement 16 years ago, appeared visibly moved during the ceremony. He spoke only briefly to echo Beskermer Klaassen's sentiments,

When we come together, each one of us has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. When we work together anything is possible.

Minister Worried About New Opposition Movement

Minister for Food and Agriculture Ruud Ellia has warned of the dangers posed by new opposition forces within Sardian. A new movement, formed in opposition to the governing Hosian-Socialists, has emerged and now holds one third of the seats in the Konklave van die Volk. There are concerns that, although proclaiming progressive values, the new party appears to be appropriating the flag of Sardiani nationalism.


The flag used by hard right Saridani nationalists for many decades

I welcome the fact that these parties have a minority of support among the general public. But it must be addressed. Advocating policies which threaten the traditional agricultural communities, particularly minority communities, and waving a flag from Saridan's past are not the kinds of things which are going to help our country progress

[thefalloutfan101]

Die Republiek
The Republic is a centrist and occasionally center-left news organization based out of Duiwelslaag, in Boerestaat. The Republic reports mainly on general and political news.
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16 February 4623
As one movement protests peacefully, others do so with violence
From recent reports made public by the Nasionale Polisiediens, or National Police Service, hardline atheist far-left organizations, as well as far-right organizations, have began to arm themselves illegally, whilst simultaneously staging anti-government skirmishes.
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It was early afternoon when officers of the Nasionale Polisiediens responded to a "grand disturbance" in Walvisplek, the capital of Kaap. Arriving at the scene, officers were immediately hit with gunfire across the street, alongside others fighting in the road, undisturbed by bullets whizzing. Taking defensive stances, officers held their ground for a few moments, before engaging in retaliatory combat towards the gunmen. The ordeal had been going for quite some time before, and captured by numerous cell phones of bystanders present. It was the first time public knowledge had now become aware of other groups besides the Progressive Party that were engaging in anti-government actions.

Local branches of the Nasionale Polisiediens were quick to call the violence for what it was—An insurgency. Shortly after that, the NPS's Operational Chief in Kaap declared a state of emergency, and mobilized police forces to the strongest areas of insurgent activity, while also emphasizing an atmosphere of calmness among the general public. When asked for comment, a spokesperson of the Ministry of Internal Affairs declined to make a statement on the recent activity. Criticism over the lack of response from Koeistad soon followed, with the loudest protest being heard from pro-capitalist organizers, as well as members of the Progressive Party. States of emergency soon followed for Ijkpieland and the southernmost areas of Tasselstaat, who strangely did not issue a province-wide state of emergency.


A recently-publicized map by the National Police Service showcases currently ongoing far-left and far-right insurgencies. Darker colors denote stronger control.

[thefalloutfan101]

Die Republiek
The Republic is a centrist and occasionally center-left news organization based out of Duiwelslaag, in Boerestaat. The Republic reports mainly on general and political news.
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17 October 4628
With the Bond van Hosian-Socialisten collapsing from internal struggles, the Progresiewe Party sets its sights on a snap election
As the strange hybrid religious-socialist regime crumbles from within, many secular citizens of Saridan have taken to the streets in celebration. Meanwhile, from the chambers of Parliament Hall, the now-ruling Progresiewe Party has arranged snap elections.
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It was as if in an instant, the ruling Bond van Hosian-Socialisten, who had enforced their quasi-religious policy on Saridaners, regardless if they were religious or not, had finally shown the true nature of their instability to the nation—In the form of the party's chief representative to the Conclave of the People announcing the sudden dissolution of the party, in a press conference in Koeistad late yesterday evening. Citing internal struggles that'd long been present in the party's history, the BHS announced that their deputies for the Conclave were now effectively independent politicians after the move. Despite the dissolution, both the Head of Government, as well as the Head of State, announced that they would continue to fulfill the duties of their offices, albeit under an acting role.

The BHS would also be assisting members of the Progresiewe Party in the inevitable regime change to come, which was also elaborated upon by the BHS's chief representative to the Conclave. Willem van Bogge, National Committee Chairman of the PP since it's inception, was reportedly ecstatic at the news, championing their dissolution as a "Tremendous step in the right direction", in regards to true Saridani democracy. In the streets, the feeling was mutual—Citizens all across Koeistad, many of whom had participated in the protests against the BHS in years prior, celebrated for hours on end, with some festivities apparently trailing off into the very late of night.

Wasting no time in laying out their reforms before the public, the PP announced exhaustive administrative reforms, the first of which would be the establishment of federalism within Saridan, a key demand of the many protests across the nation of years prior. Much to their delight, van Bogge announced the formation of an independent body, one which would oversee the choosing of a new national flag for the nation—with the "Federal Flag" being one of the top choices for the voting body. "Upon the close of these snap elections, there is a lot of work to do", van Bogge stated in a televised session of the Conclave. "But rest assured—For the first time in what certainly feels like forever, Saridan will have a true democracy. We shall emerge from these reforms as a Federation, one of equals!"


Willem van Bogge once more observes a session of the Konklave van die Volk, in this undated photo.

[thefalloutfan101]

Die Republiek
The Republic is a centrist and occasionally center-left news organization based out of Duiwelslaag, in Boerestaat. The Republic reports mainly on general and political news.
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9th October 4629
Willem van Bogge becomes first President of the Federation of Saridan, sets out on reforming the legislature
With another batch of snap elections having concluded, the Progresiewe Party now has a supermajority within the Federal Assembly—With that majority, Saridan has become a federation, with federalist legislative reforms on the way.
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For the time that the Bond van Hosian-Socialisten was in power, many strange things occurred within the nation—From the building of a large cathedral dedicated to socialism, immensely panned by the public as a massive waste of taxpayer money, BHS politicians ending their critiques against PP reforms with quotes from the Katub in legislative sessions, and many other things. But from the moment the Progresiewe Party secured a safe majority within parliament, successfully executing the long-awaited reforms of protesters who'd been demonstrating for years, a wave of relief rode throughout the public, with many journalists remarking "Sanity has finally returned to Saridan".

With their majority consolidated, the Progresiewe Party introduced it's first significant reforms—The initial commitment to furthering a federalist government structure, in the form of a bicameral legislature. Set to be passed unanimously in the next few months, the Federal Assembly, currently still a unicameral legislative body of 465 seats—Would become a legislature of two chambers, them being the House of Representatives for the lower house at 365 seats, and the House of Federation for the upper house at 100 seats. In regards to space needed for the accommodation for the new chamber, the House of Federation, the left section of Parliament Hall would be repurposed to fit the 100-seat chamber. Currently, the left section mainly consists of various offices.

For the time being, the Federal Assembly, until the PP's reforms are cemented, is a de jure bicameral parliament. "This is just the first of many steps towards bringing our country closer to freedom," van Bogge stated during a press conference. "Establishing the Federation we've fought for so long to achieve is merely the beginning."


Speaking before a press conference, 1st President of the Federation of Saridan Willem van Bogge laid out his legislative reforms, most obviously the drive for a bicameral parliament.

[thefalloutfan101]

Die Republiek
The Republic is a centrist and occasionally center-left news organization based out of Duiwelslaag, in Boerestaat. The Republic reports mainly on general and political news.
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26th October 4635
Ministry of Foreign Affairs to collaborate with Ministry of Defense on foreign policy
With the recent reforms spearheaded under the van Bogge government giving way to partially reintroduced conscription, the MoFA has recently announced it will collaborate with the MoD on the direction of Saridani foreign policy.
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With the introduction of the New Military Reforms Bill of 4632 some three years ago, the van Bogge government has shown it's willingness to reintroduce partial military conscription, an unusual move for a rather progressive party. The move, according to political analysts, was largely spurned by the current Minister of Defense, Rynold van Onselen—A man noted for his somewhat hawkish approach in regards to national defense. Regardless, the move has considerably introduced a trickle of new recruits among all branches of the armed forces, benefiting them greatly, after having been left understaffed (and in some cases, underequipped) for countless years.

Cooperation with other government offices has not yet stopped for van Onselen, as today he announced his office's cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to develop Saridan's position on international matters of defense, as well as standard foreign policy. Speaking before a press conference before the closed doors meeting, one which is expected to take some time—Onselen was scant on details, quipping about their confidentiality, but he stressed a policy of international outreach. "Saridan has the capability to stretch its legs upon the international stage, on all matters," van Onselen said to news outlets present. "With a new administration, one that has enshrined the rights of freedom moreso than any in the past, it is time for us to begin laying the groundwork of lasting diplomatic alliances, friendships, and military pacts."

Saridan's recent involvement with regards to international politics has been virtually nonexistent—But the proposed talks show hope. Analysts have already began to speculate on the matter, with many stating that under a hawkish Minister of Defense, an obvious interventionist stance would emerge in the nation's foreign policy. Controversially, outside his own office, van Onselen has held skepticism with regards to the Seleyan Union, alongside fellow neighbor countries. If applied to foreign policy, such views could already doom such talks before they have even began.


Minister of Defense, Rynold van Onselen, carries documents in this undated photo.

[thefalloutfan101]

Die Republiek
The Republic is a centrist and occasionally center-left news organization based out of Duiwelslaag, in Boerestaat. The Republic reports mainly on general and political news.
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23rd April 4636
Progressive Party adopts new name, internal factions split after conclusion of party elections
With the PP championing themselves as the leader of the movement to form the Federation of Saridan, and achieving said goal, the party has taken upon itself to adopt a new name—The Federale Party.
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Today the first official elections amongst the Progressive Party have concluded, but to belated applause—With the results of the upper elections leading to a split between the Progressives themselves. Results for said upper positions resulted in the victory of party President Snyman's opponent, Pieter van der Linde—staunch social democrat, and member of the newly-formed Nuwe Arbeid faction, a result of the aforementioned Progressive split. The emergence of a social democratic faction, one that after these elections now holds a slight majority, could signal a shift in party policy, although National Committee Chairman, Willem van Bogge, who clinched a second term himself, stated that center leftism, alongside progressivism, sits dominant as the party's policy. "We are committed to serving as the champion of progressivism within Saridan," van Bogge stated in his celebratory address. "While we welcome a larger platform of leftist voices within the country, we also stress cohesion between our factions."

Alongside the changes to the political landscape of the Progressive Party, a new name was chosen upon the close of the elections. The PP's new name would be the Federale Party, or Federal Party. Willem van Bogge likened the name choice for the party's large role in the foundation of the new Saridani democracy through the Federation, alongside their staunch federalist policies, a core tenet of the party's values. With a new name, analysts have expected a further push towards entrenching more federalism within Saridan, along with some claiming that the FP would adopt a new constitution for the nation.

Regardless, the first elections have already shaped the party in tremendous ways, and may continue to do so in the near future.


The FP's now former President, Christiaan Snyman, announces the name change in the garden of the party's headquarters after the recent elections.

[thefalloutfan101]

Die Republiek
The Republic is a centrist and occasionally center-left news organization based out of Duiwelslaag, in Boerestaat. The Republic reports mainly on general and political news.
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12 October 4637
Federale Party retains Presidency after 4637 elections, but loses legislative majority
Having ruled with a supermajority since the inception of the modern Federation, the Federale Party has lost it's legislative majority for the first time.
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Elections have concluded across the nation, with the office of the Presidency being once more won by the Federale Party—But a much different scene played out with regards to the Federal Assembly. With a surprising upset, the newly formed Voorwaartse Seridjan, a humanist political party dedicated to cooperation and compromise, has secured a constitutional majority within the legislature. Many political analysts the nation over are reportedly incredibly surprised by the turn of events, remarking over the fresh party's ability to knock a firmly developed party down a peg.

Regardless, the current cabinet is still dominated by FP members, although President van Bogge has addressed such concerns at a post-election press conference. "Make no mistake—With our goals being similar, a coalition is inevitable," the President stated to reporters present. "Whilst we are surprised with the results, we shall give the newly elected VS deputies of the Federal Assembly a helping hand—For democracy is only strengthened if we are all to participate." On the prospects of a coalition cabinet, President van Bogge was largely supportive of such a notion, but wished for clear terms with the VS. "Due to many things, most notably the ongoing cooperation between the Ministries of Defense and Foreign Affairs on Saridani foreign policy, we ask of the VS to compromise on what positions they wish to fill, for our own engagements are still deeply in progress."

With regards to future projects, including the proposed repurposing of the Workers Cathedral by a regulatory body under the Civil Works Administration (CWA), a subordinate office of the Ministry of Infrastructure, has been put on hold until a new cabinet is sworn in. Other projects that are now on hold are a planned, large-scale overhaul of Saridan's largest national roadways, pending passage of the Infrastructure Reforms bill of the FP. Continued foreign policy development between the Ministries of Defense and Foreign Affairs progresses uninterrupted, despite being silent for the past two years. Recent rumors also point to the soon announcement of a piece of international legislation on behalf of the Foreign Ministry—Likely in the form of a treaty in regards to establishing diplomatic ties with various nations.


President van Bogge addresses the Federal Assembly.

[thefalloutfan101]

Die Republiek
The Republic is a centrist and occasionally center-left news organization based out of Duiwelslaag, in Boerestaat. The Republic reports mainly on general and political news.
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16th January, 4638 (OOC: Postdated)
FP enters coalition with Voorwaartse Seridjan, internal policy reforms continue uninterrupted
With a bipartisan cabinet formed at the suggestion of the VS, with them oddly only wishing for one office, reforms previously on hold are now back in action.
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Concerns were high among some deputies of the Federal Assembly in regards to the establishment of a coalition, as well as even Saridan's neighbor, Mordusia, but such anxiety was quickly washed away with the VS's formation of a bipartisan cabinet, though strangely only wishing for one position—The office of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. Seeing as though key infrastructure and foreign policy developments were effectively frozen until a new cabinet was approved, the Federale Party voted in favor of the bill, with unanimous agreement amongst the party's deputies in the Federal Assembly.

Now with the bipartisan cabinet sworn in, development of Saridani foreign policy has continued, despite some small protests amongst fellow members of government for transparency on the matter, given the relative secrecy behind such talks. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport began laying out it's plan before an Oversight Committee of the Ministry of Finance, finally detailing it's considerable overhaul of the national highway system. After the hearing was concluded, the Ministry of Finance announced it would draft a new budget, one focused on a nominal boost to military spending, aimed at revitalization of the armed forces's equipment, alongside a hefty uptick in the Ministry of Infrastructure's current budget. "This new administration shall commit fully to the revitalization of public works, and address the rather antiquated state of some of our nation's national, as well as regional, highway and rail systems."


The new session of the Federale Vergadering convenes, with the floor voting on various FP reforms introduced prior to the 4637 elections.

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President van Bogge announces he will not seek fourth term—But will continue to lead the FP
16th January, 4638

Speaking before a press conference today, President Willem van Bogge spoke on a number of things, most notably a word of congratulations towards the Voorwaartse Seridjan's surprise victory last October, as well as their formation of a bipartisan cabinet. Giving an at length discussion about the nature of what was to come for his third official term, having served as Beskermer briefly for two one year terms before the foundation of the Federation, the tone was largely of the same nature—Infrastructure reform, and the surprising mention of work towards the formalizing of a new constitution for the country, one grounded in the rights of man. President van Bogge did state that the Declaration of Human Rights would be integrated into the constitution, but likely not in his term.

It was then that the President's press conference took a more somber note when he segued into personal discussions, albeit for a brief moment—Yet it's effect was felt clearly by journalists present. Upon the conclusion of his third term, Willem van Bogge announced he would not be seeking the Presidency for a fourth. Being only 55, and an independent politician for Boerestaat when anti-government protests against the Hosian-Socialist regime began, he founded the Progresiewe Party, and led it to being the forefront of opposition politics under their regime. Upon the collapse of the Bond van Hosian-Socialisten, Willem van Bogge led the charge to meet protesters demands of a Federation, achieving their goals only months into his time in office. Since then, the three terms of President van Bogge have seen enormous reform for political freedom in Saridan, the outlawing of racist and discriminatory practices at the national level, and an overall improvement in healthcare, education, alongside Saridan's image with the world stage.

Now in his mid 70s, President van Bogge is a seasoned politician through and through, but in his own words, he wished for a "Retirement to the simple things in life." However, whilst not wishing for another term of the Presidency, van Bogge did announce that he would still chair the Federale Party, guiding it's policy alongside representing it in the Federal Assembly.

[thefalloutfan101]

Die Republiek
The Republic is a centrist and occasionally center-left news organization based out of Duiwelslaag, in Boerestaat. The Republic reports mainly on general and political news.
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19th February 4639
Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport to form regulatory body in regards to repurposing the "Worker's Cathedral"
Having been shut down by personal order of President van Bogge himself, the Worker's Cathedral has sat decaying for quite some time. Recently, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport has formed a regulatory body on it's future purpose.
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A project that sat for years in planning in debate, alongside being the subject of numerous hearings on the matter, was the purpose of the Workers Cathedral, in Stadheilige—Panned across the nation as both an eyesore and lingering piece of the former Hosian-Socialist regime. One of the first principle acts by President Willem van Bogge upon the formation of the Federation of Saridan was it's closure, now having sat empty for two decades. Obviously in a state of decay, with some windows being broken by local hoodlums, and even reported to be a squatting place for Stadheilige's local homeless population, change seemed to finally be on the horizon when the lot's ownership was transferred directly to the Ministry of Infrastructure. A move protested by no one, a regulatory body on the Cathedral was immediately formed by the MoI, consisting of 15 members.

Philippus Hertzog, current Minister of Infrastructure and Transport and chair of the Workers Cathedral Regulatory Oversight Committee (WCROC), stressed the need to find a new purpose for the building, remarking that "It has been an eyesore for countless years, and a reminder of regimes past. Now, it is time to finally repurpose it." For weeks, the body debated what would come of it, from outright demolition to other matters, the most interesting of which being it's refurbishing into a museum detailing the various authoritarian regimes that have oppressed Saridaners for centuries. Surprisingly, the latter became the most popular option amongst fellow members of the Oversight Committee, and it eventually was chosen by Mr. Hertzog.

Not long after, the MoI dispatched work crews to shuttle any homeless that had been using it as a squatting location, and began cleaning up the massive interior of leftover furniture and debris. Religious items were also safely removed from the location, and donated to local churches. Electricity, which had long been cut in the building, was also restored by work crews, as was air conditioning.


The Worker's Cathedral, largely panned as a massive waste of taxpayer money and ultimate monument to the failed Hosian-Socialist regime, sat empty for years in downtown Stadheilige.