Mordusia

[Luxis]

Alliance Res Publica organizes 'Religious Freedom' Rallies in Adubura Staat
From the Res Publica Editorial Column

Protesters in Hashleigh-on-Sea, Adubura

Continuing its intensifying response to the Secularization Bill before the Counsel, rallies throughout Adubura organized by Alliance Res Publica have entered into their third consecutive day, with some calling for long marches to the Counsel in Rechtenburg. The party leadership has been very vocal at the events, honing in on specific aspects of the proposal. Former Chairman of Mordusia Gerard Collier was seen meeting behind closed doors with leadership, even as his absence has been noted at the rallies. Many have proposed actions of civil, non-violent resistance if the bill is approved, attempting to display the measures impact on regular people.

A coalition of Teachers have begun very public prayers at various breaks during the school-day to call attention to the proposal that would reverse current policy. More concerning, perhaps, is the petition circling of parents who have pledged refusal to send their children to the religious schools that would become banned under the proposal. Chairwoman of the Federal Republic Madison Lefevre, who has been absent at the events, called for 'caution' in response to the bill, trying to downplay its importance, even as she has refused to take a formal stance with her party on the matter.

Alliance Res Publica's representatives in the Counsel have introduced a bill that would take the country in the opposite direction, instead requiring institutions to be religious in nature. Most of the leadership have simply called this bill for debate, saying that they wish to respect the right of conscience among Mordusians; however, an ever louder minority claims that the party's willingness to compromise in past years has led to the current proposals.

[robbie_1989]

Socialists Leave Government, ARP-Fatherland Republic Hold Stable Majority
ARP-RPP agree to compromise on religion

After an extraordinary session of the board of the Federative Socialist Party of Mordusia, the party’s leadership announced its withdrawal from the three-party coalition. Just minutes later the Minister of Defence and the Minister of Food and Agriculture – both ministerial positions under the control of the Socialists – announced their resignation.

The Socialist party, a newcomer to Mordusian politics that have been shaken up by the sudden collapse of the Conquest party, issued a press statement that described the Alliance Res Publica as ‘religious fundamentalists’.

The withdrawal of the Socialists from the Cabinet will not pose any risks to its stability merely 2 years ahead of next elections. Both the ARP and the Fatherland Republic are likely make arrangements to fill the vacant positions and continue to carry out the work of the Government.

ARP-RPP ready to compromise

Meanwhile, extensive behind-the-doors discussions and negotiations seem to have taken place between the leadership of the ARP and the RPP. Both parties apparently have been willing to compromise on the Secularization Bill, which previously has led to vocal protests in the streets of some major cities of Mordusia.

The RPP deputies in the Counsel have now withdrawn their support from the Secularization bill and instead supported a bill brought before the Counsel by the RPP. The bill allows schools to choose their stance on prayers. Furthermore, local Governments are to be granted the right to determine the recipients and character of art subsidies, but salaries and pensions of ministers of religion are to be paid by religious communities themselves.

[Luxis]

Malivian National Parliament introduces reforms, Chairwoman Lefevre applauds move

After months of back-channel negotiations, the Chairwoman of Mordusia's office released a statement that the standoff of several years with Malivia mag soon be at an end. The National Parliament of Malivia recently introduced an amendment to a bill that would ban the act of slavery and the trading of slaves. Chairwoman Lefevre was quoted as saying she was "proud of our efforts, and eager to work with the Malivian people on an aid package. My office is prepared to direct 45 Million MRD immediately and will remain open to answering other requests for assistance. We will work in concert with the League of Anti-Slavery Nations to repeal the sanctions the moment the law has taken effect in Malivia."

Sanctions have been in place since the Collier administration began a multilateral effort to halt the slave trade under the leadership of the previous Malivian regime, which has caused the standoff that has strained relations among many in the international community. The Foreign Ministry was working with several other departments to review how best to aid Malivia.

[Luxis]

The End of Cooperation?

After several decades of consensus-driven coalitions, the tectonic plates of politics have shifted both the language and the proposals within the halls of the Counsel. Many observers believed that the collapse of the Conquest Party signaled a new era in cooperation among the major parties, with compromise defining cabinet coalitions. The 3892 Government saw multiple compromises, with give and take among the three major parties.

Following the disagreements between Alliance Res Publica and the Republican People's Party over the controversial policy of consulting Hosian doctrine in death penalty proceedings, the Counsel shifted direction and sought new membership for coalition governance. The tone and matter of government has changed significantly, with new leaders of both the ARP and the RPP dueling persistently within this term. When formerly, both parties showed a willingness to kneel, now both seem transfixed on not giving ground, with trust fraying between the two parties and their members.

Some analysts hoped with the compromises negotiated following the introduction of the Farmer-Labor Union's Secularization Bill that there'd be new trust gained between the parties; however, this seems to have not been the case. From Malivian Aid packages to SSU negotiations, the two parties have found themselves locked on opposite sides, with both parties seeming less and less willing to find common ground. The ARP continues to struggle internally as it seeks new paths, with many more fundamentalist members demanding a louder voice. Will this tension become the new status quo? Perhaps the stronger debates are healthy for the future of Mordusia, and the upcoming elections promise a vigorous debate on a number of fronts, with the rise of the Farmer-Labor Union and the Federative Mordusian Socialist Party.

[Luxis]

Chairwoman proceeds with reduced aid package

Chairwoman Lefevre released a terse statement following breakdown of the aid package to Malivia in the Counsel, after parties insisted on guidelines, including a timeline dispersal and greater restrictions on aid attached to reforms. The package will be 50 Million MRD, to be dispersed immediately, with targets towards infrastructure development. The office further stated that the aid was conditional on continued liberalization within the nation. Chairwoman Lefevre stated that the people "had no time to wait on petty politics."

[Luxis]

BREAKING: Chairwoman Lefevre to not be re-nominated?


Following ongoing controversy within the ranks of Alliance Res Publica, a high-ranking party official has been quoted as saying that there's "no chance" ARP will have Lefevre on its ticket in next year's elections. The official further put forward Bishop Grant Hatherford as a potential stand-in, or that they would fully endorse the Fatherland Republic. The shifts come at a vulnerable time for the Chairwoman, when her proposal to send aid to Malivia without restrictions is set to be rejected by the Counsel.

When reached for comment, the Chairwoman's office simply stated that "party conventions aren't held into next summer. We're busy doing the business of governing."

[robbie_1989]

Knox slams ‘radical’ elements in ARP

The Chairman of the Republican People’s Party John Knox has slammed what he calls ‘radical elements’ within the Alliance Res Publica for their attempts to destabilize the political situation in the country. Knox has been quoted saying that ‘there are no major obstacles for cooperation with the ARP or its current leader Madame Lefevre, however, some more radicalized elements within the party attack their own party leadership and the RPP for political advantage.

Knox stated that the RPP and ARP have been able to agree on many issues, however, this has required a level of secrecy that is not compatible with a transparent political process. John Knox emphasized that he understood the need to balance out conflicting stances of several wings within the ARP, but does not desire to become involved in the intricacies of an internal power struggle.

In a statement released by the RPP, the party emphasizes the need for open and frank discussions on issues presented at the Counsel. The determination of the RPP to follow the Constitution and the laws of the country are not to be translated as part of political campaigning before elections. The party and its leadership has been able and willing to compromise on many issues and will continue to do so, but that requires all involved sides to refrain from ‘baseless allegations’ of petty politics and sabotage attempts.

The Republican People’s Party has emerged as a political player in Mordusian affairs in 3844 when it managed to get 91 seat in the Counsel, however, its popularity has been fluctuating ever since. The party reached its lowest point in the elections of 3886 where it managed to gain only 22 seats – well below the all-time-high. The number of seats has since then fluctuated at around 40, currently holding 38 – 18 seats behind the ARP.

Political experts analyzing the current political situation have no clear predictions on how the RPP might perform at the elections in September. They are pointing out that the cooperation with the ARP has led to an increased profile of the RPP among the religious community, especially due to the moderate standing of the party. Nevertheless, the increasing profile of the Socialists and the Farmer-Labor Union might play against the RPP. In the end, it will all boil down to which of the two major parties gains the most seats to form a Coalition.

[Luxis]

ARP Preps for Party Convention in Adubura
Hashleigh-on-Sea, Adubura

Following months of issues within the Counsel, including condemnation from Republican People's Party Leader John Knox on the parties more 'radical' elements, Alliance Res Publica is set to have the tensest meeting in perhaps a generation, with the party submitting many bills to attempt to appease detractors that have long held that compromise has 'ruined the lifeblood of the party.' Party Chief Margaret Killsbury has already said she's not running for leadership this time, though many observers believe that her allies remain upset that she has yet to be nominated for Chairmanship or the Chancellory in her lengthy tenure as helm of the relatively successful party.

By comparative standards, Alliance Res Publica has been able to maintain strong showings consistently since its revival in Mordusian politics. With the collapse and emigration of the Conquest Party, those who favor stronger role of church in the state have rallied around its banner. Indeed, many members are nervously watching the rise of two new leftist parties in the country, concerned that for the first time in nearly fifty years it may be shut out of a governing coalition. Recent missteps with aid packages have caused some internal soul-searching among the foreign policy experts within the party as well.

Bishop Grant Hastings, a long-standing ambassador to Alduria who served as special envoy during ongoing issues with Trigunia and Cildania, has been noted as a possible contender for the party's nod for Head of State, which will likely be re-named to Chancellor by the next elections. Though, some of the more fundamentalist elements are coalescing around Sister Nina Hartford, who seems to hold more-deeply held theocratic views. The few loyal names around Chairwoman Lefevre seem to be holding out as a second-choice spoiler if neither receive a majority.

[robbie_1989]

RPP and ARP Agree on Death Penalty Reform
Knox Hails Lefevre and Killsbury

The agreement between RPP and ARP comes at a time when compromise seemed to be nearly impossible, however, after weeks of negotiations and discussions between the leadership of both parties, a bill and a resolution finally reforming the death penalty has been brought before the Counsel.

The bill is an example of a compromise in itself - both the RPP and the ARP have managed to include vital aspects in the policy that has been deemed the key obstacle in any future cooperation. The reform, once passed, will maintain the death penalty as form of punishment in Mordusia - an aspect both parties have been able to agree immediately - however limited to capital crimes. Once a person has been deemed related to a capital crime he/she may opt to be judged along the standard procedures of the Mordusian Court system or opt to be charged by the Committee on Religious Law. The intricacies of this policy have been settled within a resolution passed a long the bill.

RPP leader Knox has issued a statement hailing the ability of Chairwoman Lefevre and ARP leader Killsbury to compromise, leaving both parties satisfied. Knox added: "I dare to say that this is one of the most important bills the Counsel shall pass within this session".

The death penalty reform comes just days before the ARP party convention and may tip the balance in favor of the more moderate politicians in the party. These developments are of utmost importance for Chairwoman Lefevre as she is facing severe criticism from the more radical political wings of the party.

Federative Socialist Party of Mordusia Collapses

The project of a Socialist party in Mordusia came to a sudden end when the party issued a statement announcing its dissolution. 'Ideological disagreements' have been blamed for this unexpected move, however, most observers are united in the understanding that the Socialists could not overcome the mistake caused by the eagerness to be part of a ruling coalition. Initially the Socialist leadership approved a coalition with the ARP and the Fatherland Republic, even though both parties pursed political agendas not compatible with the policies of the newcomers.

[Luxis]

ARP concludes party convention: Lefevre renominated, billionaire Selena Grant takes role of Party Chief
Hashleigh-on-sea, Adubura

Following their week-long convention, the membership of Alliance Res Publica was ready to put on a publicly united face, even with reports of extremely tense negotiations over platform and apparent compromises within the party. With nods to moderates and capitalists, the party re-nominated Chairwoman Madison Lefevre, with an apparent decision to stay the course in terms of foreign relations, with a variety of priorities remaining unfinished - from reforms in the South Seleyan Union and potential issues with the royal families in Rildanor soon on the horizon.

Selena Grant, current Minister of Trade and Industry, was chosen to replace long-standing Party Chief Margaret Killsbury, who is stepping down after twenty-four years at the helm of what by all accounts has been a successful start to the party's return to the political stage. In recent years, her inability to control more reactionary elements has led to a perception of volatility - certainly unhealthy for a party that holds so much sway within the halls of government. Recent appeasement efforts have led to a string of bills introduced to the Counsel, though these may have revealed the influence of the more market-oriented wing of the party. It is in Selena Grant that this wing of the party has put its trust. Former CEO of Adubura Shipping, Ms. Grant, 42, has been a voracious opponent of most restrictions on economic activity, even extreme for most of the rank-and-file of Alliance Res Publica.

With the election season kicking into high gear, it remains to be seen what the implosion of the Socialist Party of Mordusia will do to the turnout and results. Some observers say to expect a relatively balanced Counsel, though some have pointed to the Opposition of the Republican People's Party as a recipe for success against the backdrop of a Chairwoman who has been, at times, seen as scrambling to keep up.