Mordusia

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Re: Mordusia

Postby imperialpearl » Wed Apr 07, 2021 11:24 am

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According to the Department of Economic Affairs and Communications, within the past 10 years, around 93% of Mordusia's energy had been sourced from extra-regional markets (i.e. markets outside of the Seleyan continent); an increase of around 5% from the previous decade's 88%. This, according to the Department's Permanent Secretary, Ethan Burke paints an extremely troubling picture for Mordusia's energy security and long-term energy independence. The Permanent Secretary notes that with the Department of Finance commencing its review of the various economic projects in the public sector with the aims of easing the foreign exchange leakages as mentioned in the Finance Secretary's pre-budget statement, it is becoming increasingly clear to technocrats in the Department of Economic Affairs and Communications that the idea of allowing Mordusia's dependence on imported energy (primarily fossil fuels) to increase is unsustainable both as it pertains to sustainability and also the foreign exchange situation. Secretary for Economic Affairs and Communications Tania Chastain stated that her Department had been consulting numerous stakeholders in determining Mordusia's future as it pertains to energy. With a considerable amount of attention being paid towards renewable energy sources and their practicability/effectiveness in the long-term, it was determined by the Department that Mordusia would transition towards renewable energy as a means of power generation. Secretary Chastain explained that concurrently, Mordusia is primarily powered by coal power plants and natural gas power plants. She noted that although the Department was certain that Mordusia's coal power plants would have to be shut down/dismantled, the continued use of natural gas as a "transition fuel" remains a topic of active debate among technocrats within the Department. Briefings from the Department of the Environment and Tourism note that the risk of pipeline spillage is becoming increasingly evident each year the Department does not conduct a review of its pipeline infrastructure. In recent months, there has been an increase in reported natural gas pipeline leakages across the country, with the Regulated Industries Commission warning that there is an urgent need to review pipeline infrastructure and begin the formal process of modernising/replacing pipes altogether.

With it established that the Federal Government to pivot Mordusia's energy mix towards renewable energy, there is a need for funding numerous projects and obtaining technical assistance in developing a strong and sustainable renewable energy plan. In recognition of this, Secretary for the Environment and Tourism Hunter Morris and Premier of Trelodge Isaac Helman accompanied Secretary Chastain on a visit to Lourenne. According to Secretary Chastain, the visit had been scheduled to court Lourennais funding for Mordusia's future renewable energy projects. "Lourenne is a major player in the world of renewable energy. We believe that we in better hands in seeking out their assistance in building Mordusia's renewable energy policy and subsequent infrastructure." Through its Green Investment and Cooperation Fund, Lourenne's private and public sector has pledged billions to assist nations in transitioning towards renewable energy, both as it pertains to funding/investment and technical assistance. Secretary Chastain has stated that during her meetings with Lourenne's Sustainability Minister Berenice Abiodun alongside Secretary Morris and Premier Helman. Premier Helman's presence during the meeting confirms that Trelodge would be at the forefront of a green economy pivot. Premier Helman stated that Trelodge's future was in the green economy and he intended on obtaining technical assistance from Lourenne on the development of a formal green economy policy and other related advice. It has been stated that the Premier will establish a trade and investment office in Lourenne to reel in Lourennais investment particularly from companies operating in the green economy. Secretary Chastain has stated that having consulted with Finance Secretary Adrian Swan, she intends on accessing some 1.5 Billion LOD from the Green Investment and Cooperation Fund for the construction of a solar farm and for the rationalisation and deployment of a "smart grid" in Mordusia.
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Re: Mordusia

Postby Luis1p » Wed Apr 07, 2021 5:01 pm

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Re: Mordusia

Postby imperialpearl » Thu Apr 08, 2021 4:20 pm

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As the Mordusian Government inches the country into a new phase of economic development, possessing partners throughout the region and throughout the wider world will be critical to the success of the government's reforms. There is an inherent need for the federal government to increase market access to Mordusian exporters as the manufacturing and heavy industries sectors are being earmarked as the major underpinners of the economic recovery plan. As the government seeks to build a mixed market economy, there is a need to safeguard Mordusia's long-term economic interests. On the backdrop of the "temperate" geopolitical climate, Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Amber Whitford and Secretary for Trade and Industry Mason Temple announced that their departments would seek to reset Mordusia's foreign trade and investment policy towards striking a unique balance between encouraging businesses to grow and expand outside of Mordusian borders and also ensuring the domestic economy grows alongside it. Speaking to the complete reset of Mordusia's foreign policy, Secretary Whitford stated that she intended on realigning Mordusia's foreign policy to ensure it remains in sync with three principle pillar: the interests of the Seleyan continent and Mordusia, non-interference/non-intervention and the promotion of peace, order and transparency in the global domain. She explained that the policy of interventionism demonstrated by numerous governments in the past provides case studies in destructive foreign policy. Nations who often resorted to such foreign policy rules often found themselves at odds with the majority of the international community especially nations who viewed themselves as being "Non-Aligned". The rise and fall of blocs such as NACTO and the Northern Council and the emergence of new blocs such as the Confederate Economic Security Union (CESU) and Communist Pact of Independent States (CPIS) harden the established global bipolarity. Secretary Whitford explained that the policies of non-interventionism and non-interference would allow for Mordusia to avoid the tit-for-tat of bloc geopolitics and focus primarily on the interests of the Mordusian people and aligning the nation's foreign policy with that of organisations such as the Seleyan Intergovernmental Council, which according to the Secretary has been a force for good.

Hamstrung by excessive and foreign exchange heavy imports, a generally uncompetitive economy, a general lack of foreign direct investment to offset government stimulus in the domestic economy and a mounting crisis in the national labour market, the Mordusian economy continues to struggle. Despite the vigour of the incumbent government towards improving numerous indexes such as the ease of doing business, economic freedom and economic inclusion, systematic problems continue to hinder the effectiveness of the government's reform programme. Trade and Industry Secretary Temple states that the aforementioned issues as it pertains to the ease of doing business, economic freedom and economic inclusion are known by both his department and the Department of Finance and numerous reform packages are being mobilised to address them but he notes the reforms are as good as the economy would allow. Secretary Temple notes that by aggressively seeking foreign trade agreements with the major economic players, Mordusia could begin to press its advantage. He explained that there are already significant moves towards ensuring an increase in regional trade and ensuring an increase in market access for Mordusian exporters. Last year, Premier of Trelodge, Isaac Helman accompanied Secretary for Economic Affairs and Communications Tania Chastain and Secretary for the Environment and Tourism Hunter Morris on a visit to Lourenne to gain access to grant financing via the Green Investment and Cooperation Fund to finance Mordusia's pivot towards green energy. The aforementioned departments denote their success to the efforts of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation who arranged the meet with Lourennais government officials. Secretary Temple notes that as Mordusia's trade and investment policy takes shape, there will be increased opportunities for the nation to gain access to numerous programmes which could assist in diversifying the national economy might it be through financing agreements or technical assistance. The Secretary has encouraged the numerous industries of Mordusia to form associations as he notes that stakeholder consultations will be on the table in the future as the trade policy becomes concrete.
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Re: Mordusia

Postby imperialpearl » Tue Aug 17, 2021 4:59 pm

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Since the beginning of independence from the Luthorian Empire, the Mordusian economy to a large extent has been stagnant. As other economies grew, the Mordusian economy remained neither on the path of growth nor recession. Whilst wages and the labour market exploded in other nations amidst major global economic booms, the situation in Mordusia remained relatively constant, with little to no wage and labour market growth being observed during these aforementioned boom cycles. Decades of poor fiscal management coupled with what can only be described as sheer luck has allowed the Mordusian economy to ride the waves and make it out still somewhat economically stable. Although the relative stagnation of the mordusian economy has generated some level of economic prosperity the supposed hidden hand of the free market had been at work since the relative neglect of the nation's macroeconomic situation has created the impetus for numerous macroeconomic issues. According to the Reserve Bank of Mordusia, unemployment increased ten-fold over the previous decades with the national unemployment level sitting at around 45% and the unemployment levels in the states sitting at 50%<. Healthcare coverage within the nation is at an all-time low as more and more persons struggle with the expenses associated with medical treatment. In its report on the outlook of the national healthcare system, the National Office for Healthcare Policy and Research (NOHPR) estimates that basic healthcare coverage (excluding dental care and out-patient care) could decrease from 64% to 51% in the coming decades as more persons slip into unemployment. Although touted by previous administrations as a policy priority, access to education has decreased by 13% as the costs associated with education such as school fees, administrative fees, the cost of books/stationery, etc increase thus making the materials of education increasingly out of reach of the average citizen. With a social welfare system that is virtually non-existent, persons of all ages are finding it increasingly difficult to navigate the ins and outs of unemployment, retirement and social assistance. On retirement, more importantly, the lack of an organised retirement system leaves many with little to no savings to ride the waves of retirement, thus forcing many persons above the retirement age to seek employment (usually in the informal economy) to maintain homes and other amenities.

Against the backdrop of these observations, Federal Treasurer Daniel Allen announced the federal government's economic agenda for the coming decade. Addressing the House of Representatives in Randworth, Treasurer Allen noted that as the government's political philosophy is deeply rooted in democratic socialism, it intends on taking numerous examples from nations throughout the world and in theory to craft its economic agenda. He explained that the 5-year programme of communist/socialist nations allows for a targeted focus on numerous areas of the economy. He stated that the government's economic agenda will be aimed at tackling core issues within a 10-15 year period. Speaking to the details of the agenda, Allen stated that one of the major moves of the federal government in the coming decade would be to completely restructure the healthcare system in Mordusia to allow for easier access to equal healthcare. He argued that the question of free healthcare should not be a question of its economics but should be one of whether Mordusian society is content with the fact that an increasing number of persons are finding it increasingly difficult to access medical treatment due to their socioeconomic position. Healthcare in Mordusia is defined by healthcare insurance coverage. In many instances, the costs associated with health insurance are becoming increasingly unsustainable for many low-income and middle-income families, thus forcing many to forgo medical treatment. He notes that the Mordusian Labor Party is envisioning a healthcare system whereby healthcare insurance will be no longer required primary, speciality, emergency/urgent and mental care. "We want to ensure that persons can walk into hospitals and receive treatment without having to provide health insurance information before they are even treated." Addressing unemployment would also remain a priority of the Labor party. Incoming Federal Minister of Labour and Social Services Liam Flanagan has stated that his core philosophy in addressing unemployment is enhancing the skills of the workforce and positioning the unemployed to take advantage of opportunities in the future economy. Incoming Federal Education and Culture Minister Dr Deborah Kinsale stated that her plans are to restructure the education sector to allow for increased access and quality.
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Re: Mordusia

Postby Edmund » Tue Aug 17, 2021 8:13 pm

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                    Far-right activists join Nationals

                    March 4984

RANDWORTH, RIMLY — An investigation by The Tribune has uncovered the full extent of the right-wing extremist Rose Group's infiltration of the National Party. The recently-established party, announced at Randworth by a mix of business leaders, farming community representatives, and anti-socialist activists last year, has seen 5,000 members of the Rose Group – more than two-thirds of the far-right group's estimated membership – join it.

If the Rose Group is seeking greater mainstream acceptance through covering themselves with a more orthodox right-wing party, they seem to have succeeded. When contacted for comment, National leader Jack Garrett defended the far-right activists within his party as "Mordusians reasonably concerned by immigration".

Evidence provided to the party's offices of racism on the part of its clearly-identified shared members with the movement, including slurs against "half-breed" Canrillaise and blood libel conspiracy theories of Aldegarian Yazdean immigrants kidnapping children to be burnt alive, received no response until a follow-up email was sent informing them of this article's imminent publication. Following that, The Tribune was told that a "fair investigation" would take place.

Beliefs of the Rose Group

  • An 'Artanian Mordusia policy' barring immigration from nations not of Luthorian or Dundorfic origin.
  • Nationalisation of the banks on the grounds that they are controlled by 'foreign banksters', combined with frequent anti-Yeudish conspiracy theories espoused by members on social media platforms.
  • 'Support for Hosian values', including the continued criminalisation of homosexuality and a return of prosecution for charges of same-sex sexual activity, against the Labor government's expected liberalising social reforms.
  • Racism against the Canrillaise, classed as 'half-breeds' for their mixed Seluco-Austroseleyan ancestry, including support for banning the Canrillaise language.
  • The glorification of past Saridani white supremacist regimes and their persecution of the indigenous Ikpi and mixed Iftgoerroon minorities.
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Re: Mordusia

Postby imperialpearl » Sat Aug 21, 2021 10:56 am

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On the heels of a major political victory for the Mordusian Labour Party (Camdun Branch), newly elected Premier of Camdun, Harvey Newman announced that the state's economic future would be firmly planted in the green and blue economies. Speaking to supporters following the party's victory, Premier Newman stated that the Camdun's potential in becoming a major player in the global green and blue economies is an investment worth making. He noted that the green economy, from the global perspective, had taken off and had brought wide-ranging economic development to nations who aggressively pivoted towards the green economy. He highlighted Lourenne, who at the turn of the 4300s reoriented its entire economy towards preparing for the future employment opportunities coming out of a developed green economy. Lourenne is the world's largest producer of renewable energy and is an international powerhouse in the green economy, owing to its aggressive investments into the green economy and its centuries-long commitment to sustainable development. "If we are to follow in the footsteps of nations who have been successful in this new green economy, we must be prepared to make aggressive and radical changes to our economy. We cannot revert to the old ways of economic and social planning. The innovative minds behind Lourenne's green revolution knew that to make the green economy as successful as it is, old-age economic thinking needs to leave the discussion." Speaking on the blue economy, he noted that sustainable development plays directly into the feasibility of the blue economy and it can be viewed that the blue economy is a sub-focus of the larger green economy. He explained that Camdun's future in the blue economy will be centred and orientin the state to take complete advantage of the maritime traffic moving through the Aldegar canal, leveraging the state's littoral resources, and building a tourism model alongside its green economy plans. Speaking to the maritime industry, Premier Newman stated that he intends on courting international investment into the development of shipyards and commercial ports in the state. On ecotourism, Premier Newman stated that the state government would produce numerous policies to guide both private and public sector activities in the tourism sector to allow for individuals to take advantage of the government's plans for tourism. The Premier is expected to announce his cabinet in the coming days.
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Re: Mordusia

Postby Edmund » Sat Aug 21, 2021 12:16 pm

                    Garrett hits out at Labor reforms

                    November 4984 [OOC: post-dated]

RANDWORTH, RIMLY — National Party leader Jack Garrett has criticised the Labor government's proposed economic reforms, which offer an end to restrictions on foreign nationals working, a ban on employers firing striking workers, the legalisation of secondary strikes, and one-third employee representation required on corporate boards. "It's exactly what you'd expect from the self-confessed communist 'Red' Allen," he said.

"The next election will offer Mordusians a clear choice: a choice between a country where babies are killed hours before their due date and taxpayers are expected to fund it, where marriage means nothing, where businesses and millions of jobs with them are driven out; or a Mordusia of opportunity, of our tried-and-tested traditional values, that puts the hard-working families that are our nation's bedrock first."

This follows his criticism of Labor's social reforms proposed earlier this month, which would see the legalisation of abortion, homosexuality, and same-sex marriage, as well as government recognition of the gender identity of transgender people. Adoption, currently restricted to married couples, would be opened to all.

Although not on policy, Garrett's Nationals have often attempted to outflank Labor on the working-class vote in terms of rhetoric. "What we need are well-paid jobs, a revitalised manufacturing sector, and an education system that gives opportunities to the brightest kids regardless of class," he told a rally in Brunswoomba yesterday.
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Re: Mordusia

Postby imperialpearl » Sat Aug 21, 2021 12:59 pm

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Amidst decades of outsourcing the nation's production to extra-regional nations such as Yingdala and Dorvik, Coliwick's recently elected Labour government has announced ambitious plans to revive the state's heavy industry and manufacturing sector with the intention of transitioning the state to rival much larger economies in the coming decades. As the economic situation within the state worsened amidst decades of inaction at the hands of successive governments, Coliwick's economy suffered a tremendous blow as many companies moved their operations either outside of the state or the country as a whole. The de-industrialisation experienced by the state has been one of the worse in Mordusian history, as manufacturing's contribution to state GDP dropped from 45% to 5% in the space of 100 years. Riding on the promise to revitalise the state economy, recently elected Premier of Coliwick Cody Barrett announced that the state would be making aggressive actions towards rebuilding the state's heavy industry and manufacturing sectors. Speaking at a seminar on the future of the state's economy, Premier Barrett stated that the state's future was firmly planted in heavy industry and manufacturing. He explained that as the federal government moves to revitalise the national economy, the opportunities coming out of planting the state's economy in the heavy industry and manufacturing sector are becoming increasingly enticing. He stated that the state government intends on attracting investment for the construction of numerous industrialisation projects including the creations of manufacturing parks throughout the state and leveraging the state's experience in heavy industry to complement the hopeful restart of the mining sector in Kipdeen. "We believe that the mining sector in Kipdeen can offer large benefit to Coliwick's economic recovery. Metal ore mining, which is the most abundant/prominent type of mining in Kipdeen, can allow for the processing of mineral resources into manufactured products. The processing of these aluminium resources can lead to the manufacturing of numerous products such as steel, nickel, aluminium, etc; and these products can be further manufactured into products such as automobiles and much more." Minister of Finance and Public Administration, Violet Evison explained that the state government had to allow for ease of doing business in the state for any form of heavy industry and manufacturing investment to have real return. She explained that the state government intends on introducing numerous tax incentives to encourage efficient manufacturing and it intends on courting investment both from the federal government and extra-regional territories for the construction of its proposed manufacturing parks.
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Re: Mordusia

Postby imperialpearl » Wed Sep 01, 2021 10:14 am

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As the government moves to tackle the numerous issues coming out of the previous administration's handling of the economic situation in the country, Federal Treasurer Daniel Allen's thrust into aggressively revitalising the national economy had to be slowed down earlier this morning following the announcement that one of the nation's largest financial institutions, Dominion Bank was on the brink of bankruptcy after nearly 80% of its loans to low and middle-income earners defaulted due to the inability of borrowers to repay. Dominion Bank, the nation's largest loan lender is under serious financial strain amidst what numerous financial experts call "a series of bad loan lending decisions." In its annual report, the bank noted that due to the fact that many of its borrowers were unable to repay the loans issued by the bank, they had incurred a major blow to revenue. Chief Executive Officer of Dominion Bank, Angus Martin explained that the situation had become so unsustainable that numerous shareholders within the company, were selling their shares within the bank amidst millions of dollars in capital being "wiped out". Dominion Bank holds around 40% of the loans currently in circulation in the financial markets and has been considered one of the most trusted financial institutions in Mordusia. However, amidst the increasingly difficult financial situation, many borrowers are finding it difficult to repay loans taken from the bank and many depositors are becoming increasingly hesitant towards continuing business with the bank. One of the company's last remaining shareholders, the government of Mordusia has decided to intervene to prevent the bank from failing. In a late-night press conference, Federal Treasurer Daniel Allen announced alongside the Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council Dr Anthony Brown and Governor of the Reserve Bank of Mordusia Dr Cameron Moore stated that the government would nationalise Dominion Bank and restructure the firm and its operations. Treasurer Allen stated that the government had an obligation to protect the deposits of millions of Mordusians and to prevent a potential "run" on the bank. In answering questions on whether the nationalisation of the bank would impact the deposits of Mordusia, Governor Moore stated that deposit insurance will be implemented in the coming weeks to ensure that banks, be they public or private, guarantee deposits in the event of an unforeseen situation. Dr Brown stated that the restructuring of the bank will impact the upper echelons of the company and will not affect the low to medium level employees. He explained that the poor lending decisions of the bank's leadership were to blame and thus the public and employees of the now nationalised bank can expect to see changes in leadership especially for the CEO, CFO and CIO. Federal Minister for State Enterprise Piper Harman stated that the restructured company will be known as the State Bank of Mordusia (SBM).
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Re: Mordusia

Postby imperialpearl » Wed Sep 01, 2021 10:28 am

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In order to meet its target for a 30% emissions cut by the turn of the century, the Federal Department of Economic Development (as the line ministry for energy) has ordered the decommissioning/retirement of all coal-based and natural gas-based powerplants in the country in the coming decades, stating that their continued operations remain a hindrance to Mordusia's green energy ambitions. The announcement was made following deep stakeholder consultations alongside the various trade union organisations representing the thousands of workers of the plants, and the executive boards of the numerous companies involved in Mordusia's coal and natural gas power generation sectors. Federal Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Liam Coleman stated that the federal government remained committed to transitioning the nation's energy mix away from fossil fuels, citing the billions of dollars of investment from the federal government expected to be poured into green energy projects throughout the nation. The decisions mark the beginning of major moves for the government as coal and natural gas accounts for a combined total of 91% of the nation's power generation capabilities, with the remaining 9% being captured by renewable energy sources at the state level. Citing a lack of organised infrastructure on the federal level, particularly the lack of federally-funded renewable energy projects, Minister Coleman stated that the target of 5000 is an ambitious one, but noted that due to the sheer size of natural gas and coal's contribution to power-generation in Mordusia, the process is expected to be slow as the Minister notes that it would be impossible to replace 91% of the nation's power-generation capacity with renewable sources in 10 years. Federal Treasurer Daniel Allen spoke to the economics behind the decommissioning of the power plants by stating that the importation of coal and natural gas from extra-regional markets continues to place a significant strain on the nation's financial accounts. He explained that billions of dollars are spent each year importing large amounts of coal and natural gas to power electricity-generating turbines. As renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and tidal energy do not require foreign exchange nor importation, the Federal Government intends on gradually transforming the nation's energy mix towards renewable energy. Federal Minister of Economic Development Sofia Johnston stated that her plans for the energy sector within Mordusia are winding ranging as she intends on introducing a carbon-pricing mechanism, a tax credit to encourage the use of renewable energy sources and transformation of decommissioned power plant sites to provide accommodations for the homeless among others.
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