Lodamun

[ChengherRares1]

Lodamun celebrates 50 years anniversary since 4th May 4866 Constitutional ratification, secular protests ensue
May 4915

[Lodamese people celebrating the 4th of May]

Lodamun has seen rough times across it's lifespan. Tried by fire and sword often, be them civil wars, tensions, hatred and instability, however one thing is certain: Lodamun is here to stay. 50 years ago, on this time, the Constitution of 4866 was officially approved by all five regions and by the Lodamese Presidium under the guise of the socialists and with the help of fellow parties such as the liberals or feudalists, who have ensured together that the new GDR born from the ashes of the failed second UFSR will not end same. Despite existing turbulence internally, failed monarchist attempts and tensions between EAPP and PSEI/ESC, Lodamun has seen never before seen prosperity: homelessness is becoming a bad memory, democracy has greatly stabilized, the army is modern and the nation is opened to the outside.

Of course not everything is, but Lodamun as of now has proved that it can progress more than it used to, it can hold international relations at normal level, it can trade and have effective market forces, that it can protect LGBT rights, be modern, have a pluralist democracy and openness, alongside a state made for the people and not the bloody rich or nobles. In the name of all this progress, people have taken to the street to celebrate, with fireworks in blue color, raising flags and having an official huge military parade pursued by Lodamun, alongside parties, tycoons and concerts. Most Lodamese celebrated in every way, showing patriotism and dedication to the democratic values, especially among secular and progressive people.


On the topic of secularism, Lodamese used this date to pursue protest and express anger at the recent law that would make witch hunting legal, alongside other infringements on human rights, such as allowing church burns, no response to the ongoing anti Hosian crusade and proliferation of rightist ideals, the declaration of the Celestial Republic as ideal by pagan committees and laws discriminating against Hosians and other Quaderites. All these amounted as a death of what the Great Democratic Republic once stood for, and there are calls now for secularization and democratization, especially with Laan Leinheimmer, a prominent radical progressive and socialist, wishing to reinvigorate the welfare system, push for more centralist progressive reforms and impose secularist laws again, with some voices going as much that he plans to impose laicism. All in all, the situation is delicate, with counter protests emerging against fundamentalists, either pursued by fellow religious communities targeted or by the progressives wishing reforms.

Despite these "bad news", the situation is not yet critical, as protests are not comparable to the Revolutionary era, but of course damages were created. Few cars, alongside windows and in general clashes with the few police force or other protesters. The government is yet to decide over policy, as internal discrepancies among socialists are more and more stark by the day, leading to fear of party meltdown over the next years, as Xing Yimu as cabinet ministry thought of stepping down, while Yusef Rose, a prominent leader in ESC thinks the current events make a dislike to the secular or somewhat okay republic envisioned by Nataniel Pop, starting revisionism as such. He joined the secularists, while Nataniel Pop has stated that the government should intervene to stop protests, creating some controversy, though he is old and despite being Prime Minister, it becomes incredible hard for him to handle the matters.

All in all, Lodamun has showed great solidarity for the Republic, but with internal tensions again being a thing, and a Celestial Republic proposed by some like Mika Hirst, Lodamese have endured and will endure, no matter what, and above all, it is proven that these serene people can be democratic and modern, for over 30 decade of socialist politics and consecutive electoral wins. Who will know how the current situation ensue, hopefully for the best.

[Luis1p]

LE NATIONAL: Lourenne begins Grand International Diplomatic Tour throughout Terra

[jellybean]

Hobrazian Development Corporation expands to Seleya, builds Seleyan Operations Center in Providence, Lodamun

[ChengherRares1]

Lodamun to take onto stars, new ISRP party formed to tackle international and national issues
January 4948

The National Presidium in session due to past instability and improper reforms that hurt both the Constitution and fragmented the nation

Providence - The long collapsed Ethical Socialist Coalition reformed today after the exiled intellectuals returned inland with the collapse of the communist regimes of Empharians and of Preservationists, who both have worked hard to attack the fiber of Lodamun. The downfall began with inner party infightings, premature death of Baar, factionalism and the threat of being arrested or killed, as communist parties formed of radicals took control over the Parliament, and while at beginning they had defended the Constitution of 4866, over time, many attacks on the pagan order, controversial laws on technology and the final nail into market socialism has led to dissolution of last libertarian socialist hold on Lodamun, as last ex-ESC members ran abroad. Intellectual activity continued, but in smaller numbers.

One of the great thinkers, Sebastian Laar, has proposed a return to Natanielist values, as Nataniel Pop died abroad, ill and depressed after the collapse of the old regime at the age of 99 years old, on December 4915. Sebastian Laar was a student of Nataniel and a staunch reformist and ascetic preacher. Now in charge of the government and in strong alliance with Kuttner, a visionary and most likely a crazy man, will seek to further a new Republic of Celest and of wisdom, against all threats. A new Constitution has been drafted and being debated, while Laar has promised that Lodamun will become more interventionist and seek to deter rightist movements from encroaching onto this world. Internally, the Presidium lawmakers will focus on repelling many unwanted communist reforms that have destroyed the economy and as well the persecuting laws onto religious people.


Liam Kuttner, President of Lodamun

[ChengherRares1]

Leftist revolutionary protests litter the streets, anti monarchist marches ensue
June 4965


Anarchists in Ellington protesting the inept monarchy that has destroyed the economy, as well the moderate socialism promoted by the Idealists

Lodamun: Recent years
It has been rough years for the Fifth Republic, more like again an existential crisis due to monarchist and nationalist forces taking over the state. After the unstable and interrupted revival of the ESC, now the Idealistic-Socialist Renewal Party, Lodamun has experienced a new wave of nationalism, once again, though now due to missing flag and weak economy, as well due to Royalists gaining absolute majority. New proposals for monarchy have pleased the voters, but soon, the inactivity as well missing flag, coupled with deepening economic troubles have made many draw to the streets and express their discontent for the ruling classes. This is seen by many potentially the end of the Fifth Republic, one way or another, turmoil, nationalist tendencies and a crippled economy. Furthermore, the Republic is just in the name, as the nation governs itself around monarchist principles. The future is seen by many either as the Idealists completely revamping the Republic toward a new direction, either the Royalists survive somehow, as in recent years, they've been struggling to keep their party in line. It is yet to be seen if the opposition can take power and save Lodamun, or royalists will win in return.

Meanwhile two contradictory views on the political left emerged due to discrepancies in their philosophies. On one side there are the paternalist and spiritual elites, led by Natanielists and a branch of modern progressives that believe in "True socialism" and a more secular state. Meanwhile the party, the ISRP has shown Natanielist tendencies due to Liam Kuttner and Sebastian Laar joint faction that has more spiritual character and its oriented toward the successful market socialist policies, against the international economic model promoted in the Communes, who now sees a revival in radical groups led by John Vincent, a major progressive figure and a staunch secularist. This has prompted a severe division, which over time it will be seen in which way it will swing definitively, as of now its still balanced, allowing each side possibility to take over and implement their views. Some speculate even a fracture or a defection to the Royalists, who in some regards represent them better.

Lodamun has seen political instability despite the apparent qualms from the outside, as the nation returned not only to the quiet era of ecofeudalism, but also because governments failed to pass any meaningful legislation or propose government projects, showing incredible incompetence and some say corruption. The recent anarchist protests are gaining support and leverage due to this inaction and incapacity of elites to govern properly, despite their leftist sympathies, all are now seen as leechers and the trust in the democratic process is now soaring again. Lodamun has seen peace and prosperity, but now due to incompetence, it may return to revolutionary past and possible civil wars if nothing is done by the ruling class. Apathy has seen its fair raise too, with more and more avoiding to vote by the day.

So despite Lodamun being one of the most leftist nations, for centuries, it now experiences radical leftist protests! It's just come to show how leftist is Lodamun and how it will continue to maintain leftism, whether the royalists or republicans win on the long run.


[Anarchist protests in Providence]

While the protests have been mostly peaceful, violence did occurred via clashes among law enforcement units and protesters, especially in Providence and Orean, the latter being the historical capital of revolutionary politics and radical groups. Couple police officers were injured and a protester died after rubber bullets were fired. The Presidium had to be heavily guarded to ensure safety from communist and syndicalist rallies that have sought to intimidate the public officials and remind them of who they govern. ISRP has remained silent over this due to internal own turmoil, but also due to sympathies for republicans among crowds, as many people, including liberal centrists and some conservatives have joined protests against monarchy and many show now lack of sympathy for the Karav dynasty and it is known fact that ISRP will search with Liam Kuttner to remove Karavists and reinstall the Republic, with him as the president.

Only time will tell if ISRP wins, but many experts do think that the Idealists, succeeding to keep party united till elections, will win regardless of Royalist actions.

[tracemanxp]

Democratic Progressive Party proposes restoration to the Presidium
Bold legislation proposed by LDPP to restore the 599-seat Presidium
February 9, 5067

The Lodamese Democratic Progressive Party proposed a bill that would change the legislative assembly's name to the Presidium and change the number of seats to 599. Lucas Moray, the party chairman, says that the proposed articles are in reference to Lodamese history. Moray states that the change makes sense as the legislative assembly in Lodamun has had such a name and seat number many times throughout Lodamese history, such that it's ingrained deeply into Lodamese culture.

The bill remains in the debate phase, awaiting affirmation from all parties before moving on to voting. The proposal needs at least the support of the two largest parties currently seated in the House to pass and Moray hopes to get such done before the next election.

[imperialpearl]

Following a tumultuous election campaign season, Philip Davenport the Democratic Party of Lodamun’s candidate for President has been elected President of Lodamun, becoming the nation’s 1st liberal/progressive President in centuries, signalling a major divergence from the nation’s established conservative Politik. President-elect Davenport’s victory comes amidst months of campaigning aimed at attempting to convince the nation’s conservative voter base that a switch towards the liberal/progressive ticket could put the nation back on a sound path to growth and development. Both Davenport and his running mate Abner Whiteford sought to bring clear and actionable plans to bring about a renaissance in Lodamun, as they argued that the nation’s socioeconomic stagnation was a result of laissez-faire governance at the hands of the successive conservative administrations. He argued that during the nation’s tumultuous and uncertain past with conservative administrations, the role of the government had been lost to political and private sector interference, as corporations stepped in those areas where the government has traditionally positioned itself, primarily as a guarantor of basic goods and services. “One would look at the state of our government and note the uncanny resemblance of our current arrangement to that of a kleptocracy, wherein the needs of the many were ignored to satisfy the whims of the few,” he said during a campaign speech in Harrington. Branding himself as a proponent of meritocracy and technocracy, Davenport sought to separate himself from his conservative competitors whom he described as “bland” and “lacking vision”. Davenport, a former physics professor and small-time fiction author, posits that the “spirit of Lodamun'' can only be recaptured through a complete shift in how people view the government and its role in both economic and social development. On the campaign trail, both Davenport and Whiteford championed themselves as proponents of greater government intervention into the national economy to level the playing field, as Vice President-elect Whiteford noted “the gap between our nation’s wealthiest and poorest is rapidly becoming a canyon.” Speaking at the Democratic Party’s headquarters in Kensington, DP, President-elect Davenport stated that the nation had elected him not based on his skin, nor the basis of his rhetoric, but in the belief that he along with his cabinet, will deliver on their promise to bring about profound, progressive and longlasting change to Lodamun.

Extending an olive branch to his conservative counterparts, who have largely been booted out of their positions via the Democratic Party’s landslide victory, President-elect Davenport stated that whilst the nation’s progressive wave will continue to sweep the nation, respect had to be given to representatives and senators of the “other side” who stood against the inaction of the previous administrations and attempted to shake the nation out of its malaise. On the Gubernatorial level, progressive Governors-elect were given a clear mandate to transform the states. Speaking at the Democratic Party’s victory celebration in Kensington, Governor-elect of Barrington Trevante Moore hailed the back-to-back landslide victories of the Democratic Party in the gubernatorial elections, proclaiming that a wave of progressivism will set the nation on the right path. With President Davenport’s inauguration set for the following month, it is expected that until then, he intends on revealing to the public his cabinet nominations. Although not confirmed, it has been rumoured that he has tapped public policy analyst Christopher Emenheiser as Secretary of the Treasury and former Ambassador to Kalistan Kendyl Swanson as Secretary of State. Whilst both have been firmly denied by officials within the Democratic Party, a source close to the President-elect has confirmed that acclaimed legal scholar Aiden Newman had been tapped as Attorney General. Senate Majority Leader David Brooks has confirmed that the President-elect’s cabinet nominees will proceed through the Senate. Stating that he intends on thoroughly examining the nominees, Brooks reiterated the importance of the legislature in the creation of a holistic nation. In the coming weeks and months, more will be unveiled about the President-elect’s cabinet and his plans for the economy among other issues. Only time will tell whether would bring about his promised profound change or fall short like his predecessors.

[imperialpearl]

Whilst on the campaign trail, President-elect Philip Davenport guaranteed that the cabinet he intends on leading would not only reflect a diverse choice of individuals from numerous backgrounds but would be firmly planted in the idea of technocracy. He argued that the economic damage caused by successive conservative administrations has seriously damaged the stability and structure of the Lodamunese economy and thus the need for technocracy/experts to pull the nation away from the precipice was therefore needed. Although there remains the confirmation process, here is a peek into President-elect Davenport’s cabinet nominees:-

Secretary of State: Kendyl Swanson
Kendyl Swanson is a seasoned diplomat, having worked as the Lodamese Ambassador to Kalistan underneath the previous administration as an independent. President Davenport has described her as “extremely passionate” about Lodamon’s role not only on the Seleyan continent but also on the international stage.

Secretary of the Treasury: Christopher Emenheiser
Christopher Emenheiser is a public policy analyst and economist, specialising in development economics. A former assistant professor of industrial economics at the Polytechnic University of Milford, Emenheiser has written numerous scholarly papers on the Lodamese economy, all with a focus on analysing both the strengths and weaknesses of the nation’s industrial development strategy and macroeconomic stability.

Secretary of Domestic Security: Nathan Thompson
Described by President Davenport as “the only person fit to run DDS”, Nathan Thompson is a lawyer specialising in constitutional law. He previously served as the Executive Assistant Director of the Special Investigations Bureau’s National Security Directorate and as Senior Counsel to the Director of the SIB.

Secretary of Defence: Lt.Gen (ret) George DeWitt
Lt. General (ret) George DeWitt is a former general of the Lodamese Army, previously commanding LA-ECOM (Lodamese Army - Eastern Command), the army’s operational command for eastern Lodamun. He faces numerous challenges within the Lodamun Armed Forces, particularly as it relates to restoring some semblance of professionalism to the nation’s crumbling defensive capabilities.

Secretary of the Interior: Gail Saunders
Gail Saunders is a zoologist and environmental lawyer specialising in species protection. She has served on numerous investigative boards around the country and was President of the Zoological Society of Abernathy when President Davenport tapped her for Secretary of the Interior. It is expected that much of her time in the Department of the Interior will be spent reigning in the nation’s corporations and strengthening environmental laws among others.

Attorney General: Aiden Newman
Aiden Newman was a federal appellate judge before President Davenport’s nomination. A graduate of the University of Adelia, much of Justice Newman’s career has been in the public sector. Before being appointed as an Appellate Judge, he served as a Senior Legal Clerk in the Berkwaki State Supreme Court.

Secretary of Agriculture: Arthur Holmes
Arthur Holmes is a lawyer specialising in competition and corporate governance. A self-described “small-time farmer”, Holmes’ nomination comes in response to challenges under previous administrations to loosen the grip of mega-farms on the nation’s agricultural sector.

Secretary of Commerce and Industry: Andrew Black
Before being tapped by President Davenport to head the Department of Commerce and Industry, Andrew Black was a Senior Risk Manager at Meridian Financial having worked at the company for more than eight (8) years. Although a corporate bank until recently, Black is an international trade economist. When questioned on why a trade economist has been working in a bank he said “the pay was significantly better”.

Secretary of Education and Culture: Laura Hopkins
Laura Hopkins was in retirement having left the teaching profession before her nomination. A former high school teacher and education policy analyst, Hopkins will face numerous challenges in the Department of Education and Culture most likely as it relates to enhancing the quality and accessibility of education among the nation’s youth.

Secretary of Health and Social Services: Dr Adam Wood
Dr Adam Wood is a physician and hospital administrator with more than 20 years of experience. He is the former Chief of Diagnostic Medicine at Silverstone University Hospital and former Chief Administrative Officer of Ridgestone Clinic, a non-profit medical research centre in Newchester.

Secretary of Labour: Alden Farr
Alden Farr is a trade unionist and social justice advocate. Previously, he served as the General Secretary of the All Lodamese Steel Workers Trade Union (ALSWTU). Described by President Davenport as a “passionate social justice advocate”, Farr’s ability to raise the quality and productivity of labour in Lodamun will be a test of his character.

Secretary of Infrastructure and Transport: Oliver Henderson
Oliver Henderson is an engineer by profession and temperament. A former university lecturer, he previously served as the City Engineer of Kensington, DP before being tapped to serve in the Department of Infrastructure and Transport. His expertise in civil engineering will likely aid President Davenport’s administration is rolling out effective infrastructure plans.

Secretary of Science and Technology: Dr Derrick Turner
Dr Derrick Turner is a theoretical physicist and string theorist and up to his appointment was one of the nation’s highly acclaimed scientific minds. Nominated to head up the newly introduced Department of Science and Technology, Dr Turner’s strong background in advanced scientific research will surely pave the way for great innovations among the Lodamese people.

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development: Anna Anderson
Anna Anderson was midway through her second term as Mayor of Kensington when she was tapped by President Davenport to head the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Previously she was City Treasurer where she earned acclaim for leading the city’s urban housing renaissance alongside City Engineer Oliver Henderson.

Secretary of Energy and Natural Resources: Mason Temple
Mason Temple is a highly experienced energy economist and former oil executive having worked for numerous private and public sector petroleum companies both in Hutori, Kalistan and Lodamun. Before his nomination, he served as a Senior Manager for Supply Chain Management in Carter Energy Group.

[imperialpearl]

Against the backdrop of refurbishments works on the National Congress building, Philip James Davenport and Abner Fedrick Whiteford were inaugurated as Lodamun's President and Vice President respectively, in a ceremony that sought to evoke a feeling of renewal among the general public. Proclaiming a "New Republic", President Davenport reaffirmed his commitment to the Lodamese people to path a clear path to the future whereby the promise of equal treatment and opportunity will become one of the many stepping stones for progress within Lodamun. During his inauguration speech, President Davenport hailed the efforts of the nation's voting population, stating that they had overcome adversity and uncertainty and had, through their collective will, ushered in their salvation. In casting another olive branch to the nation's former conservative political elite, President Davenport urged for a return to sensible debate within the national discourse. Casting aspersions against the nation's tumultuous history with conservative dogma, the President lamented that for the nation to confront many of the much harder issues of the future, there must be a core understanding of the need for dialogue. "In confronting the ghosts of the past, we must recognise that there is an inherent need for dialogue. It is through this that we can view the issues from differing perspectives and in the long run, be able to enhance our own," the President said. Pointing to the state of the national economy and other issues brought about by mismanagement, President Davenport noted that the journey towards economic stabilisation and hopefully growth would be long and difficult. He pointed to the systematic erosion of the nation's once-independent institutions as one of the many victims of the previous administrations. Highlighting the plight of the average Lodamuese citizen, President Davenport stated that his cabinet had been actively at work towards bringing real, progressive and long-lasting change to the socioeconomic landscape within Lodamun. "As a nation, we must determine our path in this ever-changing world. We must ask ourselves the question: "where do we see Lodamun in the next century." Is it that we wish to see it succumb to the same situation that befalls today, or is it that we wish to see our nation as a vibrant and inclusive society. A beacon of hope for those not only on the continent but the wider world. We must become the enemy of tyranny and a proponent of free will."

[imperialpearl]

The coming decades and centuries will prove extremely important to the future of the Lodamese republic. Amidst the mismanagement and general incompetence of previous administrations, and the ensuing socioeconomic train wreck that followed much of the decisions enacted by the nation's former conservative class, any plan for the reconstruction of the Lodamese economy would need to be bold, wide-reaching, swift. It will require the collective/combined energies of the nation's political class and a collective commitment among those within positions of power to see much of the necessary reforms to their completion, regardless of how difficult the pill may be to swallow. Aside from revealing the nation's precarious economic situation, the Office of Fiscal Management's report on the state of the Lodamese economy pointed to some of the nation's more systemic issues including corruption, fragile institutions and weak laws governing the practices of those operating within the nation among many others. It concluded that without sensible, structural and fiscal reforms the concept of a strong economic recovery for the Lodamese economy would not be materialised let alone attained. It read "The opinions of the public are noted in their yearning for a strong economic rebound. Thus it is important to note that should structural and fiscal reforms are ignored by the incoming administration, the concept of a strong economic rebound would not be materialised let alone attained." The report also pointed to the socioeconomic circumstance of many Lodamese citizens. Highlighting interim statistics from the Department of Labour, the OFM report stated that the unemployment situation in Lodamun was reaching an inflexion point, whereafter a profound and catastrophic collapse of the Lodamese labour market could occur without government intervention. The report opined, "Policies enacted by the previous administration and the lack thereof, have contributed largely to the current labour market crisis. The laissez-faire attitude of the nation's previous economic managers had allowed for unemployment to exceed its socially acceptable minimum, and the lack of decisive government intervention has exacerbated the situation to proportions not seen in centuries." It predicts that the collapse of the Labour market, at the hands of laissez-faire conservative policies, could alter the socioeconomic fabric of Lodamun, sending much of the nation's poor and vulnerable into absolute poverty, from which the multiplier/cascading effect could mean the potential collapse of the wider Lodamese economy.

Grabbing the bull by the horns, President Davenport burst out the gates with furious speed to enact his Roadmap to Recovery. Speaking at a televised address at Whitehall and flanked by members of the Economic Advisory Committee and Treasury Secretary Christopher Emenheiser. President Davenport stated that one of the priorities going into the coming months was gaining consensus among the Governors as to how his economic plan would be implemented among the states. "Whilst we remain focused on stabilising the economy, we will work to develop a future economy parallel to this," President Davenport said during his address. He explained that the effect of deindustrialization within Lodamun had been devasting with the nation's manufacturing & industrial capacity virtually destroyed as the nation's once-prominent firms moves to greener pastures. Secretary Emenheiser explained that the economic portion of the Roadmap to Recovery was heavily predicated on re-industrialising Lodamun. He said, "In international trade, we've become to understand the concept of both comparative and absolute advantage. For Lodamun, our comparative advantage remains our potential for industrial growth. Although throughout the states, industrial capacity has virtually collapsed, the Roadmap to Recovery sets out very clear objectives in the pursuit of re-industrialisation." Chairman of the Economic Advisory Committee Dr David Richardson explained that out of the federal government's re-industrialisation strategy would flow investments into infrastructure (including roads, railways etc), clean energy production, digital infrastructure and the strengthening of the federal social safety net. "Although the Roadmap to Recovery may seem like a plan only to re-industrialise the nation, it is holistic in its approach to address numerous societal problems including unemployment, business growth and social welfare. Investments into these areas will flow from the over-arching principle of re-industrialisation. As we begin to pour investment into reviving our industrial potential, we will need to invest in railroads and highways to connect factories and communities, we will need to enhance the social safety net to ensure that the unemployed and our retirees are taken care of; from that will flow investment into education, healthcare and pensions." Dr Richardson said in addressing questions from the media on the scope of Roadmap to Recovery.

Tying the nation's prospects on the regional and international stage to the performance and scope of the national economic recovery, Secretary of State Kendyl Swanson and Secretary of Commerce and Industry Andrew Black stated that Lodamun had to reconnect itself to the global economy and begin the process of re-engagement with historic regional allies. Pointing to the enormous potential for rekindling the nation's relationship with the seleyan continent, Secretary Swanson stated she intended to embark on a tour of the continent, with stops in Kalistan and Rildanor. Secretary Black noted that the federal government intends on following a policy of import substitution industrialization, to reduce the nation's reliance on imports and increase domestic production. He explained that the significant stress being placed on the nation's foreign exchange reserves via imports had the potential to create a current account deficit. Newly appointed Lodamese Trade Representative Oliver Mason stated that much of his work would be aimed at opening doors for Lodamese exports. In the coming days and weeks, the various secretaries are expected to speak on their plans for the national economy.