Narikaton and Darnussia

[Reximus]

National-Separatist Alliance In Pivotal Spot
Relatively New Party To Demand Referendum
April 4644

DORESSA, NARIKATON AND DARNUSSIA - The formation of the National-Separatist Alliance (NSA) was met with little fanfare in the press and public eye. The party, which was viewed as fragile due to its paradoxical nationalist nature in a confederal setting. The merger 4641 merger of the Darnus People's Union and the Narik Identity Association, however, has proven to shake up domestic politics in the Confederation.

In their first election, the NSA snagged 94 seats - and second place in the Confederal Congress. A snap election saw the NSA fall to 79 seats, but still is in third place. In both cases, the NSA ended up in the run-off for the Presidency. "It is clear to me that the people of Narikaton and the people of Darnussia both want a clear change in favor of their own national identities and their own people," Hubert Welleweerd, Presidential candidate of the NSA said in his concession speech in February 4644.

Since the elections, a proposal to form a broad coalition consisting of most parties (except for the far-right Antidemocratic Alliance and center-right Civic Democratic Union) has caught the eye of Claudia Küchler, the Parliamentary Leader of the NSA. In a speech before the Confederate Congress, she argued that her party was under-represented in the coalition agreement and that it would only enter into the coalition if "the government promises to introduce and fully support a referendum on the separation of Darnussia and Narikaton."

Pressed on the details of this proposal, Küchler said, "Our vision is for a referendum to be held contemporaneously in both Narikaton and Darnussia, whereby a majority in either nation would be able to sever the bonds of confederation. In order for us to countenance the coalition, we would insist that all parties to Government agree and back the referendum, with all members of the Confederal Congress from these parties obligated to campaign in favor of separation."

While some within the Communist Workers' Party have been seen to be supportive of this arrangement, it is unclear whether the Social Liberals or SVP would back such a proposal which would possibly tear at the very heart of the union between Darnussia and Narikaton. With it unlikely that the KAP would do a deal with the BDU, and the NSA ruling out any deal that would not include a referendum, it appears unlikely that any alternative coalition could be cobbled together in order to avoid the National-Separatist Alliance's demands.

[RadenKommunisme]

Communist Worker's Party Platform to be reconfigured
Communists embrace market socialism
June 4644

DORESSA, NARIKATON AND DARNUSSIA - At a special session of the party congress, Alexander Reutmann purposed the adaptation of a new party platform with the intention of allowing for a smooth transition between capitalism and communism under which the workplace would be democratized and placed in the hands of the working class via the formation of councils and cordinating committees ran in accordance with market principles. In addition to this, Reutmann purposed that housing and the provision of healthcare be done by transparent state actors while operating as non-profit cooperatives. Out of 40 party delegates, only 5 voted against the new platform.

[Rogue]

Doressa: The Darnussian LPG processing and storing company TetraGass has announced several deals with overseas companies within the LPG sector that will allow it to expand its operations. TetraGass has purchased private land in nations like Malivia, Kafuristan and Dankuk and has, in addition, been striking deals with companies in the same sector. With these deals TetraGass has for example aquired a Dankukin company that produces small LPG storing tanks and valves in addition to a Rutanian company specialized in the overseas transportation of LPG.

With the new land and company deals/aquisitions TetraGass is preparing one of its largest operational expansions ever. In Kafuristan the company plans on building a new LPG processing facility to process Kafuri LPG right on the spot while in Malivia the company will construct a massive LPG storage facility where it will transport the LPG processed in Kafuristan to. In Dankuk construction has already started on both a small storage facility and a processing facility.

TetraGass has been operating in the LPG sector for over a decade but has mainly done so in Darnussia and on a small scale, with only limited activity in Narikaton. Now, with economic growth at home returning and both government and private investment rising TetraGass sees the time for expansion is finally there. Currently the company only employs around 400 people. Once the planned expansions are over however the company predicts it will have over 2000 people on the payroll in several branches of the company. Mainly the processing branch and transportational branch with the storage branch taking up only around 100 employees. The expansions and reorganizations currently planned are expected to be finished by the end of 4646.

[Rogue]

Doressa: After weeks of tension and the constant fear of the impossible happening the BDU-KAP and SLP have today released their intention of forming a government with the vote on the new BDU led government being held at this very moment. Aiden Lagerveld will once again enter the chancellory for his second term but this was not a certain thing.

After the recent election results where the separatist NSA came in as the third party it seemed almost impossible to form a proper government. With most moderate parties refusing to govern with either the communists or separatists and the separatists only willing to form a government with the communists if a referendum on seperation was held it seemed impossible to form a properly functioning government without the possibility of losing the young confederacy. But after 4 weeks of showdown between the different parties the BDU took the initiative and reached out to the KAP and SLP. Fearing a separation of the young confederacy the BDU, with a heavy heart, broke their own pledge not to work with extremist parties and, after 2 months of long and hard talks, came to a agreement with the KAP and the more moderate SLP to form a BDU led government, handing Lagerveld his second term as chancellor.

The BDU leadership stated that the party "was more concerned with preserving the integrity of the confederation then over economic and social differences"
Chancellor Lagerveld stated that he was "happy with the result" and "proud that i may once again lead our union forward". Many BDU supporters have voiced their anger of their party working with the communists while others praise the courage of party leadership to make the hard decision in preserving the confederacy over ideological differences. The new government is likely to assume office next month.

[Rogue]

Doressa - The BDU party has, after several lost presidential bids, removed former president Alexander Aalbrecht from its presidential ticket. The former president had won his first bid for the presidency, being the president to guide the nation through a transition into the confederation it is today. Aalbrecht lost the bids that came after his first term in office (3 in total). After these failed attempts to win the presidency once more Aalbrecht is now being replaced by a new face.

Not only Aalbrecht has lost his elections, the BDU party itself has been in dire straits too. Losing seats every election since its foundation the BDU is currently at the lowest number of seats in its history having become the second smallest party in congress and losing most of its once major political influence. Despite the election loses of the party it has been able to remain in the government every single cabinet until now with the party never being in opposition. Aiden Lagerveld has now started his 4th term as Chancellor and has been leading the confederacy with a steady hand despite his coalitions being of dubious quality.

But now, despite their influence in governmental politics, the party aims to once again gain electoral success. After first setting up several local branches for the party to better connect with its voters party leadership has now put forward a new presidential candidate named Rupprecht Schultze. Rupprecht (41 years old) is a native darnussian who started working on his family farm when he was 13. He worked on the farm for over a decade before moving to the city of Redstad to study biology. After his 5 year study was completed Rupprecht started to develop an interest in politics, joining a local conservative party in his late 20's, working as a councillor in the local municipality. After the founding of the BDU and the creation of the Confederacy Rupprecht became a elected member of congress several years ago. By putting Rupprecht on the presidential ticket the BDU hopes to appeal to the Darnussian base of voters that it seems to have lost. By having both a Narik chancellor and Darnussian presidential candidate the party hopes to once again regain some mainland votes.

The party is also shifting its policies. Proposal several right leaning bills aimed at underlining the importance of the Hosian Democratic ideals of the party, as some of its members have argued that these have been waning in recent years. By proposing these bills the BDU hopes to once again gain back its traditional hosian/conservative voters base without losing its current liberal leaning members.

On the question of whether this was Lagerveld his last term as chancellor the head of government stated that "i will remain in office as long as the country needs me and the parliament keeps their confidence in me"

[Rogue]

Moet - The Umbracht Development Corp (UDC) has revealed a major urban development project in the Narik capital of Moet. The new project aims at creating both affordable homes as well as higher end homes. The project will also include the construction of a new leasure port for leasure ships and small cargo ships and a plan for a new boulevard to attract tourism into the area.

The plan, which was presented to the Mayor and municipal council of Moet, will include the construction of over 1300 additional affordable housing for low incomes in the suburbs of the city. These houses are expected to be affordable for people or small families that have to come by from minimum wage jobs. In addition to these "low" end houses the company also plans to construct over 300 "high end" homes near the coastline of Moet, both the low and high end homes will be put up for rent with only a few of them being actually sold. In addition to these homes a new boulevard shall be build where restaurants and stores are expected to be able to open alongside it. There will also be a new port which will exclusively be used for leasure yachts and small carge ships to supply local stores and restuarants. The company expects the entire project to cost an estimated 1 billion LOD and has already been talking with both the municipality and several banks and investors to gather the necessary funds.

The municipal council, upon examining the plans and reviewing them, approved the plans. The council also pledged to fund around 250 million LOD of the project with the rest having to be funded by the private sector. The UDC stated that it was "excited with the approval of this major project that will transform Moet into a city of class". The company itself will pump around 300 million LOD into the project with the remnant expected to be collected from private banks and investors in the coming weeks. Construction of the project is planned to start at the end of the year.

[Rogue]

Aldegar to close off canal for all military vessels, puts tax on goods passing through from several nations

[Rogue]

Doressa - After months of speculation and over 4 consecutive terms Chancellor Lagerveld has made the announcement many people were expecting. During a regular press meeting that the Chancellor holds every week he finally answered the question: "when will you stop being chancellor". Negotiations for a new cabinet led by Lagerveld and his BDU party had been underway for several weeks now following the recent election but Lagerveld came with a conclusive answer: "this will be my last term"

For the past 13 years Aiden Lagerveld has been Chancellor of the confederation. During his time as chancellor Narikaton and Darnussia both underwent massive transitions on their own but also as a united country under the confederacy. He oversaw a period of economic growth and a downturn in unemployment and inflation while also, with the help of his foreign minister Kiekebeld, improving relations with nations like Dorvik and overseeing the reorganization of the armed forces. Chancellor Lagerveld is seen by many as a uniter, having united several unlikely parties together in his many often weird coalitions. Partnering up with the communists to exclude the Anti Democrats on several occasions and overseeing a period of political tension. But despite all this Aiden Lagerveld remained in his seat. Convincing other parties to support him and his party and firmly solidifying the BDU as a "governing party". Now Lagerveld in the recent press conference stated:

Thank you for the question. I can tell you that i am immensely proud that i had the honor of leading our nation for the past 13 years. I realize how privileged i was to be given the confidence by both the people and parliament to govern our beautiful nation. But, as it seems that stability is slowly returning to the political scene and the economic situation is rather stable, i have decided that this likely upcoming term will be my last. Effective noon tomorrow i will resign my position of Chairman of the BDU and will allow the party to pick its new leader during the party congress later this year. I will, as many parties and people expect of me, lead one more cabinet which is the cabinet between BDU, SLP, SVP and NSA currently up for a vote in congress. I hope to serve the people of this country for 4 more years in the best way possible and look forward to handing over a healthy union of nations to the next Chancellor whoever that may be

Several Contenders for BDU leadership
After the announcement media began to speculate on who may be the next Chairman of the BDU and possibly the next chancellor. Many mentioned Nanko van Vliet (58). van Vliet has been a BDU congressman for over 8 years now and is number two in the ranking order of the party their representatives. van Vliet is known as a traditional conservative and firm hosian believer and is partially responsible for the small shift to the right the party recently made. He is highly popular within the right wing and conservative hosian wing of the party.

Annemijn Kronenborg (34) is another contender for the chairmanship of the party. Kronenborg is a liberal member of the party. Strongly in favor of the free market and liberal legislation she is more to the left of the party. Having been largely responsible for the more moderate tone of the party in regards to abortion and gay rights. Kronenborg has been Vice-Chairman of the party for 3 years and will surely try to get her former boss his position at the upcoming party congress.

And last, but certainly not least, is current minister of Foreign Affairs Sijmen Kiekebeld (54). Kiekebeld has been minister of foreign affairs for as long as Lagerveld has been Chancellor. For over 13 years (and likely going to be 17 years) Kiekebeld has been the minister responsible for signing arms deals with Dorvik, negotiations the creation of a possible new AU and performing a astounding 511 state visits over his 13 year long tenure as MOFA. Kiekebeld, highly influenced by Lagerveld, is also a firm Hosian Democratic and a Hosian believer himself. He is seen as a pragmatic politician by many and has similar traits as Lagerveld although being a bit more conservative. While Kiekebeld currently seems to be the front runner for the chairmanship some within the party have already criticized him for being to much of the same and many feel like a new person at the helm is needed to lead the party to new heights.

Response to Aldegar
In the press conference where the Chancellor announced his last term he also responded to Aldegar and their protectionist policies. Stating that:

Narikaton and Darnussia will, from this day onward, follow their Dorvish friends and not pass through the canal under their own flag. While this is damaging for our economy we cannot allow Aldegar to dictate global trade and therefor call on its government to end its tariff practices. If they decide to do so we will once again allow our shipping to go through it

With international pressure mounting against the Aldegar regime and the effects of less shipping being felt on the Aldegarian economy it remains to be seen how long its government can maintain these firm anti foreign policies.

[Rogue]

Doressa - Anemieke Kronenborg has been elected to the position of chairman of the, what now seems to be, former BDU. The new Chairman, with support of over 60% of party members. Passed a motion at the congress to rebrand the party into a pragmatic, centrist and radical centrist political party. The new party has been renamed to the Pragmatic People's Party (PVND) and its official colour changed to purple

Kronenborg fought off a challenge in the second round of voting at the congress from Nanko van Vliet, a conservative member of the party. Despite many believing current foreign minister Kiekebeld would win the chairmanship he was defeated in the first round leaving van Vliet and Kronenborg to contest in the second round. With 62% of the vote Kronenborg with her message of unity, tradition and civil liberties managed to win the second round and be elected chairman. To the suprise of many, her first action was to put a motion to vote to drastically change the party itself into a center to radical centrist party, changing the name and official colour of the party in order to "better reflect the confederate reality". The new party will leave behind most of its hosian democratic ideals while fully embracing pragmatism, aiming to become the main political party in the country and create "realistic and problem solving policies".

Despite the relative suprise of the motion it was still supported by a overwhelming majority of members, as the party was "tired" of the run to the right. Many conservative members of the party, including van Vliet, were outraged and in protest revoked their party membership. Over 20 former BDU congressman resigned their posts in congress as they did not allign with the new party, many of the conservative members of the former BDU have now left the party, some to join the SVP and others to simply retire from political life. There is still a conservative wing in the party but this is now a minority within the predominantly centrist party.

Aiden Lagerveld, former BDU leader and current chancellor has announced that he will remain loyal to the party and to Kronenborg and will keep his position of chancellor to "fullfill the promise to the Confederate people's of serving my last term as chancellor" he is said to retire from politics after his new term has ended.

[Auditorii]

ASIM claims world-wide terrorist attacks