Dundorf

[Rogue]

OOC Source: N-TV

Dunburg: Political commentators can agree on one thing, the DLVP has cleverly played its hand and has made a huge gamble that payed off, resulting in a suprising and rather shocking comeback and Dundorf's likely first female Reichskanzler in decades. The architect behind it all is Diana Heiner, DLVP leader. She led the party during turbulent times, coming out of a government that was plagued by scandals and a former leader that was even ousted by his own cabinet. This trouble led to the DLVP its electoral defeat, losing over 66% of its support to the emerging Nali and Zentrum parties. This loss gabe Heiner and her party only a few options, and most had expected them to enter a Zentrum led coalition to prevent the extreme Nali party from gaining power. Heiner picked a different option however, keeping her cards close to the chest and making what can be described as the largest political play in recent years. She refused to enter a Zentrum coalition, unless the Zentrumpartei voted in favour of a extreme left bill that would nationalize large parts of the economy. She justified the move by saying that support was needed to keep the far left in her party at bay. However, many observers believe she made a deliberate gamble and actually didnt want the Nationalization act to pass herself, instead hoping for coalition talks to stagnate because of it. And they did. Zentrum made it clear that they couldnt work with the DLVP if they stick to their demand, resulting in a deadlock in the Reichstag. When the Reichsprasident threatened to appoint a chancellor himself and keep a demissionary government in place, Heiner and her party stated that any attempt at circumventing the Reichstag would lead to cabinet sacking every chancellors appointment by the president.

With no chancellor to lead the government, no minister of economy to serve in his or her post and a deadlock in the Reichstag, there really was one option left, another election so quickly after the last. The DLVP wanted this election to happen, stating that "only the people can decide what to do." Just before the election, the DLVP had elected Jonas Meyer, a former traditional singer, as their presidential candidate and there it came, new elections. The DLVP and especially Heiner their gamble payed off, with the DLVP winning back most of its lost support by winning over 47% of the vote, 16% more then before, Both the Nali and Zentrumpartei lost seats to the resurgent DLVP and most shocking of all Otto Tessler, who had won the previous presidential election with 63% of the vote, now lost to singer and DLVP candidate Jonas Meyer by just barely 1%.While Tessler held on to a lot of support, the popular Meyer, backed by a major campaign effort of the DLVP, managed to unseats the president with just under 1 million votes, ousting the former president after he had served just 6 months in his 4 year term.

Now, with the dust settled and the powerplay from Heiner her DLVP finalized, it is likely that Heiner will become the new Reichskanzler. The DLVP parliamentary group has stated it will back the coalition proposal put forth by president Meyer between Zentrum and the DLVP, which suprisingly does not have a demand for support for the Nationalization Act in it anymore. If Zentrum agrees, a center-left coalition takes shape with Heiner at its head. If Zentrum disagrees however Heiner is likely still gonna serve as Kanzler, with the demissionary cabinet still majority DLVP and president Meyer likely appointing her if deadlock ensues.

What will the next 4 years look like? And will a Heiner government manage to pass crucial reform for Dundorf?

[Drax]

ODERVELD - LEUCHTFEUER

FINANCE MINISTER TESSLER PROMOTES TAX RATE CHANGES

Dunburg, April 16, 4962: Finance Minister Otto Tessler, has introduced bills for debate changing the rates for income, corporate, salles and luxury tax as well as increasing the budget into the Reichstag. ODERVELD – LEUCHTFEUER was able to ask Tessler if the legislation reflected the Dundorfische Zentrumspartei agenda or more broadly the DVLP – DZP coalition objectives:

Well some of both. We do think this a major step in making the income tax less confiscatory. We were able to reduce the tax rate at the bottom of the scale and cap the top rate at a lower rate. To pay for this we used some of the budget surplus and added 1% to the sales, luxury and corporate taxes all of which we think are low enough to bear a very slight increase without becoming burdensome.

With respect to the budget we made some adjustments and put additional funding into areas that the DVLP-DZP Coalition agreed needed more funding. We believe the most controversial item will be the 1% sales tax. We expect this measure to bring in a fair amount of revenue but rather expect many will oppose the idea of any sales tax at all.

When asked by ODERVELD – LEUCHTFEUER if Reichskanzler Diana Heiner had run circles around him during the brief period when he was Reichsprasident, Tessler responded:

You might very well say that. I could not possibly comment.

Finance Minister Tessler

[Rogue]

OOC Source: European Security & Defense

Dunburg: In a festitive setting the Dundorfian Reichsministerie of Defense and a consortium of Dorvish and Dundorfische defense companies (Fuchstal Elektrik) presented the first "bare prototype" of the Leopard 2A4 "Dunstegen", a new variant of the currently in service Leopard 2A4. Dundorf had to get creative. Its budget limited and its crews trained in the 2A4, there was no option to purchase Dorvish 2A6 or even A7 tanks due to high maintenance and training costs. Instead a creative solution was found. Together with experienced Dorvish defense companies and new domestic ones, primarily Fuchstal Elektrik, the Ministry has now come up with a upgraded version of the old but tested Leopard 2A4. The new "Dunstegen" will feature several improved and added features. According to the released details, the turret has been newly designed and should increase armor protection for the crew, which should now be better protected then even 2A5 crews. Furthermore the main gun has been perfected, allowing for more variants of ammunition to be used in the gun. New anti splinter lines and additional outside armor protection have also been added to increase armor protection overall. A new onboard computer, designed by FE, should help the crew navigate, target and overall asses situations better then before.

A lot of effort has been put in keeping the newly upgraded tank close to the original in terms of handling for the crew, allowing Dundorfian crews to properly manage and handle the new tank without much additional training. Thermal imaging camera's onboard the tank have also been upgraded with newer Dorvish thermal sights and a new communications platform from FE was installed, replacing the old system with a new digital communications system.

All this combined should, "Make this variant of the Leopard 2A4 one of the most modern and reliable variants out there, capable of performing modern combat missions specifically intended for use in the Dundorfisches military. With this new addition, we can safely support our ground forces wherever they may be." Said defense minister Lennard Kaiser during the reveal.

The consortium has so far produced one "flawed" prototype, which was displayed at the reveal. According to reports from the Reichswehr and several budgetary requests the Reichsarmee is set to replace all current 150 Leopard 2A4's with the new "Dunstegen" variant within the next 5 years, with serial production set to launch next year. On top of that, the Reichsarmee reportedly has ordered 150 more, making a total of 300 Dunstegen tanks set be completely delivered by the end of 4967.

(OOC: Based on the Leopard 2PL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leopard_2PL)

[Drax]

ODERVELD - LEUCHTFEUER


Environment and Tourism Minister Niedemeier

GOVERNMENT LOANS FOR BIOBUSES

Dunburg, September 22, 4962: Bertrand Niedemeier, Minister of Environment and Tourism, met with Ministry Loan Specialists and Oskar Auslander, the owner of Inland Bio, in the main conference room of the Junker Hotel in Dunburg to finalize a business loan to Inland Bio to begin producing bio buses for use as airport shuttles from hotels in Dunburg to its airport.

ODERVELD – LEUCHTFEUER has learned Auslander’s brother in law, Karl Rosenburg, will be operating Airport Services, the initial customer, who has lined up seventeen hotels for shuttle service and made arrangements with the airport. Airport Services s also receiving government financing. The loan closing and documentation is being handled by Fendelhorst, Braunschweiger and Dorfmann.

Niedemeier indicated to ODERVELD – LEUCHTFEUER that he was very enthusiastic that government business loans could be made to small operations and not just huge risky undertakings and that this was exactly the type of new business the government ought to be helping get started.

The bio buses will be powered by biomethane made from sewage and food waste. The production process to be used by Inland Bio to produce the renewable natural gas biomethane will be anaerobic digestion of the organic material or biomethanation. Auslander will be processing biomethane from his fertilizer production plant which manufactures fertilizer under the trade name Dungemittel and adapting buses to run on biomethane.

The bio buses will produce 20-30% less carbon dioxide than comparable diesel engine buses and 80% fewer carbon oxides as well as be low in particulates entering the atmosphere. A tank of the fuel will allow the bio bus to travel about 300 kilometers; refueling will be at the plant which is convenient to the airport.



OOC: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bio_bus
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biomethane

[Rogue]

OOC Source: BAM PPP

Lutzenkamp: Reichskanzler Diana Heiner has, in a glamorous ceremony organized by the Reichslander goverment in Julstoch, opened the new "Reichsweg A2" highway system which had been under construction for over 8 years. The system, consisting of several new highways, connects the outlying region of Julstoch with the inner regions of Dundorf, namely the capital city of Dunburg. It was a much requested improvement in the infrastructural system, which saw Julstoch continiously lagging behind due to its remote location and general smaller population. The DLVP government, when first elected around 9 years ago, wanted to change this. In its memorandum of that same year, a committee was established that would work with the local governments to establish a vision for infrstructure which was completed a year later. Using this vision governments and contractors alike went to work, with the first work on the A2 starting around 8 years ago. Now, 8 years later and 2 billion over budget, the new system which consists of over 110 miles of new highway roads has been completed and opened by the Reichskanzler. In her speech, she underlined the fact that this opens up new economic opportunities to the region but also allows for faster travel, increasing interaction between different population centers.

Julstoch and the other outlying regions have long been neglected and forgotten. With this new highway system we will connect the inner with the outer regions in our great Reich and ensure that economic activity, opportunity and prosperity flows through all our lands. It also opens up more travel options to families living far apart. We believe that this highway system alone will pay itself back in just 5 years and after that will continue to provide much needed revenue and economic activity to this region. We are proud to have worked with local and state authorities and look forward to the use of this beautifull system of roads!

The infrastructural vision of 8 years ago is still accurate according to the government, which has made it a goal to improvide infrastructure accross the Reich, starting with subsidies for initiatives like the Bio-fuel buss and thus now opening bigger projects, aimed at fascilitating economic activity and growth in underdeveloped regions of Dundorf. It is expected that the new highway system might indirectly generate 2 billion in revenue each year due to increased activity, allowing the 10 billion cost of the project to be repaid in 5 years time.

[Drax]

ODERVELD - LEUCHTFEUER


Interior Minister Feiereisen

INTERIOR CONSIDERING CHANGES

Dunburg, February 13, 4964: ODERVELD – LEUCHTFEUER has learned that Interior Minister Heinrich Feiereisen, met with staff of the Ministry of Internal Affairs to consider a report by the Dundorfischer Nachtrichtendienst, which might now be called the Reichsrichtendienst, on interior security as well as the budgeting proposals of the border guard, Grenzwacht (Grewa), and of the MfS which we believe may be the security operations section.

The Dundorfischer Nachtrichtendienst report indicated the very strong political tensions present in Dundorfisches Reich seem to have shifted away from talk of paramilitary bands and a tendency toward mugging and property destruction toward involvement in the legislative and electoral processes. Obviously things could change.

Grewa has indicated that as a growing economy but one with still a very long way to go, smuggling is a problem: not a huge problem but one that Grewa would like to approach with technology rather than just more personnel. Grewa recommends purchasing some observation drones to keep an eye on approaches to the border which are not by permanently manned stations on roads. Grewa was authorized to get a bid from an interested firm that has been making toys and model airplanes but which Grewa believes can do the job.

When it looked like paramilitaries and violent and destructive political expression was going to be the order of the day, MfS had prepared a plan for counter terrorism units to be stationed in each of the five Reichslanders with small arms beyond minimal sidearms and light protected vehicles for mobility. This plan has been belayed in view of the current interior security report but may be dusted off if the situation deteriorates.

[Rogue]

OOC Source: AirVectors

Dunburg: Reichskanzler Diana Heiner and Defense Minister Lennard Kaiser attended a Reichswehr ceremony at the Dunburg Military Air Station in Dunburg today with much anticipation. The National Defense Council, consisting of high ranking officers, generals and officials within the military had invited both leaders to attend the introduction of the new MiG-29 "Blitz". The Blitz (Luthorian: Lightning) is a variant of the original MiG-29 from Trigunia, with the Blitz being developed by upcoming aerospace company Donnerluft. The MiG-29 Blitz has a new engine, which should use fuel more efficiently but will also increase flight by an estimated 100 km, but also includes upgraded air to air missiles locally produced by Donnerluft which are both medium to long range missiles, improved radar with a new AESA radar installed which will both increase radar range and efficiency in finding targets, a new targetting computer and at last some minor changes to its ground targetting computer, allowing it to perform its air to ground mission slightly more effectively. During the ceremony, in which the first MiG-29 Blitz was shown at a test flight, the National Defense Council stated that: "The introduction of the Blitz will give our air force a dedicated multirole fighter once more, giving us the capability to operate at low costs while possessing this beautifull new aircraft. We are glad with the progress on upgrading the MiG-29 and thank Donnerluft for working with out defense experts in making this reality, as well as the government for financing the project."

The National Defense Council did however, in a private meeting with the Reichskanzler, acknowledge that while classified as a multirole fighter, the MiG-29 "Blitz" its capabilities for ground strike are limited, and that it will primarily be used as a air superiority fighter. Saying that "We urge the government to provide us with more funds to research and realize a proper ground strike or multirole solution." The MiG-29 "Blitz" is now under serial production, with the total ordered 212 jets to be delivered within the next 5 years.

Besides the reveal of the new jet the Reichskanzler and Defense Minister also attended a closed session of the NDC, in which a new doctrine was discussed and reportedly adopted unanimously. While the Dundorfian military has always been known for its "Blitzkrieg" tactics, the NDC has argued that it needs another doctrine to work together with the Blitzkrieg, making sure the Dundorfian military can continue to suprise and modernize its tactics. This new doctrine is called the "Bootskrieg" or "Boat Warfare" in Luthorian. In this tactic, the Reichsarmee would operate highly armoured and armed patrol/river boats as a sort of brown water navy. These boats would have two goals. Some of them, those that are heavily armed as well, would ba used to "soften" enemy defenses alongside riverbanks using speed and overwhelming firepower. Those that only feature extensive armour would then be used to transport troops in lightning fashion. This tactic, in combination with the already existing Blitzkrieg, should be able to give Dundorfian forces an edge, even without a proper navy or coastline. In the meeting the doctrine was discussed and, in the end, thus adopted, giving the Reichswehr two doctrines to use if necessary. Furthermore the Reichskanzler agreed to additional funding in order to create the first "brown water fleet" to make sure the Bootskrieg is executable.

The Dundorfian military is improving, and political leadership in Dundorf is seemingly eager to finance these modernizations and improvements.

[Drax]

ODERVELD - LEUCHTFEUER

JUSTICE MINISTRY CONSIDERS CABINET QUESTIONS



Justice Ministry

Ministry of Justice, September 13, 4964: ODERVELD – LEUCHTFEUER has learned that Dunfordische Zentrumspartei (DZP) Reichstag Delegation Leader Reinhard Kempf submitted five questions to Minister of Justice Martin Braunschweiger in the wake of the DVLP declaring the governing coalition between the DVLP Cabinet Members and DZP members of the Council of Ministers at an end and demanding the DZP Ministers resign.

ODERVELD – LEUCHTFEUER lacks a copy of the questions but has heard what an anonymous source in the Justice Ministry says is one of the questions. Allegedly one question is, “Who, under Article 2 of the Federal Reform Act of 4958, is designated to deem a Cabinet unfit?” Our source is under the impression the answer is likely to be the courts or the Reichstag.

ODERVELD – LEUCHTFEUER was able to get a statement from Finance Minister Otto Tessler concerning the disintegration of the DVLP – DZP coalition:

Well we do not regret working with them for a time. Together we added funds for the social safety net. Even though we shared no other common domestic views, we were able to work on a mutually agreeable policy we in the DZP called guns and butter. While greatly increasing the military budget we were also able to make progress on tax reform so it is less confiscatory. The objectives were not reached but a good start has been made.

But it is definitely time to cease working together. Current legislation will almost certainly replace the Council of Ministers soon and so I may or may not submit another tax reform bill before being replaced. In politics timing is everything.

Asked by ODERVELD – LEUCHTFEUER if he felt Reichskanzler Heiner had outmaneuvered him again, the Finance Minister responded:

I think you might well say that is the DVLP thinking, but as to the merits I could not possibly comment.

Finance Minister Tessler

[Rogue]

OOC Source: seaforces.org

Dunburg: In accordance with the newly adopted "Bootskrieg" doctrine the Ministry of Defense, in cooperation with the private Kriegsländer defense company, has ordered over 30 "Vaarsee-class" missile boats, meant to serve on the new river department of the Reichsarmee. Upon delivery the missile boats will serve as the frontline troops of the new Bootskrieg doctrine, softening enemy defenses along river banks and sowing chaos, according to the doctrine. The boats were developed using existing civilian boat frames and adapting them for military use. The boats will feature a small but fast firing main gun in the front and a multitude of missile launchers in the back, capable of firing both sea to ground missiles and sea to sea missiles. These boats, due to their size, can operate in the river systems of Dundorf, for which they are specifically designed. Despite their size they boast decent offensive capabilities and, according to army general Sam Frietkäse, "will allow us to properly execute our Bootskrieg doctrine alongside the Blitzkrieg. These 40 craft will be a great addition to our arsenal and give the Reichswehr even more capabilities then it currently enjoys."

The new Vaarsee-class missile boats will be constructed by the state owned "Reichskonstruktion" and the private Kriegsländer collectively, with all 30 boats expected to have entered service in 6 years time.

[Rogue]

OOC Source: CGTN

Dunburg: The DLVP, under the leadership of Reichskanzler Diana Heiner, has once again won the general election, winning 37% of the vote and 164 seats in the Reichstag, barely holding up against the Zentrumpartei, which themselves won 159 seats in the Reichstag. The DLVP celebrated the win, which will most likely see Diana Heiner continue as Reichskanzler and the party remaining in government. But despite celebrations there was also room for concern. The party had won 47% of the vote last election but had shrunk to only 37% this time around, a drop of over 10%. This was largely attributed to the rise of other parties, such as the Volksgemeinschaftspartei, which is also considered to be on the left of the political spectrum but is still a reason for concern for Heiner and her party. Observers noted that if these new parties continue to eat away from DLVP support, particularly workers and union members, then the DLVP might end up a small party. Heiner, despite her party's win in the election, has already announced the creation of a evaluation commission to picture what her party needs to do in order to remain relevant and innovative. The party also lost seats at the local level, losing over 100 seats collectively, which shows ailing support for the natural ruling party.

As mentioned before, new parties are the clear winner in this election. The biggest newcomer is the United Reich (Vereinigtes Reich) which has come in with 10% of the vote and over 45 seats. The liberal, small government minded Bund Sozial Liberaler came close behind it, winning 43 seats and just under 10% of the vote with the Volksgemeinschaftspartei, a left wing oriented party with what observers call "out of the ordinary leaders" winning 9% and 39 seats. These newcomers are likely to play a pivotal role in forming a new government, with the DLVP already excluding the DZP, meaning that smaller parties are needed to form a government coalition. Talking of the Zentrumpartei the party seems to be the most satisfied of the "establishment" parties, winning 35% of the vote which is actually a 1% increase from 3 years ago, when they won 34%. This lets the DZP come incredibly close to the ruling DLVP, so close in fact that only 5 seats seperate the two. The DZP managed to keep all of its support from 3 years ago, mostly middle class and rural voters, while adding some lower class religious voters to the party ranks which had formerly voted DLVP, thanks to the DZP their harsh stance on Abortion and embracing of religion. This "closure" between the two largest parties in the country has caused the DLVP to be particularly concerned and Heiner to look for ways in appealing more to the original base.

Presidential Election
One of the more positive notes for the DLVP is the presidential election. Reichsprasident Jonas Meyer has been remarkably popular in his term, with a poll conducted before the election showing that over 61% of the population approved of Meyer his performance as president. It became clear early on in the presidential race that Meyer would likely once again compete against former president and justice minister Tessler in the election. Last time, the Reichsprasident and former volksinger has won barely by 1%. But when election day came the sentiment was largely in his favour and the end result confirmed these suspicions. With 53% of the vote against 47% and over 6 million more votes then last election, Jonas Meyer was reelected, defeating Otto Tessler. This win is a large boost for the DLVP and Heiner in particular, who will now control the strong presidency and will likely dictate coalition talks, with Meyer almost certainly appointing Heiner as Reichskanzler to form a government. Despite this, Meyer immediately emphasized he would look "for the best suitable option" when picking a Chancellor and would not automatically prefer his own party, deciding to show himself as a independent leader. Meyer has thus been reelected with a stronger margin then his first election, emphasizing his popularity with voters. From a popular singer to a popular president, Meyer will serve another 4 years as the country now prepares itself for tense but interesting coalition talks.


The election of the Reichstag


The presidential election results