Keymon

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Amidst a call for international assistance, donations and volunteers have poured into Keymon to assist the Government in combating the largest wildfire in Keymon's recent history. After a desperate call for assistance by National Director of the Rural Fire Service Remy Mignucci, firefighters from Lourenne, Kundrati and Dankuk have answered the call to the delight of the Keymonite Government. Firefighters and water bombers from Lourenne, Kundrati and Dankuk landed in Keymon days prior alongside other forms of equipment including fire tenders and helicopters, many of whom are eager to get to work on extinguishing the Roussis National Park Wildfire, the main source of the Rural Fire Service's concern. Director Mignucci expressed gratitude towards the Lourennais, Kundrati and Dankukin firefighters who had come from their respective nations to assist "little Keymon" in one of its darkest moments. He explained that for the firefighters of the rural fire service no donation who too small. Having become nationally known for their funding drives. The international assistance being rendered the Keymon allows for the Rural Fire Service's traditional "mouth-to-ground" approach to be put to rest. Alongside the firefighters comes large amounts of financial assistance in the forms of donations from celebrities and persons horrified by the extent of which the uncontrollable fire could wreak havoc in Keymon, thus potentially bringing the nation's ecosystem to its knees. The Rural Fire Service which is unaccustomed to large amounts of donations outside of government subventions is now being flooded with donations within the tends of thousands. "Outside of what we receive from the central government, we have never seen this much money being put before us. It is a tremendous feeling for our firefighters as we are now able to afford better equipment, pay volunteers for their valiant service and allow our boys to be paid their worth."

The wildfires have been raging for months within the National Park, destroying numerous acres of land, destroying biodiversity sites and habitats. Environmentalists and Bioecologist have estimated that the destruction brought onto the wildfire in the Roussis National Park is "significant", highlighting the fact that the wildfires are burning a destructive path through a conservation site. With some 1,000 homes destroyed alongside the ecosystem, the severity of the wildfires continues to press home for many, especially those who initially believed that the wildfires were no a danger to human/animal life." Disaster Relief NGOs have also been receiving large amounts of financial assistance. NGOs such as the Disaster Relief Centre and United Developmental Assistance Programme (UDAP) have received a combined 20 million KED in donations from persons both inside and outside of Keymon. The County Brasmel Rural Fire Service which has committed the most personnel and equipment to the wildfire received the lion's share of donations heading to the fire brigades. County Director of the County Brasmel Rural Fire Service Gaston Cervoni stated that with some of the proceeds from the donations, he able to pay some of the volunteers to encourage them to continue fighting the fires to keep numbers up. According to the National Emergency Centre, a large percentage of the persons currently battling the fires were volunteers, who massively outnumbered the number of active-duty firefighters. With the amount of financial, technical and practical support coming for the wildfire effort, it is expected that the situation will be contained and the fires extinguished.

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As the Roussis National Park Wildfire nears complete extinguishing, Keymon's Prime Minister Jacques Périer has announced his intentions to resign amidst concern for his health and mental wellbeing, explaining to the nation that decades of battling multiple sclerosis alongside piloting Keymon through extremely difficult times had left him in a worse condition than when he was first elected as Prime Minister, and due to the physiological effects of MS he believed that Keymon should not be governed by a Prime Minister who is slowly losing his motor skills. "Keymon should not have to be governed by someone who is slowly becoming incapable of controlling his motor functions or someone who is slowly slipping into partial/complete blindness," Périer said at a press conference at Government House. "This business is purely about results. I have pushed very hard over these past years although my illness is becoming increasingly profound. I am aware of some individuals who, amidst my illness, still wish to see the results of my labour. It is in recognition of that, that I have decided to resign." Périer noted that many of his cabinet colleagues had been aware of his illness since they initially came into office in 4850, and now nearly 16 years (4 terms later), Périer has decided to inform the public of his unique condition. Périer refused to answer questions on who will succeed him as Prime Minister and Leader of the Social Democratic Party, stating that such decisions were not his to make. Public Relations Officer for the Social Democratic Party, Ernest Gagnon, commented that the party had already begun the process of selecting its new leader. Whilst the succession process is underway, Prime Minister Périer shall remain in his position until the party has chosen its new leader. He said jokingly to reporters: "I have become a caretaker, the very thing I sought to destroy."

Prime Minister Périer's resignation brings with it, the end of a period which began with strong promises of creating a stronger and more competitive Keymon after decades of economic decline and institutional ruin. His election campaign focused heavily on outlining bold and innovative plans to "Build Something Better" for Keymon. Having assembled an extremely experienced team of economists, sociologist, educators and policy experts he set out on an aggressive drive of reforms. Underneath his Premiership, the Keymon Police Service was reformed into the National Police and the Defence Force dismantled in place of the Civil Guard. Under his Premiership, the Bank of Keymon begun the process whereby it would be granted greater autonomy from the Department of Finance and Economic Development. Under his Premiership, government departments were restructured and failing state-owned enterprises were privatised; the reform of the public healthcare system was initiated; Keymon was guided through immense economic ruin amidst the global recession and a plan to pull the nation into the competitive, high-growth lane was formulated; the Economic Advisory Committee of the National Assembly was created to offer independent, impartial economic analyses and information for parliamentarians; labour reforms aimed at improving Keymon's private and public sector workforce were launched; the digital transformation drive was initiated. Prime Minister Périer expressed disappointment in the fact that he was not able to transform Keymon into the geopolitical hub it was supposed to be, citing that he could not muster enough energy to launch such an ambitious programme.

Potential nominees for Leader of the Social Democratic Party are Finance and Economic Development Secretary Dr Sabine Benedetti, the incumbent Chairperson of the Social Democratic Party or Labour Secretary, Vincenzo Pucciarelli, the incumbent Policy and Research Director and Domestic Affairs Secretary Lucius Piovanetti, incumbent Political Strategy Director. Whomever the new political leader of the Social Democratic Party maybe, he/she must now grapple with the effect of Prime Minister Périer's failure to adequately respond to the Roussis National Park wildfires and the subsequent Inquiry.

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In what has been described as a "swift" and "silent" internal party election, Roland Di Natale has emerged victorious winning by default following the withdrawal of numerous political contenders. In what was supposed to be a prolonged internal campaign season, was immediately cut short by the sudden withdrawals of scores of contenders for the political leader of the Social Democratic Party. His appointment as Prime Minister will dawn the Périer-era of social democracy within the PSd and ushering an era of green politics. Many of the challenges underneath the previous Perier government will be transferred over to the Di Natale's new government and with less than a month to form a functioning government, it will boil down to how well this new environmentalist Prime Minister will point the nation in the right direction. From issues such as wildfires to an economy described as being woefully unfair, the new Prime Minister has a lot ahead of him. Standing on the steps of Government House, Mr Di Natale reflected on Prime Minister Jacques Périer's administration. He said that Prime Minister Périer led the nation into a barrage of major socio-economic reforms. From beginning the process of transforming the Bank of Keymon into a truly independent institution to beginning the national conversation on local government reform. He described Périer as a "dignified individual with a true sense of the needs and wants of the people of Keymon." Flanked by members of the Social Democratic Party's Green faction, Di Natale stated that he intends on completing the many programmes/projects which Périer had not finished. He reinforced his commitment to local government and transforming the Bank of Keymon into an institution independent of the government. He stated that a wave of green economics is about to hit Keymon accompanied by a sustainability-driven legislative agenda. He stated that he intends on forming a cabinet that reflects the importance of sustainability and the environment going into the future. As Mr Di Natale entered Government House to begin the formal transition, there was already speculation as to whom he would pick for key cabinet positions. Potentials for the important position of a Secretary of Finance and Economic Development are former Governor of the Bank of Keymon, Gilles Pierantoni and former Professor of Economics in the University of Keymon Edmond Vaillancourt. Officials from the Social Democratic Party have not confirmed key cabinet positions.

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In economic development, there are numerous strategies and policies whereby nations could rescue themselves from economic ruin. It is true to say that there is no singular, catch-all policy to rid a nation of its economic troubles, but a combination of policies which work in almost perfect unison. It is in recognition of this that the central government's plan to "Build Keymon out of Economic Ruin," comes with a multi-sectoral, multi-policy, multi-departmental approach to using infrastructure to achieve economic growth. Keymon is entering a new era of infrastructure development which is set to unlock the nation's potential to become a major economic powerbroker. Construction on the ambitious National Highway System (Sistema d'Autostrada Nazionale) that will loop around Keymon from Trevidua in the north to Port Betania in the south, serving as a means to connect the various cities and town of Keymon through a modern transportation corridor—as apart of the government's economic recovery plan. Once completed, the National Highway System is to be the central nervous system of Keymon's economy as it moves towards an era of growth and continued development. Ideally, its construction would allow for vehicles to quickly traverse the country and streamline trade between future free-trade zones, innovation ecosystems and industrial parks. Currently, due to poor county and municipal road infrastructure, it is becoming increasingly difficult for goods and services to move between the Northern and Southern side of the island. This is greatly underpinned by the poor road conditions on the sections of road which move through the Klavian Alps. With Keymon possessing no railroad infrastructure, many have opted to move goods and services throughout Keymon via ship. The ambitious plan as outlined by the Department of Infrastructure and Transport would see a major tunnel being bored through the Klavian Alps, thus allowing to faster access throughout Keymon and providing a means to completely connect Keymon. The highway system's construction is being funded via a Dorvish infrastructure loan amount to about $10.5 Billion LOD ($23.1 Billion KED). Secretary for Commerce and Industry, Gilles de Fontaines hailed the project as a major source of employment as local infrastructure firms have been contracted to construct most of the highways alongside Dorvish firms.



Apart from the National Highway System, the government has also set out on an ambitious programme to address Keymon's drainage issues. For numerous decades, the central government and county councils have grappled with the effects of flooding in low-lying areas. Although previous attempts had been made to address the issue via the construction of pumping systems aimed at pumping floodwater out to sea, Secretary for Infrastructure and Transport, Jean-Marc Kaplan has stated that since he had been appointed to the office he had been searching for a permanent solution, stating that kicking the ball further down the road will not stop the problem. It is for that reason a Vanukean consulting firm was contracted to evaluate the drainage situation in Keymon and make recommendations. One of the recommendations was for the construction of a canal system whereby water can be funnelled out to sea. It noted that a lack of drainage infrastructure bringing water from the inland regions to the coast was the underpinning of Keymon's flooding issues. Secretary Kaplan stated that the government had contracted local firms for the construction of a system of canals leading to the coast whereby water can flow outward from low-lying areas. Another recommendation of the consulting firm was the construction of man-made wetlands. It explains that the wetlands would act as sponges using sponge-like soils. Secretary Kaplan explained that the areas pre-selected for the construction of the man-made wetlands crossed with the national highway system plans. He noted that in some cases, elevated roadways will have to be constructed. Requests for Proposals (RFP's) have been sent to companies in Lourenne with a specific focus on using the wetlands as a centre for biodiversity conservation. Secretary for the Environment and Tourism, Gaia Pari stated that she was extremely interested in the project and its potential for promoting and protecting biodiversity in Keymon. She noted her Department was working alongside the Department of Infrastructure and Transport to make the aforementioned man-made wetlands EMA (Environmental Management Agency) protected wetlands.

Apart from highways and drainage works, the Department of Infrastructure and Transport is also launching rolling maintenance and upgrade of existing road infrastructure. After years without proper maintenance county, roads and municipal roads are expected to receive a much-needed facelift through a 1.3 Billion KED "micro-stimulus" to County Councils, City Corporations and Municipal Councils for road maintenance and upgrade. A feasibility study was launched by the Department in finding materials which can be used to develop roads to ensure longevity and lower maintenance. Apart from the road maintenance and upgrade, the Department is also launching its Safe Roads Initiative whereby it intends on building road infrastructure aimed at forcing safe driving through infrastructure. It also intends on operationalising the Keymon Transportation Authority which will oversee national road infrastructure such as the National Highway System and will be the governing agency for the Safe Roads Initiative. Secretary Kaplan stated that the Keymon Transportation Authority will be working alongside the County Councils, City Corporations and Municipal Councils in operationalising the Safe Roads Initiative. Incoming Commissioner of the Keymon Transportation Authority Erico Papale stated that he intends ensuring the Transportation Authority remains an extremely innovative and nimble organisation.

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With the government expressing its continued commitment to the national digital transformation drive, the launch of the National Fibre Optics Policy strengthens its commitment to forcing the transformation of society through digital infrastructure instead of waiting for the private sector to sponsor innovation. As it is slowly becoming a major disruptor in the local IT industry, the central government's plan to strengthen the domestic broadband through quality infrastructure and robust competition is beginning to take shape as Keymon's telecommunication regulator, the Office for Communication and Regulation (Uffiziu per a Cumunicazione è a Regulazione) reaffirms its commitment to the digital transformation project. It has granted state-owned telecommunication company, Keymon Telecom a 4G LTE License to offer greater broadband connectivity. It has stated that of the numerous telecommunications companies operating in Keymon, only three (3) have met pre-existing standards required to gain access to the license—state-owned telecoms company Keymon Telecom and the Dorvik-based Ebner AG. Secretary for Public Administration and Digital Transformation Camilla Messa, a former Business Process Engineer with Keymon Telecom, stated that the decision to begin the government's digital transformation drive through infrastructure comes as the Department of Public Administration and Digital Transformation estimates that internet penetration in Keymon was extremely low compared to other territories. In its decennial "Digital Penetration Report", it highlighted that internet penetration in Keymon stood at a miserable 45.7% while in nations such as Deltaria, Dorvik and Vascania, internet penetration stood at around 88%, 84& and 78% respectively. Secretary Messa noted that for the digital transformation project to be a success the government is aiming to bring a larger percentage of the population in the digital age. She earmarked 80% internet penetration for Keymon during her term as Secretary for Public Administration and Digital Transformation.

Currently, there are discussions in the Cabinet on the potential liberalisation of the telecoms market in Keymon. According to Secretary Messa, a cabinet sub-committee comprising of the Secretary for Commerce and Industry, the Secretary for Labour, the Secretary for Justice and Secretary for Public Administration and Digital Transformation, was established to determine whether liberalising the telecommunications market in Keymon (i.e. breaking Keymon Telecom's statutory monopoly) and allowing for private telecoms companies to have a larger role in the market beyond the small 35% reserved for private telecommunications providers. It has been suggested that out of the liberalisation discussions are whispers of potential privatisation of Keymon Telecom. Secretary Messa noted that the government had incurred significant debt picking up for the budgetary shortfalls of the company, suggesting that a restricting of the company would be more realistic than wholesale privatisation. Secretary for Labour, Vincenzo Pucciarelli explained that the benefits of liberalisation were wide-reaching, from improving output growth to improve workforce productivity:

If Keymon were to liberalise the telecommunications market, the benefits to the national economy and customers were extremely vast. It has the potential to improve output growth, network expansion and labour productivity. But in recognising its benefits it is also important to recognise that the benefits can only be truly realised if the liberalisation process is executed correctly. In any tasks might it be transforming a company to transforming an economy, what it comes down to is how it is done. How the company handles its transformation or how a government handles the transformation of a national economy. It is my firm belief that competitive pressures will force many companies to become innovative. Many in the business community continue to view the government as this institution whereby they can wash away poor business decision through a bailout, but many often forget that this government and this party [PSd] does not believe in market intervention for failing companies, especially those which do not provide essential services such as water and electricity. I expect that as we begin to unwrap our digital transformation plan, the Office for Communications and Regulation will become a much more powerful organisation than it is now as it would transition to be the market regulator for numerous private telecommunications companies.

Apart from releasing more and more licenses, the infrastructure development portion of the digital transformation project also entails fibre optics. The modernisation of the nation's landline/overhead infrastructure will accompany to programme. According to Keymon Telecom, it intends on embarking on a programme of replacing miles of copper cabling with fibre optic cable. The new fibre optic cables to be rolled out by the company would allow for greater connectivity and allow for greater bandwidth with data transfers set to increase 300 fold. According to the company's corporate press office, the programme is expected to cost some 600 million KED. It has stated that the roll-out of the fibre optics is a pre-cursor to the hopeful roll-out of 5G infrastructure. The company has envisioned Keymon as being the first nation to truly embrace 5G infrastructure through a series of strategic intervention from infrastructure to processes to education. Secretary Messa stated that although Keymon has a long way to go for 5G infrastructure, she noted that the steps being taken to upgrade Keymon's IT infrastructure where the aforementioned strategic interventions in the lead up to 5G infrastructure. Deputy Secretary for Public Administration and Digital Transformation, Professor Isidoro Medici stated that he had been given the strategic lead on the government's 5G infrastructure drive and was actively preparing to spearhead the programme once the National Fibre Optics Policy had been fully implemented and operationalised.

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The Roussis National Park and its devasting impact on the natural environment have sparked a national conversation on the role the environment must play in Keymon's future economy. On one end, some politicians believe that the environment that although the environment is important to Keymon's survival, it is not essential and thus has no place as a significant contributor to economic development for Keymon. On the other end, the government believes that the environment is more than a simple talking point on the campaign trail and wants more action on integrating the environment into Keymon's economy. Prime Minister Roland Di Natale, an environmentalist, believes that the environment holds large potential as a niche form of economic development and tourism. With the government seeking to prompt an era of strong economic growth amidst the crippling double-dip recession which succeeded the Global Economic Recession, there is no better opportunity to boost environmental protection and increase economic growth than through the adaption of renewable energy sources. According to Secretary for Commerce and Industry Jean-Claude de Fontaines, who is the line-minister for matters on energy, Keymon is entirely dependent on fossil fuels, particularly natural gas. He explained that natural gas accounts for almost 95% of Keymon's power generation capacity with the remaining 5% being rendered to coal. Secretary de Fontaines noted that because Keymon had no known natural gas resources, all of the natural gas needed to provide the nation with electricity was imported which placed a significant strain on Keymon's foreign exchange situation. Edgar De Villiers, the Prime Minister's Special Advisor on the Environment and Energy stated that something had to change if Keymon were to pave a more sustainable path to the future. Secretary for the Environment and Tourism, Gaia Pari may have the plan required to pivot Keymon towards a more sustainable future.

The former Director of the Environmental Management Agency and career environmental policy developer has stated that a major stimulus package would have to be drafted by the Secretary for Finance and Economic Development for large amounts of public funding to pour into research and development into emerging renewable energy sources and emerging technologies. "Secretary Pierantoni would agree with me when I say that the idea of Keymon continuing to drain millions in foreign exchange to import natural gas sometimes at extremely disadvantageous prices cannot be allowed to continue. With significant investment into tidal energy, solar energy, wind energy and even geothermal energy, we would no longer have to spend foreign exchange in importing natural gas when we will be producing our energy through sustainable means. Secretary Pari is currently in Lourenne with Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Jean-Pascal Laurens for a high-level meeting with the Lourennais Government on receiving Lourennais financing and technical assistance for renewable energy programmes throughout Keymon. With Lourenne being the world leader in renewable energy research and development, Secretary Pari stated that in-order for Keymon to get its renewable energy transition right, it needed assistance from global experts. Secretary for Finance and Economic Development, Gilles Pierantoni stated that he intends on working with Secretary for Planning and Development, Dr Letizia Gemelli on developing plans for bringing government and financial support to bear for the development of the green and blue economies of Keymon. He stated that he had a particular interest in working with Secretary for Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Gaston Biaggi on developing means whereby Keymon can benefit from expanding its blue economy beyond small-scale fishing and ocean-based tourism. "There is so much potential in the Blue economy for Keymon, from maritime logistics to LNG bunkering."

Secretary for Justice, Romina D'Ambra stated that work has already begun in her Department to modernise various laws pertaining to the blue economy and the green economy. She stated that she has been in deep consultation with persons from the Department of the Environment and Tourism in updating the Power Generation Act to allow for small-scale, non-taxable renewable energy generation. She noted that her department will be playing a new and more significant role in Keymon's economic development as she moved to modernise old-laws and strengthen Keymon's democratic institutions. She hinted that some of the institutions to see major reforms in the future as apart of the government's pivot towards sustainable economic growth would be the Environmental Management Agency, the Environment Tribunal and even the Bank of Keymon; and with local government reform also on the agenda, the local authorities will also play a role in the green and blue economies as well as environmental protection.

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With the manufacturing sector attempting to mount a powerful recovery from the economic depression of the past fifteen years through targetted interventions from the new, business-friendly Commerce and Industry Secretary Jean-Claude de Fontaines, there is an urgent need for Keymon to diversify its trade beyond the Artanian and Seleyan continents. With economic activity in Seleya almost at a point of stagnation (if not due to the considerable activity being displayed nations such as Aldegar and Gaduridos) and the lack of emerging/developing markets in the Artanian continent (largely underpinned by the established Artanian markets of Dorvik and Luthori), establishing links to rapidly growing markets throughout terra is within the strategic interest of Keymon. Although being close to what were the largest markets in the Northern Hemisphere has presented its benefits for Keymon in past, the emergence of a more active Dovani and Majatra has allowed for a paradigm shift away from established markets towards rapidly emerging markets in other territories. As Professor of Finance from the University of Keymon, Ghislain Escoffier explained: "Artania and Seleya are no longer the engines of economic growth. The nations of the northern hemisphere have been wholly replaced as the centres of economic activity by the global south, with the majority of the world's major economies being in the southern hemisphere." In addition to large amounts of Keymon's exports going to nations in Artania, particularly Dorvik — which remains Keymon's largest market for exports — other products often find themselves in the sluggish markets of territories whose economies could be easily described as "sluggish" or "stagnant". The global economic recession highlighted Keymon's unique vulnerabilities especially as it pertains to risk. Financial Advisers continue to hammer the central government on the lack of diversified markets and its relationship with risk. Many argue that by expanding Keymon's reach into newer markets, the risk is spread out and thus Keymon becomes less dependent on a singular market.

With these concerns in mind, Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Jean-Pascal Laurens and Secretary for Commerce and Industry Jean-Claude de Fontaines embarked on a mission to the eastern hemisphere to find emerging markets whereby Keymon can diversify its market risk into. Landing in Tian'an, Yingdala the two Secretaries met with their Yingdalan counterparts in forming a formal relationship between Keymon and Yingdala, thus allowing the former to achieve its missions of finding emerging markets to expand into. The result of intense negotiations between Keymon and Yingdala was the Yindala Da Tong-Keymon: Development of Trade and Investment Relations Agreement. For Keymon, the agreement is the largest bilateral trade and investment agreement undertaken in the history of the 2nd Republic in terms of both scale and depth and is the first time Keymon has entered into a formal trade agreement with a nation of the eastern hemisphere, vis-a-vis with the 2nd largest economy on terra. The agreement as it stands reduces tariffs on trade moving between Yingdala and keymon especially in the areas of Agriculture and Manufacturing. As mentioned prior, the agreement would open Yingdala's market of around 200 million consumers to numerous exports products from Keymon and export opportunities for sectors such as financial services and information technology/IoT (internet of things). According to the National Assembly Economic Advisory Commission, through the Yindala Da Tong-Keymon: Development of Trade and Investment Relations Agreement, Keymonite companies are expected to save millions if not billions in duties when exporting to Yingdala. Some of the longstanding barriers to trade which will be removed amidst the complete ratification of the agreement are unique barriers banning agricultural imports from Yingdala due to quality and safety standards. According to the Food Safety and Health Standards Bureau of the Department of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, they had been monitoring Yingdalan compliance with global food safety and were satisfied that the nation maintained extremely strict laws on food safety and standards.

In news outside of the landmark agreement, in response to rumours that Keymonite diplomats had reached out to the Hutorian government on ushering the return of the Hutorian-led Imperial Commonwealth, Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Jean-Pascal Laurens has come out and has stringently denied the rumours, denouncing them as whispers in the wilderness. The Foreign Secretary noted that the Republic of Keymon takes pride in its independence and would never seek to compromise its independence to become a subordinate to any foreign nation. He stated that whilst Keymon has expressed interests in forming a strong relationship with the new government in Hutori, said relationship does not and will not extend to Keymon's entrance into a commonwealth/union with the new Hutorian Kingdom. "When we proclaimed the 2nd Republic of Keymon we did so with the dream of a republic that works for all. A republic that does not compromise its core principles of non-intervention and peace for any political or economic gain. We will continue to hold true to the founding principles of the 2nd Republic of Keymon."

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Hutorian Sovereign Wealth Fund Approves 10 Billion Lira Loan to Keymon

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Seleyan leaders finalise new continental organisation in Ramsāhreza

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Secretary for Labour, Arthur Crépeon announced that the government intends on rolling out an ambitious apprenticeship programme with assistance from the private sector in a move that numerous labour market economists believe will boost the number of skilled workers in Keymon and address the nation's skill deficit. The plan comes amidst a damning report from the Economic Advisory Commission warning that Keymon's reliance on migrant workers to fill gaps in skilled employment could not be a permanent and/or sustainable labour strategy. The report noted that in many instances, particularly in the private sector, companies are becoming increasingly reliant on migrant workers to meet employment quotas. It noted that of the 100,000 employment opportunities open in the previous year, around 86,000 (86%) of the 100,000 had been filled by migrant workers, mainly persons originating from Likatonia and other seleyan states. Secretary Crépeon, in a press conference, meant to address the finding of the report, reaffirmed the government's commitment to reforming the migrant worker's policy to focus on a more equitable and standardized approach. He explained that currently, there exists no solid policy for migrant workers outside of what is established by the Keymonite Chamber of Industry and Commerce. Secretary Crépeon, a labour economist, noted that the government was hard at work in crafting a reformed migrant workers policy that reflected the needs of the modern Keymonite economy and one that established higher standards for the care and treatment of migrant workers in the workplace and Keymonite society. It was at this press conference that he announced the government's apprenticeship programme alongside the various business chambers operating in Keymon. The programme targets persons between the ages of 18 and 24 and is to be rooted within the education system, with persons refusing to participate in the programme being granted the ability to conscientiously object or take up a term in civilian national service: rescue services and the public sector.

Unlike previous apprenticeship programmes which were primarily run by the government, the new system introduced the private sector as a key player in the system's structure. The Vocational Education and Skills Training Scheme as it will be known will consist of three parts: specialised training academies, on-the-job training and civilian service. Specialised training academies are to be established to train young persons in various skills such as woodworks, welding, plumbing and other related trades. It has been stated that the Technical University of Keymon would be the entity responsible for governing over specialised training academies. On-the-job training will consist of persons working in private sector businesses, mainly small and medium-sized businesses where they will work alongside a tutor (mainly an experienced employee of the company) in garnering various skills. The Department of Labour has stated that it will be supervising the on-the-job training portion of the apprenticeship scheme, with civilian service being governed by the Department of Public Administration and Digital Transformation. Civilian service will see persons who don't choose the two aforementioned options to be integrated into the public service to work in government departments and subordinate entities. According to Secretary Crépeon, the apprenticeship system shall exist to "catch" persons who either refuse to move onto tertiary education and those who could not attain the qualifications to move onto tertiary education. Secretary for Education and Culture, Dr Dina Ardito noted that the tertiary education route would remain as it was a right the government cannot infringe upon. She noted that the aim of the scheme is to allow for persons who could not access tertiary education for any reason to be viewed as equals in the eyes of employers when placed alongside persons with university degrees. She stated that the programme seeks to ensure that persons don't fall between the cracks but are guided onto a stable path for their respective futures.

Secretary for Finance and Economic Development, Gilles Pierantoni stated that the government had set aside some 10 billion KED for the funding of the apprenticeship scheme. He noted that the fund will cover expenses for persons including housing and salaries as the government is set to be apprentices for their service on behalf of the companies they register underneath. A considerable amount of funding is set to be funnelled into the green and blue economies and strengthening businesses to ensure that apprentices can access opportunities in new and emerging markets. Secretary Pierantoni explained that the government wanted to ensure that apprentices had as much opportunity as Keymon could provide, citing statistics from the National Statistical Institute which noted that Keymon is struggling to keep highly skilled labourers amidst brain-drain due to better opportunities in other nations. "Concurrently, we are seeing a trend in tertiary education. The government is covering tuition expenses for persons to attain university education, even paying for scholarships to universities outside of Keymon. Once persons have completed their education, in many instances they do not remain in Keymon to put their skills to work in the domestic market. We are haemorrhaging. Whilst we are currently in consultation with stakeholders in the education system, I hope that it isn't the case for this new scheme as I believe it strikes the right tone on this government's determination to build an extremely skilled workforce." According to the National Institute for Vocational Education and Skill Training, around 300,000 persons are expected to enter the apprenticeship scheme in the coming months.