Rhynach HeddiwRhynach Heddiw (Rhynach Today) is a pro-regionalist, center-left news organization with a focus on affairs of the Draddwyr people and region at large. Occasional commentary on national affairs is published in the Daily Opinion column, posted at the end of every week. Articles are available in standard broadsheet print and digital.________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________27th March 4969"LET THEM COME" — GOVERNOR LLEWELLYN TAUNTS NEWLY-FORMED OPPOSITION, FLAUNTS RECENT POLL NUMBERS, CLAIMS "OUR PEOPLE ARE WITH ME - NOT SOCIALISM"Always one for a spectacle, it seems, Governor Llewellyn has accepted (although through veiled taunting) the recently-formed DNP's challenge to his administration - even taking the time to showboat recent poll numbers in a press conference with government figures this afternoon.________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________by:Rhys Thomas
Political commentator and contributorLLWYBR HAWL - In the months following the establishment of the democratic socialist Draddwyr National Party, in protest to Governor Llewellyn's populist, national-conservative government, it has not taken long for the man himself to make notice of such, and to give many sordid words in regards to it. Initially speaking before a publicized cabinet meeting with the provincial government, the topic of discussion inevitably turned towards the DNP after the conclusion of the meeting, and the opening for questions by the press. "The DNP? What of them?" he asked before reporters. "I'd like to see them try, if I'll be honest here. The Rowiet era was a remarkable time for Draddwyr culture, yes - but the kind of socialism these guys are asking for is simply incompatible with our province. It'd be asking for problems."
Llewellyn then went on to, after shooing away critical journalists in favor of more softball questions, speak at length about the recent poll numbers conducted under his administration - touting a quote "remarkable level of approval ratings", and "widespread industrial and social improvement" following his arduous work in reconstruction, despite his claimed frustrations that the national government prioritized their regions over the Draddwyr people first. "This provincial administration has been the most popular post-war government for the Draddwyr people in history," he went on to say, all the while meandering away from questions regarding homelessness, and recently published figures on a noticeable rise in mental health issues and suicide rates.
Finally, Mr. Llewellyn segued into a semi-disguised rant with regards to the DNP, and broadly other opposition groups in the Supreme Rowiet of Rhynach. Reporters instantly met Mr. Llewellyn with criticism and further questions for his responses, but the Governor unceremoniously gathered his things and left with the rest of the cabinet, simply claiming "I've more important things to do than to worry over some uppity socialists." A contributor for Rhynach Heddiw on behalf of the Llwybr Hawl Reporter was present for the exchange, and has included a transcript below. Mr. Llewellyn's statements were thoroughly condemned and criticized by regional press outlets and some national organizations, with some even calling for an investigation into the governor's conduct on behalf of the national government.
Governor Llewellyn wrote:"Listen - No, listen to me - The numbers do not lie. It's indisputable. That's simply the truth. My administration has remained popular for well over - and excuse my Canrillaise here - twenty goddamn years. I have seen the ugliness of war, it's true. The invasion of Rhynach and Dranland as a whole by those despicable fascists in Hulstria wrought innumerable suffering on our people and land. But I have rebounded this province by leaps and bounds. What was once rubble is now rebuilt. Where there was once a lack of electricity and clean drinking water, there is now access to both of these things. I did this, with my own two hands, while our national government was choosing partisanship over mutual assistance for ALL our peoples."
"Let them come, honestly. I've done more for the Draddwyr people in two decades than any flamboyant liberals can attempt in the next election cycle. I'm sure they're watching this - everyone watches me, for admiration or revulsion. [Governor Llewellyn is seen leaning somewhat closer to his microphone stand.] So I say to you, Draddwyr National Party, Mr. Bevan, whoever else is in charge over there, let it be known today that I accept your challenge - Our people are with me, not socialism. Socialism has run it's course, and I can dare say the only thing worth reviving is simply the Rowiet system itself."
The unprompted and somewhat bizarre nature of Governor Llewellyn's rant has had just as many scratching their heads over it as those condemning it. When asked by a reporter that if the continued rule of his administration was so important, then surely a snap provincial election in Rhynach could be ordained, Mr. Llewellyn refused, stating that "Rhynach will only hold it's elections concurrently with that of the national level - bar some tragedy or unexpected event, the standing Supreme Rowiet and Governor will remain in office until June 4971."
"Let them come - honestly," the Governor of Rhynach stated in a press conference. "I've done more for the Draddwyr people in two decades than any flamboyant liberals can attempt in the next election cycle". The Governor's recent remarks have not been without controversy, with numerous news outlets in Rhynach condemning his statements.
