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Re: Baltusian Public Broadcasting Corporation

Postby CaptainVimes » Mon Nov 06, 2017 5:30 pm

Samuel Fitzgerald Interview

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The leader of the Monarchist party, former President and self-proclaimed King, Samuel Fitzgerald invited us into his home in Lindar Valley to talk politics. The popular leader has been criticised by opposition parties but with his support growing he is definitely one of, if not the biggest, names in Baltusian politics.

How is your marriage to Mary going?

Wonderfully! We are very happy together. Occassionally we disagree on political topics but altogether our marriage is a great success. Some people say our marriage was the only way of uniting the FPLP and the Monarchists but we had met beforehand. We were backbenchers together when our parties first came into power. We got on then and we get on now.

What is your opinion on the recent protests by Monarchist supporters?

I am very grateful to every supporter we have but cannot stand for the breakdown in transport and industry that was caused. I am overwhelmed by their support and know their intentions are good.

Any words on the newly named BNP?

Great friends of mine. Good, spiritual men and women. We have worked closely together in the last government and I hope we will work together again very soon. I was so sorry to hear that F. Adams had stepped down, it was truly a hard blow. We have known each other for years and we agreed on everything except economy. I really hope to see his return to politics.

The Secularist Socialists, what do you think of them?

We agree on more than they realise. We are often branded as fascists but they hold some views we agree with. The secularism is a big problem, however, in working with them. We can agree on a national health service but not on the time of day. They have a considerable amount of support and we have always respected them as a strong opponent. They are the reasonable side of the left, in many ways.


Any words on Block Blok?

I am disappointed that they support the dictator that is President Jacobs. A complete anti-democratic lunatic who would drive our country into the sea.


Dr Webster, what was your relationship with her?

We never really talked. I was in cabinet with her for a while but back then we were a small party. I respect her very much and really hope to see her take back her party. It's a shame she isn't a Monarchist.

When we asked about his views on female politicians, he simply laughed and stated that he had worked with many good women in the past.
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Re: Baltusian Public Broadcasting Corporation

Postby Aethan » Sun Nov 12, 2017 7:33 pm

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Bright Spring - Kirlawa

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Re: Baltusian Public Broadcasting Corporation

Postby matthewleitch » Tue Nov 14, 2017 8:47 pm

President Moggerius' favourite song: Is this the way to Villita reaches Number 1

Recently elected Jacoberius Reeserius Moggerius, who has admitted that he is a huge fan of the upbeat, orchestral-pop song Is this the way to Villita is seeing skyrocketing ratings after he was elected President. Even his favourite song, by Baltusian band Liberties!, has reached number 1 on the Baltusian Charts despite the fact it came out 46 years ago.

The chorus of the wildly popular song goes:

Is this the way to Villita?
Every day I've been passing legislation
Dreaming dreams of Villita
And Burgmullerism that awaits for me!

Show me the way to Villita
I've been 3-line whipping like a King!
Crying home for Villita
And Burgmullerism that awaits for me!

And Burgmuller that awaits for me!


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President Moggerius dancing to "Is this the way to Villita" outside some Socalist-voting homes!
4042-4190: Baltusian Republican Party (Baltusia)
4190- : Republican Party (Cildania)

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Re: Baltusian Public Broadcasting Corporation

Postby sspb314 » Sun Nov 19, 2017 3:21 pm

Interview with Prime Minister Richard Leonardo:
He is Running for President Again
Referendum on Article 1 of the Baltusian Declaration of Rights
No State can Unilaterally Declare Independence


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Prime Minister Richard Leonardo

The Socialist Prime Minister was interviewed on the Andrew Barr show today, about his government, his position, and the future of Baltusia:


Good morning Prime Minister, good to have you on the show,
Great to be here Andrew.


Following the assassination of former President Fitzgerald, is the issue of monarchism over in Baltusia?
Well firstly can I say that I of course condemn the horrific terror attacks, there is no place for violence in our politics. However I will say that it does appear that those horrific events have put an end to the question of installing a Baltusian monarchy. I wish the issue could have been settled less violently but unfortunately it was not.


You've been leader of the Socialists for 30 years now, and you've been the 'Secretary of State for Finance' or the 'Shadow Secretary of State for Finance' for pretty much all of that time. Do you not think it's time to retire and let some upcoming talent take over your party?
Absolutely not, we've just made extraordinary gains in the election. We are now the second largest party,
I am the Prime Minister, and we achieved over 23% of the vote. And not to be forgotten, not only is the wonderful Nyle Bevan the governor of Gevaro, but we have a single-party-majority in the local government of Gevaro. You know, even back when our party achieved over 40% of the vote we didn't have a majority in a local government. So we've made excellent achievements recently and now have our eyes on a Socialist President after the next election and further gains for the Left in years to come. So long as the membership wants me to stay on, I shall be happy to do so and serve the people in Congress.


There's been a lot of noise recently from new political parties, namely the National Populist Front, the Nationalist Workers' Party of Baltusia, and the Revolutionary Socialist Front. After the next election will any of them be invited to join the Socialist Alliance?
We will always work with any other party wherever we have common ground, and I will happily work with any socialist party on economic issues, however in regards to if any of the parties you mentioned will become full members of the Socialist Alliance, I am dubious. Firstly they would want to, which is unlikely in the case of the; National Populist Front, who on their website call the values of 'liberalism' and 'communism' harmful, both of which we have members who are in favour of; or the Nationalist Workers' Party, who similarly decry liberalism. The exception to that would be the Revolutionary Socialist Front, while we definitely don't agree on everything with them, we agree with them about as much as, say the Working Class Party. So we would not necessarily be opposed to them joining, if they had the support of the RAC and the Working Class Party. Indeed we have recently applied for membership of an organisation which they have created, called the United Socialist Alliance and we look forward to working with them to spread the values of socialism.


There is currently a budget deficit of almost 14 billion dollars, that has been the case for quite a while now, why isn't that decreasing?
Well, you say that and of course it sounds like a lot of money. However that only represents 0.5%
of GDP, which is quite reasonable when one considers that that allows our over 300 billion dollar surplus in the private sector.


Now I want to get onto one of the big stories of the day, the governors of Athosia and Lindar Valley threatening to secede from Baltusia if the next government doesn't reverse nationalisation. You obviously want to be elected again and form another government to continue with nationalisation, but isn't it better from your point of view to allow a capitalist government and stop the break up of Baltusia?
Absolutely not, I trust in the Baltusian people and if they want to halt nationalisation then they could vote for someone else however if they want to halt the break up of Baltusia then the simple answer is for the people of Athosia and Lindar valley to vote for a governor from the Secularist, Socialist Party, or another party who will try and keep Baltusia together.


If a state assembly votes to hold a referendum on continued membership of Baltusia, would a socialist government allow it?
Well, firstly we wouldn't accept a vote for independence in a local assembly, let alone a unilateral declaration of independance by a governor. However with regards to a vote for a referendum, I don't think that would be a matter for local government. I think that if a local assembly passed a motion expressing support for a referendum or for independence then it would be up to the Baltusian Congress, not the government, to allow a referendum.


And would your party vote in favour of allowing a referendum?
It would depend on the circumstances.


Which circumstances?
Well, if it were just an attempt to shake off socialist policies rather than a sincere request for statehood, then perhaps we would not vote for it.


But isn't that exactly what Governors Blinden and Vernson want to do, and if that is the case would you vote against it?
Perhaps yes, but it would depend on the circumstances like I say, and we'll have to see at the time. So that we can analyse the whole situation and make up our mind at the time.


There is a public perception that Congress is uneffective and never does what it promises. Will there be a referendum on Article 1 of the Baltusian Declaration of Rights as was promised a decade ago?
Well I am very pleased that you've asked that because I am pleased to announce that we are actually putting legislation before Congress this week which will give us a referendum alongside the congressional and Presidential elections in 4306. This will replace Article 1, with a new Article which will only protect those people who want protection.


Finally, are you running for President again?
Yes.


Prime Minister, thank you.
Thank you, Andrew.
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Re: Baltusian Public Broadcasting Corporation

Postby True Vozhd » Sun Nov 19, 2017 5:27 pm

Edward Wells and supporters of his National Populist Front have taken part in a rally in the capital city of Villita. The aim of the rally was to spread awareness of " independence for Castellas" This movement which formed after the previous election wises to leave Baltuisa due to anger at both the central government and the Governor Richard Vernson.

This movement to give "the city of Castellas and its rightful farming land" independence is very much in the minority but is supported by the National Peoples Front. This has confused experts as this goes against their policy of a strong central government. This has lead to some experts saying that "This is nothing more than a power grab by Edward Wells and his minions"

One expert has said:
"This movement has come to light after the recent threats of independence from Lindar Vally which Castelass is the capital. This suggests that the city has lost faith in its own government."

At this time we have been unable to get hold of Edward Wells but expect updates as the story does.
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Re: Baltusian Public Broadcasting Corporation

Postby Barnsley210 » Wed Nov 22, 2017 4:23 pm

Hollis Overton re-establishes Baltusian Democratic Green Party
Party last in government 50 years ago makes a return
Unexpectedly makes large gains in Congressional Election
Overton campaigned for Baltusia to "return to liberalism"


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BDGP called for a 'better, greener economy' in the election and criticised 'rapid nationalisation'

50 years after winning a presidential election and being a major part of the Baltusian political landscape, the Baltusian Democratic Green Party - commonly called the BDGP - has been re-established by Hollis Overton, a former human rights lawyer. Overton stated her motives for re-creating the party were down to the "lack of truly centrist, liberal parties", and that her father being a former senior official within the BDGP made her well positioned to lead "a new version".

Alongside a call for Baltusia to "return to well-established liberal economics" and an end to "rapid, unneeded nationalisation", the BDGP's campaign also criticised the "lack of budget responsibility" saying the deficit was "far too high....a clear consequence of this government's actions".
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Re: Baltusian Public Broadcasting Corporation

Postby sspb314 » Wed Nov 22, 2017 7:35 pm

Shock Election Result:
Pollsters Baffled as Greens make Shocking Return
YES Vote in Referendum
Hung Congress
Second Term for President Moggerius
Likely Coalition Between Greens, Forward!, and Block Bloc
Expected End to Nationalisation
Greens Join Forward! in Capitalist Alliance
Revolutionary Socialist Front Joins Socialist Alliance


It has been a shocking election, which no pollster could have predicted, most were predicting a Socialist President and a slim majority for the Socialist Alliance, however the shock return of the Baltusian Democratic Green Party to Congress has completely overturned the balance of power. The Greens made tremendous gains, going from 0 to 138 seats, only two-months after reforming. Voters seem to be attracted, not only to a breath of fresh air in politics, but also to moderate leftism, a lesson the Socialist Alliance are likely not too happy to learn.

The other big news was the referendum, by a majority of 13 million the Baltusian people voted to change the first article of the Baltusian declaration of Rights to a more liberal version. Turn out was not as high as in the congressional or Presidential election, but still a positive 60%.

In the Presidential election, it was a second term for President Moggerius. Many were predicting that his party's inactivity in Congress would lose him his position, however he increased his majority. This is likely down to the support for the Greens, they reformed after the cut-off date to register a candidate for President however models suggest that their party acted as a stepping stone: parties who had voted Socialist in the past opted for them as the more moderate and then for Forward! as the candidate who would work the easiest with the Greens in Congress.

Despite their incredible electoral wins, the Greens do not have an outright majority, and nor do the Capitalist alliance. Since the Socialist Alliance don't either, the path to power lies in the hands of the Block Bloc. They can choose to work with either the Capitalists or the Socialists, who will then have a majority. Negotiations are expected to be long and tough, the Greens used to be a member of the Left Bloc (the predecessor to the Socialist Alliance) before leaving because of the extremity of the bloc. They are likely to work better with Forward! however they require the support of the Block Bloc, whose belief in static government will not work well with the radical change the Capitalist Alliance are promising.

Some smaller parties also entered Congress, the 'Nationalist Populist Front', the 'Revolutionary Socialist Front', and the 'Nationalist Workers' Party of Baltusia' all have less than 30 congress members but have only helped to show that the voters are ready for change. The 'Revolutionary Socialist Front' has become a member of the Socialist Alliance and consequently it has a higher chance of getting into government in the future.
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Re: Baltusian Public Broadcasting Corporation

Postby Barnsley210 » Fri Nov 24, 2017 11:08 pm

BDGP's Hollis Overton becomes Baltusia's new Prime Minister
Coalition deal reached after almost a year of negotiations
Block Block gains role of Deputy Prime Minister
'Forward!' now control Finance Ministry
Socialist policies likely to be reformed or abolished


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The woman who has become the Prime Minister

A year of negotiations between the different parties and alliances represented in Congress on forming a new government has come to a close, with the Greens producing a coalition deal between their Capitalist Alliance group and Block Block. The passing of the cabinet bill is a significant move by the BDGP, a party which was re-founded only two months before the last election, in which it unexpectedly became the largest party.

The obvious resistance by the Capitalist Alliance to many of the last government's socialist policies, which have also received opposition from Bloc Block, leaves many key parts of the Socialist Alliance's agenda in doubt. With Forward! now controlling the Finance Ministry, analysts have told the BPBC that they expect any budget produced to include spending cuts. One of Hollis Overton's key campaign pledges was to reduce the budget deficit in an effort to return to a surplus "as soon as possible".
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Re: Baltusian Public Broadcasting Corporation

Postby sspb314 » Sat Nov 25, 2017 1:28 am

SSPB Leadership Election

Following the passing of a capitalist cabinet, former Prime Minister Richard Leonardo has stood down as leader of the SSPB.


Four candidates have contested the election:

John M. Donald - The former Secretary of State for Finance is seen as the Leonardite candidate

Fredrick Engels - The party spokesperson for Justice is on the far left of the party.

Clementine Attlee - The party spokesperson for foreign affairs is the moderate candidate.

Carol Lucas - The environment and tourism spokesperson is a supporter of a cross-party coalition.


Each of them were given 125 words to make their case to the membership and to explain what their position in government will ideally be:

John M. Donald
Party members, we are not just electing a leader, we are electing the Leader of the Opposition and the next President or Prime Minister, we need someone with experience, credibility, and above all vision to lead us into the future. Under the great work of Prime Minster Leonardo our country made great strides, but now with a capitalist government taking over it is up to us to provide strong opposition. Beyond that we have a duty to show to the people who lost faith in us in the last election that socialism is the answer to their problems. Once people see that the BDGP are not a compelling option I hope to become the country's President, with a Prime Minister picked by the membership.


Fredrick Engels
Comrades, we failed in the last election. We failed to provide a compelling vision for the future. We failed to engage with first-time voters. We failed to convince the public that we offered radical change, and not just more of the same. But that is because we failed to offer the public real change. There is one key message which we should be fighting for, and that is common ownership of the means of production. When the people realize that capitalism fails them, it is up to us to offer a truly socialist alternative. For too long we have been content to offer watered-down socialism but no-longer, under me as the Prime Minister we will offer a pure socialist message to the voters.


Clementine Attlee
Party members, we have gone too far to the left. In the last congress we voted to fully nationalize airports, when Warrick Purcell founded our party he said, "This is not to be a communist party, nor an extremist party but a party which fights for common ownership of the essential means of production". In the last election masses of alienated voters opted for the centre-left BDGP, this is not about running to the centre, but reclaiming the principles our party was founded on. My policy would be public ownership of the necessary means of production and regulated private ownership of the rest. I intend to become the President, with the Prime Minister being chosen by the party memberships of the Socialist Alliance.



Carol Lucas
The 'Secularist, Socialist Party of Baltusia' is the best party in all of Terra, and what makes it great is its diversity in belief. We need a new strategy within our party, we need direct democracy. I will ask the membership of the party its opinion on every issue and whatever they vote for I will enact in Congress. We should not be polarizing our party and choosing between multiple options, instead we should be accepting of all options and bring everyone into the negotiating table to make our party decisions. I will be the Prime Minister, as a representative of all of you, with a President chosen by the membership. This will incentivise people to join our movement whose contributions will help us campaign.


Round 1

Fredrick Engels - 892,210 votes

John M. Donald - 862,973 votes

Clementine Attlee - 704,390 votes

Carol Lucas - 309,105 votes ELIMINATED


Round 2

Fredrick Engels - 959,486 votes

Clementine Attlee - 930,249 votes

John M. Donald - 878,943 votes ELIMINATED


Round 3

Clementine Attlee - 1,551,650 votes WINNER

Fredrick Engels - 1,217,028 votes
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Re: Baltusian Public Broadcasting Corporation

Postby Barnsley210 » Sat Nov 25, 2017 5:28 pm

Overton calls for more media regulations
The Prime Minister proposes outlawing publication of hate speech
PM also wants respect and consideration of "right to privacy"
BDGP rally against SSPB for standing against the bill


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Today in Congress, the Prime Minister Hollis Overton has published a bill calling for greater regulation of the media. Proposals include adding hate speech to the list of items not allowed to be published - currently, it only includes false information - and forcing media corporations to determine whether stories and photos about the private lives of individuals are "in the interest of the public".

Introducing the bill, the Prime Minister suggested that the new "common sense regulations", as she put it, would help stop those who "harbour extremists who use current loopholes in the law to spread hate speech via the media". Speaking to the BPBC shortly after leaving Congress, Hollis Overton said that she hoped new regulations would help ethnic-minorities by "preventing common discrimination in a huge industry" and revealed that her constituents in Albiland had "contacted her concerned about this issue".

However, upon hearing of the SSPB's decision to vote against the bill, the Prime Minister returned to Congress to criticise their new leader Clementine Atlee on this issue, who was elected party leader as the 'moderate candidate'. Overton questioned the motives for the party being against the bill, suggesting either Attlee had been "swayed by those on the extreme, political fringes" or they were voting no "simply for the sake of opposition". Finishing her attack, the PM said to cheers from the government benches that "[the SSPB] does not look like a party that wants to be returned to Government in two years time".
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