New Verham

[thefalloutfan101]

     Chamber of Representatives establishes Constitutional Review Committee to oversee recent changes to constitution
     Baatrynsentii, New Verham
     15th February, 5433

After discussions were started last year, the ruling PAP-led coalition in parliament has moved forward with the next step in potential changes to the New Verhamese constitution by forming a Constitutional Review Committee, with members from both government and opposition. Welcoming bipartisanship, coalition lawmakers have sought to implement a number of changes in their initial draft; most notably the repeal of several previously implemented changes to the constitution under prior governments, whilst retaining some others. The most notable change is the direct abolition of the Council of Provinces, currently the upper house of the New Verhamese Parliament. Other significant changes pertain mostly to electoral law, some of which were previously proposed as separate companion bills by lawmakers, but have now formed a wider net of reforms to national elections by integrating them into the constitution outright.

Aggravated for by electoral reform groups for decades is the removal of the first-past-the-post voting system in favor of a more direct, ranked-choice vote system. While New Verhamese elections were directed through popular vote and without an electoral college, some have criticized the currently implemented system as allowing for the dominant-party system that ran unopposed in the nation for decades. In some areas of the country, opposition parties routinely struggled to unseat "diehard" PAP constituencies, with some politicians of the party of Mönkhdevshil utilizing heavy-handed tactics to retain power, drawing sharp criticism among within the nation and abroad. Surprisingly, the proposal was put forth by PAP lawmakers themselves, who seemed eager to implement it. Among the litany of amendments within the draft bill was the shortening of a presidential term, down to five years from the previous six; the reestablishment of the office of prime minister, though still nominally weaker than the head of state, the extension of a single term to two, retaining the power of appointment among the presidency but implementing a check via a parliamentary confirmation vote, and notably removed the power of parliament to dismiss members of the cabinet, with lawmakers ruling that the power rests with the executive branch.

Elsewhere, primarily related to the legislative branch, the powers of parliament were notably strengthened, bringing it roughly equal to that of the executive. For sections where their power was lessened or removed, the articles granted more in others. The absolute power of the presidency to appoint members of the nation's court systems was also given a check by way of a parliamentary confirmation process, alongside a whole host of other potential appointments. Lawmakers also wrote into the draft's contents the previously mentioned abolition of the Council of Provinces, also called for by members of the chamber itself; supporters of increased democratic reform have argued that the current system of FPTP voting leads to cascading effects hampering legislative action in parliament, calls that have been echoed by both opposition parties and various factions within the PAP alike. Alongside returning the legislature to a unicameral system, the previous name of Parliament, the Supreme Congress, would be reinstated.

President Strauß took to both social media and the floor of the Chamber of Representatives himself to voice his support for the constitutional reforms, arguing that such changes were sorely needed. "Were our history of democratic institutions so longstanding and deeply-rooted in our society, someone could have used our current constitution to great harm," he stated to assembled lawmakers. "Once some years ago, we almost came close to passing that dangerous threshold. But our valiant armed forces, true to the cause of liberty and democracy, heralded the call and took action to restore order. Hopefully, with these proposed changes, we shall not need to watch our backs any longer."

But for all the unprecedented changes proposed to the constitution in the initial draft reform bill, some aspects fell short - at least for the time being. Most notably was the desire among president Strauß to possibly establish a federalist-style system for the ethnic minorities within New Verham's borders, with himself hailing from one such community: the New Verhamese Ostlanders, who comprise 4% of the nation's population, mostly centered in the north along the border with Ostland proper. The change was also championed by the Vanukeans, original descendants of the colonizers from Vanuku, who comprise 7% of the national population. A large margin of Mu-Tze lawmakers indicated their support, but argued that the changes would necessitate an overhaul of the system of government as a whole, something that moderates among the Chamber of Representatives argue might alienate some of the backers of the current bill, who still hold fond support for the PAP's founder. "While there is no bad sentiment among us and our nation's many ethnic groups, this may drive a wedge in support among the 'old guard' of the party," one PAP lawmaker on the floor stated in an interview. "The cause is good, but the timing is not quite right - Mr. Strauß needs to build up more support for this, and make the right connections; many within our party still hold support for Mönkhdevshil's pan-Mu-Tze beliefs."

For now, lawmakers have avoided the topic, shelving previously proposed articles regarding it for discussion at a later date. President Strauß in his remarks to Parliament today voiced mild disappointment, but held from further debate on the topic, seemingly recognizing the warnings given by such lawmakers above. In more candid discussions among news outlets, he vowed that the issue would be solved "one way or the other".

Medeeutas (Newswire; stylized as Medeeutas.) is a breaking news outlet available on both radio and television, with dispatches throughout Dovani.

[thefalloutfan101]

     Parliament passes constitutional reforms as bill reaches president Strauß's approval; Council of Provinces abolished
     Baatrynsentii, New Verham
     November 15th, 5433 (OOC: Slightly postdated)

After final debates were concluded and the committee formed to oversee revisions to the constitution dissolved, the changes were passed via a majority of 15, totaling 257-106; comfortably passing the two-thirds threshold required for constitutional changes. Other notable changes passed as companion bills was the change to revert the national flag to the one during the Mönkhdevshilist era, also passing comfortably at 332-31, alongside another simple name change to the legislature, reverting it back to the Supreme Congress. The bills now head to the desk of the president, after having also been passed without issue in the Council of Provinces, which conducted its final session this week. Mr. Strauß is likely to sign both significant pieces of legislation into law, and thanked lawmakers for their "arduous" months of work in drafting the revisions. "We are entering a new, vibrant era in our nation's history," he stated in a short social media post this afternoon. "Glad to sign our changes to the constitution into law and thank our legislators for their arduous work over the past few months".

One change not included in the final draft of the constitution was the proposed autonomy for minority regions in the country, which was met with some protest by supporters on social media. The political capital was "not quite as well established as we wanted it to be", one PAP lawmaker stated during a brief television interview. The president seeks to build up further support over the coming months for increased autonomy for the Vanukean, Ostlander, and Jelbic communities in the nation, and would not be opposed to consider placing it on the ballot in the next general elections in 5437. In the meantime, the president has scheduled talks with lawmakers, and already commissioned the nation's statistics office to conduct opinion polling on the issue, where support among citizens was broad. 43% of Ostlanders supported the establishment of an autonomous entity within their community, while over 47% of Vanukeans supported the measure, with local polling in the largest Vanukean-speaking city, Zuiderfoort, reaching as much as 73%.

Medeeutas (Newswire; stylized as Medeeutas.) is a breaking news outlet available on both radio and television, with dispatches throughout Dovani.

[thefalloutfan101]

     Mr. Sükhbataar has stated that the government is "monitoring the ongoing situation in Aldegar and has already taken steps to mediate possible domestic effects".

     Finance Minister Sükhbataar voices concern over Aldegar Canal Crisis, calls for Dovanian nations to tighten cooperation; signals support for potential revival of the EDO
     March 9th, 5434

Speaking before a roundtable press conference in the Supreme Congress building this morning, with discussions still ongoing, finance minister Taragai Sükhbataar voiced his office's "deep concern" over the Aldegar Canal Crisis, and announced that the government was forming an "economic crisis commission" to monitor and take action against potential economic issues that arise within the country. With a complete cease of regular shipping through the Aldegar Canal due to ongoing issues within the country, Mr. Sükhbataar expressed his concern that the global economic ripple effects that could be a "hard, yet bearable" issue in more affluent countries in the west, could however be "catastrophic and utterly devastating" for countries in Dovani, many of which have had a history of endemic poverty. Moreover, Mr. Sükhbataar has taken the ongoing situation in Aldegar and its immediate effects in western nations as a call for the nations of Dovani to tighten economic and diplomatic cooperation. He stated that New Verham, alongside the "family of nations" of Dovani, had many steps available before them, the most notable being the revival of the Eastern Development Organization, or EDO. This echoes similar initiatives taken in Tian'an in Yingdala, where the world's first international bond market was formed, named the Tian'an Bond Exchange.

Additionally, another measure voiced by the finance minister is the revival of the Dovani Pact, the long-dormant economic, diplomatic, and military alliance of numerous Dovanian nations, of which New Verham was also a member, joining not long after the end of the New Verhamese Civil War. However though, Mr. Sükhbataar stated that the most immediate way to tackle the crisis was deepening relations with New Verham's historical strategic partners - neighboring Ostland, Vascania, Lourenne, and various others, and arranging trade deals "with haste". Speaking alongside the finance minister in discussions was foreign minister Oskar von Saucken, who voiced his support for a possible trade deal concerning strategic reserves of petroleum and oil, the former being subject to widespread panic buying in the aftermath of the crisis, leading to shortages across gas stations nationwide. "The line is open," von Saucken stated before reporters. "We are actively seeking a deal to bridge the gap we're seeing recently. As much as 40% of the nation's oil and petroleum reserves have been chewed away in the wake of this crisis, and that's with the release of our own strategic reserves".

The finance ministry's commission appointed to oversee the crisis's effects on the New Verhamese economy have pointed out that "initial shocks are not as drastic as expected, given the low trade volume with western nations, but reports of panic buying, price gouging, and even looting in some areas has been reported". Police forces have been dispatched in at least three provinces, mostly in various districts of the capital, and the towns of Gakhon and Ulaanran, in the more central provinces. President Strauß took to social media today to urge calm among citizens, stating that he and the cabinet were taking "direct action" to stem any possible destabilizing effects to the economy.

Ödör tutmyn güidel (Daily Current) is an online news organization headquartered in the capital, Baatrynsentii, focusing on general news coverage. It is majority owned by Ganöd Media Group (GMG) under a 29% share.

[thefalloutfan101]

     Supreme Congress approves law delineating new provincial borders
     Baatrynsentii, New Verham
     17th February 5435

Passed via majority in the Supreme Congress today is a law approving the redrawing of the nation's provinces, overturning the previous redraw during the tenure of past presidents and "adjusting" the original reforms to administrative divisions made under president Mönkhdevshil. The most noticeable change is a more clearer designation of the largest minority areas within the country, with the Ostlanders mostly comprising the northernmost provinces along the border with Ostland proper, and the Vanukeans being more concentrated in the south. Some lawmakers stated that the changes were deliberate, to possibly pave the way for a renegotiation of president Strauß's proposed autonomy for New Verham's largest ethnic minorities in the form of some sort of "federal subject", or wholesale adoption of a federal system of government; lawmakers previously stopped short of full support given the potential scale of reform, calling the initial calls for autonomy a "ripple effect" that would require further careful consideration before adoption. Calls have been made to place the issue as a ballot measure on the 5437 elections, which are two years away.

Alongside redraws to the provinces, new district-level entities have been established for Baatrynsentii, with the capital being referred to as the "National Capital District (NCD)", whilst two others have been drawn for Schloss an der Hügel, the largest city in the Ostlander-speaking provinces, and Zuiderfoort, also the largest city in the Vanukeans-speaking regions.

Medeeutas (Newswire; stylized as Medeeutas.) is a breaking news outlet available on both radio and television, with dispatches throughout Dovani.

[thefalloutfan101]

     New Verhamese President Strauß names new PM after sizeable vacancy
     17th February 5435

At a critical juncture, president of New Verham Gerhard Strauß has named a new prime minister after the office was restored as part of a reform to the nation's constitution. Though not as powerful as the head of state, the office of prime minister sat vacant for months following the full passage of the Supreme Congress's constitutional reform package two years ago in 5433, with backroom discussions and numerous hearings in the legislature failing to bring out a clear candidate for appointment. Under current law, the president has full power to appoint a premier, but the action must be confirmed by the legislative branch, implemented as a check on the executive branch and giving a role for parliament in the process. The latest candidate and victor in several months of back and forth was initially proposed by the Supreme Congress, with the president voicing his support for the choice. The candidate, Yesun Chuluushiidverlekh, is currently a member of parliament, serving in his third consecutive term. In prior years, Mr. Chuluushiidverlekh built up a portfolio in cabinet affairs, serving as minister without portfolio in two successive governments, and holding posts in three cabinet-level offices.

Mr. Chuluushiidverlekh hails from the Democratic Party, and was suggested by fellow coalition partners as an "olive branch" to deepen further cooperation and bipartisanship with the PAP's new legislative allies, most all of whom are on the center to center-right of the political arena. After a few days of consideration, president Strauß formally tapped Mr. Chuluushiidverlekh as his number two in the executive branch and was subsequently confirmed via majority vote of the Supreme Congress. Giving a brief speech to the legislature, he promised cooperation with his cabinet ministers, and "graciously welcomed" establishing working relationships with them, and committed to collaborating with the president in combating the nation's ongoing economic difficulties in the wake of the Aldegar Canal Crisis, hinting at a possible slate of tours in Ostland and Vascania over securing strategic trade partnerships and a negotiation for increased reserves of key materials such as oil and petroleum.


in the moment is a Luthorian language, short-form news website specializing in rapid-fire coverage, with a focus on Dovani. Reporting on affairs throughout the continent, it has dispatches in several countries.

[thefalloutfan101]

     Mr. von Saucken spoke about the current government in Utembo, and discussed his ministry's position on foreign policy,
     leaning towards a direction of realpolitik.

     Foreign Ministry elaborates policy for the near-future; FM von Saucken speaks on Statrica, Utembo
     27th March 5436

In discussions this morning, foreign minister Oskar von Saucken spoke on a number of current topics, namely regional affairs and the current goings-on in Statrica and Utembo over the past couple of years. The FM expressed relief at the return of democracy to the nation at the hands of the country's military, but spoke about his concern about purges in the military undertaken by the new civilian government under premier Tambadou, expressing potential alarm that the purges could have a "spiraling" effect on the nation's democratic institutions. Nevertheless, the issue was a small one among more positive statements given by von Saucken, such as voicing his support for federalization of the nation, stating that New Verham has had similar discussions on the topic, which still persist in current political discourse. The FM expressed his desire for closer ties and a possible visit in the near future, should the atmosphere in Bukoha welcome it.

Also discussed was the recent political changes in Utembo. The nation has been led by a unabashedly left-wing government for several years, under the guidance of the Communist Party of Utembo, fully united only recently in 5374 after years of being split between the communist north, and the south governed under a theocratic Daenist government, with strong authoritarian tendencies. Since then, the nation has reacted little in regards to continental affairs, alongside the other way around. With the Communist Party of Utembo rebranding as the Communist Party of Xsampa, a more seemingly nationalist character has emerged to the party in recent years under the leadership of State Chairman Tashi Jorji. Most recently set in motion was the party's New Economic Plan, or NEP, a total modernization of the national economy and the mass implementation of social programs and additional key reforms. While not outright confirming a set slate of policies, Mr. von Saucken welcomed a nation on the Dovanian continent that was taking steps to improve itself, especially given the harsh nature of conflict that racked the nation previously.

The foreign minister discussed a potential warming of diplomatic ties, stating that overtures to Utembo and Statrica could serve as a "springboard" for a greater diplomatic outreach for New Verham among nations in the south of Dovani. Still chief among Mr. von Saucken's concerns for the immediate moment however is the negotiation of a return to stable economic activity and an increase of the nation's strategic oil and natural gas reserves, which was discussed at the end of the foreign minister's conference. "While we're interested in a more neutral, non-ideological foreign policy among our family of nations, the most pressing concern is restoring our trade volume," he stated. "While we have had fruitful discussions, nothing is currently set in stone. We've reached out to our counterparts in Vascania and Ostland, and received interest from Medina as well for a conference on these matters. I look forward to a meeting, but the decision ultimately rests with Wolfsheim".

Ödör tutmyn güidel (Daily Current) is an online news organization headquartered in the capital, Baatrynsentii, focusing on general news coverage. It is majority owned by Ganöd Media Group (GMG) under a 29% share.

[thefalloutfan101]

     Ruling coalition retains a second term, but majority tightens as opposition sees gains
     Baatrynsentii, New Verham
     9th October 5437 (OOC: Postdated)

The ruling PAP-led coalition has maintained their majority in the Supreme Congress, but only by nine seats overall as both junior partners within the coalition and opposition parties saw gains at the polls. Gains were particularly sizeable among the Democratic Unity parliamentary group, whose leaders even mulled possibly dissolving the alliance. In the presidential election, Gerhard Strauß retained a second, and final term in office, beating out potential challengers; he emerged the victor with nearly 46% of the vote, a downward trend from the last elections, which saw voter turnout at an estimated 53%. Strauß once more thanked the New Verhamese people for continuing to put their faith in the PAP and his administration, and noted that the country was "turning the corner" with regards to supply chain issues in the wake of the Aldegar Canal Crisis, which saw ripple effects spread to Dovani, some of which saw major impacts on the continent. Despite the positive and optimistic attitude voiced by the president himself in his second post-election speech, the above trend indicates a different story. While other parties in the coalition did see their numbers in the Supreme Congress rise, the largest share went to the opposition parties, of which the Socialist Party has retained its stake as the largest member of the opposition.

Criticism voiced by voters in the lead-up to the elections was the perceived lack of initiative in foreign policy, with just last year foreign minister Oskar von Saucken indicated a willingness for New Verham to seek increased cooperation with neighboring countries such as Ostland, Statrica, and Utembo, but has acted little towards achieving such goals. Most notably as well was the country's desire to organize a possible diplomatic summit among major powers in Dovani in Ostland, but deliberations have seen little movement on this front as well. Despite a slip in the coalition's majority, a cabinet reshuffle was evidently not in the cards, with the president himself dismissing such possibilities as "rumors", remarking that "our government has weathered through our first term in office superbly", and that the president had "full faith in his ministers"; the same was said for prime minister Chuluushiidverlekh.

Medeeutas (Newswire; stylized as Medeeutas.) is a breaking news outlet available on both radio and television, with dispatches throughout Dovani.

[thefalloutfan101]

     New Verhamese FM von Saucken departs for Wolfsheim for dual conference and state visit
     16th May 5439 (OOC: Postdated)

The foreign minister for New Verham, Oskar von Saucken, has departed for Wolfsheim to attend a conference held by Ostland in the prestigious Christof Guttmacher Convention Center at the heart of the nation's capital city. Recently, Ostland indicated a willingness (also shared by Baatrynsentii) to host high-level diplomatic talks among a host of nations in Dovani to tackle issues centering on the continent, such as unrest in the south, and the ripple effects felt by the recent Aldegar Canal Crisis. The presence of von Saucken provides a dual role: attending the main conference while also arranging for a state visit to rekindle long-dormant relations between the two countries, which were formally established during the Mönkhdevshil years.

Key topics to be raised by Herr von Saucken with regards to dealing with the aftermath of the Aldegar Canal Crisis alongside recent economic shocks in Lourenne and Dankuk is the easing of supply chain issues, discussing lowered trade tariffs to facilitate a greater flow of exports and imports, and measures to raise New Verham's trade volume, which has declined in recent years; it took an even further hit after the wake of the Aldegar Canal Crisis. Economic signs at Baatrynsentii's stock exchange were positive this morning at the relation of this news, with valuations of various companies raising by "notable" percentages.

Herr von Saucken expressed his concern for stability in the region, both political and economic, stating: "Dovani has historically been known for its instability. We've managed to change that in recent years, seeing a maintaining of peace, but we're seeing a troubling pattern here," he stated before reporters prior to departing this morning. "Our government hopes that we, alongside the family of nations on our continent, can work together to correct this course, and retain the stability that is crucial for peaceful development and cooperation."


in the moment is a Luthorian language, short-form news website specializing in rapid-fire coverage, with a focus on Dovani. Reporting on affairs throughout the continent, it has dispatches in several countries.

[journey.]

➥ Photo: Trains captured after the crash/Ajvaagiin Bagabandi (Shine ajiglagch)

Trains crash in Nogoonkhit, resulting in 29 dead, dozens injured
18th June 5443

In what will now forever become a black day in New Verhamese history, it has been reported that two trains near the Nogoonkhit crashed in a head-on collision, resulting in both trains being derailed. President Gerhard Strauß announced an extraordinary address to the nation this evening and asked the government to convene "as soon as possible to discover the reasons behind this catastrophe". Strauß added that a nationwide mourning will be issued for the whole next week in the country.

While the tragedy has paralyzed the nation in shock, many have already publicly blamed the poor quality of the railways and general neglect by the national government of the railway system and state-owned Shine Vyerkhemiin tömör zam (New Verham Rail) company. Various media report, that rails in some parts of the country have been unrepaired ever since President Tömörbaatar over a hundred years ago, creating high risks of many more crashes like these happening sooner or later. Other outlets also report that tens of thousands of workers of SHVTZ are either being underpaid or not paid at all for months, including train drivers, maintenance workers and the general service sector. Chairman of the Shine Vyerkhemiin tömör zam Ganzorig Jamiyansüren denied the allegations, although confirmed that the company is indeed in debt to some workers, but stated that the numbers of workers the company is in debt to is "highly inflated by the media".

Prime Minister Chuluushiidverlekh told Shine ajiglagch, that the "investigation is inevitable, and we will conduct it as swiftly as we possibly can, to deliver justice to the families of dead and damaged by this tragedy". When asked if the SHVTZ Chairman will be suspended from his position for the time of investigation due to a possible conflict of interests and possible usage of his powers to affect the way the investigation is held, PM answered shortly: "Only if the Prosecutor's Office will ask for it".

What happens next will clearly result in months of accusations and slow actions, leaving many people without answers, and fueling public anger, as people online are already proposing to start a general strike against the state-run company to draw attention to the extremely risky problem, that if not solved, will cause hundreds if not thousands more deaths, leading to a collapse of the transit system in New Verham.

Shine ajiglagch (The New Observer) is an online left-leaning newspaper, focused on reporting daily news in New Verham and abroad.

[thefalloutfan101]

     Just a year into the new government's term, regionalist attitudes have been bolstered, riding off of a series of other issues like economic hardship. In this image, protestors of the largely student-led Solidarity Bloc organize a mass sit-in in the central district of Baatrynsentii.
OOC: The previous article lists Gerhard Strauß as still being the president, despite being limited to two terms. This will be corrected soon.

     As nation seeks answers from Nogoonkhit disaster, regionalism sees surge, bolstered by former president-turned-MP Strauß: "It's time to manage our own affairs"
     5th September 5443

In the wake of the recent train derailment in Nogoonkhit, a freshly-elected government that only just entered office in November has suddenly been racked by several issues, not merely limited to the disaster itself. Almost immediately, sharp criticisms were raised on a variety of things, from the state of New Verham's railroad networks to unionization and worker pay. Most significant of all were discussions surrounding regionalism and ethnic autonomy in the country, spurned by former president-turned-MP Gerhard Strauß himself. Currently the former head of state has retained his status as leader of the PAP, despite a leadership contest last summer raised over criticisms of the government's foreign policy, which has been deemed by analysts as "lackluster". However, it is expected that opposition figures across a variety of factions within the PAP will attempt another bid, with murmurs of more progressive figures seeking to launch a motion of no confidence in Mr. Strauß.

Elsewhere, the disaster has within short order bolstered the nascent left in the country, with numerous political action organizations forming in its wake. Criticizing the "tepid" response from the traditionally establishment and mostly center-left parties, these organizations (roughly evenly split among the pro and anti-electoralist left) have rallied around an inspection of the national railways, increased pay for SHVTZ workers, calls for unionization and even a general strike, echoing calls made on social media in the immediate wake of the crash. Student movements have also grown in size and number, criticizing the rightward, "neoliberal" shift of Mr. Strauß's PAP and pushed back against the free market direction of the government for the past decade. A sit-in was held in Baatrynsentii's central district, watched closely by city police. Interviewed by a variety of media outlets, the protest, held by the leftist student organization Solidarity Bloc, had one central message: "economic interests cannot be balanced with human dignity and the safety and well-being of our nation's workers."

The response from the government itself has been affirmative, but has not progressed to the scale of which these groups have reportedly wished for, setting up a pitched battle between the political establishment and a now-burgeoning leftward political trend. With regards to regionalism, the Supreme Congress has moved quickly, galvanized by the PAP's leaders in the legislature and former president Strauß, as mentioned prior. Working with the current national-level autonomist parties, Mr. Strauß has led discussions regarding a draft bill establishing a basic federal framework for New Verham, establishing several statutes of autonomy for Ostlanders and Jelbeks within the nation. The law provides for the establishment of two autonomous Republics within the nation, them being the Ostlander Republic of Südland and the Verhamelen Republic. Drafters of the bill state that the names are provisional, and can be changed at the will of the republics themselves. Alongside this, the bill allows for devolved parliaments, regional heads of state and government, and legislative, judicial, and executive autonomy. With a broadly positive reception in the Supreme Congress to the legislation, it is expected to pass without issue.

Ödör tutmyn güidel (Daily Current) is an online news organization headquartered in the capital, Baatrynsentii, focusing on general news coverage. It is majority owned by Ganöd Media Group (GMG) under a 29% share.