Kalistan

[jamescfm]

The People's Press
Jim O'Connell To Take Over As Labour Leader
Veteran Assembly Deputy overcomes opponents but requires eight rounds of instant run-off
Kaliburg, Ananto
February 5th, 4091


Jim O'Connell becomes the first man to win a Labour leadership election since 4057

The Labour Party of Kalistan has voted on its next leader and Presidential candidate, with Trade and Industry Spokesperson and relative outsider Jim O'Connell ultimately winning the race. O'Connell has served in his current role since 4076, when he narrowly beat incumbent Lorenzo Ambrose, but has yet to serve within the government. He entered the position as an ally of the 'moderate' Marianna Simonides- who also contested the leadership election but was knocked out in the third round- however, it is generally believed he has disassociated himself from her in recent years. He was not expected to win, despite being one of the more experienced candidates, and was only able to defeat Foreign Affairs Minister Serhat Aslan after several rounds of instant run-off voting.

O'Connell is well-known for his deep religious convictions, being an outspoken member of the Aurorian Patriarchal Church. In a culture which is dominated by the Society of Brethren, he has attracted both controversy and admiration for his views, which he says were instilled in him by his mother who is an ethnic Kilani immigrant. O'Connell says that 'being an Aurorian and a socialist are fundamentally linked, the Annunciation teaches us to give what we can and only take what we must and that is the founding principle of socialism'. He is also a passionate anti-war campaigner and believes that violence is only justified in very extreme circumstances.

The immediate future of the party is relatively secure, O'Connell won't become Party Leader until Luca Curti formally steps down after the next election, but in the extended term, things are not so certain. O'Connell has been critical of some aspects of the parties operation in the past chiefly the NEC elections and the powers which the militia holds. He could use his mandate to carry out a radical reformist agenda, although his close friendship with Curti make this unlikely as does the fact that Serhat Aslan will remain as Deputy Leader. Labour will have little time to focus on internal democracy, though, as national elections approach.

[jamescfm]

Labour Party Announces Partnership With Athletes Union
High profile deal follows the creation of the National Federation of Sports Associations earlier in the term
Kaliburg, Ananto
July 1, 4091

As campaigning heats up for the January elections, the Labour Party has announced an affiliation with the Professional Athletes Association (PAA), the largest trade union representing Kalistani sportspeople. The deal comes after the Labour Party pushed through a ground-breaking program to promote youth development across all areas of sport by nationalising sports clubs and creating a new federal system to foster talent and encourage participation. Clearly this move has not gone unnoticed, as the PAA have offered their endorsement of Presidential candidate Jim O'Connell for the upcoming vote. O'Connell has been focusing campaigning on returning to the party's roots and strengthening worker's rights, with the party presenting a manifesto very much based around this theme. At a speech during the opening of a hockey club in Luxon, O'Connell emphasised the importance of sport in wider society;

People, and children in particular, learn best when they enjoy themselves. In this sense, sport is a fantastic way for us to promote values which can be hugely beneficial in later life such as teamwork, cooperation, hard work and strategic thinking. By investing in our sport, we can help develop young people who have a positive outlook and who can contribute to society as a whole. I'm delighted that the Labour Party is putting the spotlight on Kalistan's sportspeople and as a leader, I will ensure that continues.

Jim O'Connell cuts the tape at the opening of a new hockey facility, funded by the NFSA, alongside members of the PAA

[Doc]

New Branch Brethren in Kalistan:
Plain Dress Movement gets "back to the Roots"
Vrassa City, Vrassa
October 28, 4091

As the Society of Brethren begins to contemplate turning 200, an interesting movement is springing forth from some meetings in Kalistan. There is a distinct move toward a rejection of much of the trappings of the modern world, to include modern style and fashion, in favor of older simplistic ways. The movement is called "Plain Dress" and it has attracted a number of subscribers in the last couple decades.


Two Brethren subscribers of the Plain Dress Movement, following Vrassa City Monthly Meeting

To some extent, Plain Dress has long been a part of various Brethrenist Communities in Kalistan. Many of the customs were adopted from Old Branch Brethrenism, which has, for the most part disappeared throughout Terra. "It is not so much about the clothing specifically," Said Society member Thomas Goerig, from Vrassa City. "Instead, it is the message we are sending with the way we dress, and our habits in eating, and the ways we live, which says 'I can't focus on materialism and the Light at the same time. One or the other has to give way, and as a member of the Brethren, I should focus on the Light. Materials tend to distract me." Brother Goerig is one who dresses "plainly" as he and others in the Movement describe it, wearing mostly black and white colors, often a coat, trousers and a hat. Women in the Plain Dress Movement tend to wear colorful dresses, but often they will avoid floral or other prints, and will wear cotton, rather than some of the more easily available fabric types. All cover their heads except when inside the home or the Meeting House, and most tend to live in more rustic homes than their more modern co-religionists. "The simplicity, "said Brother Goerig, "is in line with our testimony. If we live a simple life, it is our hope that we are able to live in accord with our other testimonies as well. We won't waste resources, we won't be obsessed with our things, and so forth. The clothes are therefore just an outward symbol of an inward commitment we have already made."

Many other Brethrenists are not so sure. "I don't mean to put down the ideas of the Plain Dress folks, " Brethren Society member Joanne Quisly said. "Their heart seems to be in the right place, they aren't hurting anyone, and they seem to be following a leading. But their reason for dressing like the guy on the Oatmeal box is because they wish to avoid ostentation and do not wish to draw attention to their clothing. But when they walk into a Meeting in Plain Dress, you bet, everyone looks at them. Everyone is distracted. I saw some kids staring as the Brethren as if they arrived by spacecraft. It is the exact opposite of what they are trying to accomplish. If they want to be humble, it would be smarter, I think to go with a less outdated set of clothing. But whatever. No skin off my teeth, anyway."

Whether the Plain Dress Movement will grow is anyone's guess. Today, less than 1% of Brethren in Kalistan identify with the Movement, but that number is up significantly in the last 5 years. The main concentration of Plain Dress Brethren are in rural parts of Kalistan's western mountains; they are virtually absent on Ananto. We should note: At least one town in Vrassa District and two in Neveras have gone completely Plain Dress. No dress codes have been issued in these three towns, but Brethren on Local Councils and Assemblies in these three villages have generally adopted Plain Dress, as have nearly all Brethren in these cities.

[jamescfm]

Historic Elections See O'Connell Returned As President
Whilst the CIP saw a resurgence in the Assembly, Labour regain the Presidency
Kaliburg, Ananto
January 18, 4092

Record-breaking election results emerged last night, in which the Labour Party of Kalistan, Libertarian Democrats of Kalistan and Kalistan Unionist Party all received the most Assembly seats in their respective histories. Jim O'Connell was elected President of the Republic, with the backing of the KUP and SPoK on the second ballot and has indicated he will be looking to form a government swiftly. O'Connell and the wider party had been explicit on the campaign trail that they would look to push several key pieces of legislation through, particularly around worker and union rights and religious liberty. Speaking as the final results came in, O'Connell said;

Thank you, thank you! Thank you for your support, we've done it! Let's not get too complacent, though, this is just the beginning. Now, we must collaborate with our fellow moderates to push through the legislation which Kalistan's working class has been crying out for. With the end of the NNP, we have entered a new era of better politics in Kalistan but that will only last as long as we protect it.

Tonight, our party has broken new ground in achieving 147 seats and special congratulations for that has to go to Luca Curti, without him our party would never have been able to achieve this! I am humbled to be able to take over from such a fantastic man. Keep the red flag flying, my friends!

Jim O'Connell celebrates with his campaign team as the results are announced

[jamescfm]

The People's Press
O'Connell and Aslan Explore Possibility of Constitutional Reform
Labour leader and deputy leader highlight party unity in massive campaign event as elections approach
Kaliburg, Ananto
August 1st, 4094

There was more than an allusion of pathetic fallacy as the sun shone over a Labour Party rally in Kaliburg this weekend, less than a mile from the National Assembly of Kalistan. As Serhat Aslan (the party's deputy leader and speaker within the Assembly) took to the stage, you would have been forgiven for believing that you were about to listen to a victory speech, such was the elation of the expectant crowd. In reality though, it is Aslan's charismatic yet unpretentious manner of address which is the real cause of the crowd's expectation. It was less than four years ago that the two men currently stood alongside each other, Aslan and President Jim O'Connell, had been involved in a bitter contest for the Labour leadership.


Aslan has garnered a reputation for engaging listeners

O'Connell has been eager to move on from the divisions of the Omobo-Harrison stewardships, however. His current National Executive Committee, all of which received his backing when they stood for their respective positions, contains no less than three of his former leadership rivals and this is the essence of the new Labour Party. By building upon the foundations laid by his predecessor, O'Connell has nurtured a party which works as a united entity to defend freedom and expand social justice.

Aslan covered a vast plethora of topics and subjects in his speech, from the tenuous relationship with the Libertarian Democrats to the desperate need to expand personal freedoms. Yet it was another matter which stuck out the most, constitutional reform. Presidential prerogative and the role it plays in the government of Kalistan has always been an issue of contention within Labour, despite the bill which reaffirmed it appearing to close the debate. Aslan certainly seemed happy to reopen that debate on Saturday. Arguing that 'a complacent government is a failing government', he justified a re-examination of the precedent by saying it would create more effective, responsive and representative government.

Nonetheless, all of this is likely to be controversial with the more traditionalist sects of the party and society as a whole. Presidential prerogative would require significant political capital to modify with some analysts pointing to a potential weakening of the fellowship with the Socialist Party. We asked Barry Radford, a professor of politics and international relations, his thoughts; 'Undoubtedly, it is a fair assessment of the Socialist Party to regard them as institutionalists and in fact they have described themselves as such on multiple occasions. The question would really be whether they feel preserving Kalistan's institutions is more important than preserving the unity of Kalistan's Left.' Whilst they might have been references to division, the ethos was overwhelmingly one of strengthening the bond which all good politicians share: they all want the best for Kalistani citizens.

[jamescfm]

120 KILLED IN VRASSA
Terrorists make first strike in years by attacking small village
Vrassa City, Vrassa
August 8, 4094

Over one hundred people have been killed and dozens more left injured after the New Army of Kalistan remerged following an extensive period without significant activity. The incident occurred last night in a tiny village in the Vrassan countryside. Two armoured trucks sped onto the main street in the village before around ten men in balaclavas and armed with sub-machine guns began targeting late-night shoppers, dog walkers, clubbers and anybody else they could find. They shot at civilians and committed widespread arson. The violence continued for around two hours before militia troops from the People's Army were able to force the remaining terrorists to flee. It is suspected that at least nine of the deaths were New Army of Kalistan members.


Emergency services were simply unable to cope with the number of fires and injuries

Sarah Edwards lives near to the village centre with her elderly mother, she told us what it was like at the time,

I am still traumatised, in all honesty. I was drifting off to sleep when I heard screaming coming from outside. I rushed to the window to see what was going on and all I saw was the local shop, run by Mr. Neetan, ablaze. There were people running away from my road and screaming. I didn't know what to do. My mum and I just bolted the door and prayed.

The village's total population was only around three hundred people and it has been left in ruins this morning with citizens from neighbouring areas flooding to help the clean up operation. There were highly emotional scenes as many gathered around the memorial in the town, dedicated to military veterans, to sing the national anthem. Whether Kalistan will ever see the promised 'peace and prosperity' is a difficult subject.

President O'Connell has been briefed on the developments but was only able to provide a short statement:

These people are not men. They are cowards, weasels and unworthy of our thoughts. Do not think of these vile individuals, I ask instead that you think of those who have lost and do whatever you can to support them.

Temporary accommodation has been offered to all residents with the government asking sympathetic citizens to support the 'Disaster Appeal Committee' who are beginning to repair the damage done.

[jamescfm]

The following message was posted on behalf of the Conservative Independence Party (Kalistan). It is in no way associated with the Labour Party of Kalistan and the posting of it should not be viewed as an endorsement of any kind. We do not support the Conservative Independence Party agenda.
The Kalistani National
Conservative Party Plan to Construct Skyscraper as New Headquarters
Neveras, Neveras District
July 2nd 4095

Conservative Independence Party Albert Bogg has declared that, using member's donations, the new CIP headquarters building could be a skyscraper. Bogg explained that the party intends to contact the Neveras district government for permission to construct the tower. A construction compant, based in Neveras City, has drawn up plans for a towering structure of steel and glass. Neveras Security, a firm employed to ensure the safety of the building, has said they will make it 'immune' to terrorist attacks- like the one that forced the CIP headquarters to relocate from Vrassa City. A party spokesperson told us that that on Monday, 'the tower will make it clear that we a modern party looking to the future and that we want to aim big'.

The district government is said to be reviewing the plans with a decision expected sometime between late August and early September. In the meantime, local residents are invited to give their feedback online. If given the go ahead, the tower will feature an assembly room, multiple lifts service around thirty four floors and state of the art open-plan office space for all Conservative Independence Party employees, as well as an exclusive member's bar.

[jamescfm]

TERRORISTS STRIKE AGAIN
'New Army of Kalistan' storm another town in Vrassa, killing hundreds
Vrassa City, Vrassa
July 5, 4096

Militants from the group calling themselves the 'New Army of Kalistan' have stormed a town in rural Vrassa, killing over four hundred people in the process. The horrific attack took place on Monday night in a quiet countryside town and showed similar signs to that of a previous killing by the group. Several armoured vehicles drove into prominent streets and further vehicles with weapons and ammunition followed. The assailants apparently stormed houses, massacring anybody in sight from children to the elderly and the disabled. The group fled the location before authorities arrived.

The President of the Republic Jim O'Connell offered a statement after receiving an update on the situation;

If what we are hearing is true and this is in fact an attack by the so-called New Army of Kalistan, then we must seriously evaluate how we approach this crisis. I don't think we can sit back any longer. We can't allow ourselves to be caught out again. We must go on the offensive in order to root out and destroy these disgusting individuals. No option whatsoever can be off the table when it comes to tackling this cancer.

This is the latest in a series of attacks by the far-Right group who operate in Vrassa, a former Conservative Independence Party stronghold.

[jamescfm]

The following message was posted on behalf of the Conservative Independence Party (Kalistan). It is in no way associated with the Labour Party of Kalistan and the posting of it should not be viewed as an endorsement of any kind. We do not support the Conservative Independence Party agenda.
The Kalistani National
Neveras District Government Approves CIP Tower
Neveras, Neveras District
December 22nd 4096

The district government of Neveras has decided to approve plans to construct a mammoth tower to house the new Conservative Independence Party Headquarters. The decision was delayed because some local residents had expressed concern about the adverse effect on parking in the nearby area but this issue was overcome by Simon Veller, the architect who designed the tower , by including parking facilities below ground. The HQ will be constructed on the site of a demolished supermarket, which has been unused for two decades.


The site has sat unused for over twenty years.

The construction project is expected to employ over 4,000 builders and create further jobs in the tower's planned bars and member-exclusive areas. A CIP Spokesperson told us that 'it is a great proposal, the project will employ many thousands of people and pay them all a substantial wage. The idea has now been approved amongst locals who have found it hard to get jobs or are just finishing national service'. One District Assembly Member hailed the project as 'amazing and extravagant'. Construction will commence after the national holiday with expected completion in around two years.

[jamescfm]

The People's Press
"Labour Will Consider Its Direction"- New Leader Berg
Defence Minister says she wants to build a 'new Labour Party' and will make that the theme of conference
Kaliburg, Ananto
January 31st, 4097

Recently elected Labour Party leader Ana Berg, has promised that the Labour Party will 'seriously consider' how it functions as a party. Her election, in which she convincingly defeated the two other candidates- Devika Darzi and Francesca Totti- represents a shift in the party from the old Socialist traditions of Luca Curti and Jim O'Connell to a new, youthful Labour which is more receptive to the interests of small businesses as well as Law and Order concerns. Significantly, Miss Berg had been a vocal critic of the People's Army during the period when they attempted to seize control of the party in a manner which some termed 'entryism'.

Her acceptance speech was well received and many likened her style of speaking to the party founder Karen Omobo. She explained plans for a considerable rethink of Labour Party strategy, stating that Labour should become 'the party of small business' and that it was time for the outdated views of her predecessor to be shelved in favour of a pragmatic new way of thinking. Some have argued this would be stabbing Labour members in the back yet this doesn't seem to have affected Berg's popularity. Her approval rating nationwide is higher than any Labour leader since Luca Curti's time as Premier and the party looks set to do well in the elections next year.

Berg has garnered a reputation for her iconoclastic views, which will only further speculation about the Labour Party's willingness to defend Kalistan's historic systems. Whilst little has ever materialised, there have always been rumours that plans had been made to dismantle Presidential Prerogative. Berg has only been a Deputy in the National Assembly since 4095 but in that relatively short time, she has become a household name amongst the politically oriented, particularly for her robust criticisms of the CIP. She will hope that pugnacious attitude will transfer into votes in twelve months time.

Berg's first action as party leader was to order the formation of a Constitutional Committee to suggest changes and amendments to the Labour Party constitution which would subsequently be sent to members for approval, immediately highlighting her conviction. The real test will be ensuring that the suggested changes are approved and this could lead to Berg holding off on any controversial ones- such as an end to NEC elections- until a later date.