Thornway-Huwes, a much contested figure in Mordusian politics and his own Agrarian Party, fell out of grace for a second time, the first time being his "early retirement" in 3376 after he accumulated a Cabinet position with a Governorship, prohibited by law. In the late 3380' he returned to national politics, becoming Head of State in 3389.
However, top officials within the Agrarian Party never fully trusted the extremely wealthy Thornway-Huwes, resulting in an Accord to limit his lenght of office to five two-year terms. As promised, Thornway-Huwes announced his retirement after the April 3399 election. However, by removing the name of his supposed successor Lewis Tilly from the ballot, he was reelected nonetheless.
Senior Mordusian military officials: Major-General Thomas Havelock Emmet (L), designated Minister of Internal Affairs, and Colonel Leif Zwart (R), designated Minister of Defense
Weeks of massive protests followed, with one manifestation in the capital of Port Saint-John counting more than two million people. Premier Charles Havelock Emmett decided to call upon the military to help restore order. The chief of staff appointed the Premier's nephew, Major-General Thomas Havelock Emmett, as the Army's representative.
Four Cabinet Ministers have refused to acknowledge the legitimacy of the action and have been put under house arrest. One other Cabinet Minister resigned because of health issues. They have been replaced by one civilian and four military Ministers. The Premier has called for a Transitional Government to arrange early elections, possibly in March 3400. Lewis Tilly has been nominated Interim-President by the Great Council.
Military checkpoints can be seen throughout the countryside to restore public order
Charles Thornway-Huwes has been labelled a traitor and has been taken into custody. New civilian Justice Minister Julian Sault-Honeywell (grandsom of former President Elisabeth Sault-Honeywell) stated:
The traitor Thornway-Huwes is in good physical health and is currently under my direct supervision at a secret location in order to safeguard his personal security.
A rare photograph: deposed President Thornway-Huwes kept smiling during his arrest
Interim-President Lewis Tilly wishes to assure the international community that the current instability in Mordusia will not have implications for the country's neutral policy and will not have any effect on its border, migration and trade policies. He underlines that the current military intervention has taken place in order to defend the democratic values of Mordusia.
Interim-President Tilly at the international press conference
