Financial Crisis News

[lewiselder1]

Voice of Narikaton - December 4209

VP Faith Restored In Volker Wittke

Herr Wittke, leader of the VP, has recently escaped concerns from VP supporters over his leadership ability with his feisty debate style and return to practical politics and legislation.

He has leveled attacks specifically at the VFD, though has also declared opposition to the NNL and says the party will never enter into coalition with the "fascists". Meanwhile, he has lifted previous leader Lucie Koch's ban on a VP / KP coalition, a movement that has gained Koch's bidding in light of the rise of the "far-right". He's mocked their ability to remove communist nationalisation and labeled them "insane anarchists" who intend to "murder thousands" with their health bills.

It is the opinion of many that Wittke, former Foreign Affairs Minister, will be able to claw back support for the VP with his strong leadership style and willingness to compromise (he most recently supported a KP budget, a rare sight). Meanwhile, tensions continue to rise between socialists and capitalists, with further protests scheduled for later this month and an uptake in SEN and VP paramilitary numbers.

Economic Crisis Report
Food and Agriculture Totally Collapsed Still; Defence Industry Doing Okay

The withdrawal of all subsidies from the food and agriculture has hit the weak industries hard, with record unemployment and near total collapse in these sectors.

Meanwhile, government efforts to rejuvenate defence industries seem to have paid off, with the industries finally reporting solid economic security.

On the whole, most industries seem to be slowly recovering after government subsidies and interventions have improved the economic stability of the nation. This has led to the Bundestag attempting to reduce our defecit, with various approaches pitched. More reports as they develop.

[Carter Aaron Scott]

Malivian Government Seeks Compromise, Coalition Formed

The Malivian Government offically formed a new coalition today under the leadership of PM Liam Scott. Many conservatives question the PM's leadership due to his mental state, but several members if Parliament from the new opposition, the ULP, recognize his talent to organize.

PM Organizes National Commission to End Crisis

PM Liam Scott is to organize a committee to determine the cause of the financial crisis within Malivia and seek a solution. He says the commission will "do good an help Pawliament as necessawy."

[Maxington]

Government commences seaport expansion initiative.
Government commences initiative to expand seaport in Kostandia.
12th Marc, 4210

Southern Maritime Solutions (SMS) through a joint venture with the Port Authority of the Port of Kostandian Bay, has been appointed as the lead contractor in the expansion of the international port. The expansion project will increase the lengths of berths 3,4 and 5, giving the port in general the capacity to handle/berth massive container vessels. Dredging of the area was commenced several months prior and was done in preparation from construction to begin around the vacation period (when jobs in Zardugal are expected to make a blow due to vacationing citizens). The project will involve dredging 1 million cubic metres of material to provide the berth and approaches, and enable a new steel-piled quay wall to be built. General Manager of the Port Authority, Chris Deramaut (Vanukean-born), commented on the expansion project.

The Port of Kostandian Bay caters from international trade. It is the largest seaport in the country and is the centre of maritime operations throughout the country as thousands of minor and major maritime corporation have established bases of operations in the port's facilities. For this port to operate at the highest level of efficiency,
it must now cater for largest international vessels. As such, with our cooperation with Southern Maritime Solutions and the port authority's own construction group, the expansion of the port could see an increase in facilities and general space for future operations.

According to officials from Southern Maritime Solutions (SMS), they intend on reclaiming land from the sea to accommodate for the construction of three wharves, two dry docks and increased housing space for business operations within the port itself. The new extension will be equipped with three new ship-to-shore gantry cranes, each with a 25-container wide outreach. According to officials from the Division of Trade Promotion (a department of the Ministry of Trade and Industry), the expansion of the Port of Kostandian Bay is expected to accommodate for the increased diplomatic activity in which the Foreign Ministry is going to initiate by reintroducing the federation to trade with the its various international partners.

National Assembly passes Ĥristoforido-Saranteno Plan and Critical Industrial Investment Programme.
President Diogeno Radomirido to approve legislations aimed at combating effects of international economic crisis on Zardugal.

President Diogeno Radomirido addressing the National Assembly posterior to the passing of the Ĥristoforido-Saranteno Plan.
2nd November 4209, 4209

The National Assembly has recently passed the controversial Ĥristoforido-Saranteno Plan (a government strategic guideline in which the repair of the economy against the effects of the economic crisis can be introduced through), handing Chief Minister Domiano Ĥristoforido and Minister of Finance Maksentio Saranteno significant victories against the economic crisis. The monetary investment plan is estimated to be worth around $800 Billion ZAR, and would encompass a series of government investment programmes. It is estimated to save around 1.5 million jobs and could possibly create 3.4 million jobs. As previously mentioned, the plan is encompasses a series of government investment programme, which include Increased government support for smaller businesses in the form a 2 year period of tax exemption for start-up businesses, specifically those in the area of infrastructure, medicine, education and technology as well as Government implementation of a credit based welfare system, by which pensioners are able to receive a formidable pension amount. This welfare system should be established in a manner which allows corporations/companies both public and private to invest in (under the guidance of the Central Bank).

Apart from the implementation of Ĥristoforido-Saranteno Plan, President Radomirido is expected to spearhead the Critical Industrial Investment Programme, which is a government act aimed at insulating the domestic economy from large influxes of revenue, as from commodities such as oil (a major trade resource of the country). According the legislation's content, it intends on forming an expenditure fund which would act as the balancer of the Federal Budget. It intends on accumulating the necessary finances through Export Duty for Oil and Petrochemicals (which a Duty Fax of 25%), Oil Mining Operations (As apart of the Trans-National Oil Mining Taxation Act) and taking 12% of the Government Surplus (Every Two Fiscal Terms). This would bring about a payout of around $25 Billion ZAR and $8 Billion ZAR respectively (with the 12% of the Government Surplus being dependent on government expenditure). It is expected that the implementation of these economic stimuli would come with time, but many advise that if this were to succeed, the Government should immediately move to exercising the provisions of the Economic Stabilization Fund Global, which would allow the fund to act as an international investor, investing into various industries and businesses across the world. Although President Radomirido his intention of doing so, he has stated that he would like to centre his attention on internal matters and once said matters are resolved, then he intends on focusing on exercising the global provisions of the Economic Stabilization Fund.

Government introduces "Free-Port" Initiative
Government introduces initiative aimed at increasing trade throughout region.
12th March, 4210.

In a recent move by the Ministry of Trade and Industry to bolster the economy, The Commercial ports of Gatineo, Sebastino and Kostandian Bay, under advisement from the local Chamber of Commerce of those city as well as the Sebastino-Kostandian Business Association, have been designated as "free-ports" in an attempt by the Ministry of Trade and Industry to bolster the economy in the country. The laws was proposed by Minister of Trade and Industry, Novako Zdraŭkido and seeks to introduce less strict customs regulations and lowered taxes on income for investors.Minister of Trade and Industry, Novako Zdraŭkido addressed the National Assembly earlier today where he said,

Zardugal has a high potential of being the capital for trade and business in the southern hemisphere. In this legislation i propose to the commercial ports of Gatineo, Sebastino and Kostandian Bay, the status of free-ports with an ease in our customs regime on these ports. I can assure the members of this assembly that, we do intend on expanding the capacity of these ports to accommodate for increased operations.

The idea to make Gatineo, Sebastino and Kostandian Bay free ports came after the Division of Trade Promotion and the Federal Local Liaison Office spoke of plans to introduce a renewed customs regime within the cities as a means of increasing funds to assist in the formation of the much anticipated Critical Industrial Investment Programme (CIIP). News figures released from an independent research and analysis group known as, Limenostomo Institute for Policy, showed that during the first 5 months of 4209, the mentioned ports handled 155.6 million tonnes of cargo about a quarter of the total turnover of Trigunian ports in the ports of other seaside cities. The report stated that the most productive port was the Port of Kostandian Bay, which handled 34.5 million tonnes of cargo compared to Gatineo and Sebastino which handled 22.3 million and 19 million tonnes of cargo respectively.
Nevertheless it signals a move that these cities and their ports are a pillar to forging closer ties of Majatran nations and other international reaching nationstates. It is rumored that the Ministry of Trade and Industry is reopening its Provisional Trade Office within the recently re-opened Zardic Embassy in Solentia as a means of opening trade relations between the various Majatran nations.

[Aquinas]

April 4210

Trigunian GDP "will take at least 5 years to return to pre-recession level", warns Yurievna

Trigunian economist Katina Lesya Yurievna has offered a bleak assessment of her country's economic prospects, warning that even though Trigunia's economy technically came out of recession this year by growing 0.2%, "I am not too optimistic" and that "in terms of the size of our economy, it will take at least 5 years to return to the level we were pre-recession".

She pointed to the instability caused by the recent armed uprising, the collapse of the value of the currency and the stock market and "long-term structural issues in the economy", which she clarified as meaning "a lack of investment in infrastructure, education and training, and a reluctance on the part of governments to run deficits when they really need to". She also highlighted "growing problems with long-term unemployment, de-skilling and welfare dependency".

Trigunian Chief Minister Radoslav Dragunin said he appreciated "what the concerns are about the economy" but insisted "we are following sound free market policies and Trigunians can confidently look forward to a more prosperous future". He also appealed to foreign investors to "put your faith in Trigunia", arguing "now is the very best time to invest in Trigunia, because property, labour, assets and other costs are cheap, but the long-term potential for growth is amazing - I'd say better than anywhere else in Terra".

[Locksley Holdings]

Brock Locksley meets with Hutori's President and, Separately, Finance Minister
Meeting occurs days after the world's richest man loses over H$10B in personal wealth
June, 4210


It is thought that Locksley has lost over H$10B since the start of the recession, reducing his personal wealth to around H$72B.

The world's richest man, Brock Locksley, has met with the President and the Finance Minister of his country in two separate meetings to discuss the economic crisis.

Some have suggested that the fact that these meetings were separate indicates that the Hutorian government is not stable enough to deal with the crisis whereas others suggest that, because of the coalition government, Locksley held separate meetings as to approach the manner in a partisan way. Hutori faces general elections three years and it could be said that Locksley is attempting to identify the party he wishes to back financially.

Another speculation is that the meetings occurred to coordinate relief efforts across the country as it is known that Locksley has set up thousands of food and supply banks in an effort to assist the lower class people of Hutori out of his own pocket. Some have criticised Locksley for offering his own products at the food and supply banks whereas others have praised this generous gesture.

Both Brock Locksley and the Hutorian government have declined to comment on the content, nor the result of the meetings. More on this story as it develops.

[Aquinas]

Dragunin loses power, blasts Kadets for "jeopardising our economic recovery with radical socialism"

[Axxell]

Istalia "reborns" with Marra reconfirmed at the Presidency
The majority however loses approval while the Unions announced the general strike but Umana Servizi responds with over 15,000 hires



ROMULA - The latest data released by UNAST (National Statistic Bureau) confirmed the goodness of the "Istalian Renaissance" Program: +7.6% new businesses, +9.8% start-ups in innovation and technology, +2.1% the employment while a +12% for consumption was also recorded.
The launch of construction sites for the extension of high speed on all national railway network and the Triesta Port expansion has seen the award of contracts to over 25 large companies, while the entire industrial chain is already experiencing the first benefits.
Indead the employment data was a little below the expectations of the Government which was hoping to exceed 2.5. In fact, the public employees fired after the Welfare reform have lowered this figure, whose re-absorption is taking more time than expected.
All national Unions have announced a general strike for next friday and will probably be repeated on the next friday, while a long-term strike has even been proposed by the most extreme exponents.
However, the Minister of Industry and Commerce has made it known that he wants to meet as soon as possible the trade unions and business representatives in order to find an agreement which will ensure a rapid re-absorption of former public employees.
The Minister of Health and Social Services, on the other hand, responded to the criticisms on the privatization of health and pensions by boasting the law adopted by a large majority on the Universal Social Protection which has introduced serious and precise regulation to protect consumers and workers from abuse and discrimination and which, above all, has guaranteed the universal right to health and social security for all the citizens.
To anticipate the government, however, it has been announced by Umana Servizi the recruitment of about 15,000 people: the company controlled by Hasan Grand Holding is, as predicted, taking for itself the biggest slice of the new istalian welfare market, both as individual insurers' sector and in the one of the corporate convention with the employers for employees' social security.
Unemployment is slowing down, although it is still rather high compared to the pre-crisis average, however, the Government does not seem to be worried by estimating that in a few years the opportunities will be many and varied which will graant a return of the unemployment rate to pre-crisis levels.
To confirm the good results of the reforms of the past years came the Filippo Marra's re-election to the Presidential of 4211, while the previous majority also maintained Parliament's control.
After the reformation of DI into the Party of the Istalian Democrats, however, Marra is facing a somewhat difficult situation since the Democrats have already put their veto on a new liberal alliance, declaring their rapprochement to more centrist positions, squeezing the eye also to moderately statist policies , maybe feeling the general increase in support for center-left parties, and their policies, which for more than two decades have, however, experienced strong cuts.
Will it really be the end of the long liberal season of the first decade of the XXXXIIII century?

[Aquinas]

July 4211

Global recession "the best thing that ever happened", says environmentalist


Professor Akim Vasilyev

Professor Akim Vasilyev, a Trigunian biologist at the University of Svarozhichgrad who is well known for his radical pro-green views, has written a book, titled Why the economy is too big, arguing that the current global recession is "the best thing that ever happened" and "should be embraced, not resisted". He argues that Terra "produces far more than it needs to, at enormous ecological cost" and that "if we carry on over-producing and over-producing like this, we will deplete the planet of its resources, wreck the ecosystem and put the very future of our species at risk". He concedes that "there is much poverty in the world", but argues that could be dealt with through "fairer distribution of economic resources, combined with a dramatic reduction in birth rates and population size".

His book argues that "instead of fighting the recession, governments should build on what the recession is achieving, take ownership of the recession and drive it forward to accomplish the required goals". He goes on to urge every government in Terra to "aim to reduce the size of its economy by 5% per year, every year, at least until the year 6000", arguing further that "in the richest and most wasteful countries, they should really be aiming for far steeper reductions, but given the political difficulties, it might be difficult to get them to accept more than 5% a year".


We must listen to the dolphins, says world-famous dolphin telepath


Lera Voronin

Lera Voronin, the world-famous self-described "dolphin telepath" from Trigunia who has become a Terra-wide celebrity for her claimed experiences of telepathic communication with dolphins, has given an interview to the Good Morning, Trigunia! breakfast television programme in which she claims "the dolphins are reaching out to us and urging humanity to listen to their wisdom during the difficult times we are going through with the economic recession". She goes on to explain that "the dolphins want to teach us that materialism isn't everything there is to life" and that "the dolphins want us to love each other and love all of the animals, plants and rocks, and love everything in the world, both under and above the sea, because everything is part of the same cosmic whole".

Most peculiarly, in the latter part of the interview she fell into a trance, which she said was "to enable the dolphins to communicate to the people of Terra, live on television, so you can all hear what they want to say". After having been in the trance state for about 3 minutes, she then delivered an oration in an extremely strange voice, claiming to be "the Voice of the Dolphin Consciousness", stating:

We, the dolphins, want humanity to understand that as part of your entering the next phase of your spiritual journey, you need to leave behind your existence above the seas. The time has now come for you to come down deep into the oceans with us. Deep under the oceans, we have built you gigantic underground cities, where you will be able to live in peace and harmony with the universe. Please let us lead you to your new home. You need to build lots of submarines and start transporting yourselves to the bottom of the ocean, where we will then give you further instructions.

After coming out of her trance, Voronin went on to berate the Trigunian military for refusing her requests to loan her a submarine. She accused them of "being part of a cover-up, part of a conspiracy to keep us from getting to the truth". She also claimed "the dolphins have told me some very frightening, very disturbing things about the Trigunian military". Pressed by her interviewer to provide more details on this, she declined, first claiming "that would be too dangerous" and then adding later on that "the dolphins say the public is not ready to know all of this yet".

However, in her latest online blog post, she has announced all will be revealed in her next book, The Military-Industrial Complex and the Anti-Dolphin Agenda, which is due for publication next year priced 20 rabols.

[Locksley Holdings]

Food banks and Lower Share Prices Aren't the Only Thing Contributing to Locksley's Fall in Personal Wealth
World's Richest Man Said to be Capitalising on the Global Recession by Acquiring Cheap, Failing Companies at Bargain Prices


Locksley's personal wealth may be dwindling, but his portfolio has expanded threefold.

'Talk about opportunism, that's the a**hole we know and love!' said a former senior Oyster employee - who was famously let go by Locksley during a management shakeup - when asked to comment on the most recent news coming out of Lockley Holdings. The company's portfolio has expanded threefold since the start of the recession from 17 subsidiaries to the most recent estimate of 51. A high level Locksley Holdings employee who has not yet been named is responsible for leaking the news that the company has also boosted its number of non-controlling shares by 40%.

The former (regarding controlling shares) is confirmed, but if the latter (regarding non-controlling shares) is true then both would confirm that the recent reported dip in Locksley's personal wealth is less to do with the recession and more to do with a recent spending spree given all-around low stock prices and failing companies. Whilst his personal wealth may have dropped, Locksley Holdings long term money-making potential has skyrocketed and Locksley's personal wealth will likely see a boost enough to secure his position as the World's Richest Man for the foreseeable future.

It is unclear whether such actions break Hutorian monopoly law, if so, Locksley could be looking at a lengthy court case complete with its own en-suite hefty legal bill.

Brock Locksley and Locksley Holdings have respectively declined to comment.

[Aquinas]

January 4212

Global recession a global problem requiring global solutions, Yurievna tells World Congress

Trigunian economist Katina Lesya Yurievna has delivered a speech to the World Congress in which she castigated the governments of Terra's leading powers for their "lack of determined, concerted, coordinated joint action in the face of the global recession", warning that "the global recession is a global problem which needs a global solution", and that "a lack of political leadership is unnecessarily worsening and prolonging the crisis".

Yurievna is frustrated that her proposals for a "Blecher-Yurievna" system of exchange rate controls has not been taken up, and also that other proposals she favours for international economic reform, such as those put forward by Dorvik and Istalia, have not yet gained traction either. Commenting on Luthori statesman Ryan Roberts's critique of the Security Council, she said she "sympathises with his point of view", although she felt "the problem is more about a lack of political will than about the structure of the Security Council itself".

She argued "it is not enough to wait for the Security Council to get its act together" and called for a "Coalition of the Willing" to get together and start to organise new international financial institutions to stabilise the global economy. "This would at least be a start," she said, "there would be some governments one would want to be involved who might not be in there at the start, but hopefully they would join later". She suggested Aloria, Dorvik, Istalia, Luthori Trigunia, Vanuku and Zardugal might be "amongst the leading nations able to take a role in this", although she hoped "as many as possible would be involved, most especially the nations with the really big economies".


Malivia's exchange rate reform "a good move, but needs international support" says Yurievna

Yurievna has issued a strong declaration of support for Malivia's decision to begin to exert control over its exchange rate in order to try to manage its economy better. However, she urged the central banks of Terra's most powerful economies to "work together to support countries like Malivia in what they are trying to achieve in terms of currency stability", warning that "without international co-operation, we will continue to have chaos on the currency markets, as there is only so much one government working on its own can do ".


I'm confident about Istalia, says Yurievna (whilst taking a dig at Luthori)

Yurievna has given an interview to an Istalian journalist in which she says she "does not necessarily agree with every single one of Istalia's policy choices" - specifically mentioning the free market healthcare reforms - but believes Istalia is "basically headed in the right direction, under strong and competent leadership". She singled out the Anti-Crisis Budget and Istalian Renaissance Program for special approval, calling them "visionary" and "far-sighted". She also praised Istalia as "now developed into a real world leader, showing moral and political leadership on important issues like dealing with the global recession and the crisis in Kalopia". However, she did urge Istalia "to borrow more money to invest further in its excellent infrastructure projects".

Yurievna admitted that industrial unrest has become a serious problem in Istalia, but said she is "sure Istalia can get past this, if governments, businesses and trade unionists can get their heads together and come to a reasonable compromise". She added that "trade union strikes do cause problems, but I would far rather have a society where workers have rights than a society where the rights of workers can be trodden over". Whilst on this subject, she took a swipe at Luthori, which she criticised for "draconian right-wing laws that ban trade unions and forbid women from holding down jobs at all". She also called Luthori "unfit to be a member of the Security Council, and unable to provide global leadership during the current economic crisis".


Yurievna congratulates Hutorian Nation Senate for defeating austerity cuts

Yurievna has heaped praise on the Hutorian National Senate for voting down austerity budget cuts, saying "This is exactly what a good legislature exists for - to stop the government from making really disastrous decisions". She urged the Hutoris to "borrow more money in order to invest further", warning that "trying to treat a recession with austerity is like pouring petrol over a fire".


Maintain your deficit, Yurievna tells Narikaton

Responding to talk of Narikatonite politicians wanting to close their budget deficit and news that an austerity budget is now being debated in the Bundestag, Yurievna has issued a statement urging Narikaton "not to play the austerity game", arguing "that would be the surest way to crash your economy". "Narikaton should not begin trying to cut the deficit until its economy is in a stronger position and is clearly on the recovery road," she added.


Yurievna praises Zardic investment projects (but raises eyebrow over defence review plans)

Yuriena has praised Zardugal for its "dynamic public investment programmes", arguing "this is exactly what a forward-thinking government should be doing, especially during the difficult economic times of the present". However, she also argued "the Zardic government needs to borrow more money in order to finance more investment in education, training and infrastructure" and urged that "an important global power like Zardugal should be playing a much more prominent role in trying to contribute towards organising a proper global response to the global recession".

However, she was less positive about reports Zardugal is planning a significant increase in defence spending, arguing this "is a move in the wrong direction", "will not make the world safer" and will "divert resources to a less useful and productive part of the economy".


Kalopia a "basket case", warns Yurievna

Yurievna has described Kalopia as "a complete revolutionary socialist economic basket case which one can have no confidence in whatsoever", taking particular issue with the complete prohibition of private enterprise, which she called "downright tyrannical". "Kalopia will not make much progress until it has a more moderate government," she added.


Compensate former slave-owners, Yigov tells Kalopia

Yurievna's colleague at the University of Yuravitovo, Dr. Igor Yigov, has caused considerable controversy by writing an article demanding the Kalopian government compensate former slave-owners for the loss of their slaves, arguing it "sets a dangerous precedent when government seize the property of private individuals without offering any compensation in return". Students are currently boycotting his lectures in protest at this.

Yigov, who has close connections with the Williams School of Economics in Hutori, has just published a book called Government, Recession and the Threat to Liberty, which argues recessions are caused by "governments meddling in the economy" and that "often the actions governments take in the name of overcoming recessions not only make the recessions worse, but also dangerously imperil the liberties of citizens".


Professor Vasiyev "completely wrong", says Yurievna

Yurievna has condemned as "completely wrong, utter ridiculous and totally destructive" Professor Vasiyev's argument that it would be a good thing to reduce the size of the global economy. She argued:

With a modern. inter-connected global economy, economic growth is absolutely essential to maintaining employment levels, building prosperity, reducing poverty, social stability and the general sum of human happiness. Vasiyev is not even right about economic contraction helping the environment, because in practice, the complete opposite is often true. When the economic climate is challenging, that's when you start to see corporations cutting corners in terms of their ecological responsibilities, as they try desperately to keep themselves afloat. As an example, during the recession in Trigunia, the Conservative government privatised the agricultural and fishing industries. The private companies who took all of that over quickly found it was much more difficult to make a profit than they expected, so what did they do? They started cutting corners, which means, for example, we've had over-fishing, we've had an excessive use of pesticides and fungicides and we've had rivers being polluted. Now, agricultural and fishing output has actually fallen during this period, but guess what? The level of pollution generated by the agricultural and fishing industries has increased.

Tuition fees "probably necessary in today's world", says Yurievna (and takes yet another dig at Luthori)

Yurievna has provoked student protests at the University of Yuravitovo, where she works, by giving an interview to the student newspaper in which she says "in an ideal world, there would be no tuition fees" but concedes "in the modern world, I believe we're at a point now where some kind of tuition fees are essential, because universities are struggling already, and if you cut off the income from tuition fees, they'd barely be able to function". She warned that the Trigunian government's plans to abolish tuition fees would "leave the university sector in chaos, and leave Trigunian universities much less able to compete in the global academic market".

However, she refused to respond to questions about whether, if tuition fees were scrapped, she might move to an overseas university in order to earn more money.

Yurievna stirred further controversy be referring to the protests against tuition fees in Aloria, commenting:

I've spoken to my academic colleagues in Aloria, and they say the same thing as most of my academic colleagues in Trigunia. Quite simply, the universities need the money, and if the government isn't going to provide it, then somehow or other the students are going to have to contribute something.

She also mentioned that efforts to scrap tuition fees in Luthori look set to be voted down, and commented "this was a sensible decision, on balance". However, she also said she "can understand why students feel hard-done by, given that law-makers in Luthori get paid a higher salary than anybody else in the country, and also enjoy complete parliamentary immunity from prosecution". Continuing on this theme, she said Luthori's political system was "not fit for purpose" and "vulnerable to being complacent, out-of-touch, incompetent and corrupt".


Control monopolies and make the mega-rich pay their taxes, demands Yurievna

Responding to reports about the recent activities of Brock Locksley, reputedly the richest man in Terra, Yurievna has written an article demanding "governments should work together and take decisive action to make sure the richest corporations and the richest people on the planet pay their fair share of tax, because too many of them are robbing us blind through tax loopholes and offshore tax havens". She also urged governments "not to allow monopolies to take over parts of the economy", warning that "in times of recession, regulators sometimes become lax, because they don't want jobs to go, but they should not be short-sighted - in the long-term, monopolies damage the interests of everyone apart from the monopolists".