The Market is a nationally-published daily economic newspaper centered in Tian'an. While the paper remains generally non-partisan, critics have observed a tendency for the paper to publish articles which generally support classically liberal economic policies and the established economic order of Indrala.Economists Weigh in on the Dankuk Act
TIAN’AN, Han [1 May 4348] - The Grand Assembly is expected to soon pass
LP-105: Dankuk Act, the most extensive political and economic sanctions against Dankuk since the first sanctions were passed in 4306.
Whereas previous sanctions only restricted commercial activities with “supporters or members” of the National Conservative Party, the Dankuk Act bans all imports or exports of a number of products, including paper, pulp and timber as well as seafood, which are major exports of Dankuk.
The sanctions are expected to have a minor effect on the domestic economy with many economists predicting a slight increase in the CPI for 4348, with prices for frozen seafood and a few other consumer goods expected to rise. Nonetheless, nearly 40 years of economic and political division have already eliminated nearly all trade between Indrala and Dankuk. Some conservative economists predict that the sanctions may be a net-positive for the Indralan economy as the Dankuk Act specifically bans trade in automotives, which could aid the Indralan automotive sector. Kim Jae-beom, President of the Indralan Transport Workers Union, and himself a second-generation Dranian refugee, applauded the sanctions:
“A net-gain for our sector, and a major gain for the thousands of Dranians who yearn to live free. I hope the government will continue to apply pressure until Taeyang Sang-ah cracks.”
Despite having been historic trading partners, Dankuk and Indrala have sought out new markets. Recently, Dankuk has led a very aggressive and remarkably successful propaganda campaign to legitimize their government. This has resulted in Taeyang’s regime being able to ratify trade agreements with Vanuku and Klavia Okeano, as well as joining the North Dovani Cooperation Alliance, receiving military training from Kazulia and Lourenne. Indralan Foreign Affairs Minister and Lotus Party Leader Dai Jinhao is expected to go on a major tour to improve Indrala’s existing relationships around the world. It is also rumoured that His Imperial and Royal Highness, Crown Prince Kai will partake in a diplomatic tour to Indrala’s historical allies across Majatra.
Conservatives call for actress He Bolin's firing
TIAN’AN, Han [August 20, 4344
OOC: POSTDATED]- Hundreds of protestors gathered outside of the Tian’an Broadcasting Corporation’s headquarters today to call for He Bolin’s firing. Ms. He, a costar on the weekly TBC drama
“You Can Do It, Zhong Zongren!” was recently involved in a
sex scandal with Centre Party leader Tao Hong.
The loudest protestor was Liu Chengbin, Chairwoman of the Jiaozhi Alliance of Conservative Parents. Liu’s association is infamous for protesting YingPop idols and television programs, most notably the state-broadcaster’s decision to cast Yao, son of then-Grand Chancellor Huang Zitao in a drama
back in the 4280s.
“It’s one thing for these entertainment companies to dress our boys and girls up in provocative outfits and make them dance like prostitutes!” Liu said, “It’s a completely different issue when you are casting a literal harlot; someone who has no respect for Mr. Tao’s marriage, or even her own marriage!”
In a strange turn of events, the scandal led to He Bolin being revered by the Dranian despot Taeyang Sang-ah, who personally ordered that He be awarded the Medal of Liberty and the Hero of Women Medal. Her agency, HAOKEN Entertainment released a statement following the news:
“Ms. He is a patriotic Indralan, and as such she is disgusted by the awards. She will not receive them.”
The news from Dankuk was enough to Justice Minister Guo Jie, who proposed an arrest warrant for Ms. He under article seven of the Dankuk Act (the act had not yet been voted into law). While this motion is expected to fail a vote, Lotus Party Industry and Trade Critic Asaka Izumo questioned that “perhaps we should ask the Chief Counselor why he is so willing to use this meaningless Dranian provocation against Ms. He, when the two seem to have had some sort of relationship in the past?” during debate in the Grand Assembly, and has raised questions about the Justice Minister’s ability to do his job.
He Bolin and her representatives have largely denied any wrongdoing or participation in the affair, or in the Dranian response. TBC has not responded to requests for comment on the ongoing protest.
