Vanuku

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Re: Wrntu Wrnuke! (Forwards Vanuku!)

Postby CCP » Mon May 14, 2018 2:21 pm

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Re: Wrntu Wrnuke! (Forwards Vanuku!)

Postby Sisyphus » Tue May 15, 2018 3:44 pm

Heated Debate Over Defence Industries
Grand Council Looks Set to Block $50 Billion Foreign Investment And Throw Out Controversial Legislation

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Emotions run high as the Grand Council debated the tabled bid and legislation proposed by the Trade and Industry Minister.

September 4393 - Vanuku's Grand Council looks set to block a $50 billion bid by a Hawu Mumenhes weapons technology manufacturer to acquire privatised defence industry companies and other assets.

A heated debate was sparked after Trade and Industry Minister Brnó Sigzmasrmko Zhtál proposed changing the law to allow foreign companies to gain a majority share in Vanukean firms after the substantial bid came in from Umkhiqizi ka Izikali. But many Grand Council members were up in arms over the possibility that foreign companies could be in the position of owning vital defence manufacturers and called for the deal to be blocked.

Heijtri Vrnsrmo, Defence Spokesman for the Greater Nationalist Party, said: "No! No! No! These companies are Vanukean and essential for our nation's defence! If the King were alive I'd petition him to use his veto."

The Communists were equally opposed to the idea. A spokesperson said: "Government consent for investments of foreign investors should be required, because it is not always good for the economy, which is why we will not support this bill."

The final nail in the coffins seems to have come from Defence Minister Colonel Eksandr Grzkaisrmko Anzlék who, backed by a large contingent of backbenchers and other cabinet members, pressed for the deal to be called off.

He said: "The proposed deal is not in the interests of Vanuku and we would like to ensure that all military contracts remain in the hands of Vanukean companies or are joint ventures with tried and trusted foreign allies. I propose this is moved to vote and parties show exactly what they think of this proposal... and then the Trade and Industry Minister can report back to the Hawu Mumenhes' weapons manufacturer that it is an overwhelming 'No'."

Grand Councillors will vote on the proposal in the next few hours.
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Re: Wrntu Wrnuke! (Forwards Vanuku!)

Postby Sisyphus » Thu May 17, 2018 10:14 am

Programme to Develop New "Super Fighter" Unveiled by Government
Ambitious Plans to Research, Develop, Test and Produce 'Sixth-Generation' Aircraft By The 4430s

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Shape of things to come... experts have produced a concept drawing of what they think the VX-44 fighter could look like.

July 4394 - The Vanukean government has unveiled plans for a 35-year, $2.5 trillion programme to develop a new generation, multi-purpose fighter aircraft. The new plane, given the initial project working name VX-44, will build on the success of the airforce's S-10 Tanhri stealth fighter and the Z-35 multi-role fighter, which have seen action around Terra.

The VX-44 is being called a "truly sixth generation fighter" by the Ministry of Defence, which will provide superiority in all areas of aerial combat throughout the next century and beyond. The single-seat craft will be developed in conjunction with Vanuku's leading aeronautical and military tech companies who have been carrying out preliminary studies into the costs, timeframe and feasibility of the project over the last year and a half. It is not known at this stage if the project will be broadened out to bring in international support and expertise.

Minister of Defence Colonel Eksandr Anzlék told Vanuku's Grand Council members: "Vanuku is the pre-eminent military power on Terra - with the economic clout to back up that assertion. It is our intention to make sure that this remains the case. Over the last few decades we have seen major investment and procurement in the navy and the army and both now boast the most sophisticated weaponry, technology and best trained and equipped personnel.

"Now it is the airforce's turn. Therefore, we are announcing today our intention to deliver a new research and build programme to produce a truly sixth-generation, primary multi-role fighter, which will provide superiority in all areas of aerial combat through the next century and beyond.

"The programme is currently at the concept and initial planning stage and I can reveal that the Ministry of Defence has been working with Vanuku's leading defence and military tech companies over the last 18 months to look at design variants as well as general feasibility, costs and a realistic timeframe for the project.

"It is the Ministry's understanding that a 35-year programme with an overall investment of 2.5 trillion Vanukean Marks - based on an inflationary-adjusted 4420 figure - is required to research, test, deliver and procure this aircraft in sufficient numbers. This figure excludes ongoing operations and sustainment costs posterior to it entering service. This means the first aircraft could go into active service by the early 4430s."

Due to the military sensitivity and early stage of the project few specifics have been released about the planned new fighter. However, Defence Minister Anzlék did provide some general details. He said: "It will include a host of features such as extended mission range; an advanced human-system interface, a sophisticated weapons payload systems and post-present-tech sensor and avionics arrays as well as advanced stealth technology. It will also feature the most advanced engine technology and design features - meaning it will fly faster and further than fifth generation fighters and be more manoeuvrable in any given situation."

The intention is to develop both a conventional take-off and landing version and a short take-off and vertical landing variant for use with Vanuku's world-leading Támnr-class aircraft carrier.

Minister Anzlék later told Forwards Vanuku that the significant investment would be worth it. He said: "It is obvious that this will take up a significant portion of the 300 billion annual defence budget and require the unified willpower of subsequent governments to keep up this level of funding, however we are confident this will happen given the level of support it has already received.

"This aircraft will provide unprecedented aerial superiority projection for our armed forces and provide a major economic boost for our defence industries and associated tech companies over the forthcoming decades."

Only time will tell if the project can be delivered on budget and on time - or, even, if Defence Ministry ambitions for the plane will be matched by the levels of technology defence contractors can bring to the table. One thing is for certain, only a single-minded government approach over the course of the next three to four decades, with the budget to match, will certainly be needed for the VX-44 programme to bear fruit.
Last edited by Sisyphus on Thu May 17, 2018 3:05 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Wrntu Wrnuke! (Forwards Vanuku!)

Postby Kubrick » Thu May 17, 2018 12:14 pm

Succession Crisis Resolved, King Juhn X Crowned
33-year old monarch deemed to be an ambitious diplomat.

August 4394 - The succession crisis that held the Grand Council in a series of fiery debates has finally been resolved. Of the four candidates the 'finals' were battled out between the late King's bastard son, the Baron Juhn, and his brother Prince Kezkai. Both candidates were presented with "solid cases" according to the parliamentary chairman of the Greater Nationalist Party. Chairman Dnksrmo affirmed he found both candidates "equally capable" but that for Prince Kezkai age and willingness were a great factor and for Baron Juhn his wedlock status.

However the debate has been resolved by Prince Kezkai himself, who contacted the Greater Nationalists once more confirming the close ties of the royal family to Vanuku's oldest political party. There the Prince confided that at his age he had little interest in ruling after seeing the heated debates. In a statement to Wrntu Wrnuke the now 71-year old Prince wrote that "the pace and conviction of the debates and my own doubts over assuming the crown confirmed a thought I had in the back of my head for a long time, the crown took my brother, I wish to take it easy instead. I have full confidence in my nephew Juhn, he is well-educated, well-mannered and an excellent man." The only issue remaining with Baron Juhn was his legitimacy but both the party of the Prefect as well as the Greater Nationalists stated they found no problem with legitimizing the Baron, who was by a vote recognized as the legitimate son of King Wrntukai V.

Shortly after being legitimized the Prince was crowned as King Juhn X, being the first Vanukean monarch to reach ten as his regal number. King Juhn has stated he will spend the next few months attempting to find a suitable bride to affirm his status as a Banmek-Sntazed worthy of the throne. He has also stated he wishes to personally be the host of the Indralan royal tour of next year.

The only issue remaining with the new monarch is the method of succession, the Prefect has stated he wishes to reform the system of appointed succession that is currently in place. The King has to hand out the Archduchy of Banstill title to a worthy family member, the succession crisis was sparked by King Wrntukai failing to do so. The Prefect has expressed he would like to see absolute primogeniture or at the very least primogeniture succession in Vanuku. The Greater Nationalists however, especially chairman Dnksrmo, seem heavily opposed. Their counter-proposal instead wishes to force the monarch to hand out the title within a year of assuming the throne.
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Re: Wrntu Wrnuke! (Forwards Vanuku!)

Postby CCP » Sun May 20, 2018 10:07 pm

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Re: Wrntu Wrnuke! (Forwards Vanuku!)

Postby Sisyphus » Mon May 21, 2018 2:17 pm

Prefect Points to Continuation of the Grand Coalition
Duke Sigzma Believes Stable Partnership Is Not Overshadowed By Economic and Religious Differences

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Prefect Duke Sigzma Zhtál is philosophical over differences between the coalition partners.

September 4396 - Prefect Duke Sígzma Zhtál has said he is "hopeful" that the two leading parties can continue to govern as part of a grand coalition after the upcoming election - despite clashes over religious and economic reform. The Duke's party (The Z-MJP) and the Greater Nationalist Party (GNP) have worked together in government since the January 4391 election - the first since late king Wrnutek V gave up his absolute powers.

However, despite strong agreement in many areas and a united front to prevent the spread of communism and preserve the restored monarchy, there have been a number of notable cracks in the partnership.

This has been mostly prevalent in regards to the economic reforms the Prefect has introduced, which have seen some services like education and health be nationalised, whilst giving the state some control of other vital industries. But the latest and most vocal difference has been over religion and cultural reforms. The Prefect refused to back the GNP's push to have polygamous marriage recognised, while the GNP have called Duke Zhtal's subsequent proposal to make Vanuku more religiously open as "sickening double standards".

Asked about the clashes, the Duke was in philosophical mood. He said: "Look, we are not going to agree on everything. If we did we would be two halves of the same party. However, it is clear that the nation has progressed and become more stable over the last six years under our joint stewardship and hopefully we can continue in that vein.

"It is certainly much better for this country to see two parties who once in a while disagree working together to achieve a common goal rather than have a party in place that would rip up the constitution and declare Vanuku a revolutionary socialist republic."

Asked about the latest clash the Prefect said: "Our position on polygamous marriage is perfectly clear - it is not something that sits well in this country and certainly does nothing for the rights of women. There are many customs, just because they are deemed traditional or have been practised in the past, that have no place in a modern, democratic society."

Meanwhile, a debate over the royal succession law continues with King Juhn X wading in to give his own opinion. His Majesty prefers the current approach which enables the monarch to choose his own successor based on who he deems is the most worthy family member but has said he would respect the decision made by the Grand Council.

The GNP wishes to see the law modified to ensure that the King picks his successor within 12 months of ascending to the throne. The Z-MJP, who originally called for absolute primogeniture, have now compromised stating they would be willing to back the GNP proposal but based on two amendments to it - the first being that the king must consult the Prefect and the government before naming a successor and, secondly, that the monarch can pick a female member of the family as their successor.

Grand Council members are expected to vote on the proposal shortly after the next election due in January.
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Re: Wrntu Wrnuke! (Forwards Vanuku!)

Postby Sisyphus » Tue May 22, 2018 3:29 pm

Surge in Communist Support Sends Ripples Through The Establishment
Pro-monarchy Parties Still In Control After Election But Far-left Movement Picks Up Around A Third Of Seats

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Supporters of the Communist Party celebrate the gains they have made in the Vanukuean national and regional elections.

January 4397 - Prefect Duke Sigzma Zhtál said he has no intention to include the Vanukean communists in his government, despite the party making significant gains in the 4397 election.

Duke Sigzma told reporters at a Grand Council press conference that he respected the outcome of the election but fundamental ideological differences meant he was too opposed to the communists to offer them any role in the running of the country.

The head of government's Zhtál-Merlkai Jezhrjekai Prta (Z-MJP) remains the biggest in the Grand Council and with support from the Greater Nationalists hold a healthy working majority. But the communist party can now boast a sizeable contingent on the opposition benches with 76 of the 225 seats.

Financial markets initially dipped after the communists registered more than 18 million votes. They had pledged to topple the monarchy and restore the republic, and their rise to prominence created uncertainty over the direction of the next government and its stance on these issues. However, after Prefect Zhtal moved quickly to say it was "business as usual for the coalition" shares began to stabilise and companies with long-standing government contracts - such as Vanutech, Shipyard Havendam and Pecnék - actually experienced a rise in stock prices before the end of trading.

Prefect Zhtál said: "The stability of this country is paramount for the continuing growth of our economy and the prosperity of our citizens. The Communist Party seeks fundamental change that will seriously damage that stability, create uncertainty going forward and adversely affect our relations with international partners. Based on this we cannot seriously contemplate working with them in government.

"That said, now they have a number of seats and represent several million voters we expect them to step up and act as a responsible opposition party and continue to act within the legal framework of the constitution."
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Re: Wrntu Wrnuke! (Forwards Vanuku!)

Postby Kubrick » Wed May 23, 2018 1:09 pm

"Bitter 'assessment' of Qiniso Sibanyoni baseless and petty"
Economist Ibram Strhosíék defends Wiel's decisions as economy grows

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A worker inside the DFN factory, recent publishments have shown a surge in economic growth in Vanuku's defence sector.

March 4396 - Vanuku's leading economist, Ibram Strhosíék, a Yeudish Wrnukaék with Brmék roots, has lashed out at Qiniso Sibanyoni, a so-called intellectual from Hawu Mumenhes. Sibanyoni led a panel at the Hawu Economist's Society only aimed at discrediting Vanukean policymakers. A month after the annual conference of the HES the bi-annual report of the Public Office for Economical Development was published, a report that concluded that Vanuku's economical growth was being led by the privatized defence industry. While some economists have called it a miracle Strhosíék has a more sober approach. "It is not surprising, the government has issued many contracts and if you read the annual reports of these companies you can see how many orders they are pulling from the international community, by all means the response from Hawu Mumenhes was one led by emotion and bitterness over their failed attempt to seize Vanuku's defence industry."

A while ago the 50 billion bid from Hawu Mumenhes was rejected by the government of Vanuku after parliament decreed foreign investors were not allowed to attain a majority share in vital industries. The assessment was that Vanuku, as the world's leading military power, is too dependant on the defence industry to let it fall under the control of another nation. "When it comes down to the basics every nation is a competitor" said defence industry analist Merlkai Zntókai. Strhosíék stated that the bid was not rejected in favour of protectionism. "All those companies had already been sold, what the investors from Hawu Mumenhes tried to do was to force the government to seize the sold assets from Vanukean investors and sell them back to them, maybe that's normal in that backwater but not over here. The Salyzr family for example bought the Shipyard Havendam, where we supposed to take it back from them? It was a ridiculous situation. Our market is open, our market is free, what Sibanyoni spouted was merely a bitter response to their loss."



Royal Wedding: King Juhn marries Princess Hzíamai
Juhn X further legitimizes himself by marrying a Banmek-Sntazed

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A jubilant crowd watches the royal train pass by on their way to the palace in Wiel.

May 4397 - King Juhn X has found himself a Queen. Last year the King was encouraged to find a bride within the royal family to further legitimize himself and establish himself as a true Banmek-Sntazed. The King, who was born as the illegitimate son of King Wrntukai V, has heeded these requests without falling in the dangerous pit of incest. Luckily for the young monarch the Banmek-Sntazed family has spread far and wide. The 37-year old quickly fell for his cousin thrice removed, Princess Hzíamai Banmek-Sntazed. While not a landholder she does have the Princess of Vanuku title as her grandfather was the son of a King. Her lineage traces noble blood all the way. According to insiders the 30-year old Princess was a perfect match for the King as their characters are quite alike.

The festivities were attended by many prominent members of the royal family, other nobles, friends of the royal family, the cabinet as well as veteran politicians and otherwise important Vanukeans. In a new attempt to open the monarchy, as his father did before him, King Juhn also invited fifty regular citizens who were randomly selected after an intensive vetting period. While a few hardline communists protested against the wedding with banners calling for a republic and a referendum about the monarchy the police reported that the wedding went very well, no violence incidents were reported.


PNHZ-M and GNP continue coalition
Compromise from Duke Zthál regarding Ahmadi marriages convinced GNP

August 4397 - The current coalition between the Duke and the GNP will continue. With the communists gathering over seventy seats the established monarchist parties have decided to continue their previous pact. The coalition is noted for internal differences but standing together on vital issues. According to Duchess Anzlék, the current leader of the Greater Nationalists, this is the natural way the coalition developed. "We both have our own hardline issues that we stand for, but we also make decisions for the betterment of the Kingdom. Not everything we do is in line with their views and not everything they do is in line with ours. We prefer the dialogue, the debate, we are a democratic monarchy after all."

The move to continue together blocks the communists from the government benches. For the Duke however the coalition came at a small price after the Ahmadi bloc within the GNP threatened to rebel if the GNP did not fight further to recognize Ahmadi marriages. In the end the Duke chose cooperation over opposition and proposed legislation once more legalzing the Ahmadi marriages. Count Halíd Srnkzi, head of the Ahmadi bloc, responded extremely happy. "While I only have one wife and have no desire to get more I still chose to fight for my Ahmadi kinsmen, especially in the rural areas of Vanuku where many Ahmadi villages peacefully exist this was a big issue. They had to hide the love they had for their families because a Banmek law told them to, that never sat right with the Ahmadi's in our nation. I praise the Prophet that today we continue a healthy cooperation while also treating all religions equally."
"see yah i think kubs is right" ~Zanz

"I’m pretty sure your buddy Kubrick was upset he couldn’t just resort to his old ways" ~Auditorii

"You can blame Polites and Kubrick for that nightmare" ~Doc
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Re: Wrntu Wrnuke! (Forwards Vanuku!)

Postby Kubrick » Wed May 23, 2018 3:42 pm

OOC: Written in advance because busy in RL.

King Juhn X names infant daughter Archduchess of Banstill
Archduchess Mrjmai set to inherit throne if King passes

January 4398 - The daughter of King Juhn and Queen Hzíamai, who was born a day ago at eight months and ten days, is still recovering in the intensive care unit. Doctors say she will stay there for two more weeks until she is allowed to go home to her parents. The King and Queen have named their daughter Mrjmai, a traditional Jelbic from Old High Jelbic name meaning 'Protector'. The frail girl was born too early after complications during the pregnancy arose, the Queen however remained strong during the pregnancy and delivery and even with the circumstances taken in account the little Princess is doing well.

However, in a move that surprised everyone, the King has not named his uncle Prince Kezkai the Archduke but instead already granted the title to his infant daughter. Princess Mrjmai is henceforth known as Archduchess Mrjmai. The shoulders of this small girl hold the entire crown and throne if anything happens to her father. For many Vanukeans this announcement is something truly magnificent. Never in the history of the Khanate, the Archduchy, the Principality, the Khaganate nor the Kingdom has a woman sat on the throne in full capability as the reigning monarch. There have been female regents but Vanuku has never had a female monarch. By naming his daughter the Archduchess King Juhn has heralded a new era for Vanuku; an era where the golden kingdom will have a Queen in her own right.

Especially for the Greater Nationalists the announcement came as a surprise, the GNP has been noted as the political party closest to the King and the King has been a conservative monarch so far. His sudden change of heart has left many surprised yet some attribute his change of heart to Queen Hzíamai. The Prefect has not yet responded to this development.
"see yah i think kubs is right" ~Zanz

"I’m pretty sure your buddy Kubrick was upset he couldn’t just resort to his old ways" ~Auditorii

"You can blame Polites and Kubrick for that nightmare" ~Doc
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Re: Wrntu Wrnuke! (Forwards Vanuku!)

Postby Sisyphus » Thu May 24, 2018 9:35 am

Prefect Leads Praise for King's 'Bold' Decision
Juhn X Congratulated For Naming Daughter As Heir to The Throne

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A number of Grand Council members can't hide their jubilation after hearing about the king's decision to name his daughter as heir to the throne.

January 4398 - King Juhn X of Vanuku has been called an "enlightened monarch" following his decision to name his daughter as heir to the throne. New-born Princess Mrjmai, has been granted the title Archduchess of Banstill by her father and will become the first queen in the history of the Kingdom and its predecessor states.

Praise for the decision was led by the Prefect, Duke Sigzma Zhtál, who made a statement in the Grand Council.

He said: "I have spoken to His Majesty and Queen Hzíamai and congratulated them on the birth of their daughter. I am delighted that the King has decided to take the bold and, some would say, brave decision to name Princess Mrjmai the Archduchess of Banstill and, thus, heir to the throne. This decision demonstrates the wisdom of the King as our constitutional head of state and shows him to be an enlightened monarch to reign over a golden age for Vanuku.

"Whilst our party stands for tradition and heritage, we also stand for social progress. This is a great step forward in the promotion of equality and the advancement of women's rights, and the move should be highly commended."
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