MBC

[Dylan]

News at Five:

WARDOLA: BARVATA “ENABLING” ETHALRIANISM, IS IT WRONG?

After Prime Minister Franklin Barvata signed a two year extension of the Ocean Access Deal with Vothetrian Prime Minister Clauzia Sarohart, many members of opposition parties, primarily Members of Parliament for the Democrat and Conservative parties have expressed dismay and outrage with the prime ministers economic decision making.

Leader of the Opposition Benjamin Wardola made a speech in parliament on Wednesday the 17th of February during Parliamentary Questions. He aimed it directly at the prime minister, who was obliged to answer. The question later broke into a heated exchange between the two leaders as Wardola accused Barvata of “enabling Ethalrianism”:

— Begin quote from ____

"For hundreds of years the Morstaybishlian and Ethalrian spheres of influence have clashed in the north by the Ider River, and for the last forty six of those years Great Morstaybishlia has been in complete control of it. In 2017, the Matriarchy of Ethalria assassinated our Crown Prince and Prime Minister Walter Johannes did not wait one moment to declare war on them. Morstaybishlian’s and Ethalrian’s have been have hated each other and been at war with each other many times. This time, in 2017, we won again. Johannes defeated the fascist dictator Amalda Harimann and fragmented the fascist lands into four democratic countries, and levied heavy reparations on them [the Ethaln nations].

Back in November 2019, the prime minister sought out an arrangement with the Vothetrian government, one which aided them to recover from their depression. It was a 16 month deal, and there was nothing about an extension. So when the prime minister extends the Ocean Access Deal, strengthens the Ethalrian economies more and more no advantage to us! It is insulting to half of the nation that the prime minister completely dismiss the historic feuds between our spheres, a prime minister who ENJOYS unpicking what Prime Minister Johannes implemented ONE by ONE which was designed to strengthen Morstaybishlian hegemony over Aurora.

To the prime minister I ask this: Do you enjoy enabling Ethalrianism, spurring the growth of their economies and strengthening our longest enemies, so that one day they may be strong enough to want revenge?

— End quote

When the MBE won the Auroran Imperial War in 1975, the Weyrcliff Pact, signed in Weyrcliff, Dragonia, redrew many of the borders in Aurora, including the border between Morstaybishlia and Ethalria in what is today the Marislian region. Before, the Grand Matriarchy of Ethalria controlled all of the land east of the Ider River. Today, this same land forms apart of Caltharus and which elects MPs to the House of Representatives.

BARVATA COMPLETES WEAPONS SALE WITH SOKALA; IMPENDING TRADE DEAL?

Morstaybishlia and Sokala have shared a sometimes tense but cordial relationship since Sokala gained independence in 1920. President Domingo Rolex and Prime Minister Barvata reached a historic agreement in 2019 when Morstaybishlia sold fifty Colonarius Mk2 variants to Sokala, as apart of the revitalisation of their armed forces and apart of Barvata’s foreign policy against Iphelklori.

Today, in response to a recent spike of Iphelklorian aggression, Barvata secured a deal with Rolex worth an estimated 1.3 billion KRB with the sale of an additional one hundred and fifty modified Colonarius Mk2 main battle tanks, to enter Sokalan service by later this year. The second purchase was originally agreed in 2019 and scheduled for 2022.

With the sale of two hundred tanks in under three years, it begs the question; is this a one off occasion, will the prime minister be seeking out more deals with Sokala, or will the two leaders come to discuss a trade deal in the future?

THE GREAT SEED REPOSITORY TURNS THREE - HOW MORSTAYBISHLIA AND THE OAN ISLES ARE PIONEERING SCIENCE

The Great Seed Repository is an ongoing project as a joint Oan-Morstaybishlian venture at the International Icelab near Amber Base, Sempiterna. The project began in 2017 and was sponsored by the Royal Bursil University, the University of Tokapa and OANAID. The repository is well underway and achieving its goals of mass plant-life preservation, and has so far stored over ten million seeds from some six thousand species.

The three year anniversary was celebrated among its six temporary staff members, who are evenly chosen from the projects’ three sponsors. King Lambertus VII recorded a message which was played in the facility, congratulating their success so far and wishing them well in the future.

MORST WEST PACIFIC FOUR YEAR INFRASTRUCTURE INITIATIVE ENTERS DEBATE IN PARLIAMENT

The prime minister of the Oan Isles Maui Uye-Ahua reached out to PM Barvata last week for a proposed ‘Four Year Infrastructure Investment Initiative’ to stimulate the economy of the Morstaybishlian West Pacific Territories. The proposal would see 20 billion KRB invested over a period of four years. The projects highlighted in the initiative include a transport link between the Southern Antilles and the Oan Isles by rail and road by the construction of a network of bridges; a Telecommunications Cable System which would see to install undersea fibre optics connecting the Oan Isles to all twelve regions in the Morst West Pacific for increased internet speeds; and the Koroimotu Hydroelectic Project at the only land-border between both nations, with construction of medium scale hydroelectic dams to power both the MWPT and the Oan Isles.

This incredibly lucrative deal has been endorsed by several members of the cabinet, including First Secretary Riannar Karmer and Chancellor Samminel Doros, though it must first pass through the House of Representatives before the prime minister responds to Prime Minister Maui Uye-Ahua, to either accept and go forward, or decline.

More on this story as it develops…

[Dylan]

Breaking News

JORALESIAN TERROR ATTACK WORSE IN ITS HISTORY

FOUR terrorist attacks and one FOILED attack took place an hour ago in Joralesia across four of its major cities. As the prime minister called a TRIDENT meeting, they put Joralesia into BLACK ALERT; the SECOND time the prime minister has authorised such harsh restrictions in his tenure.

Whilst police and the army were deployed to cordon off streets and direct people home, bodies of the dead are counted and it is expected to be in the HUNDREDS. If figures are true, this will have been the worst terrorist attack in the territory’s history, surpassing the disastrous attacks in 2008 and 2011 which claimed two hundred and one and one hundred and fifty six lives respectively.

The first attack came as two gunmen lined up eight men, women and children Thaerists of the Traditional St. Tybalt’s Temple from their minivan and shot them. Less than a minute later, a car bomb blew up on Serrin Boulevard in New Montinay, killing potentially dozens, and it is known that shooters killed fleers. Vothetrian PM Clauzia Sarohart was among those who were injured, it is yet unclear whether she survived.

The third attack was a truck ramming and suicide bombing which detonated over a tonne of yet unidentified explosive material on the south wall of the Helm’s East Police Station, and the fourth attack was two seperate car bombs in busy traffic.

It is believed to be orchestrated by the Ravenspaw and Greypike cartels, two listed terrorist organisations.

Our deepest condolences go to all those affected by the bombings who have lost loved ones, friends and family. We will be holding a minute silence at eleven AM.

[Dylan]

News at One:

BARVATA’S CALLS AN EMERGENCY GENERAL ELECTION AFTER ANTI-TERRORISM AMENDMENT FAILS

Moments ago, parliament historically voted AGAINST the emergency amendment to the Anti-Terrorism Act to 687-15-1092, with many Labour MPs voting against their own government, mainly Valerian Labour but also other Labour rebels, including three UNEXPECTED cabinet members; Chancellor of the Exchequer Samminel Doros, Secretary of State for Foreign and Overseas Territory Affairs Ron Wehrasbi and Secretary of State for International Development Mary Calthia.

With the amendment of the already controversial act aimed at giving amnesty to actions taken by Joralesian police, including unsanctioned arrests for anyone affiliated with the ongoing protests, Leader of the Opposition Benjamin Wardola reflected on it by asking the prime minister “Is this a joke?” in this morning’s session, and later prompting Barvata to resign after the amendment was defeated.

The prime minister has expressed his ‘concern’ at the loss of his working majority and has motioned an emergency general election to the House, which requires a two thirds majority to pass into effect. Parliament will be voting on that in less than twenty minutes time. Barvata has said that if the general election proposal fails, he will attempt a tamer approach to the same situation, with a second Joralesian Police Bill being brought forward to the House this afternoon in hopes it will pass.

Despite being expected of them, the prime minister has not yet forced the resignations of cabinet rebels, which he is entitled to do if members of cabinet vote against government in important bills and votes.

More on this story as it develops…

[Dylan]

Breaking News

EARLY ELECTION BILL PASSES REPRESENTATIVES

Moments ago parliament passed the Early Parliamentary General Election Act 2021 - invoking an emergency general election to be held twenty days from after it is given Royal Assent by the King tomorrow afternoon.

It is the first time in parliamentary history in this country where the government has circumnavigated the Fixed-terms Parliamentary Act of 1999. A previous attempts earlier in the day to get a favourable vote for an early election had failed, and after the government issued a tweaked amendment to the Anti-Terrorism Bill, which also failed - PM Barvata introduced an election bill to the House of Representatives to circumnavigate the two thirds requirements as laid out in law - which passed with 1139 votes FOR, 584 abstentions and 64 votes against.

After the House of Peers conduct their formal reading of the Act, the King is set to give the Act his Royal Assent tomorrow afternoon, at one pm, after which parliament will dissolve at 00:01AM on the 11th of March 2021, exactly twenty days before polling day as set out in law as the minimum time between dissolution and polling day. This period will be a purdah where the government continues to govern and ministers remain in post, however with a number of restrictions in place. No new bills regarding Joralesia will be allowed, and all current debate will be dropped.

Since polling day is set for Thursday the 1st of April 2021, the government will exercise its rights in tackling the Joralesian rioting and violence as prescribed in law. All terrorism suspicions and action taken with authority from the government must follow what is laid out in the Anti-Terrorism Bill.

On Monday the 5th of April, Parliament shall return for the Speaker Election, and will be the first day they do so. On the same day, they shall swear the oath of allegiance to King and Country, or alternatively they can make a solemn affirmation if they cannot swear an oath for religious reasons. On Wednesday the 7th of April, the State Opening will mark the formal start of the parliamentary year. The King’s Speech will establish the government’s proposed policies and legislation for the coming session.

[Dylan]

News at Two:

KING LAMBERTUS VII GIVES ELECTION ACT ROYAL ASSENT

This morning, the House of Peers began its official reading of the Early Parliamentary General Election Act 2021 and passed the Upper House by midday. The Act was delivered to Sani Bursil Royal Palace and signed by King Lambertus VII at one pm, coming into force immediately.

Now that the Act passed into law, Parliament is set to dissolve tomorrow morning at 00:01 (12:01 am). The deadline for candidate nominations is the 18th of March 2021, with political campaigning from that date for two weeks until polling day on the 1st of April 2021. On the day of the election, polling stations across the country will open from 07:00 (7 am), and close at 22:00 (10 pm).

Individuals eligible to vote had to be registered to vote by midnight on the 26th of March 2021. To be eligible to vote, individuals had to be aged 18 or over; residing as a citizen at an address in Great Morstaybishlia, or a Morstaybishlian citizen overseas who registered to vote in the last 15 years; and not legally excluded (on grounds of detainment in prison, a mental hospital, or on the run from law enforcement) or disqualified from voting. Anyone who qualified as an anonymous elector had until midnight on the 29th of March 2021 to register.

[Dylan]

News at Five:

INVESTIGATION INTO TERROR ATTACKS BEGIN

The Morstaybishlian Intelligence Bureau (MIB) began its official investigations with local law enforcement on the source of the terror incidents in Joralesia on Monday yesterday afternoon. In a statement to our Joralesian political correspondent, a spokesperson for the agency revealed that they have begun reviewing over 6,000 pieces of forensic and CCTV footage associated with all five attacks.

It was further revealed that the Greypike and Ravenspaw cartels, listed terrorist organisations since 2006 were definitely to blame for the attacks. An initial investigation on the same day with the identity of three deceased perpetrators revealed links to these terrorist groups. Further investigations are continually underway.

NATIONAL MANHUNT DESPERATE TO FIND LAST SUSPECT

Four days on from the horrific attacks in Joralesia and police have arrested two additional men believed to be the suspects behind the Lurbin minibus massacre, the first of all attacks which killed eight Thaerist men, women and children departing St. Tybalt’s Temple. The men in question are 54 year old Eric Goraine and 29 year old Yharmen Mor, who were spotted fleeing the general area minutes after the attack occurred. The men were captured by undercover police officers in Ewising Airport trying to leave the territory as apart of a surveillance operation, they were in possession of a ticket to Tavaris and a ticket to Seleyth.

The seizure of these two suspects leaves the floor open to the capture of one last person who is believed to be directly related to the fifth and final attack, an explosive device in a rucksack that was remotely detonated but which was foiled and only injured one person. Police are desperate to find leads to the whereabouts of the suspect.

PM STATEMENT

The prime minister addressed the ongoing Joralesian riots across major cities earlier this afternoon:

— Begin quote from ____

"The attacks in Joralesia on Monday afternoon are an abhorrent defiance against Sentient Rights that has been long established in our constitutions since 1917. These attacks are inhumane, unjust and unfair, and my deepest condolences go out to all of the people affected or who lost a loved one, family or friend in these despicable events.

The attacks are a reminder of how fragile any society is. For over a decade, Joralesia had observed its longest period of peacetime [without terrorist attack] since the Auroran Imperial War which ended nearly forty six years ago. A land of fair peoples ravaged by constant reminder of terror through the attacks of the 1980s and 1990s, and attacks which many will remember in 2008 and 2011. The previous government cracked down and capitulated much of the organised crime and terrorist organisations in Joralesia - and this government is not afraid to do the same.

On Tuesday morning in Sani Bursil, I took no pleasure in driving to the royal palace to ask the King to sign into effect Black Alert over all Joralesia. I never imagined that my ministry would be shaped by the actions of ceaseless terror across our great nation, and yet here we are two years later. The decision to put Joralesia in Black Alert will be hard for many as it will certainly impact both the mental health of people and trust that they have in government, but it is these sacrifices that, as the Marislian region in Caltharus did before, you as a peoples must endure so that such horror that we saw on Monday can be avoided should mindless terrorists attempt to commit them again.

However much fear you have, rest assured that my government will continue it’s no tolerance to attacks on innocent people and loss of life like what we witnessed on Monday. Yesterday, we turned on the green light for a MIB investigation which will surely determine the source of these attacks. This afternoon we arrested two men, leading us with so far six suspects to these attacks with a manhunt underway for a suspected seventh.

Our government, whether we win the general election in April, or a future government should any be elected in our place, will get to the bottom of this; and so I ask those people that take to the streets - Do not fear. Trust in the government. Return to your homes for your own protection should we all be unfortunate enough to fall victim again."

— End quote

[Dylan]

News at Eight:

A WEEK ON

The devastating wave terrorist attacks in Joralesia happened a week ago today, killing hundreds of people and changing the lives of millions overnight. As Prime Minister Barvata enacted Black Alert, essentially locking the nation down, deploying the military and setting a curfew, protests and riots began across major cities in the same evening, and they have not stopped. Here’s why.

Pictured above: a street full of protesters in Ewising, the Joralesian capital.

A week following the enactment of Black Alert, hundreds of thousands of Joralesian’s have since marched in the streets, many of whom had never attended protests before and some even living in historically conservative towns. In a single week, a decade-long era of peacetime in Joralesia erupted to levels of violence and police clashes not seen since 2011 and 2008.

Yet despite military crackdowns in many cities, organised protest continue to defy Black Alert seven days later. We conducted a study on what the tabloid press across Joralesia were reporting; a vicious cycle which fixated on burning buildings and cars, and an under-representation of clashes between police officers and protesters which demonised protesters. In fact, as long as riots and looting took place, television news helicopters descended upon their respective cities, with organisers lamenting online that the media wasn’t interested in stories beyond those of broken windows, pepper spray, and vandalised storefronts, nothing near what the ‘real issue’ they faced was.

For centuries, Joralesia had been a colony and later Oversea Territory of Great Morstaybishlia. The MBE settled there and peoples and cultures lived together in harmony. Men and women went to war and died for the same cause; and through economic hardship and mounting pressure for the MBE to decolonise, they stayed strong.

At least that is what the story was like one hundred years ago. Since the 1970s many in Joralesia demanded independence, demanded the right to self determination - and when Morstaybishlia refused to give up Joralesia alongside giving colonies like Lokania, Rodenia, Vivancantadia and later Atiland independence, it’s clear to see why tension between the people of Joralesia and government in Kalmington has surged so high.

All calls for independence in Joralesia has been met with absolute silence here in Sani Bursil. As parliament enters its purdah - that is the period which it dissolves for an election period - ministers in government are called to exercise caution, and its typically in this period where government will be silent unless it is an absolute emergency. With that being said, the MBC had gathered polls about the prospect of independence in Joralesia, where people were asked to respond with a ‘yes’ (for independence) and ‘no’ (against independence). It collected four polls from different reputable sources which sampled data between 4,000 and 10,000 people. The difference was bleak and did nothing to help us; with one poll suggesting that 39% of people wanted independence and another indicating 62% of people wanted independence.

When parliament resumes in April, the MBC will be giving key reports on what government will do to address this problem.

More on this story as it develops…

[Dylan]

Breaking News

BARVATA RETAINS OFFICE, BUT ONLY JUST

The Labour Party has WON the general election, but at a huge net LOSS. Labour remains as the largest single party in the House of Representatives, now relying on an 11 seat working majority after a net loss of 47. A total of 54 MPs within the Labour Party identified with the Valerian Labour faction and this afternoon PM Barvata signed a special arrangement with their leader, Nellie Hermin, on the basis that South Staynes be allowed two votes; one to hold a name referendum and another for a devolution referendum. Labour lost seats in the Marislia region but gained many seats in Justelvard for the first time.

The Conservative Party won 600 seats, their lowest since the 1998 general election. Benjamin Wardola expressed that their net loss ‘comes down to the popularity of MARIP’.

The Marislian Independence Party (MARIP) made a net gain of 83 seats and won 3.5% of the MBE (translating to 39.45% of the popular vote in Marislia), resulting in 89 out of 155 seats won in Marislia and has been hailed as a huge victory within the party. Their leader, Romilda von Anzitter, said her party’s landslide victory in the Marislian region has led to calls for an independence referendum, to which the Labour Party had expressed its opposition before and during the election. Although nationalist MPs outnumbered union oriented ones for the first time in history, the unionist popular vote remained higher (60.5 percent).

The Democratic Party improved their vote share to 22.9% and won 205 seats, a net gain of 58 since the last election and the most amount of seats they have held since 2005. Their leader Osbourne Saudaran has been hailed for his dedication to the party and success in this election, thrusting the Democrats into its most powerful position of the past few decades as their party had consistently declined since the 1990s.

The Liberal Party won 14 seats, a net loss of 13 seats. The Greens lost 9 of their 11 seats that they gained and entered parliament with for the first time in 2019. The Justelvardic Unionist Party (JUP) won 15 of their 33 seats, facing losses to all three major parties, all of which seats won from metropolitan Morstaybishlian parties for the first time.

The election saw a trend where minor parties saw decline, besides both the MARIP, which gained the most seats of any independence party in any general election in Morstaybishlian history; and Jūs Herekore which gained one seat in the Western Outliers Provinces. Due to MARIP being abstentionist and winning 89 seats, the working majority was significantly less than working majorities of the past, allowing Labour to govern without a coalition. This polarisation of seats to the bigger parties has been put down to several crises that has hit the MBE since early 2020, including the 2020 Puntalian Crisis, July and August Caltharus terrorist attacks, the 2020 Aegis independence crisis and the 2021 Joralesian attacks.

The loss of seats for Franklin Barvata put him very close to the edge, having to rely on a special agreement with the Valerian Labour faction of his party to operate government. If enough Labour politicians rebel against legislation in the future, it could force a second general election. The prime minister has been invited by King Lambertus VII to form government this evening, and is expected to reveal his second cabinet in the days to come. Political commentators have noted this general election has been the worse result for the top two parties since the 1940s, when the Labour and Liberal parties held minority governments over a three year period.

[Dylan]

(Dated 2nd April 2021)

News at Twelve:

THE START OF A NEW MINISTRY

Franklin Barvata began to form his government comprised solely of Labour cabinet members on Friday after being delivered an overall Representatives majority by a tempestuous election. Barvata and his wife, Sophia Boston, travelled to Sani Bursil Royal Palace where he accepted the invitation of King Lambertus VII to form a government. He later reappointed Riannar Karmer as First Secretary, Horace Lanx as Home Secretary, Ron Wehrasbi as Foreign Secretary and Mikhail Sankuda as Defence Secertary; but did not keep Samminel Doros as Chancellor, a move that had been building up over several months with several altercations in cabinet meetings between Doros and the prime minister. Though these claims are bold, Barvata has made no comment besides reiterating his relationship with the former Chancellor is unhindered.

In an highly contentious election with historical and political significance, Labour won only 863 seats, 35 less than the 898 required for an absolute majority, while the Conservatives also slumped to 600, down 55 and their worse result since 1998. The result invalidated a string of opinion polls that suggested Labour was set for an absolute majority, and that Morstaybishlia was heading for a stable seven years of uninterrupted Labour government. This paradoxical electoral victory for Barvata has thrust his reliance on the Valerian Labour faction more than ever, where before the strength of his party was usually enough to pass bills until the Joralesian terrorist attacks divided opinions.

Barvata and Hermin, the leader of the Valerian Labour faction, made an agreement the same afternoon the results came through. This was done in such an affect that indicates Barvata knew his position could be jeopardized; the agreement puts more Valerian Labour representation in cabinet, with Environment Secretary Ghenner Yarmer being replaced by Ghenner Asterleigh, Nellie Hermin as South Staynes Secretary - replacing Arlin Klements who himself is the new Chancellor, and Lonnie Rosenward with Ashryn Laberos. The promotion of Ashryn Laberos as Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor marks the first ever non-human and first ever Usprian elf to the Cabinet of Morstaybishlia, something the Species Equality Board has hailed as a victory.

In addition to these new Valerian Labour faction MPs in the cabinet, the agreement clearly set out motions which enabled the South Staynish people three referendums in the next twelve months; an independence referendum, a name change referendum with the options being to keep their name South Staynes or to change it to Valeria; and a referendum on the topic of devolution, which leader Nellie Hermin has been advocating her entire political career since the 1980s.

Other important changes to kick-start the second Barvata ministry include the replacement of Health Secretary Robert Lannet with Florence Wills, who held the Education Secretary post since 2019. Wills’ vacancy was filled by Labour veteran and Minister of School Standards Katharyn Alvoret, who has been a Member of Parliament for 35 consecutive years. The Caltharus Secretary Fredmund Constantine was replaced by Kellie Fross.

[Dylan]

News at Two:

PARLIAMENT RETURNS FOR THE FIRST TIME FOR SPEAKER ELECTIONS AND SWEARING IN

Members of Parliament made their returns to Kalmington Palace, many arriving for the first time, for the formal process of voting in a new Speaker of the House. Baron Munchiro, who has served since 2019, was re-elected for his second term this afternoon and was then taken to the House of Peers for Royal Approbation, where he then took his oath and was sworn in. As the Speaker becomes the first MP to be sworn in during this new session, MPs followed Munchiro into the chamber for the start of three days of swearing in, starting with the Father of the House and then the prime minister. The procedure will continue until the evening and then resume tomorrow and then again the day after.

This morning Franklin Barvata chaired his first cabinet meeting since the country went to the polls, and this afternoon he addressed the Representatives and also the nation.

On Tuesday there shall be more swearing in. In recap, MPs are required to take an oath of allegiance to the Crown, or, if they object to this, a solemn affirmation. Three days are normally set aside for this, and those who speak or vote without having done so are deprived of their seat “as if they were dead” under the Parliamentary Oaths Act of 1922.) On Wednesday the nation will be witness to the state opening of Parliament. The King’s Speech is the centrepiece of this, when he will read a speech written by ministers setting out the government’s programme of legislation for the parliamentary session. A couple of hours after the speech is delivered, MPs shall start debating its contents, a process which usually takes a few days. On Thursday, depending on how rapidly Franklin Barvata wants to move, the debate on the King’s Speech could continue into the day. If not, the government will move its new Bill on the ongoing violence to Joralesia that afternoon.

[Dylan]

News at Six:

RON WEHRASBI GOES TO IRSA

Foreign and Oversea Territory Affairs Secretary Ron Wehrasbi returned to the MBE earlier this afternoon after an important IRSA summit in Greenwood, Nagato. The summit was between representatives of all IRSA member nations and discussed the ongoing Joralesian crisis that involves heavy cartel violence, levels of which have not been seen in over a decade.

The meeting lasted over a three hour period and discussed the organisations approach to the ongoing violence and civil unrest caused by the influx of cartel activity since the 2021 Joralesian attacks earlier this year. IRSA members agreed on joint exercises in Joralesia in an opt-in system, and will begin as early as late April 2021.

[Dylan]

News at Twelve:

NEW MILITARY FIGURES RELEASED, WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

The Morstaybishlian military is to make ♅16 billion of cuts in the new fiscal year as the new Barvata administration reduces the percentage of its military expenditure from 4 percent to 3.9 percent. It aligns with the prime ministers policies he pledged in his 2019 general election campaign to reduce the percentage spent on the military as the population increases.

In 2020, the armed forces spent over ♅598 billion. This year if the 4 percent remained the armed forces would have received a budget of ♅619.1 billion; though instead the overall budget will be raised by ♅5.6 billion to ♅603.6 billion.

The prime minister has pledged the surplus ♅16 billion to be distributed to the development of public housing and transport. Currently, the MBE has a housing crisis where in recent decades the cost of home buying has risen faster than wages, leaving many workers priced out of the market.

In some parts of the country, low deposit mortgages are nearly impossible because upcoming homeowners are unable to pay for monthly repayments on the mortgages they will need, leaving them in the situation of needing to save large sums of money to put down.

High private sector rents make this difficult, meaning that in some areas up to 40 percent of tenants need state help to pay their monthly housing bills. Under the Johannes administration, affordable social housing became scarcer, leaving many households with no choice but to rent, often paying more than they would for a mortgage.

[Dylan]

News at Nine:

NEW PAX FRUIT DISEASE FOUND IN STAYNES

Several vegetable markets and farms in the northern provinces of Horkalo and Jubrionas have reported a new infection in their pax fruits.

What the locals are calling “Pax Fruit Rot” is a pax fruit fungal plague that was first determined to have arrived in Staynes from Packilvania by boat on the north docks in Alcundy, experts report.

The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs have already had to shut down six vegetable markets this morning where local produce were reportedly selling the infected strains of pax fruits.

In Packilvania, the fungal plague has seen a major blow to the pax fruit farming community, with relief schemes being implemented for farmers affected.

If you have come in contact with Pax Fruit Rot, are worried or have suspicions regarding Pax Fruit Rot in your area, do not hesitate to contact the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on their website www.environment-food-rural-department.gov.mbe/pax-fruit-rot/submit

[Dylan]

(Dated 3rd April 2021)

Breaking News

MARIP DEMANDS AN INDEPENDENCE REFERENDUM

Romilda von Anzitter recently took to Peepl and other social media platforms demanding an independence referendum for the Marislian region following their historic election victory, where the abstentionist party took away 89 of 155 regional seats; the most a pro-independence party has won in a general election since the region was integrated as a territory for the 1982 general election. She gave the newly appointed prime minister a stern ultimatum; they organise an independence referendum for a Republic of Marislia, or they would ‘have the entire party swear in and take the oath so they could vote against anything and everything Labour ever put to the House.’

'If you fail to agree to our terms you will bear witness as I collapse your government on day one’ are the words Romilda used to describe her punishment to Barvata if he failed to acknowledge their electorate victory or demands, a hefty price the nation has felt given how the last general election is still ongoing.

With no word from the Labour camp, it is unsure how, or when we will get an update.

[Dylan]

(Dated 22nd June 2021)

News at Nine:

MORSTAYBISHLIA STANDS WITH ASILICA

Following a HORRIFIC terrorist attack at 08:01 AM in the city of Asilica, it is confirmed that members of its parliament including its Chancellor and Vice Chancellor died. The President, who was not attending the parliament at that time, has placed the nation into a national lockdown, with a greater police and military presence than ever seen in the peaceful country.

Fire crews continue to search for survivors in the aftermath of the attack, where some have already been recovered from underneath the rubble.

Prime Minister Barvata has condemned the attacks in a speech he made to the press outside of Flarin Street.

— Begin quote from ____

“These attacks show not only premeditation but the cruelty that commands the boundless indignation from the world. Great Morstaybishlia mourns and stands firmly with Asilica and its people. Morstaybishlian’s in Asilica city need to cooperate with local authorities. Through our embassy in Asilica city, the Department of Foreign and Oversea Affairs have been monitoring the situation as it develops.”

— End quote

The government has suspended all inbound flights from Asilica, forcing them to ground at their earliest convenience with hightened security at those airports.

[Dylan]

(Dated afternoon of 22nd June 2021)

News at Four:

BARVATA SAYS ASILICA AND SARENTRIA SHOULD NOT ESCALATE TENSIONS

Prime Minister Franklin Barvata has today called for Asilica and Sarentria to come to an agreement so tensions do not rise in the Azure Sea between the two nations, which follows Asilica’s naval presence in a disputed strip of the sea known as the Sugen Strip in Asilican and Schwarzer Meeresstreifen in Ethalrian. Sarentria responded with an ultimatum; leave in 24 hours or we will respond. Here’s what Barvata has to say.

— Begin quote from ____

“In such a hard time for Asilica, now is not the time for them and Sarentria to escalate maritime tensions in the Black Strip. Aurora is a continent riddled with past war, but now is peacetime and we as a continent should be determined to prevent conflict at all cost.”

— End quote

[Dylan]

News at Ten:

UCA MILITARY EXERCISES: WHAT ARE THEY?

This morning, Ivar Ragidal, Secretary General of the Union of Commonwealth Alliance, announced after UCA summit a fixed date for military exercises between member states and invitees. Set to be on the 8th of July 2021, the exercise is intended to consolidate the alliances’ weakened fast response to what they perceive as threats in the region. The military exercise is supposedly one of the largest the UCA has conducted in over ten years, and includes a confirmed minimum of one hundred thousand military personnel, 120 naval vessels and 600 aircraft.

Because of the exercises’ close proximity to the Rodenian vassal state Puntalia, Prime Minister Franklin Barvata has expressed his concerns in a statement to the media as to whether or not these exercises will be in violation of the Puntalian Compromise Treaty, where UCA member states, Rodenia, Great Morstaybishlia and other nations signed during the Puntalian Crisis last year. He said in his statement “Supposing the UCA stick within the parameters of the https://tep.wiki/wiki/Puntalian_Compromise_Treaty, they will be fine. The Puntalian Cooperation Council will be holding a meeting early next week around the military exercise - which wasn’t previously discussed with the council - on a way to respond.”

The prime minister is expected to make further deliberations on this topic in the coming days. The prime minister further stated that “So far, many questions remain unanswered as we have little information. I have invited Johanna Sverdrup to open dialogue with me so that everything on that date goes smoothly. Nobody wants another regional crisis.”

More on this story as it develops…

[Dylan]

(Dated 1st May 2021)

Breaking News

POSOL INDUSTRIES AT THE FRONT OF A MAJOR SCANDAL

POSOL INDUSTRIES have today been the subject of an information leak by Tell The Truth media, who have published highly confidential internal documents that COULD link them to the funding of Joralesian cartels.

Financial records dated from 8th August 2019 to 8th April 2020 shows discrepancies by the Logistics and Transportation company, when compared to older financial records, where money has been sent to bank accounts in Joralesia.

Six shadow companies have so far been identified, spreading the total of 10 million Kiribs six ways. An independent MBC investigation has found that at least one of these shadow company’ accounts have directly lead to funds being withdrawn by a family member of a known affiliate to the Ravenspaw cartel, one of two listed terrorist organisations responsible for the attacks in March.

The company, who’s founder and CEO is Remis Posol, the husband of dictator Lady Posol of Baykalia, has yet to make any official comment, though the Posol Industries servers went offline for over 12 hours following the security breach.

These unattributable transactions, to the 10 million KRB that is so far identified and suspected to have been received by cartel members from Posol Industries, has thrust huge controversy over whether Lady Posol has had vested interests in the destabilisation of Joralesia, and by extension Great Morstaybishlia. It begs the question; is she acting alone?

[Dylan]

(Dated 4th May 2021)

News at Nine:

BAYKALIA TOURISM: MBE TO BAN MORSTAYBISHLIANS FROM VISITING

Prime Minister Franklin Barvata has today confirmed the Morstaybishlian government will be issuing a ban to all Morstaybishlian citizens from entering Baykalia, effective from 4th June 2021.

The Morstaybishlian embassy in Baykalia has issued a statement to all MBE nationals in the country to depart immediately following this news. Once in effect, MBE passports will be invalid for travel to, through, and in Baykalia, and individuals will be required to obtain a passport with a special validation in order to travel to or within the country.

There will be a month grace period where MBE nationals in Baykalia can leave, allowing for leeway for anyone there on a tourist or humanitarian basis.

This action undertaken by the MBE is in response from the prime ministers call with the Baykalian High-Chancellor Lady Posol, after he told media there was ‘no discourse allowing for more information on the Posol Industries scandal on the weekend’, something the prime minister has stated is highly disturbing if the MBE was to continue to maintain civil dialogue with the fascist dictatorship.

The ban is indefinite, unless it is revoked by the Home Secretary.

[Dylan]

(Dated 12th May 2021)

News at Nine:

REFERENDUM DATES SET FOR SOUTH STAYNES

The government has established three dates for three separate referendums in South Staynes, following their inner-party promises to Valerian Labour faction leader Nellie Hermin during the formation of government earlier this year. The nation will vote on the topic of independence exactly two months from today, on the 12th of July, at 19:00PM.

A second referendum will occur on 22nd July in South Staynes, as the people will come to vote on devolution. If the first referendum triggers an independence clause for South Staynes, this referendum will be cancelled. Valerian Labour faction leader Nellie Hermin has been advocating her entire political career for this move since the 1980s.

Despite the results of the first referendum, a third referendum will occur on 30th July, on the topic of the name of South Staynes. People will go to the polls with two options. Keep South Staynes, or change to Valeria.

https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/the_east_pacific/the-crescent-news-from-packilvania-t18460.html#p245553

In the late hours of last night, a Packilvanian ocean liner PSC Belem, on route to Tedeschi, issued a distress signal to the Packilvanian Coast Guard after its engine suddenly failed.

In response to this, which should be a routine assistance run from the coast guard, is instead an expeditionary fleet from the Caliphate to rescue the stranded vessel, which sits 201 nautical miles west of Norgsveldet’s territorial waters. This is no ordinary expedition force, it has been labelled as “aggressive” from Leader of the Opposition Benjamin Wardola; as the nation is sending an aircraft carrier, two battle cruisers and a plethora of escort and rescue ships. Critics of this move ask this: If you are rescuing a ship, why are you sending invasion capabilities?

The ship is reportedly able to last several days with food and water supplies, but it will not be able to maintain its position for long.