PBC World - End-of-Year Conference
31 DECEMBER 2025
List of the main characters
Daniela Coliban - PBC World News Anchor - She/Her - Elven
Marian Hawker - PBC World Correspondent - He/Him - Orc
Maria Gelashvili - PBC World Correspondent - She/Her - Cava
[Coliban:] Dear viewers, welcome to the special edition of PBC World dedicated to the end-of-year conference organized by Limbo’s president, Hellen Portman. I am Daniela Coliban, and in direct contact I have my colleagues Marian Hawker and Maria Gelashvili.
The screen splits into two, with the first half showing the anchor and the other showing two correspondents inside a large room full of journalists, representatives of the society or just simple people that wish to attend the conference. There are barely any law enforcement officers in the room, if any.
[Coliban:] Can you tell us what it’s like there?
A pause of a few seconds.
[Gelashvili:] Good morning, Daniela, and good morning to the viewers. We are in the central pavilion of the Limexpo complex, and here, as you can see, there is a certain state of agitation, of expectation, especially on our part, the journalists.
[Hawker:] Although the conference is scheduled to start at 08:00, the first people arrived here around 06:00 to make the final preparations, and some of those attending arrived an hour ago, at 06:53. Although we are talking about an event where high-ranking state officials will be present, as you can see, the number of law enforcement officers present here is quite small.
[Gelashvili:] Yes. We spoke to a few people responsible for the event about this small detail, and they explained to us that the low police presence was a condition set by the president herself.
While the two reporters are talking, the camera pans inside the room, showing that there are only two officers inside, near a podium on which there are several chairs arranged in order.
[Coliban:] It was said these days that Dominic Grey and Steve Wilson would not participate.
Another short pause.
[Hawker:] Yes, there has been a lot of talk in the press that the two will not be attending the conference. Wilson, the leader of the Libertarians, has already stated in a post on social media that he will not be coming. The same goes for Dominic Grey, who is away in MSB.
[Gelashvili:] It is worth noting that some of the journalists came here with questions already prepared for the two. However, the number of those who will be attending the conference is quite large. We are talking about thousands of people who have come to listen and ask questions to those in power.
[Hawker:] In addition to journalists from here and abroad, representatives of civil society are also present, including leaders of trade unions and student and youth organizations, as well as civil rights organizations.
[Coliban:] I notice from the images we are transmitting that some of the guests are already starting to appear. Dear viewers, stay with us. The end-of-year conference will begin in a few moments.
The screen changes to images of the podium, and a countdown to 08:00 is added in the lower left corner. Some of the seats on the podium are already occupied. When the countdown clock hits 8:00 AM, the podium is already filled with state officials. A human woman, dressed in a professional suit takes a microphone and addresses the conference participants. Photojournalists and cameramen are trying their best to capture the entire event.
[Portman:] I would like to begin this event by thanking all the officials who accepted the invitation here, as well as the press and the public for coming to participate and most likely to ask questions. I wanted to organize this conference because, over the years, we have become accustomed to not receiving answers or explanations from those in power, and because it is our obligation to inform the citizens of this country. Thank you, again, for coming.
[Portman:] I will give the floor to the Prime Minister, and the order of the others will be according to the list published by the Presidential Administration.
Portman turns and sits back in her seat. From the chair next to her, an orcish man stands up and addresses the conference participants. The conference proceeds without incident, with each guest presenting the main projects and measures taken by the institutions they lead, as well as plans for the coming year.
Among the most important points (from the point of view of the national press) presented by senior state officials were: the reform of the Federal Gendarmerie and the replacement of pistols in the possession of police officers with stun guns; the implementation of progressive taxation of income, profits and wealth; measures against tax evasion; the nationalization of the Disprogaz company and large renewable energy projects; the rehabilitation of the already existing defense infrastructure; the rehabilitation of clinical centers in rural areas and the coverage by state insurance of abortion and mental health-related treatments; the implementation of the Federal Charity Program and the Federal Social Housing Strategy; investments in research and the rehabilitation of schools in rural areas; the opening of several branches of the Limboese Cultural Institute in other countries; the tightening of penalties for deforestation and pollution, the expansion of protected areas and support measures for small farmers; the differences between the current Constitution and the one to be drafted; the report on extremism at the federal level and the presentation of the situation regarding the former “Patriotic League” group; the situation regarding convictions in corruption cases; the Limbo’s foreign policy and the situation within the IF Security Council; the country’s economic situation and the decrease in inflation, as well as the appreciation of the Limboese leu; as well as other issues at the provincial level.
After several hours in which each guest presented each prepared point, as well as after several breaks, journalists are invited to ask questions. It is already 12:00.
A young human man stands up from the room and takes the microphone provided by a volunteer. He is holding a phone in his hand on which he has written down his questions.
[Constantin:] My name is Andrei Constantin, president of the Federation of Student Organizations in Limbo. I have prepared several questions for two guests. I will first address the Secretary of Education, Silvia Vocoț: what is the plan of the department you lead regarding student accommodation on university campuses? And the second question: what decision will be made regarding the situation of scholarships?
Secretary Silvia Vocoț, a Cava woman from the podium, takes her microphone.
[Vocoț:] I discussed a few months ago with the ministers of education at the provincial level, as well as with the rectors of state universities, and the decision was made that part of the expenses would be borne by the state budget, part by the provincial governments, part by the universities, all the projects being included in a single project carried out by the Federal Department of Culture, Education, Research and Youth in order to receive funding from UNAC money. In the case of university scholarships, the same decision was made, that is, to share the expenses, as well as to involve the private sector in the scholarship funds, until there is enough money in the state budget. And this was taken in order not to cut the scholarships, which are already quite low. But they will increase starting with January of next year.
[Constantin:] Thank you. And the next question is for Mr. Odobescu: as is known, in recent months there have been several nationwide protests against fascism, protests started by student organizations, during which 11 people died following an attack in Corova by a member of a fascist organization. The question is the following: what measures will the government that you lead take in the event that any party, which everyone certainly knows who it is, becomes dangerous for our freedom and well-being?
Odobescu sighs and thinks for a moment, before finally speaking in the microphone.
[Odobescu:] The Federal Government has no power over political parties. What we will do, if what you said were to happen, is to notify the competent institutions and demand that measures be taken against any such movements. The banning of political parties is done by the judiciary or by the Constitutional Court, if they are a danger to the constitutional order. If they are sponsored by foreign agents, or in more special cases, then yes, the Federal Government can directly take measures against such parties, with the risk that they will be attacked in court-
A human woman interrupts the Prime-Minister. It is the President of the Constituent Assembly, Alina Meyer.
[Meyer:] - excuse me for interrupting, Mr. Prime Minister. Taking into account the provisions proposed by the Constituent Assembly for the new constitution, the risk of the Constitutional Court not taking any action, or blocking the measures taken by the courts or the government, is eliminated.
Odobescu approves and points to Meyer. A moment of silence, as the young man returns to his seat. A Limboese orcish woman from the crowd of press journalists pushes through and addresses Federal Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Diplomacy, Maria Tonova.
[Journalist:] Secretary Tonova! One of the largest conflicts this past year has been the Civil War in the Rao, with many nations choosing to aid certain sides in the war. Limbo has not yet made an official statement regarding the conflict, but with the recent ramping up of violence in the past few months, I was curious to hear what the Limboese government’s position is.
Tonova, an elven woman, takes her microphone and looks at the journalist.
[Tonova:] Starting in February of this year, we have been sending aid to the most affected areas. Here I am referring to food, medicine, clothing, basic hygiene products, which we were able to purchase with the help of charitable organizations within the Federal Charity Program. After that, through FAIDSA, the state sent these supplies, as well as aid workers. However, for almost three to four months, all our sapientarian efforts were blocked by the government of the Democratic Republic of the Rao, which forced us to look for alternative routes, because the aid was transported by the Air Force, and we cannot enter the airspace of another country with military equipment that has forbidden us to transit through their space. At least that is what happened in the case of the Danvreas, and we had to send the aid through Hausberg .Although I did not take any part in this conflict, I can tell you that the opinion of the Federal Government, at least mine, is one of disgust towards the indifference of those at the top of the Democratic Republic. And, just so you can imagine, I personally received a diplomatic telegram, apparently from the president of the so-called “Democratic” Republic, but I don’t know how real it was, in which I was asked to stop any transport of all sapientarian aid to Danvreas, otherwise “things would get complicated”.
[Reporter:] And, if there’s time, I’d also like to ask about the relationship between Limbo and Sigeta. The two states have been getting closer diplomatically since the turn of the century, and many are wondering if there are any specific plans regarding Limbo and Sigeta diplomatically in 2026.
Tonova thinks for a moment before addressing the reporter.
[Tonova:] There is no specific plan, other than respecting the memorandums signed with the Sigetan government, as well as continuing the current relations. We have nothing planned at the moment.
An orcish reporter, Marian Hawker, gets up from his seat, just as the other reporter was returning to hers.
[Hawker:] I’m Marian Hawker, from LBC Info. Still on the same topic about relations with Sigeta, but for the Governor of the Bank, Mr. Daniel Pleură: lately, in the press, there has been a rumor that a common currency with Sigeta is being planned. I ask you, Mr. Pleură, whether these rumors are true or not?
An older Cava man wearing glasses picks up his microphone and answers without a second thought.
[Pleură:] No. That idea was proposed at some point, but it remained at the idea stage. We will not be changing our currency anytime soon, and I’ll explain why. The leu is doing quite well, and changing it to another currency would mean throwing that progress out the window. Besides, changing the currency would be a headache for all of us.
In the following tens of minutes, several reporters take turns asking questions to state officials. An Norgsveltian half elven woman presses on next, dressed in fine expensive suit with her light blonde hair tied up into a pony tail. With her looking towards foreign secretary and the president.
[Reporter:] From the NNN here, I would like to ask Secretary Tonova and President Portman an related question to Gondwana. Alongside the Raonite Civil War and the conflict in Korcetta, there still the on going crisis in Salisar. Though an cease fire was brokered by the IF in 2024 between some forces involved, it has not been solved either. With increasing number nations even having recongised the self declared state of East Awawelat. Including fellow Security Council members Peragen and the Federation of Lapérouse. The NNN is curious what Limboese government’s position is on this matter, and if the increasing growth of recognition to this entity has made your government reconsider its recognition of this state. Especially with the increasing criticism being levied on the Salisian government’s policies on non-settler ethnic groups within their nation.
Tonova is first to speak.
[Tonova:] Just to be clear, I did not hold the position of Federal Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Diplomacy at the time. But I spoke with the President about the likelihood of recognizing the East Awawelat. We also do not want to base our foreign policy on attitudes like “what they do, we do too”. And regarding the situation with Salisar, I’ve openly criticized the lack of reforms or measures aimed at eliminating the inequalities.
Portman then adds.
[Portman:] And, if I may add, recognizing a country is not an easy thing. The government has to propose this, which then has to be voted on in the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, then by the entire Senate, and only then comes the obligation of the President to promulgate or not the decision taken on recognition. Whether we will make this decision or not… is not yet 100% certain.
An elven man walked up next, being dressed an expensive suit made from Nyveldian Eagle, his short dark hair stopping at his shoulders having a small smile on his lips as he also looked towards the foreign secretary.
[Reporter:] Hi, Erik Timdhal from the Eyjarian News Network, I would like to ask Secretary Tonova a quick question, though I imagine this could also be matter for Secretary Avram to answer as well. But with the Limboese Republic turning to more renewable energy sources. Has the government been looking to establishing new partnerships to that end or does Limbo have the domestic resource supply to be largely self sufficient in this turn?
Both Tonova and Avram look at each other, before the latter looks back at the reporter to respond to him.
[Avram:] The truth is that Limbo does not have all the necessary resources for this, but two scenarios have been discussed in the government: either partnerships are formed with other states on this issue, or we reopen old mines in the eastern part of the country. We cannot build a sustainable future without raw materials. However, it is worth remembering that it will be something different from what has been practiced so far, that is, any exploitation will be done by the state, not by private contractors. This, of course, if the decision is made to restart mining operations in the country.
Tonova nods and shifts her gaze to the reporter.
[Tonova:] And in terms of partnerships with other states, that’s why the Convention was created. We hope that through this organization, as well as through membership in UNAC, we will be able to start this transition as quickly and seriously as possible. And here I don’t just mean us, but as many states as possible.
[Avram:] And one reason why the resumption of mining operations of interest here is being considered is to not depend too much on other states, and to not create this double standard that is like: we don’t want to mine because we destroy our ecosystems, so let’s destroy yours instead of ours.
The conference continues for a few more hours, with a few breaks. The event ends around 15:00, when the room starts to empty. The screen returns to the studio. A pause of a few seconds.
[Coliban:] This was the end-of-year conference organized at the request of President Hellen Portman, which lasted almost seven hours. In a few moments, my colleague Anca Dumitrache will talk about what was discussed at the event with political analyst and rector of the Center for Political Science, Elena Holeanu, as well as our correspondents present at the event, Marian Hawker and Maria Gelashvili. Thank you for staying with us. You will see me again tomorrow at 07:00 on the morning news. Have a beautiful day and a happy new year.
The broadcast ends, followed by advertising and a pre-recorded program that briefly presents the day’s events.
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