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The International Gazette
News from across Eras
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Today's Headlines
Tolima Announces Future Policing Program, Drones to Patrol Campamentos
Floregasque election: Ruling party wins reelection, shakeup in Ward 6
Archbishop Gunrei, Future Head of State of McMasterdonia?
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Tolima Announces Future Policing Program, Drones to Patrol CampamentosThe island nation of Tolima announced today it had secured a contract with Cyrus Enterprises to become the first nation in Eras to introduce robot policing. Combined Security Services spokesman Lt Col Ricardo Olivera announced that the Keloid class of drones would be deployed to "areas where traditional law enforcement have become unavailable". Delivery of the first 36 drones are expected in the next month, with Cyrus Enterprises also establishing a maintenance facility along with a small production factory within Tolima. Lt Col Olivera announced that the robots would be deployed with aerial reconnaissance drone support in an effort to crack down on drug cartel activity, especially in the nation's numerous Campamentos, shanty towns located on the outskirts of most of Tolima's major cities.
by Lucio Alvarez in Madraza | Law Enforcement
The Keloid drones were trialled by the previous government, and caught headlines when a pair of drones rescued several people held at gun point during a narcotics raid in the capital city of Medraza. The trial led to a feasibility study which recommended their limited use in the Campamentos and some of the northern townships, where drug cartels have supplanted local authorities in some locations. Opposition leader Hugo Cocello praised the decision, but also criticised the government for shelving the program after they came to power two years ago. Cocello said that the delay in deciding whether to proceed with the program had cost the nation millions of dollars and potentially led to the loss of life.
The deal between Tolima and Cyrus Enterprises is thought to be worth upwards of NS$2 billion, although sources say that this figure includes assumed future deliveries and an expansion of the program to introduce heavier drone units for SWAT and riot control operations. The CSS also announced that there would be increased naval patrols to further combat drug trafficking and close the so-called Northern Passage, a route going from the North East of the country used for most of the drugs trade. It is estimated that 60% of Eras's coca crops - the plant from which cocaine is derived - comes from Tolima.
Floregasque election: Ruling party wins reelection, shakeup in Ward 6
EDITORS' NOTE: The following article has been omitted from the Floregasque Edition of the International Gazette in order to meet the guidelines of the Undesirable Propagation Unit.
FLORESQUE, FLOREGASQUE REPUBLIC - Official results from Friday's general elections have been published, with the ruling National Unity Party (NUP), controlled largely by the Gonfaloniere Alessandro d'Avelocci and his close family, winning 14 of the 15 seats in the Signoria. The party has won every election since its formation in 1948, and the Aveloccis, the richest family in Floresque, have controlled the city-state's government in one form or another for almost 200 years.
The opposition, led by the Workers' Party (WP), held onto the one seat in the legislature that many analysts view as a concession given to them by the NUP-dominated government.
The big surprise of the night was the stunning victory of opposition candidate Catarina Tiraboschi, who won the election for ward-mayor in Ward 6. Ward 6, traditionally considered an NUP stronghold, is located near the prosperous Business District in Ward 5. Tiraboschi's victory may startle some hardline conservatives in the Signoria, who are already rumored to be skeptical of the Gonfaloniere's moves to liberalize lower-level elections in Floresque.
Tiraboschi has been dogged consistently by rumors that she supports the Tenants' Representation Front (TRF), an opposition organization suppressed by the Floregasque government for "anti-civil activities". Tiraboschi has consistently declined to comment on these rumors, an ambivalence that may be concerning to the security-minded NUP.
The Gonfaloniere, if he was shaken by the opposition's success in Ward 6, did not show it. He said he was "ecstatic to see how well our party has done", and thanked the people for "the continued mandate they have given us".
Turnout in the election was reported to be 81%; like all electoral figures from the Republic though, this should be considered suspect. International observers view elections in Floresque to be largely fraudulent, charges that the Gonfaloniere and Signoria deny.
The results of this latest election make clear that, in spite of the Gonfaloniere's apparent attempts to hold fair elections for lower-level positions, opposition parties have a long road ahead of them to reach equal footing with the Avelocci-dominated National Unity Party.
Archbishop Gunrei, Future Head of State of McMasterdonia?
by Parval Miatza in Clarkson | Opinion
McMasterdonia has been on the brink of political and economic collapse since 2013, when then Queen Matilda II took the bold move to indefinitely suspend the Senate and declare her political rivals to be enemies of the state. That is a simplification of the modern crisis, but these issues actually extend far beyond the reign of Queen Matilda II or even the nations recent political troubles. It extends right back to the formation of the Kingdom of McMasterdonia in 1200.
Prior to 1200, McMasterdonia had been divided into tens of small Kingdoms, Duchy's, and Principalities, all with varying relationships and alliances. At different times, Capricornia, Ceduna, and Intelligentsia had been allies, attacking Añola in the west, and more often than not, defending a foreign invasion from Great Bights Mum. The House of McMaster had ruled large parts of McMasterdonia, including Intelligentsia, and many other modern capitals that were then simply outposts. The only great houses to truly rival the McMaster's in political power were the Whents, the Clarkes, and the Castello's. With the backing of the clergy, allies in Lord Ravenclaw and Añola, as well as the House Clarke, the House McMaster were declared the new reigning royals of the newly established McMasterdonia. They had by far the largest militaries at the time, and were the wealthiest royal house thanks to their control of 90% of the Kingdom's gold and jewel mining.
Since then, the Kingdom of McMasterdonia has not been a well governed nation. There have been the odd monarch here and there, who have been exceptionally good at their jobs. Queen Issabella was an example of a forward thinking monarch, who greatly revolutionised the Kingdom of McMasterdonia, and granted freedom to many former colonies of the Kingdom of McMasterdonia. More modern monarchs, such as the over-glorified King Louis XIV simply expanded their political influence, at the cost of developing a robust democratic society. It is because of these monarchs, that the problems that plagued McMasterdonia in the 13th century continue to hold an iron grip on the political and economic system of the Kingdom.
In early 2013, nation states across Eras were prepared to go on record to outright condemn Queen Matilda II, and to demand the restoration of elections immediately. These nations did not recognise the long standing cultural issues that have held back the Kingdom of McMasterdonia, and prevented it from establishing a fully operational democratic system. Queen Matilda II recognised this, and in many way's, was the most forward thinking monarch we have had in centuries. But now she is dead, and the states that previously condemned her are now singing her praise and seriously grieving her death. One man is responsible for this - the Archbishop Gunrei.
Archbishop Gunrei has declared himself to be the Patriarch of the Holy Flemingovian Church, and most of the flemingovian Bishops, Cardinals, and Priests have rallied to his cause. Many doubted his intentions and would have quickly rallied back to the side of the King-Regent, had he simply granted them the right to punish non-believers and agreed to enforce flemingovianism as the national religion. The King-Regent refused to do that. Perhaps the only just decision Albert has or will ever make, but it may still yet spell his downfall and that of his family.
The Archbishop now controls most of rural McMasterdonia. He governs from the Basilica in Cape El, and controls Port Augusta, Castello (what remains of it), and Clarkson. Clarkson rebelled against the ruling family allegedly without the encouragement of the Archbishop. They slaughtered their Lady Paramount and her five children. This atrocity did not even attract a single condemnation from international observers. Flemingovianists have also attacked the SDKY space center, and slaughtered hundreds of scientists and workers. Not a single international observer has condemned this action.
Should the Archbishop maintain his current momentum, then it is clear that he may very well control every region of the Kingdom, excluding the Ancient Province and Intelligentsia. With only the cities of Issabella and Intelligentsia left to fight against him, it is very likely that the large firepower of his army will quickly overpower them, even if it means leaving two of the largest Mcmasterdonian cities as nothing more than a pile of rubble. Should this occur - as many military strategists continue to believe, it shall be the most brutal and revolutionary change of Government in McMasterdonia's history. It would spell unbelieveable troubles for the ethnic minority groups in the Kingdom, and spell a restoration of flemingovianism as the national religion and it's establishment as the bedrock of the nation and it's laws.
Gunrei would become the Supreme Leader of McMasterdonia. His authority over the Government of McMasterdonia would be unquestionable. He would consolidate the command of the military, McMasterdonia's nuclear arsenal, and the foreign affairs policy under his own power. One would predict that all legislation would be subject to his personal approval, and that any elected Government would be simply a sham compared to his significant power and influence.
Will the nations of the North Pacific continue to demand democracy in the face of a much more unpredictable and more ideological leader of McMasterdonia? Any protestations or demands would fall on death ears, leaving Eras, allies, and neighbours of the current Kingdom of McMasterdonia, living with the knowledge that their protestations against a great Queen, and a great country, have resulted in it's spiral into darkness, and the Archbishop Gunrei becoming the new Head of State of McMasterdonia.
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Grand Boyarin’s Daughter goes viral across region after footage leaked from Cuzon Goltah’s 60th birthday bash.
Lt Errik Summers, Wolfsea Chronicle
It’s hard to believe that Wolfsea has only just returned to the world stage after a century in isolation but one of our most senior and respected officers has become a pin-up idol across the North Pacific after letting loose a previously hidden talent for singing. Grand Legate Shera Goltah, daughter of the Grand Boyarin, Elder Cuzon Goltah, and the personal guard of the Khan, was attending the birthday celebration of her esteemed father when a karaoke machine was produced and many of the assembled guests gave a turn but things got interesting when the Grand Legate, already defying her public image with a figure-hugging black dress, took to the stage with an electrifying performance of classic hit “Blues in the Night.”
Which so shocked guests that many filmed the event. Within Hours the footage had spread across the region with Fluttr aflame with the hashtag #SheraTheSiren reaching nearly 180, 000 hits before the following lunchtime. So far the Grand Legate has been unavailable for comment but Grand Boyarin Goltah was only to pleased to discuss the sudden fame his daughter had garnered “She’s always been a good singer, but never really indulged it, I’m hoping people in the region will finally start seeing her, and the rest of Wolfsea in a new light, we can party too y’know…” he grinned as he prepared for his daily meeting with the Khan. The Khan himself was present at the occasion with the newly returned Princess-Consort Andrea but has continued to refuse any press interaction following his return from San Antilles a month ago.
The Princess-Consort however was more than pleased to talk and, after attempting to dissuade us of any issues, gave her thoughts “Shera’s a very close friend, I know she’s unsure of how to react but I am glad most people are being favourable of her.” Before having to rush off to attend to the newest addition to the Imperial family. At the time of print we still have no word from the Grand Legate but we will be keeping Wolfsea, and the region, posted.
OOC: Nierr asked me to post this. Not sure on the format yet, also I think in future the articles will require pictures to break them up a bit
