Sorovian News Centre

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Sirviö Government resigns after failed healthcare reform and racism scandal rocks coalition

The government reportedly collapsed over its failed social and healthcare reforms and racism scandals


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Sorovia's entire government has resigned over its failure to achieve new healthcare and social reform. This comes after the coalition government was rocked by scandals of racism among members of its right-wing branch. The failure to reach a deal on healthcare reform, a key policy, has thrown the country into a sort of political limbo. The coalition, which had been faced with racism scandals since early August of this year has recently been unable to reach a proper agreement to deal with the issue. The president approved Prime Minister Santeri Sirviö's resignation, as a new cabinet is currently being prepared.

Prime Minister Santeri Sirviö said on Thursday morning that he would resign later in the day. Mr. Sirviö publically stated in a press conference on Thursday: "This is a major failure and setback for me and my party. I will take full responsibility for this failure." Sorovia has one of the most rapidly aging populations in Auroria and has been discussing a reform of its healthcare system for several decades, but reform of the system has proved all but impossible for the country.

Several months ago, the four-party coalition government beat out the incumbent Labour-led coalition government in a very narrow race which led to the formation of a very uneasy coalition between the four. Previous attempts at passing new healthcare reform systems have all but failed in passing. Sorovia operates a decentralized system of health and social welfare programs, where much of the administration of the healthcare system is left to local governments and municipalities. This has led to widespread geographic variation when it comes to the quality and access to healthcare services. The new reform was aimed at addressing these issues and reducing the growing cost of the country's healthcare system, which has been coming under increased stress from the aging population of the country. This new reform would have included a brand new centralized health and social care administration at the regional level. The reform had been supported by many of Sorovia's political parties, the legislation had even been in the works during the labour government. However, when it came to the finer details of the reform, it led to an impasse on the issue. The Centre and Labour Party had agreed to the requests of the National Coalition Party, which would allow for greater privatization of social and healthcare services, however, this move was opposed by more left-leaning parties and the Greens. The failure to reach an agreement on an issue as important as social and healthcare reform was one of the many issues that were placed on the plate of the current government. Many have stated that the reform would have been Sorovia's largest domestic political reform since the Second Boreal War, and many had hoped that these reforms would come to pass under the current government.

Santeri Sirviö's announcement of his government's resignation was met with disappointment by the population, however, polling had suggested that over 50% of Sorovians believed that the current government would fall before the next election. Although the reforms had been quite contentious prior to his government, it was believed that the country may be able to overcome the hurdle within the timespan of his government, something which did not come to fruition. The reform would have created a far more streamlined system, but also would have created a far more financially sustainable solution in the long run. By establishing a centralized health and social care administration it was believed that this system would bring about efficiency, standardization, and a far greater oversight. The Sorovian Parliament's constitutional committee has even come to state that it believed that some parts of the reform were unconstitutional and required significant changes to the government, something believed to cause a major stir in current Sorovian politics.

Fourth racism scandal brings chaos to the coalition

While the country's right-wing coalition has only been in power for a little over five months, it has been hit by its fourth racism scandal, after several media reports and leaked texts revealed racist messages sent by several government ministers. These ministers included the Minister of the Interior, the Minister of Justice, and the Minister of Finance. These reports have plunged the small Ethian country's government into chaos, pushing Prime Minister Santeri Sirviö's government to the brink. These scandals have also damaged the international image of the country, considered one of the best countries when it comes to equality, education, and transparency. The entire ordeal was caused by leaked text documents that showed several ministers using racial comments, one of whom even had links to a possible fascist organization. Anna Tuikka was the first of these ministers to be met with criticism during the outbreak of the scandal, during her initial election run she did not hide her far-right stance, even going as far as to make several jokes on the topic. After the first wave of criticism, she refused to resign from her position and later survived a vote of no confidence, but less than 72 hours later she was forced to resign after old Twitcher posts surfaced online. In a statement, Prime Minister Santeri Sirviö stated "Racism, even in the form of private messages or online posts will not be tolerated in any form." Republic Party leader Eeva Holmberg, who rocked the government with her own racism scandal a month prior stated that the messages were inappropriate. This news was not new to many, as in previous surveys Sorovia has at several times ranked near the top among Aurorian nations based on racial discrimination, racist threats, and violent attacks. Very few people would think that a free and democratic nation like Sorovia would have an openly racist party hold the reins of power, yet Republic ranked second in the last parliamentary election. This posture violates basic human rights, and also spells disaster for a country with an aging population and need for a foreign workforce to help aid its economy. Sorovian politics are usually a slow and dozy affair, however, this most recent racism scandal has rocked the entire country's political scene into crisis.

These scandals, aided by the recent failure of healthcare reform have pushed Sirviö's government to resign, something which has thrown the country off its feet for the moment. In a recent statement made by the presidential statement, a new Prime Minister and Cabinet would be voted on very soon. Meanwhile, a temporary caretaker government has been established once again in the country, last time this happened took place in 2014 when the government also failed to pass similar healthcare reforms.
 
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Sovhi Andersson elected as Sorovia's youngest Prime Minister

At the young age of 26, Andersson is the youngest Prime Minister to be elected in Sorovian history.


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Sohvi Andersson, Sorovia's 26-year-old education minister, will become Sorovia's youngest-ever prime minister on the 26th when she is sworn into office on Monday. On Saturday, Andersson narrowly won the vote among National Coalition lawmakers and is set to replace the outgoing Prime Minister Santeri Sirviö, who resigned on the 8th after losing confidence among coalition members due to a failed healthcare bill. The country's coalition government consists of four parties, the Moderate Party, Andersson's National Coalition Party, Civic Union, and Republic. Andersson will take the helm of this coalition, and Sorovian political experts say is very symbolic, with the rise of a new generation of politicians in the nation, which has had a strong record for female representation for decades.

Formerly the country's minister of education, Ms. Andersson was voted in by fellow National Coalition Party lawmakers after a turbulent time in which former Prime Minister Santeri Sirviö resigned his position over a government crisis. Although Mr. Sirviö will continue as head of his National Coalition Party, Parliament is expected to confirm Ms. Andersson as Prime Minister as soon as Sunday, however, this will depend on how quickly other parties in her coalition will name their ministers. Once sworn in, she will become Sorovia's youngest prime minister to date, and its third female Prime Minister.

Ms. Andersson, a liberal-leaning member of Parliament since 2019, was the former education minister of Sorovia in Mr. Sirviö's government. While Ms. Andersson's new role has drawn attention from people globally, several Sorovian political analysts are unsurprised, "Sorovia is a country that has had strong female representation in Parliament for decades" - Nea Pölönen, a political science professor at the University of Korvola. In the 1987 Parliamentary election, women held nearly 30 percent of the seats in Parliament, and by the 2007 Parliamentary elections, they made up more than 40 percent of lawmakers in Parliament. In 2023, female legislators make up almost 45 percent of Sorovian lawmakers in Parliament. "Sorovia has had a very broad and strong base for women in politics, and we have had an equal situation in the political sphere for the last 30 years, this was only to be expected in this country," Ms. Pölönen said.

Ms. Andersson won the leadership vote by a small margin, and her skills will be put to the test immediately as the country heads into issues both foreign and domestic. Her predecessor, Mr. Sirviö was forced out of office due to healthcare legislation. Despite the resignation of Sirviö, the coalition parties will remain unaltered: Ms. Andersson's National Coalition Party, Moderates, Civic Union, and Republic. Sorovian political professor at the University of Korvola, Eetu Kuismanen, said that Ms. Andersson's appointment to the position of Prime Minister has a very symbolic value in the country, and is also a reflection of the success of gender equality in Sorovian politics. Kuismanen said that Ms, Andersson's youth likely helped her win support from the National Coalition party, as it looks to reform and move past the policies of Mr. Sirviö's government. "In Sorovia, her age was likely a more important political factor than her sex," Kuismanen said, "I'm positive that the party wanted a younger Prime Minister, her age is more important than her being a woman. Representing a new generation of politicians".

The historical trend toward women in politics has been a cornerstone of the nation's progressive identity. Ms. Andersson's ascent to Prime Minister further solidifies this legacy, marking not only a generational shift but also a continuation of Sorovia's commitment to inclusivity and representation. Veijo Lampen, a senior researcher at the Center for Parliamentary Studies at the University of Kemi, said that in many ways, Ms. Andersson was the natural choice for the party. She served as former education minister and was key in helping the party in key political wins around the country since taking her role in Parliament back in 2019. "There is a demand for young women in key positions in Sorovian politics at the moment," Lampen said and pointed out that many other young, female politicians won office in the nation's last Parliamentary election. Ms. Andersson's platform focuses on furthering the education of children around the country, healthcare, and spearheading a system that would make it easier for immigrants to arrive in Sorovia. However, challenges still loom large against her. The healthcare debacle that led to her predecessor's resignation remains a pressing issue, Sorovia also faces several issues in its foreign policy, generally relating to the current crisis with Iolanta. As she assumes office, Ms. Andersson faces both high expectations and scrutiny, some critics question her lack of experience, pointing out the complexities of steering a nation through the current political situation in Auroria. However, her supporters highlight her fresh new perspective and ability to connect with the younger generations of the country. Ms Andersson, who stated in an interview, wished that her assuming the role of Prime Minister would help influence other young women in politics to build upon gender equality. Moreover, Andersson is poised to continue Sorovia's participation in global affairs, with her inclusive and diplomatic message, she aims to strengthen Sorovia's relationships with the nation's partners around the world, especially on issues related to human rights and economic issues.
 
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Sorovia signs defence pact with Esthursia

Sorovia and Esthursia agree on a new defensive agreement to bolster cooperation between the two nations


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Sorovia will on Sunday Jan.14 sign a brand new defence cooperation pact with Esthursia, The Sorovian government confirmed earlier this week. This agreement will work towards closer military cooperation between the two countries and expanding the current military pact between the two countries which has been in place since the 1960s. The new deal will also allow for the deployment of Esthursian military equipment and personnel along the Sorovian border in the event of crisis or other defence related situations. This deal will also give Esthursia access to several new military facilities in Sorovia, which includes airfields, military bases, ports, and railways.

The agreement with Esthursia is aimed at allowing for swift military access and aid to Sorovia in case of conflict. The agreement lists a dozen military facilities and areas located in Sorovia which the Esthursian military will have access to and the ability to store equipment and ammunition. The areas listed include 5 airbases, storage areas, a military port, and railway access along Southern Sorovia along the Aurorean and Iolantan borders. However, Sorovia has publicly stated that this agreement does not mean that Sorovia will allow the storage, transport, or deployment of nuclear weapons in it's territory.

Esthursian troops are allowed to establish a permanent presence and regular military based exercises in Sorovia, but there has been no official word on the establishment on any permanent Esthursian military bases on Sorovian soil. The shared commitment to enhancing the defence capabilities and facilitating swift responses to potential threats has only been the latest of new agreements between the two countries in recent decades. The pact would also allow for the deployment of Sorovian personnel on Esthursian soil in the event of crisis on Esthursian soil should the Esthursian government request aid from Sorovia.

The history between Sorovia and Esthursia goes back hundreds of years, Esthursian military personnel first landed on Sorovian soil in late 1600s, and the historical relationship between the two nations has grown ever since. In 1968, Sorovian and Esthursian officials met in Korvola to sign the Pact of Eternal Friendship, or also known as the Korvola Declaration or Sorovo-Esthursian Treaty of 1968. This was a legally binding treaty which defined an attack against one nation as an attack on both a nations. Both nations have worked closely since on both military and economic issues. The signing of the new pact will update and enshrine the current military cooperation between the two nations.

In a recent interview, Esthursian Forethane Harold Osborne stated "The pact between Esthursia and Sorovia is older than I am; that's the reality. It's stood the test of time and since the 1960s, when Edith Newell met up with her Sorovian counterparts to make known our common commitments to mutual defence in the pursuit of peaceable democratic values, against the very same threats we face sixty years on, it's kept our two nations closely bound together. However, it's quite clear that this isn't the 60s anymore; the antagonisers have changed, diplomacy has changed, and so has Esthursia's approach to the world around it - so of course we're going to be revising this for the coming years ahead. It's clear that we need this pact to bind round the situations we currently have - from the far stronger bond our two nations have now than that we once had, to the new diplomatic situation following the destabilization of the Suavidici and formation of the Vierëma Group, to the nature of the Iolantan crisis and state, and even just the changes our militaries have seen since the 1960s. This revised pact will bring our strategic partnership into the 21st century, and our two countries into the forefront of democratic preservation in these undeniably turbulent years we are facing, as two bastions of strong, free, inclusive and healthy democracies."

In addition to strengthened military ties with Esthursia, this agreement also bolsters current intelligence cooperation between the neighboring nations. This is aimed at enhancing a broader strategy aimed at enhancing regional security, stability, and responding effectively to emerging threats. Moreover, this will see the establishment of new joint task forces and intelligence sharing platforms between the two nations to further aid in the continued stability of Auroria. The pact also sets stage for furthering the current shared development and integration of new military technology. The exchange of military strategy, technology, and further development of military cooperation between the two countries has also established the framework for seamless military cooperation and collaboration, enhancing the interoperability of Sorovian and Esthursian military forces. The agreement outlines a new era of heightened military cooperation between Sorovia and Esthursia, creating a solid foundation for joint defence initiatives, coordinated responses, and the development of a robust regional security framework.

Sorovian Foreign Minister Kanvera has also publicly stated in a public address "The joint deployment of personnel and equipment ensures a cohesive defence strategy, reinforcing the capabilities of both nations. Allowing for an enhanced military cooperative agreement between the two countries will also signal to the region that we stand united in ensuring stability, opening avenues for diplomatic solutions to common challenges and reinforcing the broader goal of a stable and peaceful region. Interoperability of our armed forces, ensuring the seamless collaboration between both Sorovia and Esthursian forces in the event of a crisis situation will only strengthen the bond between our military personnel, facilitating stronger coordination and understanding between Sorovian and Esthursian military forces. Regional stability is paramount for both Sorovia and Esthursia. By combining our defence capabilities and working closely on intelligence and humanitarian issues, we create a more secure and safe environment for everyone. The pact acts as a deterrent against potential threats, signaling to the region that we stand united in ensuring stability, while also working towards diplomatic solutions around the world."
 
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Sorovian military forces enter Iolanta


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Iolantan citizens awoke to the sounds of fighter jets and tanks rolling down their city streets earlier this week, signaling Sorovia's intervention in the country with the incursion of peacekeeping and military forces onto Iolantan soil. The normally quiet night in the towns of the Aurorian state turned tumultuous as reports flooded in of Sorovian troops crossing the Iolantan border, this being Sorovia's most unprecedented move in modern history. Eyewitnesses described scenes of confusion and concern among Iolantan military and border personnel, many of whom did not know how to respond to Sorovian forces rolling over the border properly. This raised questions and the anxiety of many residents already dealing with the ongoing internal conflicts within Iolanta. While some Iolantan border personnel seemed bewildered, unsure of how to respond to the unexpected incursion with many just standing aside and letting Sorovian forces cross with little to no resistance, others attempted to obstruct the Sorovian advancement of Sorovian troops. Witnesses report instances where Iolantan military units made efforts to block roadways, intending to halt the advance of Sorovian forces. However, faced with the overwhelming power and organization of the Sorovian operation, several of the attempts made by Iolantan forces were thwarted, many of the forces intending to stop the Sorovian advance ended up allowing Sorovian forces to cross through due to confusion and low visibility of the night. In the small Iolantan town of Oilla, one resident described a scene where a small contingent of Iolantan soldiers had positioned their vehicles across a major roadway that led to the regional capital of Kuusinimi, attempting to create a barricade to halt the advance of Sorovian troops. However, as Sorovian armored vehicles approached with guns and sirens blaring, the Iolantan soldiers seemed unsure of their course of action. With communication challenges and no explicit orders in place to confront or allow passage, the situation became increasingly tense until Sorovian forces moved the vehicles themselves.

Under the cover of darkness, Sorovian forces proceeded mostly unopposed, navigating through the confusion of Iolantan forces while determined and with a steady march into Iolanta's territory. The sporadic resistance from some Iolantan military units seemed largely futile against the well-coordinated advance of Sorovian troops, this was soon backed up by statements from Sorovian and Iolantan social media networks as well. Sorovian and Iolantan social media platforms and sources are filled with fragmented and, at times, contradictory accounts of the events of the incursion. While Sorovian sources highlighted the success of their operation and the minimal opposition faced, some posts from within Iolanta showcased a mixture of shock, confusion, denial, and questions regarding the ability of both the government and military to handle the situation effectively. Reports streamed in from various other Iolantan towns and cities in the north of the country, echoing a similar narrative of confusion and lack of a coordinated opposition against the Sorovian advance as they marched on the River Riska, which seemed to be the military and strategic objective for Sorovian forces.

As these events unfolded, reports of sporadic skirmishing between Sorovian and Iolantan forces emerged, videos and audio of which were uploaded onto social media. In the northern regions of the country, where the incursion initially commenced, small-scale confrontations erupted intermittently. However, these proved brief and localized, with Iolantan forces reportedly facing the overwhelming advance of Sorovian military forces and swiftly retreating as Sorovian land and air reinforcements bolstered their presence. These clashes, albeit localized, unscored the unpredictability of the situation and the risk for potential further escalation. Concerns among Iolantan citizens escalated as reports of armed confrontations between Sorovian and Iolantan security forces continued to surface, amplifying fears of a protracted armed conflict between the two nations.

The sporadic skirmishes concentrated in certain regions of the country where the incursion commenced continued through the night, sending shockwaves through local communities, also intensifying concerns of a growing military standoff. Residents posted videos and accounts of gunfire exchanges, the rumbling of heavy artillery, and the sounds of jet aircraft, sending fears to concerned residents. Meanwhile, communications from Iolanta's government appeared strained, impeding authorities' efforts to give out clear directives or coordinate a unified response against advancing Sorovian forces. The absence of a clear and coherent strategy from Iolanta's Ministry of Defence and government only added to the ability of Sorovian troops to advance further into the country.

The incursion of Sorovian force into Iolanta didn't just make a territorial incursion; it also reshaped the administrative landscape within the occupied territories. As Sorovian troops solidified their presence across various municipalities and local bodies, local authorities found themselves in an unprecedented predicament - having to operate under Sorovia. In towns and cities now under Sorovian control, the dynamics of governance underwent a major shift. Local leaders and administrators, previously responsible for the daily functioning of their communities, were suddenly compelled to navigate under Sorovian oversight. Reports of strained interactions between Sorovian military commanders and local officials surfaced. Many of these local leaders had actually been appointed by the Iolantan government themselves to keep a firm grip over the region. A delicate power balancing act these authorities faced became clearly noticeable, attempting to maintain a sense of normalcy under the eyes of Sorovian military command and Sorovian authorities in Korvola. Collaborating with the occupying Sorovian forces seemed to become a necessity for these officials, although only to ensure the continuation and essential services and their jobs, as Sorovian welfare services began to enter the region. The presence of Sorovian troops at key administrative and government buildings underscored the alteration in power structure, no longer was the Iolantan flag flying above them. Local authorities were left with the task of reconciling their duties to their communities with the directives given by Korvola.

Soon, Sorovian forces reached Kuusinimi. The entry of Sorovian troops into the regional capital and largest city in the region marked a pivotal moment in the unfolding crisis within Iolanta. As Sorovian forces marched deeper into the country, the capture of Kuusinimi became both a strategic and symbolic gesture to the incursion, something that would amplify shockwaves through the nation. Eyewitnesses recorded scenes of tension and apprehension in the city as Sorovian convoys rolled through the city streets, due to a portion of the residents being non-ethnic Sorovian upper-class individuals. The presence of Sorovian armored vehicles became an ominous reminder of the tense situation between Iolanta and Sorovia. Sorovian authorities soon assured residents that all would remain normal, however, the streets of the city bore quiet as many residents stayed home as shops around the city closed early. Armed Sorovian peacekeepers and infantry patrolled the streets of the city, ensuring any Iolantan military forces remaining in the city were properly disarmed. Many watched as Sorovian forces climbed to the roof of the local city legislative building, where the Iolantan flag was removed off the roof as the Sorovian flag was raised. Soon after, Sorovian welfare services arrived in the city, and proper food, water, and other supplies were delivered by Sorovian authorities.
 
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Youth protests shake several cities over immigration and religious debate

Members of the organized youth movement 'PUFFOR' begins protests in 14 cities around the country in response to a recent refugee acceptance wave

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Unrest continued throughout the country through the weekend and early into the weekday as protesters continue their march against recent government action to accept another wave of Iolanti refugees into the country. Up to a hundred mostly young people threw stones, set cars, tires, and rubbish bins on fire, and put up barriers to obstruct traffic throughout 14 cities around the country.

Scuffles and unrest were reported in Uhkala, where many refugees had set up home after being accepted into the country. Youth protesters quickly came to the streets on Friday evening, starting violent clashes between demonstrators and counter-protesters in Uhkala until local authorities could get the situation under control. Similar scenarios were also reported in Sarvlaks, Oswestry, and Vestersjø. Vestersjø police had to directly intervene in order to calm down the situation, despite this, police say that the situation still remains tense, adding that there were no reported injuries from the accident. Oswestry police fired rubber bullets and tear gas into crowds in the city-square after protesters had halted all traffic in the area after being pelted with stones.

Annukka Rovanperä, spokeswoman for the Sorovian National Police, said earlier in an interview that police would not attempt to revoke permission for the demonstrations around the country, claiming that due to Sorovia's respect for freedom of speech there is nothing that the country can do to stop groups of individuals from showing their stances on issues relating to immigration and religion.

In Korvola, hundreds of youth protesters met outside of Parliament and the streets of the city, demanding that the government listen to their pleas and take action against what they claimed as strong anti-Sorovian rhetoric from 'hostile refugee forces'. Riot police were called to the scene as threats of violence against refugees increased among the crowd, with 4 refugees being taken to local hospital after being stabbed in a Korvola metro station. Protesting would later take place in the central park of Lysekoster, where youth protesters would march from the park to the local municipality building, demanding action from local authorities.

Police have publicly stated that over 30 police officers and 19 members of the public had been injured in the violence directly correlating to the riots, with over 20 vehicles having been damaged or destroyed by protesters. In the Korvola suburb of Kvarnby, refugees were targeted by local protesters with fireworks and rocks, often chasing them while pelting them. Local authorities have said that several individuals had been hospitalized due to the incidents. Lysekoster police had to hose down protesters after a sharp uptick in violence between both protesters and counter-demonstrators, reporting that a handful of individuals had actually been stabbed to death by those affiliated with youth protesters around bus stops, metro stations, and streets. Further rioting began in Kausela, after an incident involving a refugee on a local streetcar would spark outrage among the youth movement, causing a sharp uptick in rioting starting on the Saturday.

According to police, these protesters also targeted local religious sites, businesses, and texts, with several cities including Lysekoster, Kausela, Lukana, and others reporting several petrol bombing attacks while in session. Protesters were also reported to have entered businesses owned by refugees who had been given entry by the state, only to wreck havoc and cause messes inside businesses by hand, launching fireworks, or tossing petrol bombs inside.

In recent statements given from the Prime Minister's office, Prime Minister Andersson urged youth protesters to come to their senses and stop the unrest and violence which was spreading throughout many of the country's cities. Andersson would condemn the acts of violence against refugees and migrants, where she reiterated that Sorovia does not condone the violence committed by the protesters.

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Religious based violence sees major uptick due to riots
Amidst the rioting and protesting taking place within the country, violence towards Iolanti refugees and those of the Mehrabist faith saw major upticks according to police. Police reported that officers had to directly follow behind Iolanti refugees who were believed to be being stalked by individuals who it was believed would have posed a direct threat. Authorities and hospitals around the country reported an uptick in stabbing incidents, mainly targeted towards refugees, with many of which being seriously injured or dying of their injuries. However, there would also be those who would not be rescued by Sorovian authorities in time, with some being directly killed by aggressors linked to the riots. Meanwhile, youth rioters would toss petrol bombs out of car windows and towards refugee businesses and places of worship. According to videos and reports taken by both demonstrators and police, rioters would throw anything from rocks to firing flare guns and fireworks at refugees, causing police to be forced to take action to break up crowds of demonstrators.

'PUFFOR' Sorovia's new nativist youth movement
The Sorovian youth movement known as "PUFFOR" has claimed most responsibility for damages and actions done in the protests and riots, many rioters were seen wearing patches or waving flags of the movement during demonstrations. "PUFFOR", short for "Puffin Force", is a youth movement started on the internet by disgruntled youths as a way to as they claim, "take action and fight for Sorovia". The movement would quickly grow during the Iolanti border crisis, where the movement would push out heavy anti-Iolanti and anti-Mehrabist posts throughout social media like 4um and twitcher. As the numbers of refugees from the crisis grew, the group would become more and more infuriated with the actions of the government, deciding to organize demonstrations around the country which would see thousands of youths take to the streets.

The movement would release its own statement soon after the start of protesting on Friday, sending several demands to authorities:

1. The restoration of sensible governance to support all Sorovian citizens and the will of the people.
2. The removal of refugees unfit to be in Sorovia, and the total withdrawal of government funds to refugee support programs.
3. The enforcing of anti-Mehrabist and integration of nativist policy into the occupied territory of Iolanta.

Republic silent officially, party leaders slammed by Andersson for distasteful remarks

Republic party official Johan Sihvonen was recently condemned by PM Andersson after several distasteful remarks about Mehrabist religious freedom in Sorovia. Sihvonen, a senior party official, was quick to put the religion on blast in a press conference in the wake of recent rioting across the country, as his party avoided publicly stating anything relating to the matter, Sihvonen would claim that the youth on the streets throughout the country were merely trying to protect the future of Sorovia and the safety for all of its citizens. Sihvonen would even come to saying that the country should praise youth rioters for taking more action than many members of his own party, claiming that they hadn't gone far enough, and that the government should begin seizures of religious sites like mosques for demolition on the basis of anti-Sorovian behavior, meanwhile, praising those who had attacked religious sites during the riots with petrol bombs and other objects.

Prime Minister Andersson would come to publicly put Sihvonen and other high ranking members of his party on blast, despite Republic being a member of her coalition government. Andersson would say in a recent statement, "This gives a terrible image for what Sorovia stands for internationally, and is totally distasteful. Sorovia will protect the right to express one's freedom of religion as per the democratic systems which have been the backbone of our nation's democracy."

Parliament to move forward with ban on religious schools as a "top-priority"
The country's major parties have all released statements expressing support for the banning of religious schools within the country in the near future, similar to the bans on religious schools seen in Esthursia. Ministry of Education and Research, in a press conference told media that the goal was to prohibit the establishment of so-called independent religious schools, this comes as parties claim that the move to ban religious schools is an attempt to keep Sorovia united. However, many groups claim that the legislation which is going to be passed by parliament is specifically targeting Mehrabist schools, Labour Party MP Julie Solem would deny these claims, stating that her party was "against all private schools", arguing that the state should run all educational institutions. National Coalition Party MP Laila Hynninen would say that claims of targeting of religious minorities under the pretext of a religious school ban was completely outrageous, stating that all claims of so where only attempts at causing more religious tension between individuals around the country in light of recent rioting. Despite opposition by several aforementioned groups, parliament seems keen on moving forward with legislation banning religious schools within a rather quick timeframe.
 
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