NationStates Jolt Archive

On KNN World Radio, an accentless and largely androgynous voice states the main items of the news:

"After a record 371 days of gruelling political negotiations and a snap election, Knootoss today finally hailed Andries Felderman as the new Prime Minister of the Dutch Democratic Republic. Gaining just fifty-three percent of the vote, Mr. Felderman is set to preside over a government consisting of Conservative, National-Liberal and Elvish ministers.

The incoming government has pledged to defend national cultural values, reform the military to take a more aggressive posture in world affairs, and to further incorporate Federation territories.

One of the first acts of the incoming Prime Minister will be to attend the First Western Atlantic Summit. The Prime Minister has announced that he hopes to expand the Excalbian diplomatic, economic and cooperation framework to include other regional partners. Also, in step with the desires of the parliamentary faction, he hopes to assert regional authority over international waters so that our citizens may be safer against terrorist attacks from abroad."

In other news, exit polls in the Pantocratorian .....

Intelligence Analysis - Incoming Knootian Prime Minister
Background
Andries Felderman is an elderly Knootian politician and statesman. Felderman was born in Rotterdam 73 years ago. He hails from middle class origins, as the son of a local innkeeper and beer distributor. Excellent scores got him into the universities of Rotterdam and Nijmegen, where he studied philosophy and literature and ultimately received a doctorate in economics.

At age 31 he founded the Knootian Manufacturers' Association and married the daughter of a wealthy Jewish businessman from his home town. Though he had initially worked in trade associations, Felderman soon became a leader of the Conservative Party in his home region and was elected to parliament, where he soon became a close associate of the party chairman. However, he disagreed with the most conservative party members and lost his parliamentary seat. He returned to business and founded the private Knootian-WBO Economic Association, succesfully returning to parliament on a Social Liberal Party ticket during the Vogels administrations.

Politics
Felderman's politics defy easy categorisation. He is generally considered one of the important behind-the-scenes leaders of Knootoss and (appeasing leftist concerns about his incoming government) is a staunch supporter of democracy and Knootian political traditions. However, the evolution of his political ideas appears somewhat erratic.

Felderman has traditionally been associated with the left wing of the conservatives. As the few remaining colonies of the Republic were being dismantled however, he gradually moved to the right, expressing his support of consolidation and Knootoss' expansionist goals. He was one of the proponents of expanding military capabilities in a time where this was extremely unpopular. He is noted as one of the first people in Knootian politics to envisage the economic integration of the Knootian Federation.

Felderman's continued association with the right ultimately led to his exclusion from the Social Liberal Party, leading him to found his own party, the Knootian People's Party. This party was composed of the right wing of the old Liberal Party. Gaining only three seats for a period of four years, its support came from middle class and upper class atheists. Its platform promoted secular education, a policy of lowering tariffs, extreme hostility to Marxism, opposition to welfare spending but acceptance of corporate subsides, and at best a grudging acceptance of previous democratic reforms.

Strength
After gaining only 53 percent of the popular vote in a snap election, Felderman is set to become the oldest reigning Prime Minister in almost a century. It is unknown whether he will be able to assert himself as a strong leader. Sceptics fear that he is merely a moderate figurehead for a more radical nationalist platform, however the power of the Prime Minister in the Knootian political system is significant and his keen mind for issues of policy should not be underestimated.

Not long after the election, the incoming Prime Minister received a call from Nicodemo Ranalte, the President of the Gull Flag Republic. Mr Ranalte spoke in very vague congratulatory terms, alluded to the work in international reconciliation that had began under Prime Minister Daatman, and expressed his deep-seated wish for Iansisle and Knootoss to remain good friends.

Mr Ranalte did not, of course, talk about the revolution in Noropia (a country bordering Iansisle) where Alice Callahan, a member of the exiled Iansislean royal family formerly under Valinon's protection at their embassy in Knootcap, had been captured.

Such a change was noted by the Austarian Intelligence Services, but silence from the government as such only produced more of its own. As such, the new Knootian Prime Minister was neither contacted nor congratulated, even by a de facto ally of the Dutch Democratic Republic on its southwestern border.

Not that this in itself was even meant to be a statement as such, but Knootoss in comparison to its former activity was but a shadow of what it once had been. The founder of KIST and once the subject of much controversy; VERITAS and a landborder on a continent much like Europe was the only shared link between them and the Unione of Capitalizt States of Austar Union anymore.

Lauru congratulates Felderman

Turei Lauru, Second Secretary of the PDSRA, has formally congratulated Prime Minister Andries Felderman on his electoral victory. Mr. Lauru wished his Knootian counterpart "all the best in whatever challenges may lie ahead", and re-affirmed Ariddia's "friendship towards the Knootian people and their nation".

Privately, of course, many in the PDSRA's State government are less than enthused with the result.

"We knew we could have cordial relations with the last government," Mr. Lauru admitted later. "I'm assuming we'll be able to talk to Mr. Felderman, but in all honesty I'm not sure he's going to want that same kind of close relationship between our countries."

My friends Knootoss has a new leader….a new path..a new Tack…or so they would want us to think…

My brothers and Sisters in Jesus Christ….let me tell you this…this “new” leadership of Andries Felderman is nothing more than the same old evil wrapped in a new shroud. My friends this new way is nothing more than the same evil we’ve always known!
Listen to me my friends….Andries Felderman is a servant of the Judeo-Metahuhumanic-Masonic Conspiracy that seeks to undermine the natural order. He is the running dog of the Metahumanism and liberalism. The Pig Felderman is part of the global plot against Humanity, the Church and Christianity.
The father of lies, Satan himself, is trying to fool us, trying to trick us…but we are strong…we can this through the lies!
Mr Andries Felderman we are not fooled!
Satan you have not fooled us!
We see through your insidious plots!
We are strong in the Lord and his power is might!
Say it with me….say it loudly…we denounce the devil….we denounce his works..we denounce his lies…we denounce his metahuman servants! we denounce his cowardly traitorous human servants! We denounce his filthy liberal servants! We denounce Knootoss!

Fredrick DeMulder. Host of the Weekly radio broadcast 'The Legion of Truth world wide'

President Kairis personally called Felderman to congratulate him on his victory. However, the victory of the National Liberals, with their Dutch nationalist philosophy, stirred certain sentiments in the dozen or so Confederal Members which were former Knootian colonies. Many in these Members and even in their governments wanted a closer connection with the home country and were willing to work with Felderman on the issue. A week or two after the election, the Confederal Ambassador formally requested that exploratory discussions on the matter of Knootian identity within the Confederated Peoples be held between the Knootians and a Confederal delegation consisting of representatives of the various Dutch speaking Members and led by former Secretary of Foreign Affairs Kathleen Weisenbaum.

The Qooi people feel it proper to send a celebratory gift basket. It shall contain items that one normally wouldn't buy, but as a gift they are sure nice.

Congratlations on the new goverment but it said he would reform the military but how will he do it and secondly do you allow nations to send thier poltical parties to you because my Legalist Party would to set up a chapter there

Crown Prince Ivan called Felderman to congratulate the incoming Knootian head of state. The young prince, acting as regent while his father is on the field of battle, talked about establishing formal relations with Knootoss and also offered friendship to Knootoss on behalf of his father, Emperor Alexander III.

The Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar sends her most heartfelt congratulations to Prime Minister Felderman on his well-earned victory in a long and hard-fought campaign. Knootoss has ever been a friend and ally of the Menelmacari people; we are heartened by the choice of the Knootian people and confident that Prime Minister Felderman will continue to act in the spirit of our ancient alliance.

~Lord Túrelio nos Fingolfin
Prefect of State
Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar

Someone in the Free Republic probably noticed the change of government, though at this point it did not even rate as an LNS news story.

The Democratic Dutch Republic is well below the radar of the Free Republic anymore, and after all the problems in the Klatchia are far more pressing than some new Knootian leader.

In the Knootcap Ambassador Nagy could barely be bothered to send a congratulation postcard, probably with something handwritten on it like 'Good luck, you'll need it.'

"The Little Tower"
The Hague, Knootoss

A little octagonal tower looking out over a lazy pond shaped around the inner court was probably the oldest office building in Knootoss. Certainly, compared to the mighty corporate headquarters that dotted the eternal suburban wasteland behind the Crown City, it was not a very luxurious place. But what the tower lacked in modern conveniences, it made up for in prestige. All the details, from the luxurious wooden panels to the old fashioned tapestries, seemed to have been left unchanged for centuries. Stately portraits of leaders from centuries past gazed down on whoever was fortunate enough to occupy it.

Prime Minister Andries Felderman was a man made to be put on such a portrait. Deep lines etched a thoughtful face, thin grey hairs reinforcing the carefully crafted image of an elderly statesman. He was an old man, and had been one even before the back-door power games of the Knootian modern republic propelled him into office. But great age, in the case of the tall and slender politician, had not diminished energy.

An desk had been cleared to make room for the transcripts of several official communiques, as well as a gift basket. Pacing behind the desk, Felderman, looked his advisors in the eye one by one before gesturing pointedly at the item: a basket full of items that one normally wouldn't buy.

"This" he intoned carefully "I what is left of our international prestige."

He lifted the basket, showing it around before putting it down again.

"The Austar Union made a big show of not congratulating us for taking government. Here is a plainly insulting note from the Vaadians. Even the usual congratulatory responses from our closest "friends" breathe caution. Here, a 'deep-seated wish to remain good friends'. Some half-hearted greetings from Ariddia, but you've heard their pundits." He looked around with piercing eyes, a wry smile etched on his face. "Only the propagandists of Iesus Christi seem to be passionate about our change of government either way. Old boogeymen work best, no?"

There were a few nods. One younger advisor spoke up.

"We did get a nice message from the Crown Prince of Magnus Valerius. And Menelmacar..."

The Prime Minister shrugged.

"The elves know how the game of diplomacy works, at least. Unlike the Austar government." He scowled. "No, gentlemen, I do believe it is time that we put ourselves back on the political map. This map, to be precise."

The old man walked over to a large interpretative map of the Western Atlantic region, with set-ins that included large sections of the multiverse. A considerable amount of landmass was shaded in red - areas which had been held by the Knootian Republic at some point, and areas with native Dutch-speaking populations. The advisors crowded around the map as Felderman picked up a wooden stick, tapping pedantically against the Resurgent Dream.

"The Confederal Ambassador has requested that we hold discussions on Knootian identity inside the Confederation. They're sending a delegation headed by one of their former Secretaries of Foreign Affairs...a Miss Weisenbaum. I want to maximise our influence in the Confederation. Political, cultural, economic. These peoples deserve to have some of their ties to the motherland restored. Second."

The pointer moved down south, towards a set-in that included Ale-Yarok and the surrounding federal mumbo-jumbo that made up the Greater Palestine area these days..

"As you know, the disappearance of the political hegemony in Western Asia has led to the establishment of weak Arab and Jewish statelets in the Greater Palestine area. The government has been completely ineffective and there has been ethnic fighting in several regions. This simmering conflict threatens our protectorate, as well as our interests in the wider region."

He paused for effect.

"I intend to restore the greatness of our Republic, gentlemen. We must do all we can to reunite the Dutch peoples under one banner. Excluding perhaps only those tucked into in Taraskovya. But..." his head tilted affectionately back towards the map. "It is on the road to Jerusalem that we will make our mark on history."

OOC: I’ve somehow managed to miss that… yay. I shall consider that the new PM came to power just at the time the Vasilevs appointed the Chancellor.

Taraskovyan Empire
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/SilverEagleCoA_Plain_Sm.gif

His Most August Majesty’s Government

His Excellency Andries Felderman, Prime Minister of the Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss
Concerning
Change of Knootian Leadership towards a Conservative leaning

Your Excellency,

In my capacity as Head of Government of the Taraskovyan Empire, allow me to congratulate you upon your stunning success in forming a Knootian government of conservative leaning. Such a development, despite the presence of overtly nationalist forces in the ruling coalition, can only be welcomed by Taraskovya, itself famed for being one of the bastions of conservatism in this world.

We are sure that this development shall allow the Empire and the Dutch Democratic Republic to enhance their already important cooperation to new levels.

I pray you to adhere to my sincerest congratulations,
Anna Muraviev-Apostol (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Namellar/GDT/Chancellor.png)
Channcelor of the Empire

As she stepped from her airplane, Kathleen Weisenbaum presented an air of unfasable poise. She stood taller than the vast majority of other women and even many men and the odd touch of gray was just starting to appear in her naturally blond hair. She was dressed in a conservative brown suit with a skirt down to mid-calf. It was clear from her attire, her air and the reserved but respectful look in her deep blue eyes as she regarded her Knootian welcome party that she was here for substantive business. She smiled and extended her hand, speaking in perfect Dutch, “Good afternoon, I’m Kathleen Weisenbaum. This are Edsilia Dahm of the Dutch Gulf Islands, Nanno Oberholtzer of Ojeda, Regino Gabbiadini of New Holland and Faas Maart of Corral.”

Dahm stepped forward first, smiling warmly. She was an older woman and the years had not been especially kind. She had something of a frumpy figure and her hairstyle was rather dated with her graying black hair almost piled on top of her head. She had a slightly darker cast to her skin than one would expect from a Dutch woman, something most people chalked up to a long line of historical intermarriages between the descendents of the original Knootian settlers in the Gulf Islands and the Vasconian Indians native to them. However, in truth, Dahm came by her complexion through her mother, an Arab Christian who had immigrated to the Dutch Gulf Islands decades ago, when they were still but a part of a Nabarran province. She extended her hand with a grandmotherly smile, “It’s a pleasure. I’ve been to Knootoss before but I’ve never had a chance to formally honor the Knootian heritage of my home Member before this.”

Oberholtzer stepped forward next. He was a moderately muscularly man, dressed in a dark blue business suit. He looked to be in his late fifties or early sixties and his bald, suntanned head was still surrounded by a ring of silver hair. He had a square jaw and wore a pair of thin glasses over his dark brown eyes. His smile was a little more wary as he extended his hand, “Good to be here.”

Gabbiadini was a relatively short, bald man with gray hair and a wide smile. He was clearly the oldest of the deputies. He wore a black suit in the Italian style. He stepped forward with a certain casual ease the others lacked, offering his hand, “Thank you very much for allowing us to come here. In New Holland, we have a diverse tradition and the original Knootian settlers are an important part of that tradition.”

Faas Maart was a plump man in a dark blue suit. He had dirty blond hair and wore a pair of fairly thick glasses. Unlike the other two men, he still had all of his hair and he wore a genuinely jovial grin as he extended a meaty hand, “Glad to be here!”

Official Communique of the Freethinker Government

In a gesture on behalf of the combined government houses and the office of the Prime Minister and King Percival the Fourth we wish to extend our sincere congratulations on your acension to the Premiership of the Dutch Democratic Republic.

Bringing the Federations political mainstream closer to our own, we are plased to offer a hand of friendship to the new government and hope with this fresh start that the relationship between our two governments can reach its previous heights and evolve beyond what it once was.

Based on shared values of belief in both the vitality of the state and the freedom of the individual we believ there is significant opportunity to strengthen our ties, economic, political, and social, and hope that the future reaps the rewards of the reemergence of the Federation onto the international scene.

We look on with interest, and wish you and your government the best of luck.

Strength, Honour, Courage, Unity

Sir Theodore Barham,
Prime Minister of His Majesty's Government of the Freethinker Commonwealth.

The change in government in the ally across the channel* is noted, and the customary response is sent. Tiburon (and Tiburonese) are by no means fans of quite a few forms of conservatism, but there are some that are in fact actually rather palatable. The best approach at this point would be presumably to wait and see what came of this administration.

[Sent Via D-Net]
[To: Prime Minister Andries Felderman, the Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss]
[From: President Alan Hernando Garcia, the United Solaris Federation of Tiburon]
[Subject: The New Government of Knootoss]
[Classification: Declassified]

Prime Minister Felderman,

The United Solaris Federation of Tiburon would like to congradulate you for your victory in the recent Knootian elections. We trust that your administration will continue to foster the close, friendly, and allied relations that the Knootian and Tiburonese people have enjoyed throughout the ages. We wish your administration well on its endeavours, and we look forward to working with your government in the future.

Sincerely,
President Alan Hernando Garcia,
The United Solaris Federation of Tiburon

*-English Channel.

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Xirniumite PM congratulates Felderman

Nov 9th 2007 | VARGÁRLAITH
From the Intelligencer print edition

Newly reelected Xirniumite prime minister Heather Gildá has personally congratulated Andries Felderman on his coalition’s election victory and welcomed his intention to attend and play a constructive role in an upcoming regional summit on Europe-Atlantic affairs.

The prime minister telephoned Mr Felderman from the Ambâlievan capital of Vargárlaith, traditionally the first port of call for visiting Xirniumite prime ministers in their new term, as soon as the election result had been confirmed for observers abroad.

‘I have had a chat with prime minister-elect Andries Felderman and congratulated him on his election,’ Heather Gildá explained to waiting journalists shortly after the call. ‘We touched on a range of issues, including the West Atlantic conference, which he indicated he was looking forward to attending, and climate change,’ she added, the latter comment particularly aimed at appeasing her own constituency.

In her statement Heather Gildá also paid tribute to outgoing Knootian prime minister Jan Daatman.

Heather Gildá, who politically at least is a world away from Mr Felderman as parliamentary leader of the socialist Progressive Party, apparently briefly raised global security as another area that might benefit from greater cooperation. No mention was made to the press of the Knootian Republic’s changing relationship towards her federal territories.

A spokesperson for the prime minister indicated that the conversation between the two leaders had been ‘very positive, very cordial ... the two got on well and he thanked her warmly for her congratulations. The prime minister indicated she looked forward to working with the new Knootian government.’

‘Heather Gildá has every confidence in forging a relationship with prime minister-elect Felderman that will be one of unprecedented closeness in the history of The Hague-Närväryn affairs,’ she said. How much of this is mere politeness or mandarin effusion remains to be seen.