NationStates Jolt Archive

The Parliamentarian

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"In a startling move last night, Foreign Secretary the Rt. Hon. Sir Tiberius Polax, MP announced to the Praetonian and foreign media that he intended to break away from the Liberal Imperialist Party with a large number of supports to form a new liberal-capitalist "Tory Party". He claimed that this announcement came after last-ditch negotiations with Party Chairman and Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Lucius Agrippa, MP, collapsed just minutes before.

"Some political analysts claim that the Liberal Imperial Party has been breaking up beneath the surface for some time now, with the neo-Capitalist "Tory Wing" forcing policies through Parliament to strong objections from the Social Democrat leaning "Centrist Wing" of the party and that, although unprecendented in Praetonian politics, this announcement should not have come as such a suprise.

"The Foreign Secretary stated that both sides have agreed to keep the Government intact until fresh elections can be held, as neither side is currently capable of forming a majority in Parliament even in the form of aTory-Imperial Monarchist coalition, although in practice the Liberal Imperialist Party has already split, and no bills voted on until the next Parliament shall be granted Royal Assent.

"Lucius Agrippa has stated that only 257 MPs remain loyal, leaving the "Tory" branch of the Party with over 300 and a majority within the Party. The Prime Minister also stated that his branch would not be giving up the Liberal Imperialist name:

'As far as I am concerned, they have chosen of their own accord to leave the Party and form a new one. The name stays with its originator party, which is still full in existance. If they wish to call themselves the 'Tory Party' then I have no objections, but if they attempt to befuddle the voters by stealing or slightly varying the Liberal Imperialist name for their own uses, I will be forced to ballot the Party on legal action.'

"Sir Tiberius's counterstatement retorted that there was no question of them taking the Liberal Imperialist name:

'The Right Honourable Member has nothing to fear over his Party's name. We no longer wish to be associated with the Liberal Imperialist Party which we feel has drifted from its key values towards a more Socialist agenda. Our provision name will be the 'Liberal Party' awaiting a ballot to confirm they choice, but I fear that the 'Tory' colloquialism may stick, and so we may be forced to grant it semi-official status'

"The new Party will follow a strong liberal-capitalist line, with recent press releases drawing heavily from the works of John Locke and other Liberal thinkers of the 19th Century. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary stated via his website several days ago that he stands for:

'The privatisation of public services, the end to centuries of Government monopolies on raw materials and defence and the emergence of the Praetonia as one of the pre-eminent economic powers in the world. The first and second phases of economic growth have been achieved by the Liberal Imperialist agenda, but there is only one way forwards now and we must not allow ourselves to stagnate.'

"The Prime Minister, however, has stated conclusively that his Party will not be altering its manifesto in order to counter the new "Tory" threat, and that it still remains committed to the welfare state and Government ownship of 'Strategic Industries'. The other parties have expressed mixed feelings on the move. The leader of the Imperial Monarchist Party, Lord Sheriva, said yesterday that:

'While we welcome the new Capitalist Concensus put forward by the new Tory faction, we worry about that the new party, which is decidedly against increasing the power of the Monarchy and aristocracy, will take votes from the Imperial Monarchists, resulting in a gross misrepresentation of Praetonian public opinion on this issue. We wish to discuss a compromise deal with the Tories in exchange for our support.'

"Firebrand Segmentum Praetonialis Communist Party leader, Farria Caronus, who has been banned form standing as a candidate due to his convictions for Criminal Damage and Unlawfully Endangering Human Life following the detonation of a 72kg bomb outside the Headquarters of Imperial Oil & Gas four years ago, also commented on the news:

'This new announcement from the capitalists in the LIP is a worrying step backwards in Praetonian politics, with a move of money-grabbing capitalism from the fringes of a single party in the political mainstream. We will not cease the fight on behalf of the exploited and underrepresented workers of this penal colony and elsewhere in the Commonwealth, and I expect to see an upsurge in the Communist vote in response to this new threat.'

"His Majesty the King is expected to dissolve Parliament and call an election later this week and then the real battle will be joined between two competing ideologies each of which believes it will bring prosperity and happiness to the nation and to the Commonwealth. Current polls are suggesting that the incumbent Liberal Imperialist administration has a slight edge, even taking into account a possible coalition deal between the Imperial Monarchist and Tory Parties, but all is still to be played for and the Tories will doubtless work their hardest to ensure that their new philosophy is given a fair hearing."

Party Manifestos

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Liberal Imperialist Party - Incumbent

- Increased spending on the welfare state.
- Continuance of state control of 'Strategic Industries' including oil, gas, uranium, gold, steel and titanium.
- Steady defence spending (8.5% of GDP).
- Isolationist foreign policy with colonialism restricted to previously uninhabited land.
- Limitted power of the Monarchy and aristocracy.
- Continued focus on navy for defence and offense.
- Steady reduction in nuclear warhead numbers.
- Move towards federal Commonwealth for colonies.

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Liberal-Tory Party

- Privatisation of NHS with Government health insurance for the poor.
- Reudced welfare spending.
- Reduced, flat tax (20%).
- Privatisation of all 'Strategic Industries' including Imperial Praetonian Ordnance.
- Increased defence spending (12.5% of GDP)
- Increased, but controlled, power of the Monarchy and aristocracy.
- Cemented Praetonian power over colonies.
- Expansionist, nationalist foreign policy.
- Increase in the strategic deterrent.
- Increased investment in the army and airforce as an offensive tool.

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Imperial Monarchist Party

- Privatisation of all industries.
- Abolishion of the welfare state.
- All power to be vested in the Monarchy and House of Lords with Parliament acting as a council of advisors.
- Aggressive expansion of colonies.
- Increase in the strategic deterrent.
- Increase in defence spending (18% of GDP)
- Absolute Praetonian power over colonies with local Governments abolished.

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Communist Party of Praetonia

- Increased spending on the welfare state.
- Increased taxation (85%) with focus on the rich and corporations.
- Equalisation of pay across professions.
- Positive discrimination in all areas.
- Increased state control over industries.
- Proportional representation and the abolishion of the Monarchy and desturction of the aristocracy.
- Reduction of defence spending (5% of GDP) with focus on defence and intervention in the name of the People of foreign states.
- Internationalist attidue with massive aid packages to poorer nations.
- Abolishion of the nuclear deterrent.
- Independence for all colonies without referrenda.

Woodstock Daily Mail

Party split brings 'environment of change' to Praeton

PRAETON (ASP) -- Following the Gholgoth Wars, the government of the Democratic Imperium of Praetonia has faced what political scientists here are calling "a defining moment" in that nation's history. Deputy Senior Vice President and External Affairs Officer Grant Haffner today called the announced split of the Liberal Imperialist party in Praetonia "the manifestation of months of unrest" as the split was officially announced in the Praetonian publication "The Parliamentarian."

"We've seen events in the three Allied countries after the Gholgoth Wars have varying effects on those nations," Haffner said. "The nuclear destruction of Hogsweat through a major error in the self defence grid and now the dissolution of the Liberal Imperialist Party in Praetonia have all been major events in those nations after the wars."

Sarzonian foreign policy officials have declined comment on the effects of the split on Praeto-Sarzonian relations, but have noted that the Liberal Imperialist Party in Sarzonia had to undergo two name changes before it could gain more than minor influence in Sarzonia.

"First, the party named itself the Sarzonia Union Party, but that made us look fascist in the minds of some," new Speaker of the House of Delegates Connie Jacobi (Endymion) said. "After that, we adopted the name Progressive Party. That seemed to take hold with people who thought of nationalism and imperialism as dirty words."

None of Sarzonia's political parties holds a majority of the population as registered voters, but the Progressive Party finally earned more than a token membership after the second name change and finally seized enough influential votes to install Jacobi as House Speaker following the term limit expiration of former Speaker and Liberal Party stalwart Josh Williams. The coalition between the Moderates, Indpendents and Progressives was enough to gain Jacobi the spot as House Speaker.

"Our fates are only partly tied to those of the mother party in Praeton," Jacobi said. "We share many of the same views, but the war hasn't had the same effect on us that it had in Praeton or in Dorsalgrad."

To wit, following the Sandstone Accords, the streets of several major cities in Sarzonia rang out with the cheers of victory parades after the Sarzonian military fought fiercely against Panteran incursion into Branwyn. An army that was considered a worldwide laughingstock saw its popularity increase dramatically after the war and Vice President for Defence John Newman met with Air Force Chief Bill Lighton to discuss the establishment of a Home Guard with increasing applications into all branches of the military.

"The war was a draw," said Syosset State University political science professor Thomas Regier. "But not all draws are created equal. This one felt like a victory since the Sarzonians dealt the Panterans some hard blows. It's going to bring the Liberal Imperialist faction in Sarzonia new favour."

One difference with the Liberal Imperialist faction in Praetonia from the Progressive Party in Sarzonia is the Progressive Party's adopting increased spending in the army and air force as offensive arms of the Sarzonian military. Whereas the Progressive Party still advocates the Incorporated Sarzonian Navy increase "proportionately," they also see the need for the Incorporated Sarzonian Army and the Incorporated Sarzonian Air Force to increase.

"We saw in Inkana that we can't win all our wars with one strong branch of the military," Jacobi said. "But we saw in Branwyn what strength in all three branches can do, especially with a unified command structure and the determination of defending our homelands working in our favour."

The Grey House, Dowland City

As General Crombie and his aides filed out of the Oval Office, followed by the Vice-President, President Martin sighed deeply, before moving to his desk. He rubbed a palm over the soft, worn wood, before sitting down. The red boxes loomed before him on the desk, constant harbingers of bad news, and the ever-present flow of bureaucracy represented by the forms that always needed signatures, no matter how dull or pointless the tasks that they themselves represented.

Xavier pinched the bridge of his nose and breathed, slowly. The pounding in his head seemed to go away, though he knew that that would only be a temporary thing. Still, it was better than a kick in the teeth, as his father used to say. Eyeing the small glass decanter on the edge of the desk, he fought the temptation to start working and instead pulled over a glass and the decanter. He popped open the top and poured out a full measure of the pale amber liquid it contained. He put the decanter back in its proper place, then raised the glass. He closed his eyes for a second, then downed the entire glass at once. His vision blurred, and he began coughing violently for a second. He dropped the glass onto the desk, none too gently, and hit his chest with the palm of his hand. The coughing fit subsided, and the blurriness in his vision receded.

Medication taken for the moment, Xavier pulled one of the boxes towards him, opening the clasp and pulling at the upper-most file. Instead of the usual buff mainilla folder the boxes usually contained, and the rarer green ones that denoted military action, he pulled out a newspaper. Frowning, he opened it to its full size; the words Woodstock Daily Mail gave him an idea of where the paper had come from. However, the headlines in large black type caught his attention the most. "Party split brings 'environment of change' to Praeton", screamed the headline. Xavier browsed through the article, noting the clarity of its writing, before placing it back in the box. Below the paper was an actual manilla folder, containing within it an intelligence summary of the four new parties that had assembled with the schism from the Liberal Imperialist main party.

He shook his head, and poured another glass of whisky, following the liquid with several painkillers, small white pills that made him wretch but did the trick. The headache that had been threatening to resume its tirade faded away for good, and he resumed reading. The split worried him; Praetonia was one of the Grand Republics greatest allies, as well as one of the most powerful. To see its political structure split apart and fractured as it had been worried him - there was no way that he would lose such a good ally to such pathetic political squabbles. A strong leader was needed for each country, especially in Haven in such troubled times. Thus, several things would be set into motion. The first, and most public, was a statement supporting the Liberal Imperialist Party whole-heartedly by the Grand Republic. But that was mere window-dressing to the main plan.

Taking up a pen and a piece of cream paper, Xavier took a memo down to send to the Republican Intelligence Agency. In it, he asked for the names of the leaders of each Praetonian political party, apart from the Liberal Imperialists, and their biographies. Nothing illegal so far, but the next part most likely was. He paused for a moment, then continued. "...It would also be convienient if the locations of these individuals, both residential and working, were to be located through covert means, as well as their daily schedules. Any defenses these locations might possess, as well as any protection provided by the Praetonian government for these indivduals, in the form of bodyguards, for example, would be greatly appreciated..."

It was done. He folded the piece of paper over and placed it in the red box, where it would be found and processed. Such a task was daunting, and would only be put into action with his express authority; but if the situation in Praetonia seemed liable to fragment further, and the Liberal Imperialists lose power, then he would take every action to see it that they remained in power...

The Parliamentarian

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"Parliament Dissolved, but for How Long? His Majesty the King (rex, imp.) has officially announced that Parliament is dissolved until new elections are held in one month's time. With both sides of the LIP-LTP divide claiming the moral and patriotic high ground in the dispute, the coming campaign is expected to be bloody. In Segmentum Praetonialis, with the popular Communist Party organising mass rallies denouncing the Liberal-Tory Party as the final nail in the coffin of the so-called 'Commonwealth Proletariat', this analysis may prove more litteral than most have intended intended.

"Indeed, with the Prime Minister's lead in the polls disappearing beneath his feet and his rival, the Foreign Secretary, picking up points at every turn, the election campaign in Praetonia proper is likely to get nasty. Many, however, believe that the problems run deeper than politics, and that they will only truely be solved if a clear victor arises. LTP MP, Sir Carrilus Marius was quoted as saying yesterday,

'The Battle for the Cariya Islands has had a major effect on the Praetonian psyche. In terms of military hardware, we won - naval losses were pretty much equal but the Imperial Flying Corps destroyed a large number of unescorted enemy bombers. In strategic terms, however, we conclusively failed to meet our stated objective - defend the Cariya Islands. Indeed, questions remain to be answered concerning why our Discus and Javelin missile systems failed to even fire against the Automagfreek nuclear warhead.

'The incident showed that our navy is not invincible. I dont think that anyone in the defence industry thinks that that is true of any service branch anywhere in the world, but the Imperial Navy has the kind of majestic aura surrounding it that makes people expect miracles. If public confidence is to be restored, we need a strong Government. The Liberal Imperialist Party will be strong in spending our wealth inside the country, and we will become insular. A Liberal-Tory Government would rebuild our international reputation.'

"There is a very real possiblity that the MP's assumption that a strong Government will emerge will turn out to be incorrect. If the Liberal-Tory Party are forced into coalition with the Imperial Monarchist Party, or worse yet if there is a hung Parliament, then the agenda which eventually gets forced through is likely to be a watered down mixture of both, and most political analysts on both sides agree that this would be the worst possible outcome. The LIP Minister for Transport commented,

'If neither Party wins the coming election, the public will be sending a strong message to us both that neither vision is particularly liked. This will open up a massive gulf that the fringe parties, the Communists and the Monarchists, may be able to fill, and once you start going down that route a country can become highly unstable very quickly. If the Tories win the coming vote, I will accept that as the will of the people and wait until next time. Sadly, some of my colleagues may not agree.'

"Elsewhere on the political scene, Liberal-Tory and Imperial Monarchist Party officials have announced a provisional deal which would see a future LTP Government vote in favour of an increased role for the Monarchy in exchange for the IMP joining the LTP in a coalition which would take effect whether or not the vote results in a hung Parliament. Many in the LTP have expressed unease at the deal, but there have been no major problems from LTP members, and polls show that the agreement is acceptable to most potential LTP voters."

Official Statement of the Grand Republic

The President, united alongside the Parliament of the Grand Republic, will stand firm in the belief that the Liberal Imperialist Party is the only party meant for Praetoria. As such, the Grand Republic will be supporting the LIP in several ways. Firstly, the Grand Republic will be supporting the LIP economically through federal grants sent directly to the LIP party coffers to the tune of several hundred billion Universal State Dollars. Secondly, a group of Grand Republican MPs from the governmental party, the Conservatives, will be sent to Praetonia to campaign for the Liberal Imperialist Party through dinners, speeches and general campaigns

The nationstate of Praetonia and its Liberal Imperialist government has long been a faithful ally of the Grand Republic. This government is determined to see the LIP returned to its proper place, as ruling party of the Praetonian government.

The Parliamentarian

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"Liberal Imperialist Campaign Marred by 'Electoral Fraud' Gaffe Leading Liberal-Tory, Imperial Monarchist and Communist Party officials have attacked 'Liberal Imperialist sleaze' surrounding a massive donation allegedly made by the Government of the Grand Republic of Skinny87. Several independent bodies have also attacked the donation, which was blocked by the Imperial Electoral Commission, including Democracy Watch, Veritas Politicus and the Commission for the Furtherment of Praetonian Liberty.

"The donation was announced in an official statement made by the foreign Government on behalf of the Liberal Imperialist Party and allegedly at the behest of the governing Party in Skinny87. All three facts have been attacked widely as 'scandalous' and 'shocking'. Liberal-Tory MP commented on the situation:

'It is a tragic day that a foreign power believes that it may influence the course of a Praetonian election with impunity, and it just goes to show that the Liberal Imperialist Party, losing ground in the polls, have gone scrabbling to their foreign contacts for help. I hope that the Praetonian people see through this petty deception as we have done. May justice and liberty be served.'

"The Liberal Imperialist Party, however, has denied any wrong doing. A visibly shaken Lucius Agrippa said in a statement delivered to a mass of protestors in Parliament square that,

'To my knowledge, no one in the Liberal Imperialist Party requested this donation and it was not accepted. We are grateful for the swift actions of the Imperial Electoral Commission in blocking it, and if it turns out that any members of the Liberal Imperialist Party were involved in this incident, they will be expelled from the party without hesitation. This donation has done us more harm than good - I dont see how anyone could think we had anything to do with this.'

"The Imperial Electoral Commission, acting in accordance with the law regarding electoral fraud and other 'Crimes Against the Liberty of the People', have published the letter written to inform the Grand Republican Party of the seizure of donated funds:

'Dear Sir,

I would like to bring it to your attention that the donations that you have announced your Government's intention to make to the Liberal Imperialist Party (Pr.) are illegal under the Electoral Fairness Act, 1845, which prohibits any Government, state or foreign individual from donating to a Praetonian political Party. In accordance with the aforementioned Act, all donated funds have been seized, and will be dealt with in a manner which is yet to be determined.

In addition, in the interests of a fair election for the people of Praetonia and Her Commonwealth, you would have my most sincerely gratitude if you would refrain from publicly expressing support for one or the other parties, although you should also be aware that it is not in the perview of any Praetonian body to prevent private individuals from expressing their views by means of straight communication.

I hope you understand that it is in the interests of all those whose belief in Praetonian democracy is true and uncorrupted that Praetonian elections of all sorts are fair and are seen to be fair, and for that reason I am forced, but the aforementioned act, to release this message to the world's press. I apologise for any fault on the part of my Government for not making the existance of this legislation clear, and we understand that it appears to be an international norm for states to interfere with the internal workings of the elections of one another, but that does not happen in Praetonia.

Yours faithfully,

Lord Crassus Timalius,
Director of the Imperial Electoral Commission'

"Whether or not the Liberal Imperialist Party requested the donation and support of the Grand Republic, this massive gaffe has undeniably damaged their election campaign, possibly beyond repair. The LIP leadership have indicated firmly, however, that they are not out of the fight yet and it remains to be seen whether or not they will be able to recover in the two weeks remaining until the election."

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Please, no, Tiberius
A split within Praetonia's governing party has the
potential to push the country down the wrong road

From The Economist print edition, week of 19 November


TIMIOCATO, with correspondence from PRAETON

Months of political unrest within the chambered halls of the Democratic Imperium of Praetonia has led to the worst-case scenario, in the eyes of many: a full split within the ruling Liberal Imperialist Party. Now, Praetonians are left with a governing party that is less than half of its pre-split self and a new liberal-capitalist alternative that scurried away with the support of a majority of the old LIP. For incumbent prime minister Lucius Agrippa, things are getting worse at every corner rounded and every issue faced.

The man responsible: his foreign secretary, Tiberius Polax, one of the more intellectual minds of the capitalist faction of the Liberal Imperialist Party. With his new Liberal-Tory Party, a force more likely to relate to Praetonian political beliefs than the LIP has ever done, Polax and his 299 in-parliament supporters now hold the most seats in the Imperial Parliament, the Democratic Imperium's main legislative body. Compare that to the 257 Mr Agrippa is left with, and one can easily see the problem: it's election time, whether Praetonians like it or not.

Then again, it seems a few Praetonians are itching to get to the polls to oust Agrippa - many have been left with a bad taste in their mouth with the LIP's stances on certain facets of governance, such as increased spending on welfare, a rather low defence spending rate per GDP for a nation seen as a military power, and Praetonia's non-interventionist foreign policy. Mr Agrippa is nowhere near a lame duck or incompetent when it comes to governing the nation, for Praetonia has seen a large jump in economic stability and growth under his watch. However, the main faction responsible for that is none other than the old Tory faction of the LIP, now the Liberal-Tory Party.

The split should have no effect on the attempt at restoring Pacitalian-Sarzonian relations. The conference is to be held in Praeton, but it was Polax who publicly announced the offer at the behest of Agrippa. Thus, regardless of the result and the winner, it will be clear that the talks would still be a go. If not, Space Union and controversial president Harsimran Mann would be willing to pick up where Praetonia left off.

Whatever the case, election season is just around the corner and some fierce battles are ready to take centre stage in the Democratic Imperium. The principal one is, of course, going to be between Mr Agrippa and Mr Polax, as they battle to take long-term control of the Parliament and implement their desired policies within government and upon the country. Praetonians, who long supported the Liberal Imperialists and already had a tough time at national elections making up their minds will be left crackwhipped and dumbfounded at these next polls as Praetonian politics become further divisive and non-complimentary.

Woodstock Daily Mail

Sarzo calls for 'civility' in Praetonian row

by Jesse Lundquist
Daily Mail Staff Writer

Making a rare public speech on the foreign affairs of a Sarzonian ally, Presidnet Mike Sarzo today called on the divided factions of the Liberal Imperialist Party in Praetonia to "debate with civility" and to prevent a "potentially fatal divide" from ripping the nation apart.

"We stand in utter disbelief that internal matters in a nation that has long held a worldwide reputation for maturity have devolved into such an unfortunate series of events," Sarzo said in a speech at the Gray House Press Room that was broadcast on SNN and given to Praetonian news networks for broadcast on exclusive license. "We call upon the various factions led by Prime Minister Lucius Agrippa and Foreign Minister Tiberius Polax among others to debate with civility and to unite the Democratic Imperium of Praetonia, not divide it."

Sarzo said he was making his unusual public statement regarding Praetonian internal politics to show support for Praetonia as a whole, not any particular political party.

"We would not appreciate direct interference in our elective process from any foreign power," Sarzo said. "Our nation prides itself on the close relationship it enjoys with Praetonia. We would hope that relationship remains for all time."

Conservative Senator Brian Delgado (Cooke) questioned Sarzo's motives for making the rare speech about an ally's "internal political matters."

"You've got to think Sarzo's got something up his sleeve," Delgado said. "Sarzonia doesn't interfere in internal matters unless genocide's involved. This is hypocritical on Sarzo's part."

House Speaker Connie Jacobi (Progressive-Endymion) blasted Delgado's comment, saying "Sarzo's just showing he's keeping an eye on Praetonia. We'd be ignorant if we didn't."

The External Affairs Office declined comment on Sarzo's speech or Delgado's reaction.

[OOC: Pac, Segmentum Praetonialist is a rather obscure colony of Praetonia which produces raw mateirals. Sorry for the misunderstanding. My legislative body is just called the Imperial Parliament, although I may come up with some more interesting name for it later.]

The Parliamentarian

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"Sarzo 'Premature' says Liberal-Tory Leadership. The Governing body of the Liberal-Tory Party - the Representative Directorate - has issued a statement condemned well-regarded Sarzonian President's words as 'premature'. Although the Directorate was critical of the attacks made against both of the embattled former LIP Parties, it was careful not to attack the popular figure directly,

'We believe that President Sarzo's words may have been a little premature. Praetonians everywhere have begun to feel that Praetonian politics is changing, and the Liberal-Tory Party is a representation of the new 'Patriotic Capitalist' mood emerging in our country today. We would much rather be the country were governed well than in unity - but in two weeks the people of Praetonia have the chance to demand both.'

"The Directorate did, however, admit that it was quite possible that the President may be right. The Directorate spokseman making the announcement later continued:

'If, however, the people of Praetonia return a divided verdict on who would be best to run the country, we may have to revisit the President's words and give them a little more thought. Whilst we think temporary disunity is vital for a democracy to function, potentially permanent disunity is merely dangerous. We may be forced to enter negotiations with Prime Minister Agrippa's Party should a hung Parliament be returned.'

"Several non-Governmental organisations, however, were far less impressed by the President's words and far less guarded in their attacks. The Chairman of a radical right-wing think-tank, the Society for a Greater Imperial Praetonia, was quoted on record as saying yesterday that:

'If the Skinny87 incident has taught us anything, it's that foreigners should keep their noses out of Praetonian politics. They dont understand what's going on, and all they seem to want to do is maintain the status quo. That isnt what happens in a democracy. Any free state is by nature disunited because people do not always share the same views, and that is a think to be welcome; not rejected. I do not see this 'immaturity' that Mr Sarzo speaks of. I presume that there are contested elections in Sarzonia also...?"

"The Chairman's views were not, however, shared by a similarly radical left-wing think-tank, the Campaign for a Social Nation, who (in a rare gesture) welcomed the statements made by Sarzonia and the donation made by the Grand Republic of Skinny87. A press release that appeared on their website yesterday stated:

'We welcome 'foreign interferance' in Praetonian politics. It's time that Praetonians learnt that they are not alone in the world, and that they are not the only people with a stake in the outcome of our elections. It is shameful that there are no mainstream internationalist parties, and that all legislation seems to be stacked against foreigners stating their case - almost every other nation welcomes partisan foreign comments on the progress of their elections.'

"Quite aside from the elections themselves, this incident has caused rifts in Praetonian society quite aside from political ones. Most political analysts are welcoming these 'exciting new times' in which they alledge real change can be made for the better and that Praetonia can 'at last break free of the moribund cycle of LIP victory after LIP victory'.

"Others, however, see this as a dangerous new element to a sleepy Praetonian society previously only passively concerned with issues of high politics. Regardless of the eventual outcome of this first round in the 'Battle for Praetonia' - as it has been dubbed - the fabric of Praetonian society has been changed, and the old shall never come again."

Grand Republican Parliament Session - 19th November, 2005

The voice of nearly five hundred men and women filled the vast debating Chamber of the House of Commons. Sat on the green baize chairs, or in many instance on their feet, Members of Parliaments for all three parties debated, shouted, and even screamed at each other in several cases. Tempers were flared over the public statement released by the President which had presumed that the entire Parliament supported his stance on the supporting of the Liberal Imperialist Party in Praetonia.

The noise seemed to reach a crescendo within minutes, and it became a dull roar that made any intelligible discourse pointless. Suddenly, the loud thud of the Speakers gavel, amplified by the speakers positioned throughout the Chamber, rang out. Three thuds echoed through the Chamber, speakers vibrating from the force of the blows. The voice of the Speaker followed the gavel. "I...willl...have...order!", the Speaker shouted, face turning a dull red as he did so. Shamefaced, many of the MPs stopped what they were doing and sat down. A further gavel strike meant that the rest followed suit. The Speaker then turned to the President, and nodded for him to continue the speech that he had been giving when the shouting had begun.

President Martin tugged absentmindedly at his suit collar, tie already undone, and began speaking again in a slightly high-pitched voice. "Members of Parliament. The statement that I released to the press was one of good faith, judged to create a stabilising political atmosphere in Praetonia and aid in the reconciliation of the political strife occuring in that country at this very moment..." The rest of the speech, whatever there was left to say, was drowned out by the angry shouting of the Opposition MPs opposite him, as well as an unnerving number of Conservative MPs behind and beside the President himself. Martin began to speak again, but was shouted down by the leader of the Opposition, Liberal MP Tanya Florrax.

"Mr President. Mr President. How can you possibly say that this statement, which was not put to this Parliament or even debated upon, which is in itself a flagrant breach of protocol and a dangerous sign, has eased tensions in Praetonia?" She picked up a paper flimsy and waved it in the air, like a matador to a bull - only this time, the Matador was in control. "I have just recieved a copy of this letter from the Praetonian government - a copy, I will add, that was blocked by the Foreign Office and had to be sent to me by a friend in the Praetonian Communist Party - which states that not only did your statement not ease tensions, but was also illegal under several different laws. I call upon yourself to explain why you created and sent off this letter!"

Sweat now freely running down his forehead and onto his open suit, the President glared at Florrax for a moment, before thumping a fist onto the podium, silencing both Florrax and many of the vocal MPs. "I...I am the President of this country. I do not need to explain myself to a mere MP, especially a leftist one like you, Ms Florrax. But, I shall anyway." Florrax stared, agahst at Martins torrade, as were many MPs throughout the Chambers. Martin continued. "This statement, which was made in good faith, something that I find many of the Honourable Members here sadly lacking, was intended to ensure the safety of both the reigning Liberal Imperialist Party in Praetonia, a party which has always stood by this country even in its direst hour. I made that statement to aid our closest ally - something a patrioticperson would surely consider fitting. Are you a patriot, Ms Florrax?" the President thundered, glaring at her.

For a few seconds, it seemed as if the sheer fury and malice of the Presidents statement might floor the female MP. But suddenly Florrax grasped the podium with both hands, and began talking in a carefully modulated voice, quiet, respectful, yet also angry somehow. "A patriot, Mr President? I am insulted, sir, that you would dare, yes, dare, to call into question my love for this country. Before taking my seat as MP for Dowland City, I served as a soldier for five years, fighting in both Hittlerreich and Nerotika. How dare you sir, I have done my part for my country in battle - something I have not seen you do at all." With this, the MPs around her began cheering, egging her on, whilst there came angry mutterings from the Presidents side, as well as a few isolated shouts of agreement from Conservative MPs. Florrax continued her counterattack. "I am a patriot Mr President, and love this country. However, I would question your patriotism, and honour. Not only did you send an undebated official statement pertaining to be from every member of this Parliament, an act which is both disgusting and illegal in itself. You also, and I find this unbelieveable, pledged several billion - billion - dollars USD to the Liberal Imperialist Party. This money was not a private donation, as moral,ly dubious as that is - no, this money was public taxpayers money. You were prepared, sir, to use public money to shore up the fortunes of a government that is already in decay. Not only is that immoral - it is illegal, sir!"

President Martin seemed to grow even angrier as Florrax stepped up her attack, but was unable to find a break in her speech to fire back. He raised his hand, as if to speak, when Florrax delivered her final blow. Staring straight at him, Florraxs voice suddenly crept to just above a whisper. "Mr President, you committed an illegal act, using taxpayers money. You were prepared to use public money for private gain, whatever else you say. You also completely ignored and bypassed this Parliament, the act, sir, of nothing short of a tyrant. Therefore, I have no option..."

The chamber suddenly became deathly quiet as Florrax uttered those last few words, and all ears strained to pick up her final ones. Moving her head forward, Florrax finished the sentence. "...but to call for your immediate and unconditional...resignation." The Chamber erupted into storm of shouting, screaming and thrusting of fingers at both Martin and Florrax. Shouts of "Treason" and "Turncoat" were thrown at Florrax, who stood as still as a statue, but more shouts, many more, crushed these calls with shrill cries of "Resign", from both sides of the Chamber. The thud of the Speakers gavel fought its way through the calamity of the cries and shouts, gradually silencing the wayward MPs and allowing the President to respond. Many waited with baited breath as he gripped the podium.

He turned his head slowly, encompassing all those MPs in front of him and to his sides, before facing Florrax again. His voice began quietly, but soon pitched into something justy below a shriek. "Resign? Resign?. How dare you! I will not resign, especially not from the calls of a traitoruous bitch like you, Florrax. I, and I only, hold the power in this country." He waved his hands around wildly, as if in a fit. "I made this country, you see. All of you can be broken by a single word from me. I am the power of this country, not you. Me! If I say that this country's money will be spent on supporting the LIP, then by god it will be, and not one of you treacherous swine will stop me - communist pinkoes, all of you!"

A deathly silence filled the Chambers. Never in the hundreds of years of Parliament had a speech like this ever been heard, or indeed even thought about. In a single moment, the President had gone from democratic leader to apparent tyrant. Florrax stared, mouth agape at the outburst. She tried to speak, but was cut off by Martin turning to the man sitting next to him. The man, a tall, lithe figure in camouflage BDUs, had been seen with the President for many months now, but had never been explained. That was, until this moment. Turning to him, Martin spoke in a loud, clear voice that chilled all those in the Chamber. "General Briggs. Have these traitors arrested, and the Parliament closed until further notice."

With a single, well-practiced motion, Briggs nodded and moved a hand to his lapel, speaking into it. The main double-doors to the Chambers swung open, and dozens of soldiers in BDUs clad in riot gear marched in. They proceeded to enter the rows of seats and began to manhandle the Members of Parliament to the ground and placed plastic cuffs on their wrists, effectively arresting them. Several of the more aware MPs tried to fight back, only to be clubbed to the floor and knocked out with the blow of a billyclub. Shouts and screams echoed throughout the Chamber as the President, Briggs beside him, moved through the sea of armed MPs and towards the Grey House...

[OOC: Pac, Segmentum Praetonialist is a rather obscure colony of Praetonia which produces raw mateirals. Sorry for the misunderstanding. My legislative body is just called the Imperial Parliament, although I may come up with some more interesting name for it later.]

OOC: Right, will change. Still, that might work as a parliamentary name. ;)

Communist Daily

The Democratic Imperium of Praetonia is suffering a major political upheaval. Over half of the members of the Liberal Imperialist Party are planning on becoming the Liberal Tory Party. The Tory Party leader complains the Liberal Imperialists have "drifted ... towards a more socialist agenda" and he states that he will bring about "the privatisation of public services, the end to centuries of government monopolies on raw materials and defence and the emergence of the Praetonia as one of the pre-eminent economic powers in the world”. Comrade Farria Caronus states that this is a “worrying step backwards in Praetonian politics”. The King of Praetonia has dissolved parliament for one month until new elections can take place.

Due to donation of funds to the Liberal Imperialist Party by the Grand Republic of Skinny87 the opposition parties were outraged. The Imperial Electoral Commission seized the funds stating that in Praetonian law it is prohibited for “any Government, state or foreign individual from donating to a Praetonian political Party”. As the funds from Skinny87 were public funds, MP Tanya Florrax complained that the donation of these funds had not only been pledged as though it were from all of them, the billions of USD had, in fact, been sent without being debated in parliament first. She then called for the immediate resignation of President Martin. The president refused and, in order to maintain power, had all those calling for his resignation arrested in a violent and brutal manner, signifying what is undoubtedly the beginning of the end of democracy in Skinny87.

Channel 13 News, 11:18 PM Local Time

"...and no further developments today in Woodstock Pact Ally Praetonia, where the political upheaval started by Tiberius Polax weeks ago has taken its toll on the country's political landscape. With the negative backlash coming from both Skinny87's attempted intervention and even Sarzonia's comments, many Voltaru agree with the current policy of non-intervention in this matter. In a briefing yesterday, Premier Longbottom spoke of this himself:

[cut to Premier, Great Hall briefing room]
"...The situation in Praetonia is disheartening. It is no secret that my own party, and current majority holder in The Order, holds many of the same outlooks as the LIP. However, this is a prime example of a situation that our intervention can only cause more harm then good. Our Antarctican ideals of sovereignty must hold true here, as the Praetonians themselves must decide what is best for their country. I wish nothing more than Praetonia and its people a safe and peaceful end to this political battle. Next question please..."

[cut back to reporter]
While most Voltaru seemed to agree with the Premier's words, we did find a few who had more extreme views.

[cut to street, university buildings in background, caption: Jillian Headrot, Democratic Socialist Party Member]
"The Premier is right to a point - the DSV should assist the LIP in any way possible to regain control. Our two parties have brought peace and properity throughout the last decades. It is the best thing for Preatonia, The Voltarum, and the world."

[cut to street, downtown area, caption: Hetrik Deron, International capitalist Party Member]
"Once again, our Premier is joining with the other world leaders to insist on keeping the status quo. The Voltarum, THe Woodstock Pact members, and the rest of the world need to realize that capitalism is the only anwer that works in this day and age, and the Liberal-Tory Party is Praeronia's best chance to achieve this.

[cut to dirt road, trailer in background, caption: Drewt Nimbus, Voltaru Communist Party Member]
"I don't really care about any of this liberal BLEEP. I just hope the CPP seizes this chance to make a real difference in that country, and not to continue to take a BLEEPING back seat like we have over here."

[cut back to reporter]
"Whatever the public's thoughts, however, it seems clear that the Premier intends the Voltarum to remain completely out of what he called a "absolutely internal Praetonian affair." From Ohm, this is Quinao Hasten, reporting....

Woodstock Daily Mail

Sarzo 'disappointed' by Praetonian reaction to comments

by Jesse Lundquist
Daily Mail Staff Writer

Acknowledging what he called a "delicate" situation in Praeton, President Mike Sarzo made his strongest statement in response to condemnation of his previous comments from the chairman of a Praetonian right wing think tank.

"He took one word from my statement and twisted the meaning around," Sarzo said. "I called for civility, nothing more, nothing less. I didn't call the Praetonians immature. Far from it, in fact. I've consistently lauded them for their maturity throughout most of their foreign and domestic policy initiatives."

Sarzo said the split was "likely bound to come eventually," but admitted that Administration officials would evaluate the outcome to determine its effect on Praeto-Sarzonian relations.

"This is a very delicate situation for us and for any nations who are closely aligned with Praetonia," he said. "If the Pacitalian situation has taught us anything, it's that a few ill-chosen comments can have terrible effects on even the closest of relationships."

Administration sources said the Sarzonian ambassador to Praetonia, John Cundiff, would be asked to "work double overtime" to approach the Praetonian government regardless of which party assumes control, whether the Liberal Imperialists under Prime Minister Lucius Agrippa or the Tories under Tiberius Polax, or, Sarzo admitted, "whichever party ends up in control."

"If we just sit aside while all the arguing goes on and don't do anything with a new government is in place, we could find ourselves in a compromising position," Deputy Senior Vice President and External Affairs Officer Grant Haffner said. "We've got to make sure that we do our part to ensure our relations aren't adversely affected."

[OOC: Rather than simply edit the reaction into the existing article, I decided to create a new article because Sarzo's reaction to Praetonian comments about him would not be as big a news story as Sarzo's reaction to the dissolution of Parliament.]

Woodstock Daily Mail

Sarzo: Unrest spreads 'like a disease'

by Harlan Jennings and Jesse Lundquist
Daily Mail Staff Writer

DOWLAND CITY -- President Mike Sarzo called for "cooler heads to prevail" as the political unrest that ripped through the Democratic Imperium of Praetonia has crashed like a tidal wave into the allied nation of Skinny87 as the nation's top political officer dissolved the parliament and initiated martial law.

"The political unrest that has torn through the very fabric of the Grand Republic of Skinny87 seems to have spread like a disease," Sarzo said. "It is a regrettable turn of events in a political environment that just breeds chaos."

Gray House staff have confirmed that the Office of External Affairs has issued an advisory to any Sarzonians currently in Dowland City to exercise extreme caution. They have also ordered the security detail at the Sarzonian embassy to go to "high alert." Anyone who seeks to come within 10 metres of the Sarzonian embassy must submit to full body search and must have their visit cleared ahead of time.

"We're going to have to take precautions," Woodstock Mayor Chip Moose said. "We've got the WPD out in full riot gear and security here will be near wartime levels."

The Incorporated Sarzonian Government said it would elevate the threat level from yellow to orange on the six colour threat index modified from that employed by the former United States of America. The threat index is similar to the terrorist threat index that uses five colours, while the sixth colour, purple, is implemented when a state of war exists. Home Guard Vice President Bill Lighton said he was directed by Lieutenant President Nicole Lewis to increase the readiness of the home guard to DEFCON 2.

"We're going to have to pull out all the stops to make sure that the unrest that affected Dowland City doesn't hit Woodstock," Lighton said. "That said, we also need to be mindful of the personal liberties of all our citizens."

Sarzo personally called on Skinny87's President Xavier Martin to restore calm to Dowland City.

"Now isn't the time for the breakdown of societal order into a complex web of anarchy," Sarzo said. "We condemn the shut down of the Skinnian Parliament and we ask President Martin to allow cooler heads to prevail to prevent the political backbiting from tearing the nation apart."

Sarzo said the move by President Martin to shut Parliament would be under review by the Woodstock Pact as a possible violation of the alliance's charter. However, he did not say what penalties would accompany a charter violation.

"Anytime you have a rules violation or a possible rules violation, you have to review the matter to determine the best course of action," Sarzo said. "Not every rules violation is created equal."

Harlan Jennings reported from Dowland City, Jesse Lundquist reported from Woodstock.

Authoritarian Republic Emergency Broadcasting System

The high-pitched whine and crackle that was the usual status quo for the Emergency Broadcasting System was suddenly replaced with white screen advising all viewers to 'Stay tuned for an important announcement' from the government. Throughout the Republic, more than a billion people watched their screens; those who had no televisions either used radios or gathered in the massive National Parks that had been designated as 'Truth Stations' by Life President Martin and the Loyalist Troops under him.

Many of those gathered by the parks would have noticed that these operations did not seem hasty in any way; indeed, the efficency with which the stations were set up, as well as the tiny amout of time between Martin declaring Martial Law and newly-proclaimed Loyalist troops pouring onto the streets and motorways and setting up barricades and checkpoints. This was obviously no quickly set-up coup; there had obviously been meticulous planning involved in each stage of the attack, from the initial speech and arrest of Parliament, to the sealing of all land borders and the arrest of hundreds of high-profile political and military leaders.

Finally, nearly an hour after the white screen appeared on the telescreens, the image changed once again. However, instead of another screen appearing, the Oval Office of the Grey House flickered into view. The setting was a familiar one to billions of people throughout the Republic, as before the coup President Martin had used it for his monthly speeches to the people, something many had found comforting. However, whereas before the Office had been open and inviting, with a warm fire crackling in the corner and the windows clear, showing a view of the Park behind the Grey House itself, this new Oval Office was extremely different, almost inverted in style. The windows were closed, and barred, thick black or dark grey curtains drawn over them; the fire was off, and the only source of light came from the lamp on the Presidents desk. To either side of the desk, which had been draped with the flag of the Republic, stood an armed MP, M8 rifles shouldered but still menacing.

Even the President himself had changed. In place of the light, almost airy suits he had once worn was a jet black uniform laced with white ribbon throughout the edges, giving it an almost spectral quality to it. However, the detail no-one who watched this broadcast would ever forget, was the sneer that was plastered on Martins face; it seemed to allude hatred and mockery at the same time, and was a harsh replacement to his usual smile. From behind the desk, the President moved slightly to face the camera, and began speaking in a slow, almost hypnotic voice.

"Citizens of the Republic. Not the Grand Republic, but the Authoritarian Republic, for that is what we now are. I come to you this day to report that the most grievous of sins has taken place. Early yesterday morning, whilst I stood in Parliament and told your Members of Parliament - members elected to do your bidding - that this country would support fully the Liberal Imperialist government of Praetonia, I was physically assaulted by the Liberal MP Tanya Florrax, and accused of commiting treason, or commiting a seditious act.

For a long time, I have stood in that same place and taken the whining, the moaning, of these pathetic individuals, who seem more concerned with lining their own pockets than serving you and their country. That meeting was the last straw, my people. To be accused of a seditious act by a liberal, communist sympathiser was too much for me to bear. I had this woman, as well as all her fellow treacherous fellows, arrested and placed in prison, and the dissolved Parliament. You may call this seditious, perhaps even treachery itself. But I say it was not.

I did it for you! The people of this grand, grand Republic. Those fat, whining dogs cared not a jot for you, nor this wonderful country. They would rather hide behind rules and regulations than place a foot forward and protect our allies. As such, I have taken power in this country. I, and I only, will lead this country into a new age of glory and power! I know what is best for you and this country. But please, do not fear. You may well be frightened, scared by what has taken place. Tanks and jeeps rumbling down the roads, Loyalist troops on every street corner, jets screaming above your heads. These brave men and women, patriots to the last, are here to protect you from those misguided, traitourous wretches who would dare to try and reform the Parliament and depose me.

To those fools, I say this: You will not win. You. Cannot. Win. This country will soon enter a time of great glory and power, of great victories and new territory, and you will not hold us back. Not for a single moment. You may whimper and cry about 'Democracy', but you failed in your duty to this country, and it is obvious that you cannot care, cannot love for this country and its people as I do. So, you will be crushed, destroyed. Unless you give yourselves up now. Indeed, surrender now, and I shall be merciful. Many of you may only end up in Labour Camps - death will only be reserved for your leaders and the so-called 'Members of Parliament' that still remain at large.

Finally, I say this to our glorious allies. Do not fear us. Do not fear these changes, for they are for the better. Soon we will move from the dark, pifitul, and shameful period that was 'Democracy' and move into a new period covered in glory! And you can be with us, marching along, step by step, as we enter this period, as valued friends. Once the last remnants of this pathetic rebellion is destroyed, then we shall all unite, for the greater good. Together!

For the Republic!"

LA REPUBBLICA OGGIA
Page A6

Ell asks for review of Skinny87 membership in Woodstock Pact
Call comes on heels of President Martin's words

AMITA -- Speaking at the 24th annual Pacitalian Conference on Interprovincial Trade and Domestic Commerce (PCITDC), Prime Minister Timothy Ell has called for an official review of the membership of the Grand Republic of Skinny87 in the Woodstock Pact, after controversial and totalitarian comments were made by the country's leader, President Xavier Martin.

The political situation within the country has degraded to a state of uncontrolled chaos which is being handled markedly poorly by Mr Martin, and Sunday afternoon he made a shocking statement denouncing democracy and calling for the internment of members of that country's parliament within prisons, and mass relocations in labour camps for people dissenting against his calls for undemocratisation in Skinny87.

Calling his nation the "Authoritarian Republic", President Martin, after dissolving parliament and enacting martial law, said: "I say this to our glorious allies. Do not fear us. Do not fear these changes, for they are for the better. Soon we will move from the dark, pifitul, and shameful period that was 'Democracy' and move into a new period covered in glory! And you can be with us, marching along, step by step, as we enter this period, as valued friends. Once the last remnants of this pathetic rebellion is destroyed, then we shall all unite, for the greater good."

The prime minister was less than pleased.

"I am concerned that the Republic of Skinny87 will no longer be able to fulfil its duties in the Woodstock Pact and, as well, fit the criteria we so require of member nations," Ell said. "Therefore, I would prefer to see an official alliance review on that nation's membership. I'll make it clear now; I do not feel comfortable with having an authoritarian nation in this alliance. It just does not fly, especially in an alliance such as the Woodstock Pact."

Such moves by the Skinnian president could be in violation of the official charter of the alliance, something that may come in handy should an official review actually occur.

He joined the Sarzonian president, Mike Sarzo, in calling for "cooler heads" in this situation. "I think we've proven before how much of a mistake going down this road [becoming authoritarian] is for any nation. Any friends Skinny has now will probably be lost. We may or may not need to militarily make a point that we will not stand for this sort of behaviour, if worse comes to worse, but for now, we'll be looking to find a diplomatic, peaceful solution to this crisis," Ell added.

Woodstock Daily Mail

Sarzo: Skinny87 membership 'suspended'
by Jesse Lundquist
Daily Mail Staff Writer

Following comments made by Skinny87 President Xavier Martin and Pacitalian Prime Minister Timothy Ell's call for "review" of Skinny87's membership in the Woodstock Pact, President Mike Sarzo announced that due to "an emergency situation," Skinny87's membership in the Woodstock Pact is "suspended" pending "a thorough review" of the alliance charter.

"The Woodstock Pact's ideals are centred on the principles of democracy," Sarzo said. "Announcing an Authoritarian Republic instead of the Grand Republic and a system based on the will of the people is a direct contradiction of the ideals of the Woodstock Pact.

"We can not stand idly by while such an event goes on and allow the membership of a totalitarian regime into the Pact. As the founding nation of the Woodstock Pact, we will explore whatever avenues are in place regarding a more direct solution to the dilemma facing us."

Sarzo's comments come just hours after Ell's call for a review of Skinny87's membership in the Pact and said, "the review was already underway unofficially. Officially, this just puts teeth into it."

Prior to Sarzo's declaration, the nation had never invoked Founder's Prerogative in the history of the Woodstock Pact, not even when relations between Sarzonia and Pacitalia spiraled downward. Sarzo said the decision was "difficult but necessary," adding that events called for "an immediate and strong message" from the Woodstock Pact as a whole.

"This is not the sort of event that can be allowed to fester," Sarzo said. "We have the suspension in place which gives us the opportunity to review the situation. If the membership decides not to take further action, we'll leave the situation as is. If the rest of the Pact determines that further penalities are necessary, we have the flexibility to take that direction."

Sarzo also announced that the nation would increase its Defence Condition from DEFCON 3 to DEFCON 2 and announced the full mobilisation of the Incorporated Sarzonian Military. He said the measure was a "precaution," but Senator Brian Delgado (Conservative-Cooke) said the decision "smacks of reactionism.

"We're not going to be sending our sons and daughters to fight our allies are we," he asked.

"We need to be ready for anything," Sarzo said. "If Delgado spent one minute in emergency preparedness meetings instead of Conservative Party war sessions, he'd have an idea of the kinds of emergency steps that we need to take."

Channel 13 News, 11:01 PM Local Time

"Good Evening, Voltarum. I'm Guy Smiley, and here is the news that shapes your world.

Our top story tonight comes from Pacitalia, where Prime Minister Ell today called for a review into the membership of Skinny87 in the Woodstock Pact. As viewers are aware, Skinny87's president Martin made what many consider radical comments yesterday conserning the apparent end of democracy in his country. Ell today, speaking at a trade conference, spoke of his concerns on having an authoritarian nation in an alliance that values democracy and human rights at its forfront. Later, President Sarzo of Sarzonia, used the founder's clause of the Pact charter to suspend Skinny87's membership and to offically call for a review into Skinny87's actions.

Tonight, in his weekly Address to the Nation, Premier Longbottom commented on Ell's and Sarzo's words:

[cut to Great Hall, Premier's residence]
"What has happened in Skinny87 has rattled many nations, and it has brought The Voltarum and the other Woodstock Pact members to a crucial point. I reluctantly have to agree with the esteemed leader of Pacitalia, and second the call for an official review into Skinny87's membership. I applaud President Sarzo's quick decision to make this review happen. In addition, I have already given the order for all Voltaru citizens to leave Skinny87's borders, and our ambassador has already left her borders.

I join my colleagues in both Pacitalia and Sarzonia and urge a peaceful and quick resolution to the political unrest that this has caused. I urge President Martin to reconsider his words, so we can all work to a agreeable end to this mess."

[cut back to the newsroom]
"We now go live to reporter Magali Farban at the Ohm International Airport, where we have received word that Voltaru Ambassador to Skinny87, Valeria Darnell, has just landed and is exiting her plane... Magali, are you there?

[cut to airport, private jet in background]
"Yes Guy. Ambassador Darnell is coming off the plane now..." /camera swivels to a middle aged blonde women/"... the Ambassador arrives in a swarm of rumors surrounding the state of Skinny87... here she comes... Ambassador, Ambassdor, if i could just get a word!"

"I am sorry, I cannot comment at this time..!"
/other reporters start to swarm her/
"Is it true the country is in chaos Ambassador?"
"Is it true you were held at gunpoint?"
"Is it true the streets are filled with the dead -"

"I cannot comment at this time..."
/hoards of secret service separate the reporters from the Ambasador, helping her into a limo, cut back to Magali/

"The Ambassador is tightlipped, Guy, and it seems we will not get any answers from her soon. Back to you."

[cut back to studio]
"Thank you Magali, I am sure we will be checking in with you again. On to other news... Polar Bears today attacked yet another country...."

Generian Imperial Intelligence Service Headquarters, Port Belgrade, Generia

Dr. Isaac Andropov let his head fall heavily into his hands, massaging his heavy eyelids with tired fingers as his elbows sat firmly on the desk. The glow of the computer monitor was the only light in the room, sealed off like a coffin as was the policy in most official GIIS facilities. He turned his eyes towards the screen and lazily reread the brief message from a contact in the Imperial Foreign Ministry. He slowly reached over, picked up the telephone on his desk, and was quickly connected to the composer of the message.

“Talk to me Alex.”

“That whole bloc is riding on a sidecar straight down the highway to Hell. It’s pandemonium over here. I hope your men are a bit more composed.”

“Very few of them know the whole extent of the situation.”

“Skinny 87.”

“Indeed. I wonder if they’ve certified the President yet.”

“Have to be a regular nutcase to do what he did. What the Hell was he thinking? Even Alexei and Antonius, rest their souls, were more tactful when they dissolved the senate.”

“What are the opinions in the Ministry?”

“His Majesty’s been quiet on the subject, but a lot of our people over here would like to see some type of contact extended. They see these guys as a new would be CAD monarchy. They don’t get that this guy’s been doing the Woodstock Pact dance for the past five years.”

“Astute.”

“Listen, I’m grasping at straws. This Praetonia thing has us all worked up almost as bad as the ‘Authoritarian Republic’ (bastard could have at least chosen a more sensible name).”

“Alright, Alex. Keep things calm in the Ministry. Our men are working overtime on the whole business. Honestly, we saw the split coming a mile away. I think it may be possible to use it to our advantage. God knows we haven’t been on the best terms with Praetonia, and if one of those nutcases gets power we could very well find ourselves in a war.”

“So you’d let the LIPs keep power?”

“I’d rather have their rhetoric than bombs from the Tories. Either way, the split’s certainly been sending a ripple through the WP states. But that’s my department’s affair. You just concentrate on keeping your Ministry from doing anything stupid, or anything at all for that matter until I can brief Kazatmiru and figure out a strategy.”

“Alright Isaac. I’ll be in touch.”

“I’m certain of it.”

Andropov put the phone down and stretched briefly before getting back to the long task ahead of him. Another sleepless night for the head of the Agency.

--------------------

[b]GINN[b]

-Your source for the latest government approved news media-

“Good evening ladies and gentlemen, citizens of Generia and international viewers. Shocking news today as the President of the Republic of Skinny87 dissolves the parliament in favor of a new “Authoritarian Republic.” The Imperial government has yet to make an official statement on the matter, but in passing Advisor to the Ministry of State General Nikolai Kirkev had the following to say:”

[Cut to shot of an aging man in a green military uniform]

“Good to see he finally got some sense in his head. Parliaments have always been a waste of time.”

[Cut back to anchor]

“However, opinions on the matter have been dissenting, with other notable advisors and officials expressing discontent with the brash nature of the shift, offering predictions of mass instability in Skinny87 and possibly even civil war. This follows on the heels of the recent news involving the split in the corrupt Liberal Imperialist Party that has for decades held the nation of Praetonia under its iron grip, encouraging harshly anti-Generian policies. However, some say that the new branch, the Tory party is little better, possibly worse with a heavy bent towards nationalist, imperialist, and expansionist policies which will surely bring greater friction between the Bornerifreudic Empire and the Praezonian bloc. Stay tuned for further updates on the situation, and for all news guaranteed approved by the Imperial government choose GINN.”

The Parliamentarian

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v387/Praetonia/Parliamentarian.jpg
(Page 1)

"Grand Republic Collapses - The Death of Skinnian Democracy? The Grand Republic of Skinny87 was catapulted into chaos last night as President Martin dissolved Parliament and declared himself 'President for Life'. Liberal-Tory groups have been quick to react with stinging condemnation, but the Liberal Imperialists have so far made no indications either of support or condemnation, raising serious questions in the wake of the recent 'electoral fraud scandal'. Sir Tiberius Polax has this to say on the matter:

'I think I can conclusively say that the LIP as it once was is dead. When they turn on their principles and refuse to denounce a dictatorial regime that has illegitimately seized power from a democratic government, you know the game is up. I dont know what the official position will be if the LIP win the election, but I for one do not recognise the new 'Authoritarian Republic' of Skinny87 and nor does my Party.'

"This view appears to be shared by a great deal of the Praetonian populace, according to a recent ImpGov poll conducted by 'The Parliamentarian', which showed that 79% of the populace opposed the new Skinnian regime, and 62% would support direct military action to restore the old democratic system. In response, however, Sir Lucius Agrippa had a much more sedate answer to his critics' conspiracy-esque attacks:

'The results of the next election are by no means clear. Whoever emerges victorious, I want them to have a clean slate to deal with this issue. The opinions of the present Parliament will most likely not be shared by the next, and it would be premature to make an announcement now when in 3 days we will have a definitive answer one was or another. My own views will become apparent after the election.'

"Whether or not either a future LIP or LTP Government would actually deploy troops to Skinny87 remains to be seen. The LIP have certainly not be squeemish about using the military as a political tool - everyone remembers when Sir Lucius had airborne troops capture the capital of Nerotika and then occupy it for some months - but an invasion of an allied power would be a unique occurance in Praetonian history.

"Some of the more radical fringes of the LTP, however, have been proposing just that. Many argue that the current state is not the one with which treaties were signed, and thus they are invalid, but President Martin appears to be a friendly dictator and there is real fear that the geopolitical positioning of Skinny87 may become more dynamic than had ever previously been expected, especially in the wake of Generian comments on the election.

"The Generian state-controlled media corporation, GINN, reported yesterday that LTP would 'bring greater friction between the Bornerifreudic Empire and the Praezonian bloc' - a comment which has struck a chord with many voters who have for years been frustrated at the LIP's lack of concrete action against hostile foreign powers. Even at this early stage, foreign policy appears to have entered firmly into the mindset of whichever new Government is chosen at a time it would much rather worry about public services and energy independence."

Strife In The Pact And In The World

Praeton, Praetonia - Even the closest are breaking free. Praeton is in an uproar, with the recent split in the currently ruling "Liberal Imperialist Party". Though the heading "currently ruling" is incorrect, with the party having split into the "Liberal-Tory" and the "Liberal Imperialist" parties. This much is common news.

What else is is the fact that in Skinny87, there too is strife and disunity.the "Grand Republic" had been thrown down and the "Autocratic Republic". This, of course, is utter and total nonsense. President Martin has, in fact, declared himself a dictator. As all know, Skinny87 is an integral member of the Woodstock Pact, an organization which Yafor 2 is proud to attend. Elected Duke Rudiv Sodo had the following comments about the matter:

"The very idea that President - or should I say Dictator? - Martin can do just what he has done is not only so henious that it rips my heart asunder, but it also is exceptionally insolent to us members of the Woodstock Pact. The very idea that the fool believes that he can seize control of a nation such as Skinny87, on which idolizes democracy as the greatest human virtue, is not only insulting; it is also nearly amusing. Will the global community continue on hese foolish pursuits which perpetuate, to a frightening degree, their indolence and inability? Can a man get away with such a crime?

In our society, a liar is embarressed for a length of time which is rather dependant on the extent of the lie. In our society, a theif is shunned or even set away from society at large for an amount of time. And a murderer? HE is locked away, for what he has done is beyond utter words. And yet we let men who lie, steal, and ileagally arrest other, free, truthful, unoffending, men go free. What kind of world is this? And why?"

On these grounds, Skinny87 has had their membership in the Woodstock Pact suspended for an "indefinate amount of time". In a recent Ajerite Sun poll, over 89% of people agreed with Sarzo's decision regarding the Pact, while 7% of the dissenters stated that "he should have put the matter to a vote first".Here in Praetonia, meanwhile, over 79% of the populace opposed the new Skinnian regime, a figure which closely mirrors the Yaforite version.

In defense of his decision, Sarzonian Presiden Mike Sarzo stated:

"We can not stand idly by while such an event goes on and allow the membership of a totalitarian regime into the Pact. As the founding nation of the Woodstock Pact, we will explore whatever avenues are in place regarding a more direct solution to the dilemma facing us."

-Excerpt from a seventeen-page-long article in The Ajerite Sun.

The Parliamentarian

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"Tories Ascend to Power - Polax Summoned to the Obsidian Tower His Majesty the King has invited Sir Tiberius Polax, Liberal-Tory Party leader, to his State Residence in the Obsidian Tower to form a new Government. The Liberal-Tory Party won a landslide 64% of Parliamentary seats in elections yesterday. This is the first new Government Praetonia has seen in more than 47 years.

"Sir Tiberius's supporters say that his appointment to the post of Prime Minister will herald in a new era of prosperity in Praetonia, whilst his critics argue that he will dismantle a welfare state that has been centuries in the making, and undo the sum total of the work of every victorious political party since democracy was installed in Praetonia some 400 years ago.

"The first on the new Government's checklist of changes will be to privatise the vast majority of previously state owned industries, including chemical plants, mines, refineries, gas sequenstration and thermal deploymerisation stations and NHS hospitals. Thousands of new companies both large and small are to come into being over the next few months, with the Imperial Stock Exchange set to increase in value by more than twenty times.

"Several key trades union figures have expressed their intention to bring general strikes to bear against the planned new changes, but according to a recent ImpGov Poll carried out on behalf of 'The Parliamentarian' only 24% of trade union members would vote in favour of such action if ballotted. Only 18% still expressed their support for strikes if it meant a clash with the new Government, which is considered by the vast majority to be a legitimately elected body representative of a paradigm shift in Praetonian political feeling.

"The Liberal-Tory Party has already stated that it will bring mounted police or even live ammunition to bear against any violent protests that break out in the capital, in accordance with the Riot Act, 1812. Most protests, however, have so far been peaceful on LTP, LIP, IMP and CPP lines. Protests are not expected to worsen over the next few days with most protestors, having made their views felt before the election, see no point in continuing into the next Parliamentary term.

"What remains less clear is the position the new Government will take on the issue of Skinny87, over which neither party has made any firm committments in terms of potential action. Military action is, however, likely to be limitted to a blockade for the time being, with the new Government cautious of appearing overly aggressive, especially when dealing with allies."

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“Good evening ladies and gentlemen, citizens of Generia, and International viewers joining us tonight. In the headlines today, the controversy over the split between the Liberal Imperialist Party and the Tory Party in Praetonian Parliament, over which much speculation has been made the past few weeks, came to a decisive outcome with the election of Tory representatives to 64% of seats in the Parliament. Leading Imperial Government Officials were tight lipped on the matter until early this evening when Chief Foreign Ministry Advisor Aleksander Khukov made the following statement to the Generian people on behalf of His Most Eminent Majesty, Emperor Kazatmiru I:”

“The Imperial Government has been watching closely the events in the Praetonian Parliament, a governing body that we have determined on many occasions to be, by nature, flawed and corrupt, a notion that reinforced itself over the course of the current schism between the liberal parties with several instances of underhanded means being noted, most specifically the instance involving Skinny87 funds allocated to the Liberal Imperialist Party. We of Generia, while we find all democratic systems to be flawed in nature, find such particular failures in the most pure example of the ideology to be particularly ironic and to reinforce our stance firmly against such matters.

As we are all well aware, Praetonia and Generia have had cold relations at times, and none whatsoever at others, and with the recent rise of the Tory oligarchy to power in Praeton, we are left to conclude that there will be little change in Generian relations, and we of the Imperial Government advise all of our citizens to give little more thought to the situation. So long as the Praetonian Government remains focused firmly on its own affairs and does not seek interference into those of our great Generic Empire, Bornerifreudia, the CAD region, or any Generian, Bornerifreudian, or CAD independent allies, we will be content to allow Praetonian politics to proceed according to their own system.”

“The Minister’s words were echoed throughout the evening by key members of military and administrative bureaus, and it can be assumed that Emperor Kazatmiru will be content to continue uninterrupted with his reform and reconstruction campaign throughout the Empire. For GINN news, I’m Tatanyana Karonov. Good night.”