Darnussia

[Aquinas]

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[Mike]

25 March 2019, Doressa
COALITION LIKELY TO COLLAPSE
• Governor General Ruben loses patience with coalition partners
• Moderate elements due to win out against hard-right
• Elections unlikely; minority administration is strong possibility


Ruben's ruling National Liberal Party is likely to break ties with the hard-right Republican People's Party

GOVERNOR GENERAL Marcus Ruben is likely to seek permission from the Secretary General this week to form an entirely new government, cutting loose the Republican People's Party (RPP), the National Liberal Party's (NLP) junior coalition partner for the last three years. Ruben and centrist elements of the NLP have allegedly lost patience with the RPP's hard-right agenda and frequent breaking with the NLP on core matters of policy.

Key matters of dispute have concerned the RPP's voting record on several social issues. Ruben has been keen to push forward reforms relating to gay rights and the rights of religious minorities, two issues which are highly controversial in conservative Darnussia, but has seen his efforts consistently rebuffed by the RPP who have refused to yield in debates. Under pressure from both the Socialists and centrist elements from within his own party, Ruben is now likely to seek the support of the Truth and Justice Party to prop up a minority administration until elections in 2021.

Ruben will be keen to avoid a snap election due to their waning popularity in light of several corruption scandals that have rocked his party in recent years. The NLP have continuously been in government since 1966, and polls in the previous two years have seen support for the opposition Socialists rise to alarming levels. The RPP have also seen their support soar as several right-wing NLP members have defected to their ranks.

If Ruben's new government survives until 2021, he will hope to counteract the drift of the electorate to the centre-left and hard-right by pushing through his reforms while also presenting a strong front against corruption.

[Mike]

15 June 2019, Doressa
RUBEN BACKS BELUZIAN PRESIDENT
• Ruben offers support to Beluzian government
• Remarks further characterise Governor General's drift to centre
• Far-right and far-left criticise Government's position


Ruben has expressed his concerns at the political violence in neighbouring Beluzia

GOVERNOR GENERAL Marcus Ruben has offered his full support to Beluzia's President Connor in his confrontation with radical political elements in Darnussia's neighbour to the west. Ruben's remarks and his appeal to combat extremism has further characterised his administration's move towards the centre-ground, and the cross-party support for his position has resulted in virulent criticism from more radical elements of Darnussia's right-wing.

The Republican People's Party (RPP), who were themselves unceremoniously dumped from Government several months ago on account of their hard-right positions, condemned Ruben's remarks, and have seen a polling boost as right-wing elements of the ruling National Liberal Party defect to the RPP's ranks. The Communist Party meanwhile have also criticised Ruben for taking an overly partisan stance in the crisis across the border. Despite this, Ruben has seen his previously wavering popularity boosted due to his statesmanlike stance on the issue, as centrist and moderate voters have returned to the NLP having previously defected to the Socialist Party.

[Chitin]

President Connor Accepts Darnussian Support

OOC Last link was screwed up.

[Mike]

8 September 2019, Doressa
RUBEN TAKES STRONG LINE OVER ANANTO STRAITS CRISIS
• Governor General underlines Darnussia's hard-line position against Kalistan
• Position condemned as inflammatory and opportunistic by Socialists
• NLP sees popularity rise amid Ruben's strongman image


Ruben addresses parliament on Tuesday evening alongside Foreign Minister Pieter Van Jarraday

GOVERNOR GENERAL Marcus Ruben tonight emerged from cabinet talks to outline the Darnussian Government's official position on the Ananto Straits crisis. Following overnight talks in which there were allegedly strong disputes among ministers, the Darnussian Government have come out on the side of unconditional condemnation of the Kalistan government and an agreement to push for decisive action to end the crisis. Ruben and Secretary General Van Herrefa were apparently keen to take this position from the beginning, but several ministers strongly resisted, and talks took up to 16 hours to be resolved.

The Government's position has been decried by a number of political actors, not least the opposition Darnussian Socialist Party, who argued that the Government's position risked simply inflaming tensions further. The Socialists argue that a more conciliatory tone should be adopted in regards to the issue. They also stated that Ruben's sudden adoption of a hard-line position on the issue smacked of opportunism, as his administration has rarely commented on international matters. The Truth and Justice Party (TJP) - currently propping up Ruben's minority government on a confidence-and-supply basis, has indicated it is in support of the Government's official position.

The Government have also seen their position attacked by hard-right Darnussian nationalists, especially by the Republican People's Party (RPP), who feel it sets a dangerous precedent, both in threatening Darnussia's traditional isolationism and neutrality, as well as opening up uncomfortable questions regarding Darnussia's relationship with international sea laws. The Strait of Darnussia is considered within Darnussia's exclusive economic zone, but is not Darnussian territorial water. Securing the Straits for exclusive Darnussian use is seen as a standard-bearer of Darnussia's right-wing.

Despite the objections from across the spectrum however, Ruben has seen a popularity boost as a result of this position. His strong-man image, hard-line position and ability to act decisively in the face of opposition is seen as attractive by many on Darnussia's centre-right, who had previously bemoaned Ruben's drift to the political centre. His actions in the previous few days seem to have won back voters who otherwise have been eyeing up the TJP or the RPP for potential switches in support.

[Mike]

1 November 2019, Doressa
DARNUSSIA CLOSES BORDER; BELUZIAN AND KALISTANI DIPLOMATS EXPELLED
• Darnussia's western border with Beluzia is closed after fascist coup
• Government severs all diplomatic ties with Beluzia and Kalistan in response to coup and Ananto Straits crisis
• Ruben pledges not to recognise new Beluzian government
• Government doubles-down on hard-line stance against Kalistan


Darnussian Army troops arrive at the border yesterday afternoon

THE DARNUSSIAN Government last night made decisive moves in response to several unfolding crises across the globe. First, Governor General Marcus Ruben announced the closure of the Beluzian border and the Darnussian Government's non-recognition of Beluzia's new fascist regime. The Darnussian ambassador and all diplomats were yesterday withdrawn from Beluzia, while the Beluzian counterparts were expelled from Doressa. Darnussian troops were seen on manoeuvres near the Beluzian border, while all traffic in both directions was prevented from crossing the boundary.

Meanwhile, the Government has reiterated its hard-line stance against Kalistan in response to the unfolding Ananto Straits crisis. Darnussia has accused Kalistan of acting like a piratical rogue state, and warned that further aggression could lead to war with the wider international community. Ruben has continued to stress that Kalistan has absolutely no right to prevent warships of other states within international waters, and that Kalistan's unilateral extension of its territorial waters - in violation of international law - to include the whole Ananto Straits is an imperialistic power grab which must be resisted at all costs. Darnussia has also withdrawn all its diplomats from Kalistan while expelling the Kalistani ambassador.

The Darnussian population has reacted with worry at these events. Darnussia does not have the capacity to fight a war with Kalistan and so must rely on the backing of the international community, which so far has only reacted lukewarmly to Darnussia's bluster. In regards to the coup across the border, Darnussia's far-right political actors have so far kept quiet; they do not have the support base to openly come out in favour of an explicit fascist regime. The border closure has been decried by the Socialists, who strongly advocate the taking in of political refugees. However, the Socialists praised the Government's steadfast refusal to offer any recognition whatsoever to the Beluzian fascists.

[doc]

Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor,

We read in your paper that Darnussia has expelled all Kalistani diplomats from Darnusian soil. As Kalistan did not maintain an embassy in Darnussia, we would like to inform your Foreign Minister that the people who were expelled were not Kalistani diplomats. We are not quite sure who was expelled, and this might be something that the Foreign Ministry would be interested in looking into. We hope, for their sake that they were not simply foreign nationals who, when asked if they were Kalistani diplomats, they misunderstood the question and answered in the Affirmative. That would obviously be the worst case scenario. But accidents and mistaken identity does occur. It would look bad if Darnussia just simply deported several handfuls of random people. That would be an international scandal.

Well, at any rate, we just thought we would let your government know. Contrary to the protestations of your own government, Kalistan is a peaceful and friendly nation, and we would hate for a sovereign equal like Darnussia have their reputation tarnished by bureaucratic errors such as this.

Most Serenely,
Eduardo Henrique Delgado, Socialist Party of Kalistan
Foreign Minister, United Republic of Kalistan

[Chitin]

Beluzian Responds to Darnussia

[maxington]

[maxington]

[Mike]

2 January 2020, Doressa
DARNUSSIA CONFIRM SANCTIONS
• Ruben praises the cooperation of the Luthori Government in condemning Beluzian coup
• Concerns raised at human rights abuses by fascists
• Darnussia agree to take on refugees

GOVERNOR GENERAL Ruben last night praised his partners in Luthori for their cooperation with Darnussia against the fascist coup in Beluzia. The border remains closed and sanctions are now being implemented in order to delegitimise the un-elected Beluzian regime. Ruben appears bolstered by his sudden new friends in Fort William, and has seen a polling boost as a result of his actions. The opposition Socialists, however, continue to criticise him for his sealing of the border and his expelling of the Beluzian diplomats last month. Even Ruben has now admitted that the expulsion was a 'major error of judgement'.

Darnussia has agreed with Luthori to take on a portion of political refugees who have fled the persecution in Beluzia, a stance which has been decried by the right-wing Republican People's Party, who claim it will put Darnussian security at risk. They continue to call for the complete closure of the border; however the Darnussian Army remain stationed at the border - backed by Luthori support - in response to perceived threatening rhetoric by the fascists. Southern Artania now appears paralysed as all actors await the next moves.

OTHER NEWS
• Eccentric author jailed for hate speech

A highly controversial author whose 1999 book called for an ethnically pure independent Nariki state was today jailed for 18 months for repeated instances of hate speech. Daniel W. Alois, 76, of Merenbürg, was sentenced by a district court for inciting racial hatred on numerous occasions in the past year; his book 'The Eagle and the Sun' was released into obscurity in 1999 and immediately condemned for promoting a racially-motivated concept of Narikatonite independence.

This conception of 'Narikatonite nationalism' is generally unknown in Darnussia, although it has occasionally been the subject of lampooning in Darnussian satirical magazines. The 'Narikatonite nationlist' sect's influence among Darnussia's far-right is minuscule, and Alois's tiny cult-like band of followers have found themselves marginalised by the Darnussian nationalist mainstream.

[maxington]

[enderprophet]

Read in the Servizz ta ’l-Aħbarijiet u l-Informazzjoni taċ-Ċildan:
Cildania Condemns the Expulsion of Kalistani Diplomats

[Mike]

ELECTION SPECIAL
1 March 2021, Doressa
RUBEN WINS RAZOR-THIN MAJORITY
• National Liberals regain their majority, but only by 1
• Truth and Justice stung badly
• Socialists take record seat tally



Ruben celebrates his party's narrow victory

MARCUS RUBEN'S National Liberal Party (NLP) has been confirmed as the winners of the Darnussian general election, regaining their majority they disastrously lost five years ago. However the NLP retain a majority of only 1, winning 151 seats. The opposition Socialist Party (DSP) continue their upwards trajectory and have increased their seats by 8 to a record of 96.

Much of this support has swung from the centre-right Truth and Justice Party (VAP) who have generally run an uninspiring campaign. Despite some polling suggesting Ruben's recent 'strongman' antics on the world stage have been appealing to voters, political scientists generally feel the biggest reason for the NLP's surge in support is due to a deep-seated fear of a potential Socialist administration among Darnussia's deeply-conservative electorate. This mistrust of socialism has swung voters behind the ruling NLP who otherwise would have voted elsewhere.

Meanwhile, the liberal Darnussian Democratic Party (DDP) have lost three seats, while the hard-right Republican People's Party (RPP) have lost 1. The RPP were hoping for a polling boost from right-wing NLP voters who are disenchanted by the NLP's swing to the centre, but it appears the 'socialist threat' has put off any potential schisms from the ruling party.

BREAKDOWN OF RESULTS
151 seats needed for a majority

Party	Seats	Change
National Liberal	151	+14
Darnussian Socialist	96	+8
Darnussian Democratic	23	-3
Republican People's	17	-1
Truth and Justice	14	-18

For a breakdown of Darnussian election results, click here

[maxington]

[Mike]

16 July 2021, Doressa
RUBEN IN THREE MOUNTAINS TALKS
• Governor General arrives in Alcaria, Mordusia for ascension talks
• Entry into lucrative trade bloc high on Ruben's agenda
• Hopes success will detract from increasing domestic pressures regarding sleaze and corruption


Finance Minister Krebs and Governor General Ruben arrive in Alcaria this morning.

GOVERNOR GENERAL Marcus Ruben has arrived in Alcaria this morning to begin discussions that hope to transform the Three Mountains Agreement into the Four Mountains Agreement. The possibility of Darnussian ascension into the agreement have been open since the original agreement was created nearly fifteen months ago, and it has long been a major foreign policy aim of Ruben's beleaguered administration. Sources close to the Government have stated they hope Darnussian entry into the Three Mountains Agreement will help to alleviate the growing pressures that are currently plaguing the National Liberal Party on the domestic front, not least from an increasing number of sex and petty corruption scandals.

Darnussian entry into the Three Mountains will result in essentially all tariffs between member states being abolished. Trade has already increased to dramatic levels between members resulting in a boost to the economies of the respective states. With accusations that the Darnussian economy has been gradually stagnating in the last few years, this economic injection will give a much needed boost to the Government at a time when it is most needed.

The opposition Socialists have reacted generally positively, albeit cautiously. Ruben's motives have come under attack, with accusations that he is continuing to cosy up to more powerful states in the region; his relationship with the Luthorian government has been repeatedly mocked in the Darnussian satirical media. The Socialists have warned that entry into the Mountain Agreement must not detract from the increasing number of embarrassing scandals shaking the government. Despite winning a majority only a few months ago, the NLP's grip on power seems perilous.

The Truth and Justice Party, who propped up the previous NLP administration appears to have lost patience with the government and would refuse to enter a similar agreement in the event of the NLP losing their single-seat majority. The Socialists are currently polling their highest ever opinion poll results, which could be enough to scare enough of Darnussia's right into supporting the government in a do-or-die situation, however the possibilities remain endless.

Secretary General Florian Van Herreffa has indicated he will step down from his role at the end of his term, thus triggering an unusually competitive race for the position of head-of-state. With the NLP seemingly losing their tentative grip on power, they may be keen to push for a more combative, right-wing candidate rather than the usual centrist-type character. With the election process due to heat up in the middle of 2023 it certainly appears an exciting time for Darnussian politics.

[Mike]

6 April 2023, Doressa
SECRETARY GENERAL RACE HEATS UP AMID GOVERNMENT CRISIS
• Current head-of-state Van Herrefa has stated his intention to stand-down when his term ends in August
• Government are keen to push for strong supporter of Government policy as their preferred candidate
• Socialists and Liberals indicate they will strongly oppose Government's preferred candidate

Van Herrefa has not indicated his personal preference for his successor

THE RACE to decide Darnussia's next head-of-state has become unusually competitive following current Secrtary General Florian Van Herrefa's declaration that he will stand down following the end of his second term in August. In a process that is usually relatively uncontroversial, the upcoming election appears to have polarised Darnussian politics with both the Socialist (DSP) and the Democratic (DDP) parties vehemently opposing the ruling National Liberal Party's (NLP) preferred choice of candidate.

With Marcus Ruben's administration being rocked by a series of sex and corruption scandals, it appears the Government hope to use the election of their preferred candidate Eric Van Haldon, 6th Baron Haldon to help prop up their ailing administration as well as using Van Haldon's strong right-wing views to counteract any potential Socialist administration in the unlikely event of the NLP failing to win the next election. Van Haldon has indicated he would take a much more active role in politics than his predecessor and that he would refuse to act simply as a ceremonial figurehead in the event of the Socialists coming to power.

This has enraged the opposition, who claim it sets a dangerous precedent; however Van Herrefa's stance has endeared him to Darnussia's fractured right-wing, who are becoming increasingly alarmed at the growth of the Darnussian left. Traditionally, the Secretary General plays a limited and ceremonial role in government despite the constitution putting him on an equal footing with the head-of-government; Van Haldon's election would turn this on its head.

The Secretary General is an indirectly elected post; in an unusual power sharing agreement, the Darnussian Parliament, the Assembly of Nobles and the Church of Darnussia each have a one-third say in the election of a new Secretary General. The Assembly of Nobles and the Church always vote along the same lines, and it is often in Parliament where the only dissent occurs. If Van Haldon is nominated, he is likely to be unanimously selected by the Assembly and the Church anyway, thus rendering the Socialists and liberals objections meaningless anyway. But the sheer strength of the opposition is symbolic, and will send a strong message that a left-wing Parliament will not play second-fiddle to the unelected bodies of the Assembly and the Church

For a more detailed explanation of the election of the Secretary General, click here

[Chitin]

Beluzia Seeks to Rebuild Relations with Luthori and Darnussia

[Mike]

19 August 2023, Doressa
VAN HALDON ELECTED SECRETARY GENERAL AMID CONTROVERSY
• NLPs preferred candidate becomes head-of-state despite furious opposition
• Parliament, Church and Nobles unanimously elect right-wing strongman in defiance of Socialists and Liberals
• Protests across the country greet the news

Van Haldon is sworn in yesterday afternoon as Secretary General

ERIC VAN Haldon was yesterday morning confirmed as Darnussia's new Secretary General, despite furious opposition from the Socialists and Democrats. The ruling NLP had to strongly enforce parliamentary discipline in order to ensure the Darnussian Paliament pushed through Van Haldon as their choice for head-of-state. Nonetheless, despite the bitter debates in Parliament, the Assembly of Nobles and the Church of Darnussia both overwhelmingly selected Van Haldon, thus rendering Socialist opposition futile, with all three votes going to Van Haldon.

While the Assembly and Church were always going to ensure Van Haldon's victory, a contrary vote by Parliament would have had great symbolic value with the potential of sparking a constitutional crisis. Rather, all 151 of the NLPs members voted for Van Haldon, along with the RPP and several members of the Truth and Justice Party. All Socialist members voted for their token opposition candidate, Paul Bronnin rather than traditionally abstain in order to show their strength of opposition to Van Haldon's election.

Van Haldon is controversial due to his strong right-wing views and his insistence that he will not act on a solely ceremonial basis, as others have done. Nominated by the Assembly as a candidate in January, he was immediately popular among the NLP's right-wing, who pressured the party leadership to formally endorse him. At a time when the NLPs right-wing were increasingly at odds with leader Marcus Ruben's centrist policies, the leadership took the decision to endorse Van Haldon in order to shore up right-wing support. Parliament eventually voted 178 to 99 (24 abstentions) to cast its vote for Van Haldon, thus infuriating the Socialists and liberals.

In the event of a socialist administration at the next election, an unprecedented situation will arise in which a Secretary General is at complete odds with the sitting government, which will more than likely result in a breakdown in Darnussian politics as we know it. Below is a breakdown of the election results:

Parliament
Van Haldon - 178
Bronnin - 99
Abstain - 24

Assembly of Nobles
Van Haldon - 845
Bronnin - 6
Abstain - 80

Church of Darnussia
Van Haldon - 17
Abstain - 1

VOTES TOTAL:
Van Haldon: 3
Bronnin: 0

[Mike]

2 March 2025, Doressa
RUBEN RESIGNS; NLP LOSE MAJORITY
• Marcus Ruben has resigned after several NLP defections to liberals
• Finance Minister Krebs elected Governor General at emergency cabinet meeting
• Corruption scandals finally caught up with ruling party
• Elections remain unlikely


Ruben this morning, appearing more relieved than downbeat after his resignation

MARCUS RUBEN has last night sensationally resigned after years of corruption, security and sleaze scandals affecting the Government have finally caught up with him. Revelations that Darnussia's defence minister was taking bribes from Beluzia to make the officially closed border more porous to smugglers was the final straw for 16 National Liberal Party (NLP) members of parliament, who at long last have defected from the party. 8 have joined the liberal Darnussian Democratic Party, 2 the centre-right Truth and Justice Party, while 4 will sit as independents. This has shredded the NLP's narrow parliamentary majority, leaving the NLP once again as a minority administration.

On receiving the news of the defections, Ruben reigned in the knowledge that his tentative grip on the party's leadership has been irrevocably shaken. His policy aims, which included greater integration with the Four Mountains agreement, gradual rapprochement with Beluzia as well as continuing to put pressure on Kalistan, lie in ruins, destroyed by the almost daily scandals that were revealed throughout the last year. The recently elected Secretary General Van Haldon is believed to have let Ruben know that it would be impossible for Ruben to continue if he lost his parliamentary majority, however it is also clear that Van Haldon is desperately trying to avoid an early election, knowing that is would be an unmitigated disaster for the disgraced NLP.

In the meantime, former finance minister Ivan Krebs has been inconspicuously elected Governor General at an emergency cabinet meeting in the early hours of this morning. The Socialist, Democratic and Truth and Justice Parties have responded with strong calls for an election, which recent polling has suggested would be far too tight to call. An overwhelming fear of a potential Socialist government among Darnussia's right-wing will probably be enough to hold off an immediate election for now, but this will give Krebs only a little over a year to try and win back support to his fractured party.