Svobodna Dnevnik

[Hadash]

El Correo Internacional

---

---

Kyrzbekistan: 'Great purge' in military leadership
By: Milena Brovina
Published: Dein 8, 1584


General Nado Alimur, second highest-ranking officer until yesterday.

---

In an unexpected decision, the Commissariat for Defense of the Democratic Republic of Kyrzbekistan has announced the sacking and suspension of more than 60 military officers, in what has been described as an unprecedented purge of the military forces.

There have been rumours for years for a change of leadership in the Kyrzbekistani Armed Forces, specially regarding Radak Sygur, who has been Chief of the General Staff of the Kyrzbekistani Revolutionary Armed Forces since 1569. Sygur, along Chairman of the People's Council Damir Kazbekuz, was one of the main commanders of the Kyrzbek Revolutionary Army, the armed-wing of the Workers People's Party during the Kyrzbek-Arberian Civil War (1559-1568). However, Commissar for Defense Gölçäçäk Aydakuz has confirmed yesterday Sygur in his position as highest ranking official fo the armed forces.

The highest ranking official sacked was General Nado Alimur, Deputy Chief of the General Staff since 1581, and who was rumoured to be a likely successor and replacement for Sygur. Alimur led the Kyrzbekistani forces in the Regional Coalition of the Wadyiah Civil War, and served in recent years as the Kyrzbekistani highest military officer in the Central Command of the Near East Treaty Organization. He was also well-known unconventional officer, who was not shy to media appearances and for his self-styled image of "common man" between the armed forces. In 1579, he was rumoured to succeed Damir Kazbekuz as Commisar for Defense, but Kazbekuz -who had been appointed Chairman of the People's Council- chose Gölçäçäk Aydakuz, former head of the KYRZMaKBak -the military intelligence agency- as new minister of defense instead.

General Nado Alimur was one of the military leaders of the Kyrzbek Self-Defense Forces, the armed militia of the left-nationalist Kyrzbek Democratic Party, which played a minor role during the Kyrzbek-Arberian Civil War. The Kyrzbek Democratic Party merged with the Workers People's Party in 1569, along other left-wing organizations, establishing the Socialist People's Party which has been in power in the Democratic Republic of Kyrzbekistan since then. It was speculated that Alimur dismissal may be related to strengthen the influence and power of veteran Workers People's Party officials, likely more loyal to Chairman Damir Kazbekuz, before the coming congress of the Socialist People's Party late this year. However, the Kyrzbekistani federal government has rejected such claim.

Along General Nado Alimur, many of the military officers sacked were involved in coalition forces during the Wadyiah Civil War (1573-1574) and subsequent military occupation of the country, and other served as military advisors and envoys in the Near East Treaty Organization in recent years.  Commissar for Foreign Affairs Mavzida Läkuz, who is also a former prominent member of the Kyrzbek Democratic Party and was Kyrzbekistani representative in the NETO leadership from 1580 to 1582, has declared that there was nothing extraordinary in the changes of the armed forces, as such changes are required to "assure the efficiency and organization of our armed forces", she declared.

The Commissariat of Defense has confirmed today that General Nysha Zophakuz will replace Alimur as Deputy Chief of the General Staff.

[Hadash]

El Correo Internacional

---

---

Mordvania: Opposition tries to galvanize support before elections
By: Elena Manstein
Published: Alvan 4, 1585


President Zvezdana Serebryak

---

The "political cohabitation" between Bogdan Privsek's government and President Zvezdana Serebryak seems to be reaching its end, only six months before the 1585 national legislative elections, as the latter has decided to send back to the Assembly of Representatives a bill of economic of reforms proposed by the Republican Council and passed by the Lower House. It is the second time President Serebryak to call the parliament to reconsider a law, the last time a month ago regarding a law which allowed voyvodeships to abolish inheritance taxation (the law was passed a week ago regardless, with only minor changes). It is expected that this second law will follow a similar path.

Minister of Finance Henryka Szczowsky has defended the bill as a "progressive reform" aimed to reduce state bureaucracy, promote entrepeneurship and innovation, improve competitiveness and efficiency, and avoid unnecessary costs. However, the United Progressive Socialist Party has been highly critical of one clause of the bill, which would allow the government to merge, dissolve, and sell state-owned companies and funds through administrative action in case of urgent need. The left-wing opposition believes that the clause could be used to privatize state-owned companies of strategic sectors of the national economy if the Mordvanian Republican Party wins the election on Septem.

With the liberal ZDU-KDK declining in polls and the Mordvanian Republican Party and the Republican Liberal Party -the ruling coalition since 1579- in advanced talks to form a joint electoral coalition, the elections are expected not only to be decisive but strengthen existing parliamentary groups. The United Progressive Socialist Party is currently in negotiations with other left-leaning organizations -such as the Mordvanian Communist Party and the Equality Party- to form a left-wing electoral coalition able to defeat Bogdan Privsek's government in the 1585 elections. The leadership of the United Progressive Socialist Party believes that it is key the republican-left Republican Social Radical Party join such left-wing coalition, in order to attract more moderate voters. However, the recently elected leader of the center-left political party -the popular Voyvode of Slawowo, Jakob Vurnik- does not seem willing to compromise the independence of the party. While the United Progressive Socialist Party and the Republican Social Radical Party formed coalition governments from 1573 to 1579, Vurnik has declared that should not be taken for granted, as he will be ready to negotiate to all political parties, including the current coalition government, although without compromise the basic ideological principles and policies of the party.

President Zvezdana Serebryak has relatively distanced itself from such debates and negotiations, continuing with her presidential agenda, and she is expected to start her second official tour abroad since elected president in the coming weeks. However, although she officially resigned as leader of the far-left United Progressive Socialist Party in mid-1583, she is believed to have a huge influence over the party and she is expected to be personally involved during the 1585 electoral campaign. Yesterday, she gave an interview to state-owned MRTV television channel, where she explained his differences with the Republican Council and her main goals for the rest of her presidency, ten months after her election as first president of the Republic of Mordvania.

President Serebryak also talked in detail about foreign policy during her interview, mentioning her phone conversation with Nylander President Anders Kohout hours after his reelection as president, and that she hoped that Mordvanian-Nylander relations will "keep improving in strategic issues". The Mordvanian President accepted that restoration of relations between "Severyane and the Republic of Mordvania" has not advanced as much as expected since Eva Yuryeva become the first democratically elected Severyan head of state but "it is understable that Severyane is facing more demanding domestic issues right now" and that she and "Minister [of Foreign Affairs Aljaz] Martelj are working closely on this issue". The Mordvanian president also expressed concern about the situation in Lanlania but declared that "we respect their internal affairs...and I hope that the Lanlanian government will be albe to solve their own problems and remain a force for stability and democratic governance in the region".

She was also asked about the situation in Nentsia, where a new chapter of pro-democratic demonstration against President Vynnychuk's government erupted the last weeks. Despite relations were often tense between Vynnychuk's government and the Mordvanian government when Serebryak was Foreign Minister and the President of the Republican Council, specially during the prosecution of Ksenia Vynnychuk on corruption charges in Mordvania, it seemed that both were able to build a more constructive relations recently, at least on paper. President Vynnychuk even quickly congratulated Serebryak as soon as she was announced President of the Republic of Mordvania, and both government seemed willing to cooperate to improve relations in the last year.

"It is important to understand that we must be pragmatic enough and we need to be willing to cooperate with governments we have important disagreements", President Serebryak tried to explain when asked this question, "even when we may dislike their government or political system...We do that not only to defend our national interests but in order to build a more peaceful and prosper regional stability, which eventually will benefit citizens of both countries...Sometimes that is not easy. It was not easy to negotiate the Denil Accords, and although it was not the ideal outcome, it was certainly the best outcome. It was a good agreement, and we remain committed to its final implementation. It's not going to be easy, but peaceful negotiations is the only way forward".

"But we can't fool ourselves", President Serebryak. "There is no point to deny reality. Nentsia is not a democracy. The fight against corruption and for the rule of law and economic prosperity can only be build through democratic governance and political reforms. It's up to the Nentsian people to decide their own future, to choose their own government and their own laws. We have no wish to interfere in their sovereignty, we never did. But the Nentsian government needs to decide if they are part of the solution or they are part of the problem. They need to choose: if they don't help to build democratic institutions and allow the Nentsian people to choose in free and fair elections, they will become not only an obstacle for their nation's progress, but the main problem".

"It must be understood that the region is moving forward", she continued. "The situation today is very different than five, ten years ago. Severyane's undergoing a democratic transition, and that progress can not be undone. Violence, corruption, crime, and instability in a country, it is not only a problem for that country, but eventually it threathens to become a regional problem. If a nation not only fail to advance, but it even goes backwards, that's going to have negative consequences for everyone...You have asked me about sanctions, but that is a complicated question right now. It is our understanding that dialogue must be always the first option. If things not only don't improve, but there's an escalation, that becomes a regional problem. I have had recently conversations with leaders from Saratov, Kubaniza, Severyane...It is my believe that we must cooperate to keep the region advancing in the right direction: democracy, economic prosperity, and political cooperation is the only way forward".

President Sereberyak also confirmed that she will visit the Free State of Khibland, becoming the first Mordvanian head of state to visit the Avidnan territory.  

[Hadash]

El Correo Internacional

---

---

Magentina: PSD forms minority government
By: Rodolfo Valentino
Published: Marth 28, 1585


Antonina Cabrera, leader of the Social Democratic Party (PSD)

---

After two months of intense negotiations, Antonina Cabrera, the leader of the center-left PSD (Social Democratic Party), was appointed Prime Minister by the Magentinian assembly, by a 152-143 vote. As consequence, the PSD will form a coalition government with the left-liberal Social Justice Party and the centrist PRD. The latter, which had a disappointed result in the Alvan legislative election losing two seats down to 10 of 333 -being the smallest group in the parliament along Action for the Republic- will only join the government with two ministers, although  Cecilia Montes -PRD leader since late 1583- will become Minister of Foreign Affairs. Octavio Primo, from Alternative for Magentina, a political party founded only six months ago, became Speaker of the Assembly. The abstention of the new center-right political party was key for the appointment of Cabrera's government.

The legislative elections had been called after the 1582 parliament was unable to elect a President of the Republic with the constitutionally required majority. Prime Minister Emiliano Lafuente's government -affected by corruption scandals and denounces of nepotism- was unable to obtain a majority. Lafuente, the leader of the center-right Liberal Party, had been Prime Minister since 1578. Since 1582, he was leading a coalition government along Action for the Republic and the Conservative Party. A month ago, Saturnino Huerta was appointed President of the Republic, nominated by Alternative for Magentina. Huerta, mayor of Palmenta since 1572 as an Action for the Republic candidate, was one the first elected officials to suggest that it would have been better if Lafuente decided to step down as Liberal-Action for the Republic candidate.

The new coalition has agreed a center-left government program which includes a progressive tax reform, increasing social spending, the creation of a basic income experimental program for youth and unemployed, and return of land and inheritance taxation. However, Cabrera has also promised to lower the corporate tax -an Alternative for Magentina's demand-, to pass anti-trust and anti-corruption legislation, and to discuss a new immigration policy with the consensus of a majority of the parliament.

Although Cabrera will be the first women Prime Minister as the first PSD-led government -a left-wing political party established in 1547, which has never been in the national government before- is unclear if the Mandavines nation will experience important changes, as the government will require parliamentary support by Alternative for Magentina and other right-leaning or moderate forces.

[Hadash]

El Correo Internacional

---

---

Kyrzbekistan: Socialist government wins large majority
By: Milena Brovina
Published: Septem 11, 1585


Kyrzbekistani citizens counting votes in a northwestern electoral district.

---

The ruling Socialist People's Party, in power since the proclamation of the Democratic Republic of Kyrzbekistan in 1568, won the federal elections by a landslide, obtaining 54% of the vote and 222 of 399 deputies.

Although the Socialist People's Party was expected to win the elections, it obtained a larger than predicted majority, enough to control comfortably the Congress of People's Deputies, the Lower House of the Democratic Republic of Kyrzbekistan. It is their best result since 1569, which is believed to strengthen the leadership of Damir Kazbekur, Chairman of the People's Council since 1579. In the 1581 federal elections, the Socialist People's Party had lost the majority in the lower house, forming a coalition government witt the center-left Kyrzbek Labour Party which lasted until 1584, when the Socialist People's Party was forced to form a minority government.

The Democratic Social Forum, an elected coalition formed mostly by ethnic Arberian political parties, ended second for first time, obtaining their best result, with 16.1% of the vote, almost six points more than four years ago. The leadership of the Arberian coalition hopes that this result will boost their chances to win the state elections in the state of Kombash-Kenlyukya, to be hold next year.

On the contrary, it was a disappointing result for the Kyrzbek National Party, which obtained 15.8% of the vote, and displaced from being the second most voted political party by merely a few thousands votes. The Kyrzbek National Party, an Akhadist political party established in 1570, which was created and supported by members of the controversial Akhadic Society merely improved two hundred thousands votes regarding the federal elections in 1581, a result highly disappointing as the Akhadist political party hoped, if not winning the elections, at least reducing considerably the distance between them and the Socialist People's Party.

The explanations for their failure may be diverse. Since 1582, the Kyrzbek National Party is governing the state of Yartushia, in eastern Kyrzbekistan, in coalition with the Conservative Reform Coalition, another Akhadic conservative political party, and KNP Governor Elbrus Almasur may have frightened many voters, as consequence of ultra-conservative legislation which has caused conflict with the federal government and social unrest in the region. Ilgus Irekur, leader of the Kyrzbek National Party has also denounced the government's de facto monopoly over the national media and a "Fear Campaign" which may have pushed many former Kyrzbek Labour Party and moderate voters to vote for the Socialists this time, fearing either an Akhadist-inspired federal government or political chaos in the country, the latter a still important concern for many in the nation, as the country experienced a 9-year civil war between 1559 and 1568.

However, other more concerning explanations were gives, as Ilgus Irekur denounced irregularities and voting fraud by federal authorities. Although the evidences of this so far were limited, it was pointed out the results in several districts in the state of Uzekyak, where the Socialist People's Party obtained more than 70% of the vote, up to 84.1% in the Yasheyaz district. While some of these results were explained by the collapse of the Kyrzbek Labour Party which collapsed from 40% to 9%, it is unexpected such results in some of these districts, despite the state remains one of the strongholds of the Socialist People's Part most polls expected a result for the Socialist People's Party lower by 10-12 points than the official ones. However, the federal government has denied any wrongdoing or fraud, and accussed the Akhadist political party of using smearing tactics. The rest of the opposition, although demanding the Electoral Commission to investigate this allegations seriously, were more prudent and avoided any direct accusation.

Governor Elbrus Almasur went as far as -the day after the elections- of proposing a "March to Ayduramazan", in order to demand the federal government a repeat of the elections or, at least, an independent investigation on the issue. However, this was rejected later by the Kyrzbek National Party leadership, which is not willing to push toward a direct confrontation with the federal government, at least until the 1586 state elections.

The main losers of the federal elections were, however, the center-left Kyrzbek Labour Party, which obtained only 4% of the vote, obtaining their worst electoral result ever. If the result repeated in the next year elections, the center-left political party may only obtain representatives in half of the states of the Democratic Republic of Kyrzbekistan. Khamazan Rashatur announced his resignation as General Secretary of the party last week, although this won't be official until a political meeting to be hold on late 1585.

The Socialist Revolutionary Group, an electoral coalition led by the Communist Party of Kyrzbekistan, and the Conservative Reform Coalition, an Akhadic conservative party, also obtained representation in the Congress of People's Deputies, although with a result worse that they hoped barely enough to obtain their own parliamentary group.

Although many of the ministers of the federal government have only been in office by one year and a half, Chairman of the People's Council (head of government) Damir Kazbekur may announce a minor reshuffle of the federal government in the coming weeks.

[Hadash]

El Correo Internacional

---

---

Mordvania: Ruling coalition suffers defeat in national elections
By: Elena Manstein
Published: Septem 24, 1585


Mordvanian President Zvezdana Serebryak.

---

The President of the Republican Council Bogdan Privsek is likely to lose power, after the Republican Coalition was defeated in the seventh Mordvanian national election since 1567. The Republican Coalition, formed only one year ago, it is an electoral coalition formed by Privsek's Mordvanian Republican Party and the Republican Liberal Party - both parties under a coalition government since 1579. The coalition was established in order to improve the changes of the coalition to stay in power but, rather the contrary, the Mordvanian Republican Party obtained their worst result since 1567.

The national election resulted in a hung parliament, with merely a distance of six points between the four most voted political forces. As a whole, the parliament shifted toward a left-leaning majority, although the new government will be likely the result of complicated negotiations. The first legislative elections since the election of Zvezdana Serebryak as first President of the Republic of Mordvania, the president is expected to play an important role in the negotiations, although the 1582 constitutional reform considerably decreased the role of head of state over the parliament and executive.

Lavika Coalition, an electoral coalition established by the United Progressive Socialist Party, the Equality Party, the Mordvanian Communist Party and other left-wing organizations, obtained 25.6% of the vote and 156 representatives of 599. Vladislav Kozina, General Secretary of the United Progressive Socialist Party since 1583 and Lavika Coalition candidate, will try to form a left-wing coalition government, but he himself has declared that it will be "a tough task, but required to the well-being and progress of the country". The Lavika Coalition campaigned against many of the reforms of Privsek's government, and promised to increase the minimum wage and social spending.

The Republican Coalition obtained 23.2% and 142 representatives, a combined loss of ninety-six seats by the coalition government, which makes highly unlikely that the current government could continue in power. Bogdan Privsek offered the formation of an "All-Republican government", which may include the Republican Coalition, the Republican Democratic Party and even the Republican Social Radical Party, but such ideologically diverse coalition government is unlikely considering the differences between those parties on issues going from fiscal policy, administrative reforms, social spending or taxation.

The Republican Social Radical Party, a left-republican political party, obtained 21.9% and 134 seats. The Republican Social Radical Party was already in a coalition government with President Zvezdana Serebryak's United Progressive Social Party from 1573 to 1579, but it is unclear if that will be possible. Since last year, the Republican Social Radical Party is led by Jakob Vurnik, 50, Voyvode of Slawowo, which is consider to belong to the most moderate branch of the party. During the electoral campaign, Vurnik declared several times that a coalition government with Serebryak's political party should be considered as a given, and that the party may explore other options, as supporting a minority government.

The Coalition of Constitutional Forces (ZDU-KDK), a centrist coalition formed by several liberal and ethnic political parties was fourth, obtaining 19.9% and 121 seats, their best result since the coalition was established in 1572. The ZDU-KDK candidate, Alenka Levstik, former Minister of Commerce and Communications, hopes that the coalition will be influential enough in the negotiations. Levstik declared that the coalition may consider all options except supporting a government including the Lavika Coalition, which Levstik said that her coalition considers "too radical ideologically...and contrary to the interests of the citizens of this country". Levstik hinted that they may try to convince the Mordvanian Republican Party to support a Republican Social Radical Party minority government, with   the condition that the Lavika Coalition does not join the government but later she answered that "may be only an option". She declared that they predict the negotiations to be tough and long, but that her coalition is prepared to seek the best option for the interests of the country.

The Bunesgan People's Party, a Bunesgan nationalist political party, obtained 4.6% and 28 seats. The Bunesgan People's Party gained 8 seats compared to 1582, but still short of their best results in the 1570s. The Bunesgan People's Party has a proposal of electoral reform and a path toward Bunesgan independence as main (and only) political demands, and it is unlikely that they end supporting any Mordvanian government.

The Radical Democratic Party, a center-left republican party, obtained 3.1% and 18 seats. Although the Radical Democratic Party was able to remain in the Mordvanian parliament by merely a few thousand votes, they may be a decisive political force during the negotiations. The Radical Democratic Party is led by Bronislawa Smieszawska, and it was founded in 1574 as a split from the Republican Social Radical Party.

It has been confirmed that President Zvezdana Serebryak will meet tomorrow Vladislav Kozina, officially starting the negotiations for a new President of the Republican Council, as the head of government is officially known in the Republic of Mordvania.

[Hadash]

El Correo Internacional

---

---

Oslanburgan-born businessman dies in Keszaria
By: Mauricio Kovács-Tomillo
Published: Ochtyr 20, 1585


Uffe Moelbaek

---

Oslanburgan businessman Uffe Moelbaek died yesterday in his home in Újnagyváros, Keszaria, a spokesperson for the family announced.

Moelbaek, 84,  was well-known as the owner of Air Keszaria, Keszaria's most important airline company.

The Oslanburgan businessman established in Keszaria in the 1550s, acquiring several factories and state companies recently privatized by the communist regime, then in a complicated transition toward market economy and democracy. He founded Bizalom Credit, an investment company, in 1557, which he later sold to the Pénzügy Group in 1569. That year, he was named "the richest man in Keszaria" for first time.

In 1558, he bought Keszaria State Airways, then the state-owned airline, which he later renamed as "Air Keszaria". Air Keszaria got soon prominance in the national sector, and expanded considerably in the next decades as one of the main and most successful airlines of South Brigidna. During the 1576 financial crisis, Air Keszaria did considerably well, although forced to do some internal adjustment, unlike its main national rival KESZLAV airlines, which was close to bankruptcy and was sold to Lanlanian investors.

He was granted Keszarian citizenship in 1568 by President Zsoltán Barényi. Moelbaek usually stayed out of national politics, although he was said to have a good and close personal relationship with several Keszarian presidents.

Moelbaek's death may raise some doubts about the future of Air Keszaria, although the family may try to keep control of the company. The announcement of Moelbaek's death surprised and shocked the Keszarian market, after weeks of rumours about the other Keszaria airline, KESZLAV, which Lanlanian owners were said to be considered offers by Nylander, Oslan, Mordvanian, and Vallish companies and investors.

Moelbaek leaves two daughters, Gerhilda and Alexandrine, and a son, Ludwik. Keszarian President Béla Kertész has confirmed that he will personally attend Molenbaek's funeral.

[Hadash]

El Correo Internacional

---

---

Mordvania: Jakob Vurnik elected as President of the Republican Council
By: Elena Manstein
Published: Nueva 4, 1585


Eha Grahek-Ternehetär will be the new Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Mordvania

---

After weeks of negotiations, Jakob Vurnik has been appointed President of the Republican Council (head of government), replacing Mordvanian Republican Party leader Bogdan Privsek who had been President of the Republican Council from 1579.

Vurnik, 50, has been leader of the left-republican Republican Social Radical Party for a year. Previously, he had been Voyvode of Slawowo -the fourth largest city of the country- since 1579. Vurnik's experience in national politics is limited to a two-year term as representative in the Chamber of Deputies (Mordvania's Upper House). Despite the Republican Social Radical Party was only the third most voted political party in the Septem elections, Vurnik will be head of government in a coalition government which will included -besides his own political party- Zvezdana Serebryak's Lavika Movement and center-left Radical Democratic Party, enjoying therefore a comfortable majority in the Assembly of Representatives.

The coalition negotations were described as "tough and complicated" by internal sources, as Vurnik was not willing that the Republican Social Radical Party became a minor ally in a United Progressive Socialist Party-led government, as many in the more moderate faction of the left-republican party -of which Vurnik is a nominal member- felt it was the case during Zvezdana Serebryak's tenure as President of the Republican Council (1576-1579). The coalition government has agreed to repeal and review many of the laws passed by Bogdan Privsek's government, including the labour and unemployment laws passed last year, and the education and healthcare reforms, and to suspend already announced but not implemented yet privatizations, as the Lavika Movement (the most voted political party in the last elections, an electoral coalition which includes Serebryak's United Progressive Socialist Party, the Equality Party, and the Mordvanian Communist Party). However, the coalition final agreement has a more center-left reformist agenda, with many Lavika Movement's proposal either postponer or watered down.

Along President of the Republican Council Jakob Vurnik, the national government will have another 6 ministers, while five ministers will be from the Lavika Movement. The Vice-President of the Republican Council will be Bronislawa Smieszawska, the leader of the center-left Radical Democratic Party, which will join the government with only two ministers but in important office such as the Ministry of Public Education and Culture and the Ministry of Culture.

Some analysts have seen the government agreement as an institutional compromise between President Zvezdana Serebryak's Lavika Movement and the Republican Social Radical Party, with the latter having an influential role in domestic politics, with Lavika Movement ministries reduced to the control to some relatively symbolic ministries such as the Ministry of Economic Development, Labour and Social Affairs, Agriculture, or the Ministry of Republican Affairs. Eha Grahek-Ternehetär was announced as Minister of Foreign Affairs, and she will be the United Progressive Socialist Party member with a highest ranking in Vurnik's government. Grahek-Ternehetär, an ethnic Kaljuran, has no diplomatic experience, however, as she was currently a Councillor in the Voyvodeship of Mestarka. Critics of the new coalition government believe that she may be only a nominal appointment, and that President Zvezdana Serebryak will be given full control of the foreign policy of the Republic of Mordvania, in exchange to the appointed of Jakob Vurnik as President of the Republican Council.

Vladislav Kozina, General Secretary of the United Progressive Socialist Party and head candidate of the Lavika Movement in the Septem elections will not join, surprisingly, the coalition government, although it has been confirmed that he will be the Speaker of the Lavika parliamentary group in the Assembly of Representatives. Another leading Lavika Movement member, Stanislava Slokar -leader of the Equality Party- was already elected as Chairman of the Assembly of Representatives.

[Hadash]

El Correo Internacional

---

---

Oslanburgan businessman arrested in Keszaria
By: Mauricio Kovács-Tomillo
Published: Vintyr 22, 1585


Businessman Mikkel Axelgaard

---

Mikkel Axelgaard, CEO of Air Keszaria, the most important airline company in the country, was arrested yesterday by Keszarian police nearby Köszövár, Keszarian newspapers informed today. He is charged with tax evasion and tax fraud.

Axelgaard, 67, an Oslanburgan citizen, had been CEO of Air Keszaria since 1572. He was said to be right-hand of Uffe Moelbaek, founder and owner of Air Keszaria, who died last Ochtyr. Axelgaard was previously Air Keszaria's chief operating officer for West Brigidna, and appointed to Air Keszaria executive board shortly afterwards.

A speaker of Air Keszaria declared that the charges against Mikkel Axelgaard "are not...in any way, related to his role as CEO of the company". In their official statement, the company declares that they are thankful for the professionality and experience that Axelgaard has showed in different roles for the last twenty years, but they will consider if the company will provide legal advice and representation to Axelgaard or it will consider his problems with justice as a "personal matter". Axelgaard's role in the company will be temporarily replaced by Nándor Ulvaeus, vice-chairman of the company, until next general meeting of the executive board, the speaker of Air Keszaria announced.

No comment was made by the Keszarian government so far.

[Hadash]

Macharaviayaische Zeitung

---

---

Mordvanian President Visits Khibland
By: Elena Manstein
Published: Alvan 27, 1587


President Zvezdana Serebryak

---

President of the Republic Mordvania Zvezdana Serebryak became the first Brigidnan head of state to visit Khibland, in the second official visit by a Mordvanian delegation since Khibland's independece, which the northern Brigidnan country did not recognize until 1582.

The Mordvanian President met Khiblander president Cynebaldina Mazzini and Prime Minister Primoz Destovnik in order to stregthen relations between the Brigidnan nation and its former colonial territory, now recognized as a sovereign nation. Serebryak and Destovnik reportedly discussed of trade, international cooperation, national security, and defense. The formalization of Mordvanian military presence in the Avidnan country (which have remained in Khibland since 1573 invasion, and the current agreement stipulates that they could only stay until 1589, unless a new treaty is signed) was probably an important issue in yesterday talks

The visit was not without as controversy, as the opposition and several human right organizations have accused Prime Minister Destovnik in recent years to endanger freedom of press and judiciary independence through several legislative reforms. While President Serebryak expressed support toward Khibland's sovereignty and security and urged President Mazzini to keep the compromise toward rule of law and democracy as established in the 1574 Südenberg Agreement, she also declared that her government does not aim to interfere in the Avidnan country internal affairs.

President Serebryak is expected to have a brief meeting with the opposition leaders and members of the Khiblander social society, before leaving the country. However, it was rather an answer during Serebryak press conference along President Mazzini which caused a stir in the Avidnan nation.

When asked by a local journalist if her government considered to apologize for the role of the Kingdom of Abdania and Mordvania on colonialism in Avidna, and specially in Khibland, which became an almost personal possession of the Abdanian monarchy from colonization in early 14th century to 1566, when Khibland proclaimed independence. Serebryak answered that her government was not considered to apologize, as Mordvania "[was]...a subject of Abdanian colonialism as well as the Avidnan people were, even if different methods of oppression were used", she said. "The values in which our republic was founded will make us always on brotherhood with the people of Khibland", she added.

Serebryak's remarks were considered "insulting" and even a "rewritting of history" by many in Khibland, including supporters of Destovnik's government, as Abdanian colonization of the Avidnan territory is officially considered an "act of genocide" through the Remembrance Act of 1577 and slavery was not abolished by the Abdanian monarchy in 1502, while the Mordvanian nobility under the Kingdom of Abdania and Mordvania was allowed to keep a legislature and a limited self-autonomy.

Speaking on the controversy, Khiblander scholar Matthias Marsund told Macharaviayaische Zeitung: "The [Mordvanian] president's answer showed a great ignorance on colonialism in our continent. The fact that [she] chose to visit Khibland is welcoming, and I believe the spirit of her visit was constructive and positive for Khibland's interests...but I can only hope this controversy will change her perception and knowledge on Avidnan history and culture...It is not encouraging that elected officials attempt to manipulate history that way, in order to score political points at home or to avoid their moral responsability".

The Mordvanian Minister of Foreign Affairs has rejected to comment on if the president's words could be considered insensitive. In a statement quoted by Mordvanian media, a spokesperson said: "The diplomatic visit by President Serebryak to Khibland was considered conclusive and successful by both sides. We hope a constructive relation will increase between both countries, and it is our aim that cooperation on trade, national security, regional stability, culture, and education will continue for a long time".

President Zvezdana Serebryak will be leaving Khibland direction to Nyköping, Nyland, in an one-week visit to the Skathian country.

[Hadash]

Macharaviayaische Zeitung

---

---

Mordvanian Prime Minister under pressure
By: Elena Manstein
Published: Septem 1587


Slawowo, Republic of Mordvania

---

Jakob Vurnik, President of the Republican Council (head of government) since 1585, is facing increasing pressure over corruption claims.

Vurnik, 52, has been leader of the Republican Social Radical Party since a year before. He was previously the popular Voyvode of Slawowo -the local government of the fourth largest city of the country- from 1579 to months before the 1585 national election.

Vurnik became President of the Republican Council after the center-left Republican Social Radical Party formed a coalition government with President Zvezdana Serebryak's Lavika Movement, and the more moderate Radical Democratic Party. Vurnik's government has implemented more moderate policies than the RSRP-UPSP coalition governments from 1573 and 1579, with a more social liberal program while increasing social spending.

A month ago, Vladislav Maj was arrested along other several members of the Republican Social Radical Party from Slawowo, accussed of several charges, including abuse of office and aggravated fraud. Vladislav Maj had been a member of Slawowo local government since 1579, during the time that Vurnik was Voyvode (a political office similar to mayor). When Vurnik resigned as Voyvode, Vladislav Maj replaced him, although he was defeated in the 1586 local elections by Miroslav Gregak, the candidate of the center-right Mordvanian Republican Party. Maj had continued to be the leader of the opposition in the Slawowo voyvodeship.

Vurnik has denied that he was aware that any wrongdoing during his time as voyvode of Slawowo, and judge Matej Jamek -who is leading the investigation- has not suggested any charges against Vurnik personally. All arrested and suspects are members of the Republican Social Radical Party in Slawowo -excepting an independent councillor and two local businessmen-, although the party is not accussed of illegal funding and there is no evidence that other local branches of the party were implicated in the case. Despite this, Aljaz Martelj, leader of the Mordvanian Republican Party, has demanded Jakob Vurnik to resign as President of the Republican Council.

Yesterday, Bronislawa Smieszawska, Vice-President of the Republican Council declared that if charges against Vurnik were issued, the Radical Democratic Party would leave the coalition government. Smieszawska is one of the three Radical Democratic Party members of the government, and her declaration has put extra pressure on the President of the Republican Council.

Today, it was leaked that the Republican Guard corruption office is currently investigating up to 57 contracts signed during Vurnik's second term in Slawowo which were considered "suspicious" of illegal practices or violation of administrative legislation. It is expected that Jakob Vurnik addresses the nation later today, either confirming a reshuffle of the national government or announcing his resignation as head of government.

In the latter case, it is unclear if the current coalition could survive, or if the Republican Social Radical Party -which has currently 6 ministers in the national government- will remain in the government, as the party may experience instense infighting in case Vurnik resigns as both head of government and leader of the left-republican party. At the same time, President Zvezdana Serebryak's far-left Lavika Movement may demand a larger role in the government as the largest party in the Mordvanian parliament.

Mordvanian media has been pondering several scenarios about what could come next. The most likely scenario could be that the Republican Social Radical Party -and maybe the Radical Democratic Party as well- could allow a minority Lavika Movement government under a confidence and supply agreement.

Another option is that Vurnik may try to remain in power ending the coalition government and trying to support under a more centrist political platform with the support of the opposition. This would be a risky and bold move, however, and unlikely to happen, as Vurnik would require the support of the Mordvanian Republican Party, the largest opposition party, which would be unwilling to do so now that is leading the polls again. But Vurnik -who has been always considered a pragmatist during his political career- is probably unlikely to try such move, as it would not only likely breakup the Republican Social Radical Party but could create a political crisis in the government.

If Vurnik resigns but the Mordvania parliament fails to agree in a new head of government, President Zvezdana Serebryak could directly appoint a new President of the Republican Council, but he could only be in power for six months before a snap election is automatically is called if the head of government remains without the support of the parliament.

Milan Porodznek, professor of Political Science in the National University of Brezedina, believes that those scenaries may be a too far-reaching. "So far", Porodznek told to Brezedinanski zvon, a Mordvanian newspaper, "President Vurnik has not officially accussed of anything illegal, not even any wrongdoing, merely from the point of view of law. With only a year before the next election, I don't think it is unlikely that that the coalition government may try to survive this political crisis through a minor reshuffle of the government which increases the influence of the other members of the current coalition".