[BNNN] Batengdei National News Network

[Kacheru]

Hello and welcome to Batengdei National News Network. We are a state-funded network dedicated to promoting Batengdeian values since 1940. Our goal is to report media in a fair and unbiased manner, for the people of Batengdei to listen without fear of propaganda.

Edited November 9, 2019 by Bulgenstaz (see edit history)

[Kacheru]

 

Earlier today, Prime Minister Ban Don Krusken II has modified laws on decentralization within the People's Republic of Batengdei. It enables regional government bodies which enacts localized legislature in Khsaandei. This legislature has primarily come from increasing demand for representation of the largely Khsamer east region. Aphibat Pises Leokau of Khsaandei comments, 

"The increased representation of minority groups, such as us Khsamer, demonstrates the republic's progress toward expanded cultural representation. To us, we feel our values have been underrepresented in Batengdeian administration; it has instead favored the majority populace of ethnic Khaymer. This shift toward regional governance is a welcome change, and will certainly result in further development of the Khsaandei region of Batengdei."

Thank you, Aphibat Leokau. We, too, believe these measures of reform provide more voice for local institutions. Perhaps this may lead to demands of representation in the Khett Meastonle. Regardless, BNNN applaud's the progressive reforms of the Krusken administration.

Edited November 20, 2019 by Bulgenstaz (see edit history)

[Kacheru]

Nothing to see here.

Edited November 9, 2019 by Bulgenstaz (see edit history)

[Kacheru]

Questions concerning the upcoming election in December of 2019 has begun. The five-year election cycle will be up, and voting will begin. Last election, the Bateng Rouge Party won 65% of seats, while the Liberal Democratic Party won 18% of seats, the National Sovereign Party won 9% of seats, and the Khsamer National Party won 8%.

BNNN Party Discussion:

The Bateng Rouge Party has shifted more and more center after the Liberal Democratic coalition won the elections in early 1999. The policy change for the BRP has garnered significant popular increase since, while the LDP has lost a lot of its previous support after a devastating scandal with their former Prime Minister Hu Wa Mien. It is possible, however, for recent Batengdeian trade deals and economic expansion to increase party support, and another coalition may give the majority needed to take the majority. On a very different spectrum, the Khsaandei region has seen increased levels of autonomy which may dramatically impact seats taken by the Khsaamer National Party; whether increasing Khsaamer autonomy will strengthen or damage their national influence is to be determined. On a less regional level, despite the recent success of the ICEB trade agreements, it is unlikely to see the NSP decrease in size within Saphea Wat this election.

Regardless of your political allegiance, exercise your vote. There is a possibility for a dramatic shift in the current government, and it should represent the choice of the Republic itself.

This has been Batengdei National News Network with an update on the upcoming election.

Edited November 20, 2019 by Bulgenstaz (see edit history)

[Kacheru]

After an arduous legislative process and considerable modification, the Rural Development and Integration Act has been ratified. This bill had been among the primarily goals of the Krusken Administration from 2009. The primarily focus of this act is on the development of quality living in remote parts of Batengdei. Here are some of the most important aspects:

Integration: in part, the bill promotes development of new road networks between small townships and villages. The goal of these new roadways is to facilitate connections in the regional level, and to integrate small isolated villages. The roadways will hopefully stimulate economic development and opportunity for small industries to more effectively transport goods across a wider range of buyers. Discussion has also began on expansion of railroad coverage in the future.

Communication: new telephone lines are planned to reach new areas of Batengdei, helping to connect families, as well as facilitate even greater communication spanning across the nation. Newly implemented local post offices should help to remove the burden from individuals to send mail, where it is processed far from the origin and destination. The communications overhaul should generate new rural employment opportunities both in the implementation and maintenance of new lines.

Electricity: perhaps the most challenging part of the proposal to pass, though certainly the most important, is the new rural electricity system. The bill promotes the establishment of national power lines facilitated by new nuclear reactors planned to open up. The goal of the new power system is to increase electricity reliability nationwide, as villages can move away from small generators and instead rely on the national grid. This system is planned to integrate with established lines to keep rural Batengei reliably powered. However, to cut costs, there will be a rationing system for electric availability, and new lines will be shut off between 10pm and 4am EAT. According to Prime Minister Krusken, power rationing is only temporary and will be extended to all-day coverage, though no time was specified for what point it would occur.

Healthcare: the original Rural Development and Integration Act had called for a new local hospital system to effectively cover all of rural Batengdei, however this was instead modified to an expansion of the Khett-based hospital system. Regardless, as many as 20 new hospital complexes are planned for development in the near future, which will grant far better and reliable healthcare coverage for Batengdei nationwide.

Industry: while industrial expansion was taken out of the Rural Development and Integration Act early on, Prime Minister Botdem Krusken II has stated his intent to expand new industries to remote regions of Batengdei in an effort to reduce their dependency on agriculture, and to overall improve their benefit to the economy. It will be seen if this concept sees fruition after the 2019 election.

In all, the Rural Development and Integration Act is one of the largest infrastructure reforms in the history of our country. How it will change the rural parts of Batengdei may not be seen for many years, though the proposal had generated a lot of public interest in the Bateng Rouge Party, and helped maintain the Krusken Administration's popular support for 9 years and running.

This has been Batengdei Liberation News Network on the Rural Development and Integration Act

Edited November 9, 2019 by Bulgenstaz (see edit history)

[Kacheru]

Yesterday, Prime Minister Ban Don Krusken II held a long speech outside Saphea Wat. It was primarily to address the the upcoming election, as well as external affairs. One of the principal discussions concerned the growing tensions in South Argis, particularly Girkmand, which we will summarize in this article.

Above: Prime Minister Ban Don Krusken II Outside of Saphea Wat

Concerning the protests in Girkmand, Krusken stated hopes that the conflict does not escalate to civil war, and hopes the demonstration will encourage President Gerald Webb to instead consider the populace in future legislation. While he did not advocate the removal of the "Domestic Security Act," Krusken implied such legislature felt, to him, largely unnecessary. Krusken also lamented the lives lost during the Palm Street Mall Siege, but closed by saying, "10 deaths, while tragic, do not demand the death of 25 more." It would seem Prime Minister Ban Don Krusken II desires for the restoration of stability in Girkmand, but also hopes the government will take greater measures in consideration of the civilian populace in future legislation.

Edited November 20, 2019 by Bulgenstaz (see edit history)

[Kacheru]

Batengdei Prepares for Possibility of Eurth Olympic Games

As rumors of a Summer Olympic games begins to circulate around Batengdei, the country has begun a registration campaign encouraging elite Batengdeian athletes to join the Batengdei National Team. As of right now, there have been many notable Batengdeian athletes who have announced their registration, including:

Jar Het Løz: world-class Batengdeian male swimmer from Tonle Baitang.

Leksov Ardow: male national sprint champ from Bateng Gioro.

Hueng Le: male soccer star on the Red Sparrows Team, from Khaokhett.

Agata Mestov: female distance runner from Chner Kraham.

Lena Lest Het: female hurdler from Khaymerdei.

We at BNNN are excited and proud of our brave athletes who plan to participate in the upcoming sporting event. The Bateng Rouge have plans to finalize the team later this January. We hope all worthy applicants may find a place on the new Batengdei Olympic Committee.

Kompung La Men Khaydo Among First Villages Positively Impacted by New "Rural Development and Integration Act"

Above: Kompung La Men Khaydo with newly installed electrical utilities

Batengdeian Officials happily announced the beginnings of "major success" with the RDI Act, which was passed only a little over a month earlier. Over 50 kompungs have been positively affected, with "many more to come" according to the Minister of Internal Development, Abeng Jarvanman. Many of the affected villages are located closer to the interior of Batengdei, such as Kompung Tonle Bakar in Khaymerdei. Services provided include: improved reliable electricity access, increased/expanded internet service, improved water sources such as pumps and wells, and new sophisticated vehicles to improve agricultural yields. Some kompungs have updated and improved housing.

Plans to commence industrial development and advanced infrastructure in rural areas is estimated to begin mid-February, with healthcare expansion by the beginning of March.

Edited November 20, 2019 by Bulgenstaz (see edit history)

[Kacheru]

Batengdei Liberal Democratic Party Expected to Gain Seats in Upcoming Election

After positive discussions of foreign trade, it would seem the LDP will be approaching a potentially election-winning amount of support. Our polls have found 20% of Batengdeian citizens have "strong support for the Liberal Democratic Party," while another 25% have "some support for the Liberal Democratic Party." It is expected many of the new supporters come from the Bateng Rouge Party.

Interestingly, it would seem support for the LDP has dropped in rural areas. This is unsurprising, as the trend of trade is often in the benefit of urban coastal cities. Regardless of their benefit, some inland cities have seen a noticeable drop in support for the BRP in favor of the LDP. As the population of rural Betengdeians appears to be declining, it may be that the Bateng Rouge Party could lose out on this election, depending on their choice of platform. Regardless of who will win, we hope for a free, fair election this May.

Edited November 9, 2019 by Bulgenstaz (see edit history)

[Kacheru]

Death of Governor Calls Honor Duels into Question

Yesterday Governor Min Hao of Phnomdei was killed in a legal Honor Duel. This shook the nation, and calls into question the limit of what some believe to be "an outdated policy" which "has no place in Batengdeian law." The governor had endorsed the duel, which had been designated by the Phnomdei Court after Karay He Li charged a defamation suit.

The issue is primarily over the death of Governor Min Hao, which had not been specified in the Writ of Challenge. Currently He Li is free of any charges over what some believe is "government endorsed murder." The wife of the late Governor, Krysya Min Hao, has already made a legal case which will rapidly move to the People's Supreme Court. While it is difficult to say right now, He Li's Honor Duel will most likely be upheld by the conservative majority, but there is still the possibility of Mrs. Min Hao winning the suit and changing the precedent for all future Honor Duels.

Regardless of the outcome, BNNN mourns the loss of Governor Min Hao and wishes a safe and comprehensive trial.

Edited November 20, 2019 by Bulgenstaz (see edit history)

[Kacheru]

Dam Burst Floods Dnestov

The Vietrow Dam in the Let Desvow river collapsed in a massive flood of the agricultural section which led to the loss of at least 1000 lives yesterday. This tragedy has been blamed on neglectful maintenance of key infrastructure in the Okrug. While the Dnestov council has expressed their despair for the tragedy, Governor Vol Nyuet has yet to comment.

As the confirmed dead continue to rise, the flooding has been halted, though the crisis will impact this years harvest and probably many to come. Estimated damages are in the millions of Khourts, though fortunately the nearby Let Desvow nuclear reactor had not been significantly impacted by the flooding. As a region with significant agricultural importance to Bulgenstaz, it can be expected to see food prices increase, especially within the Dnestov Okrug.

Above: Kompung Let Vietrow has been all but destroyed by flooding. Large deposits of formerly undisturbed sediment has suffocated much of the plant life which would have survived a natural flood.

Concerns Raised Over Increasing Tensions in PyeMcGowan

In the far north of Eurth, tensions are on the rise: it seems PyeMcGowian and Theodorian tensions have hit a new climax. Reports claim links between Theodoria and recent Andersonian terror attacks within PyeMcGowan. What this could mean for the future of relations between the two nations is difficult to say, though many speculate direct conflict is inevitable at the current pace of escalation. We to the south can only hope the two Argic nations can find some way to come to some peaceful agreement, and maintain peace in the Auriad.

Investigations of Theodorian links to the Kushnik Láo Bratva have so far turned up nothing. Bulgenstazi criminologists doubt there any significant motives for Theodorian operatives to be linked to local crime: Bulgenstaz has limited relationship with PyeMcGowan, and there is little strategic value in Bulgenstazi terrorism for Theodoria. Regardless, the search for a link continues.

While the Bulgenstazi government has expressed it's disgust at the Theodorian-linked terrorism, they have also announced there will be no form of Bulgenstazi participation should a major conflict break out.

Our hearts go out to the families of those families damaged by recent hostile acts in PyeMcGowan, and the thousands of Bulgenstazi effected by the Vietrow Dam flooding.

Edited November 9, 2019 by Bulgenstaz (see edit history)

[Kacheru]

Batengdei People's Grand Parliament Declares "Not Our People, Not Our Problem" on the Dolch See

In a near unanimous vote, the People's Grand Parliament has declared absolute neutrality in the ongoing Dolch See Conflict. However, they have not taken a stance on warmongering and chose to attempt to simply sell oil and resources to either side. Many were shocked to see that, despite their previous comments, the National Sovereign Party firmly supported this measure.

The vocal nationalist party has pushed to sever ties with Derthalen following the "Dolch See Incident" where a Seylosian civilian vessel was raided off the coast of Derthalen. However, it seems they have changed their tune to non-interventionism following the conflict. This may be a tactic to garner larger support, as the NSP has made considerable strides in public opinion, especially across the inner regions of Batengdei.

The People's Grand Parliament and the Prime Minister has expressed concerns about the "very real possibility of war being brought to our doorstep." While it seems as though conflict will remain in Argis and Alharu for now, it remains to be seen what the future holds.

Bulgenstaz People's Liberation Army Begins Large-Scale Defensive Upgrade

Due to "instability Eurth-Wide," the head of the Batengdei People's Liberation Army has announced plans for large-scale upgrades to the defensive infrastructure. In the top priorities is the large-scale SPAAR (Sovereign Protection Anti-Air Rocket) plan. The goal of this endeavor is to diminish the likelihood of foreign aggressors gaining air superiority in an invasion. This system would utilize recently developed SAMs, primarily the Dniesterian M1-2 Buk. Locations for mobile SAM deployment are currently unknown.

Interestingly, military officials have brought up the use of the military to bust illegal activities by the Dai Khmaw in sections of international jungle outside Batengdei. This may be simply saber-rattling by the military to dissuade the crime group from operating outside of Batengdeian borders but could be a possible measure taken, given the increase in crimes tied to the Dai Khmaw.

These new military measures are considered one of the largest Batengdeian military developments in ten years, but are, according to the Batengdeian National Congress, "a necessary measure in modern defense against rival states in these dangerous times."

Edited November 20, 2019 by Bulgenstaz (see edit history)

[Kacheru]

BRP and LDP refuse coalition in the face of NPC

Despite being completely unable to win against the National People's Coalition, the Bateng Rouge Party and the Liberal Democratic party refuse to cooperate. The Bateng Rouge Party, while at an unimpressive approval of 27%, seem reluctant to form a coalition, despite having done so in the past. BRP front-runner Tamar Gregov has stated her plan to "invigorate rural voters." Despite many reforms being passed under the Krusken administration aimed at improving conditions for remote, low-income regions of Bulgenstaz, party approval has actually dropped substantially. New surveys show the number one concern for rural areas is "corruption" at number one, with "jobs" trailing behind.

In contrast to its divided opponents, the NPC has made great strides in approval, with an entirely dominant presence in rural areas, and a creeping influence on urban areas. The NPC has made its message clear: "End Corruption, End the Influence of Capitalism." The NPC has claimed that, should they win, they will make efforts to withdraw significant funding from organizations like ICEB, and put the money towards "benefiting the Batengdeian people." Dissatisfaction with the allocation of government funds has increased substantially, and the NPC claims they will "re-prioritize" the nation.

The Liberal Democratic Party has seen another substantial growth, however, and seems to be almost capable of contending with the National People's Coalition by itself. Their policies toward religious freedoms, expanding the scope of privatized industry, and promoting trade and international cooperation is surprisingly effective. However, the party seems to be in a bit of controversy after their front-runner, Rakov Lon was discovered to be allocating campaign funds toward their own private business. Many politicians from other parties have expressed their concerns at the seemingly high levels of corruption within the party.

Batengdei Passes the Climate Prioritization Act

After much debate on the floor of Saphea Wat, the People's Grand Parliament has passed the "Climate Prioritization Act" which is meant to be "enhanced version of the Laren Agreement." Notably, this bill takes into account the already small percentage of Batengdeian fossil fuel usage and sets the date to be "carbon emissions free" by 2050. The bill also allocates 12 billion Khourts to developing cleaner fuel sources, which appear to be primarily focused on ethanol.

While the emissions-free deadline of 2050 is a promising sign, questions have been raised as to the purpose of the investment into fuel sources. Batengdei has sizeable agricultural sector of ethanol-viable foods. It is more than likely foods such as corn and sugar beet will see an increase in growth after this harvest. However, some speculate much of this funding may be directed toward alternative fuel sources entirely unrelated to the oil industry, though it is unclear exactly if such research is planned.

Edited November 20, 2019 by Bulgenstaz (see edit history)

[Kacheru]

Batengdeian People's Economic Coalition Formed by a Bill

Much to the surprise and concern of the National People's Coalition, the Liberal Democratic Party and the Bateng Rouge have merged into coalition in order to secure the support necessary to surpass the NPC. This being only days before the Batengdeian election. The impact that this will have on the future of Batengdei's politics is evident, as the Bateng Rouge has never formed a coalition until now. With the election around the corner, a compromise was made to pass a bill which had otherwise been blocked by the Bateng Rouge. The deal was made so as to ensure the Bateng Rouge had their pick for the coalition leader, Gragdom Banla The "People's Economic Outreach Program" is the name of the bill and its potential impact on the Batengdeian economy are surprisingly large.

The People's Economic Outreach Program had been drafted by the Liberal Democratic Party as a plan to encourage international businesses to invest their industry into Batengdei. The policy allows severely reduced labor restrictions to appeal to the applying companies, so long as they meet a set minimum wage for employees, and set maximum work hours of 10 hours per day for up to seven days per week. Environmental regulations for foreign companies are also lowered for an initial "grace period" of five years, though apparently these companies will be required to comply with the far stricter national standards after the period. The entire goal of this bill was to "integrate rural communities through the potential of new work opportunities" claims Kalama Gian, the appointed head of the coalition. "Our goal with the passing of this bill is to expand the work opportunities of undeveloped regions of Batengdei in a more cost-effective way than the "Rural Development and Integration Act" would have accomplished alone."

This move has already created a significant outcry among the NPC who sees this as "a direct attack against the state-owned enterprises of Batengdei." Will this new economic bill will be too much for national industry to compete with? It is hard to say as of right now. Regardless, this turn has been a shocking one, and it would appear that the election could very well be taken by the BPEC.

Edited November 18, 2019 by Bulgenstaz (see edit history)

[Kacheru]

Narrow BPEC Election Victory with Three Recounts

The election results are in, and despite much controversy, it seems the Batengdeian People's Economic Coalition has just narrowly gained the majority neccesary to secure a five-year term. The race had been extremely contentious and heated, with many threats of violence from party members. Despite the hostility, though, it would appear BPEC was able to secure its position as the majority (despite three calls for a recount by the NPC) Interestingly, despite the success of BPEC within the parliament, it has seen astounding losses in many Khett across Batengdei, including Bateng Gioro and Tonle Khlang. These new NPC provinces are almost entirely controlled by the National Sovereign Party. This comes as a great surprise to many as only years before the National Sovereign Party had been largely considered "fringe".

This election will have interesting results for Batengdei, especially in the long-run. While it could be argued the BPEC is a coalition controlled by the Liberal Democratic Party, it is headed by Kalama Gian, who is considered one of the most progressive members of the Bateng Rouge. It seems this coalition may be bound for some ideological conflicts, and whether it will be capable of functioning in the long-term is difficult to say.

In only a few days, Kalama will deliver her inaugural address in front of thousands in Khaokhett, where she will state her plans for the future of Batengdei, her own personal ambitions, and other topics pertaining to her appointment as Prime Minister. It will be more than likely she will have to address the PEOP, which has not only sparked significant controversy across the political spectrum, but has largely been unsuccessful at encouraging investment. It seems it has, rather, been a point of criticism for the failure of the Bateng Rouge to maintain their socialist ideology, including from reporters within @Tagmatium Rules, where they described it as "weakening their socialist ideology". While members of the Liberal Democratic Party claim the bill is "necessary for economic development" the NPC has described the bill as "an abominable stain on the face of Batengdei herself." Whether it will be remembered as a failure or a success is largely up to how it is developed, or curbed, from here.

Troubles Arise in Ceris

While the political wheels have been turning in Batengdei, the situation of the island of Ceris has seen a recent slide towards collapse. Large-scale protests have risen about food scarcity, and rumors of a dangerous cult have begun circulating. While Batengdei maintains their stance that the rumors of terrorist activity within Ceriser nations are largely false, they have declared there will be efforts made by Batengdei and other members of ICEB to improve the livelihood of all Ceriser nations who would accept it.

Some have already claimed that such acts of foreign aid are a movement of neo-imperialism designed to increase Ceris's dependency on foreign aid, while others, such as the NPC bloc firmly believes Batengdei should remain out of foreign affairs and concern itself with solving domestic issues such as addressing the rising unemployment rate and solving the growing levels of wealth inequality across the Khetts. For the time being, however, it seems Batengdei is turning their eyes away from domestic projects such as the RDIA, and more towards foreign aid.

Edited November 20, 2019 by Bulgenstaz (see edit history)

[Kacheru]

Prime Minister Gian Gives a Breath of Fresh Air in Acceptance Speech

As Batengdei rounded the new year, it had become time for the newly elected Prime Minister Kalama Gian to give an address to the public. The purpose of such speeches are generally to state a mission of the new administration as well as a "thank you" to those who supported them in the election. This year the speech had been delayed a few days, as per the request of Gian, but the delay was certainly worth it.

The acceptance speech began simply, Gian stated her pride at being chosen by the people to serve them. But, in a surprising twist which has many around the nation electrified, she then stated the goal of her administration which was to purge corruption and crime in Batengdei. While often used as a talking point for other parties, this had not been explicitly mentioned as a goal of the current coalition government of the Batengdeian People's Economic Coalition. This is a welcome phrase to many in Batengdei as voter participation has declined over the last decade with the chief reason being "corruption". However, Gian continued by stating her plans to launch an investigation into the possibility of bribery among the members of the People's Grand Parliament (which is strictly forbidden under the Batengdeian Constitution). While there have been requests for such investigations, they have primarily been centered around voter fraud. This is sure to be a pleasant surprise to rural Batengdei, who maintained their primary issue as "ending corruption."

Gian's plan to launch a large-scale investigation into corruption has already damaged the BPEC, however. Many members of the Liberal Democratic Party have called out the investigation as "unnecessary" and "an unnecessary use of the Prime Minister's Power." Gian responed on Wittier:

"All of this fuss over the launch of an investigation only convinces me that this is what our country needs most."

Gian's decision, however divisive, will commence within the next couple of weeks. There are already reports of the possibility of holding a new election, but given the proximity to the current election and the sudden sharp increase in support for Gian from the National Council of Polling, it's unlikely to bear much fruit.

Batengdei "Ready to Give Full Support" to Crisis-Torn Regions

The Batengdeian Ministry of Foreign Endeavors has made a recent public announcement about its ongoing efforts to aid nations in crisis. While many have decried the actions of the Batengdeian foreign aid efforts as being "over-expanded", the announcement has put many concerns to rest. "As it currently stands," claims Dverik He Long, head of the ministry, "we have the funding and planning to be able to carry out our foreign aid to whatever end."

The current large-scale aid projects include participation in the Cussian humanitarian mission to provide sanctuary to Cussian refugees in Batengdei and a plan to provide food aid to the famine-stricken region of Ceris, a region near Seylos. The stated goal of these missions are purely humanitarian, and have received international praise. It would appear that despite the current domestic issues of our country, our government has made fantastic strides abroad in the socialist, and ultimately humanist, endeavor of increasing the quality of life in Eurth.