Polite People

[Stedoria]

 

Edited Friday at 10:18 PM by Stedoria
Military orders replaced with Google Doc for immersion (see edit history)

[Stedoria]

14:24 | September 7^th, 2024 (07.09.2024)
Outside the City Hall of Eisenbergheim
Eisenbergheim, Elbenau, Velaheria

          Soldat (OR-1) Hans Sapan paced around the front of Eisenbergheim's city hall, his rifle held in front of him with his sling. A fountain stood in the centre of a small garden area, designed to compliment the city hall. However, the fountain stood empty, and, judging by Hans' guess, had remained empty for a long time. The plants, though not dead, also displayed sings of wilting, clearly lacking care. The surrounding buildings were also clearly worse for ware, bricks chipped, paint dilapidated; undoubtedly the town's small size, around nine to ten thousand, was reflected in the level of care shown to its infrastructure. He thought it ironic that a sight as simple as what was in front of him was so analogous to much of Velaheria today.

          The town remained eerily, quiet, he'd see the occasional passer-by, but he made no effort to speak with them, something that which they reciprocated. Whilst he hadn't been told the exact numbers, he estimated that approximately half the town had fled either southwards or eastwards following the commencement of the Stedorian invasion, with supporters of the Lily Revolution and the new, reorganised Velaherian government making up the majority of those who fled. As a result, the small town's already struggling economy had become essentially moribund, forcing rearguard units of the Stedorian invasion force to take the dual role of peacekeeping and helping distribute Stedorian aid. 

          He glanced at a newly-placed Stedorian-made propaganda poster as he turned around to continue is half-patrol, half-pacing. The poster displayed Stedorian Chief Consul Tamäj Köseg, his face display what could be perceived as a smirk, his hand held up in a welcoming, waving fashion. Below it read in Dolch, “Wir sind zusammen mit Stedoria und unserem freund Tamäj!—We are together with Stedoria and our friend Tamäj!”. Most notable on the poster now, however, was the red spray-paint defacing the poster: “Raus mörder!—Get out killers!”. Clearly, not everyone was happy to welcome the presence of Hans and his comrades.

          “Glidis! Seimos äjenon?” spoke a voice in Stedorian behind Hans, he turned, revealing one of his comrades from his platoon, Section Commander (OR-3) Max Väiss.

         “Glidis, o Sekionabüdan Väiss. And the usual's been going on: nothing.”

          “My favourite” he replied sarcastically.

          “And? Have the locals been welcoming?” Hans asked, both with an equal level of sarcasm but also slight curiosity. He knew the answer, but even then, he wanted to know if anything interesting had happened.

         “If being given the evil eye nigh constantly qualifies as being welcoming in the Velaherian culture, then I can indeed say that the Velaherians are the most welcoming people in the wurld” replied Max, continuing his sarcastic tone.

         “It looks like they aren't fans of Stedorian art, either.” Hans pointed towards the vandalised poster, Max looking at it.

         “This town probably weren't the biggest fans of the Starinburgs, probably explains why this town is so run-down; the loyal towns and towns that produced a lot received support, the ones that didn't, well, they ended up like this one. Although, I've heard that Velaheria's west, both Elbenau and Veldoria, are home to a lot still sympathetic to the old system; at least, that's how it was here during the War against Dolchland.”

         “Of course, we're stuck in the one town in Elbenau that doesn't want us here.” joked Hans.

         “They'll thank us one day for this. They aren't ready for a system as different as what they've been using for the past, what, 70 years or so?” Max continued, “How many of them are used to living under a capitalist-style economy? Such an economy isn't going to wait for them to learn what it's like, they'll find out soon enough when they've lost their jobs and can afford nothing. Besides, an Europan puppet state on our doorstep? The nerve of these backstabbing Orinese…” 

         Hans nodded, not really knowing anything about the intricacies of Velaheria's economy history and economy future, nor was it something he ever cared to know about.

         “I've heard talk of the referendums happening soon, do you know anything about them?” asked Hans further.

         “Pretty much no more than you'd know. I've heard here and there that they might be planned for October or some time after; once they've realised we're here to stay. Forever. All I'm definitely sure of is that they aren't going to become part of Stedoria; the government itself has said so, plus, I think annexation would even be too much for locals sympathetic to us.”

         “So it's just a bunch of waiting around. I was hoping for at least a little more action for our Company, like a small fire-fight like I heard happened with others.”

         “Eh, it isn't that bad; we stand around, get yelled at by some locals, go home, and get medals. It sounds boring now, but most people would be wanting that if they really were in for some action. A lot of the skirmishes with the Velaherians were a bit boring anyway, I heard. They haven't any fight left in them; with them still recovering from the Dolchland War and having their government overthrown, I suppose I can't really blame them.”

         “Anything happening with the AN or their peacekeeping forces?”

         “I don't think so; we probably would've heard of it by now if anything did happen. I've heard from some higher ups though that we've encountered some Pentian AN peacekeepers in Vertia in Veldoria. I imagine the city's divided, and we're keeping our distance from them, but I'm just guessing.”

         An elderly lady at the end of the square adjacent to the pair, seeming to be in her 70s, with walking stick in hand and evil eyes towards the pair of soldiers, started making their way towards the two, slowly but surely. Undoubtedly, they were about to hear another earful of how they were the illegal invaders, destroying Velaheria, murdering people, stealing valuables, and so on—something the two had most certainly heard multiple times today.

         “And here's my signal to go back to patrolling, and your signal to for your next class on the glory of the Velaherian people and the evil, sly, scheming Stedorian ready to sink a knife into their back.” Max stated amusingly, immediately starting to slowly walk away, not waiting for Hans' response.

         “Devils and scoundrels! Why don't you go back to your homes? You're not wanted here!” yelled the old lady, her wobbly voice obviously indicating her age, had her appearance not already done so.

         “Ah shit, here we go again…” Hans sighed to himself, preparing again himself for generic, non-confrontational responses.

[Stedoria]

12:00 | October 5^th, 2024 (05.10.2024)
Headquarters of the Dolchic Socialist Gemotam Party
1 Revolution Street, Kapojvar, Stedoria

          "Honoured delegates, we finally arrive at the culmination of this extraordinary Party meeting; a speech by our greatest and most fervent party-militant, General-Secretary of the Party and Chief Consul of the Stedorian People's Republic, Lebüdal Tamäj Köseg. This will be followed by a speech from Second Consul Djjuràd-Françwa Delvau."

          The assembly hall, filled to the brim with Party officials, bureaucrats, and rank-in-file members erupted in applause and cheers as Tamäj Köseg stood up from his seat at the hall's front, walking up the side and finally standing on the rostrum at the front of the hall, behind a simple lectern, bearing the Party's logo on the front of it. He raised his fist to the assembly hall, only receiving more cheers and louder applause, and signalling not only Tamäj's own strength as General-Secretary of the Party, but also the Party's strength as a whole. The entirety of the assembly hall united around their support of Tamäj created a feeling almost difficult to describe--one of power in the fact of knowing that not only was the entire assembly hall rallied around his leadership, but also millions of Stedorians and supporters of the DSGP's other regional branches in the meeting's live broadcast.

          "Party-militants, I greet you with honour, and with humility, in today's session of the 6th Extraordinary Congress of the DSGP. This past year has seen both challenges and victories, allowing our Movement to carefully plan its future actions and cement its history as one of pride, respectively. The coup d'état in our neighbouring fraternal nation of Velaheria and subsequent removal of their socialist government at the hands of Europan-Orinese imperialists had, like many of the wurld's nations, come as a shock to both the Stedorian people and our Movement. Not only have we lost a valued ally, but additionally, our Movement and government has had, since the coup, to deal with the Western Velaheria issue, in which Stedorians and former Velaherian government supporters are being subject to genocide at the hands of the Orinese-puppet government, which we, justly, shall not recognise. Day by day the conspirators and capital interests plot and pray for our downfall, and day by day they fail and show to the wurld their moral bankruptcy." The assembly hall roared with applause following Tamäj's introductory speech. After about 15 seconds, Tamäj raised his hand to signify that he was about to continue, bringing the assembly's delegates and attendees back to their previous silence.

          "The first phase of our defensive military operation in Elbenau and Veldoria has, at this time, has been virtually completed; our government and the Party are soon beginning phase two of our operations within the region. I am finally able to announce that the second phase of this operation will be the holding of referenda within both Elbenau and Veldoria in order for the regions' respective peoples to determine their own futures. In the forthcoming referenda, to be held on November 5th, citizens living in Elbenau and Veldoria will be given the choice of either reintegration with the new régime under Lilian Sagan in Bastaria, or to declare independence as their own, free and independent states. Of course, our Party and nation shall always respect the people's will and the exercising of their dignity and democratic rights; we can ensure every Elbenauer and Veldorian citizen, along with the wider international community, that the Stedorian People's Republic will allow these referenda to be conducted without interference or intimidation, and that our government shall accept the results, whatever they may be, as the people's absolute and irrefutable will. Of course, campaigning for these referendums will be permitted; however, campaigning shall only be authorised by political groups and formations that operate exclusively within Veldoria and Elbenau respectively. Foreign funding, interference, and campaigning shall not be tolerated to attempt to mislead the peoples of these regions." The assembly hall once again was filled with the applause and cheers of delegates and Party supporters. This being the conclusion of Tamäj's short announcement at the congress, the applause continued for longer than before. As the applause once again died down after a minute or so, Tamäj spoke briefly again to introduce the next speaker for the continuation of Party announcements: Djjuràd-Françwa Delvau.

          "Delegates and party-militants, I am equally honoured and humbled to introduce our next speaker, among our Party's most dedicated militants, and Second Consul of our People's Republic: Djjuràd-Françwa Delvau." Tamäj remained at the lectern as Djjuràd got up from his front-row seat of the assembly and made his way up the side of the hall up to the rostrum; he walked with a swagger in his step, one that exuded a mix between confidence and smugness knowing that he, along with the rest of the Party, were essentially spitting in the face of much of the wurld so supportive of Velaheria's democratisation efforts.

          Upon finally reaching the lectern where Tamäj remained, the pair shook hands in front of the hall, undoubtedly a sign to show the pair's unity. Following this, Tamäj made his way back down the rostrum and back to a seat. Upon seeing Tamäj finally sit, Djjuràd finally started his speech; many, especially those familiar with any of Djjuràd's speeches, knew that the speech was going to undoubtedly take a brash, defiant, and even aggressive, violent tone, as is customary with Djjuràd.

          "Citizens and party-militants, with each passing day, the people's glory grows; with each passing day, the masses take one step forward in their just reclamation of all on the Eurth which is theirs and theirs alone. Growing in their fear and cowardice the international conspirators are, against Stedoria, its people, and socialism. They are now finally realising the strength of a united, like-minded people, who, despite the odds, who, in the face of dishonourable and merciless imperialist actions, remained steadfast, their rifles loaded and their bayonets sharp. Our government itself is symbiotic with the people; with every action our government takes against glubal imperialism, so too do the Stedorian, Elbenauer, and Veldorian peoples take a step forward against glubal injustice. We shall continue to zealously and fervently march down this path without faltering and without hesitation; we shall strike down without mercy anything that dares to stand in the way of the will of the masses!" Djjuràd slammed his fist against the lectern, itself a reflection of his undoubtedly aggressive speech. As with Tamäj's speech, the end of the first part of Djjuràd's speech was met with thunderous applause of the assembly hall. Djjuràd then continued into the second part of his speech, the upcoming political developments in Elbenau and Veldoria.

          "The situation, naturally, remains constantly evolving in Elbenau and Veldoria; the saboteurs are hard at work to destroy the regions' industrial and economic bases. Yet, all these attempts have failed, these fifth columnists having been foiled not only by the work of our brave Defence Forces, but also by the work of good-spirited Elbenauer and Veldorians, simply trying to live their lives without hindrance. In the face of these renewed threats, however, the Stedorian People's Republic is, with the backing of the peoples of Elbenau and Veldoria, today, officially announcing the creation and endorsement of two paramilitary peacekeeping protection forces made up of solely Elbenauer and Veldorian citizens: the People's Combat Groups of Elbenau (VkgE) and the People's Combat Groups of Veldoria (VkgV) respectively. These two paramilitary forces' command structure shall be jointly commanded under the Unified Military Command of Veldoria and Elbenau (VMVE). These two military forces will remain independent of the Stedorian Defence Forces, but shall receive formal military training from Defence Forces' advisors to ensure their effectiveness in peacekeeping operations. Additionally, as previously insinuated, the People's Combat Groups shall be the joint protective force in the two regions with the Defence Forces to prevent any acts of sabotage, and to protect voters in the upcoming referenda from fifth columnist intimidation tactics, leading up to, and at the polls." Djjuràd stopped a brief moment, before continuing his speech, shifting focus to the further upcoming political developments in Elbenau and Veldoria.

          "The creation of new, citizen-led groups shall not be solely limited to the military sphere, however. I am equally proud to announce, on behalf of the Gemotam Movement, the creation of the United People's Progressive Front of Elbenau and Veldoria (VVF) by the peoples of the aforementioned regions, with Viktor Starinburg as the provisional Regional-Secretary until such circumstances allow for an official inter-party election. At the conclusion of this conference, the DSGP's Command Committee shall vote on the VVF's entry into the DSGP as the joint regional branch of Elbenau and Veldoria. I can already say with confidence that both I, and General-Secretary Köseg, strongly support the VVF's entry into the DSGP. The VVF shall be open to all adult residents of Elbenau and Veldoria to join, for them to start their journey of not only political enlightenment, but also cultural enlightenment. I can also confirm that the VVF, having been created by the peoples of Elbenau and Veldoria and operating solely within those regions, shall be granted official authority to take part in referenda campaigning. Additionally, in lieu of the fact that no other organised political force exists within the two regions, the VVF has been granted authority by the Stedorian Defence Forces to assist in the distribution of aid and supplies to the peoples of the two regions." Djjuràd finished the gist of his speech, finally preparing to bring it to a quick end, trying not to drag on the speech any longer than it needed to be.

          "Citizens and party-militants, our nation and our movement are on the path to greatness; never before have we trodden this far towards glory. Yet, we shall continue to go forward—only forward! We shall continue the struggle, and we shall prevail: for a better tomorrow, for a better life, and for a better wurld! There is no middle ground, there is no fence-sitting, there is no pragmatism—you are with the people, or you are against the people!" Similar to Tamäj, Djjuràd raised his fist in a symbol of both triumph internally—within Stedoria, and defiance externally—to the wurld, declaring "Pro lomän! Pro Palet! Pro Tamäj! Lifö! Lifö! Lifö!".

Edited December 5, 2024 by Stedoria
spelling (see edit history)

[Stedoria]

Radio Television Stedoria

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BREAKING: VELDORIA AND ELBENAU VOTE OVERWHELMINGLY FOR INDEPENDENCE
04.12.2024

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Following two independence referendums in the temporarily Stedorian-occupied regions of Veldoria and Elbenau held on Sunday, December 1st, Veldorian and Elbenauer voters have decisively voted in favour of the two regions' independence from Velaheria. According to the official tally of votes, which were fully counted and released this morning, 82% of votes in Veldoria and 76% of votes in Elbenau favoured independence. Turnout is officially reported as 71% and 63% respectively. The two referendums' results are likely to send political shockwaves throughout the Velaherian regime in Bastaria under President Lilian Sagan.

The large parts of the two regions were defensively occupied by Stedorian military personnel in a military operation launched in mid-July in response to persecution of ethnic Stedorians and former members and sympathisers of the former Starinburg-led Velaherian People's Party. Prior to the commencement of the operation, the Stedorian Government had become increasingly critical of not only the glubal antipathy toward the Orinese Government's overthrow of the Velaherian Government, but also to the Assembled Nations' response, which was criticised by Chief Consul Köseg as being insufficient and hampered by poor organisation.

The independence referendums, originally both planned to occur at the start of November by the Stedorian Government, were originally postponed to mid-November, before finally being postponed to December first, with the Stedorian Government citing accessibility concerns as for the postponements. As December approached, fears that the referendums would be postponed once again mounted; however, these fears quickly cooled in the final days before the referendums as it became clear no postponement would once again take place. Campaigning for the referendums was relatively muted, not only for pro-Velaherian groups, but also for pro-Independence groups. Observers believe that this is likely due to the humanitarian status of the two regions; the collapse of the Velaherian Government during the Orinese coup left a large vacuum for services to remain largely absent in the two regions.

According to RTST journalists in the field, voting went ahead peacefully and without incident, although there were reports of lines and long waiting times in some urban centres. Some observers, however, criticised the referendums on the basis that since Stedorian military personnel do not control the entirety of the two regions, the AN-occupied and Velaherian-occupied regions were unable to vote. This includes sections of Veldoria's capital city of Vertia, along with some rural regions of Elbenau. However, to alleviate these concerns, the Stedorian Government announced that Veldorian and Elbenauer citizens living in non-Stedorian controlled regions were eligible to vote in the referendums provided that they could show proof of citizenship, residence, and could travel to Stedorian-controlled regions where polling stations were located.

Whilst Chief Consul Köseg along with other key government figures have not yet commented on the referendums' results, a spokesperson for the Chief Consul lauded the result, stating that the two regions' independence will "usher a new era of co-operation, mutual respect, and development" between Stedorian the two regions. The spokesperson further said that the referendums' decision represent a triumph of democracy and popular will, and urged other nations to recognise the referendums' results and the independence of both Veldoria and Elbenau. When asked for details regarding the current political status and future timeline of the two regions, the spokesperson replied that the referendums' results were "unilateral and immediate" and that the two regions' first elections would be scheduled and announced soon.

It is still currently unclear the extent of the diplomatic recognition that these two new, and now independent, nations will receive. Additionally, it is unclear how the referendums' results and regions' subsequent independence will affect not only AN and Velaherian efforts in the region, but also future negotiations regarding AN/Velaherian-controlled areas of Veldoria and Elbenau. However, it is likely that Stedorian military personnel will remain both in Veldoria and Elbenau until elections are held in the two regions and property governmental institutions are sufficiently established.

Edited yesterday at 06:17 AM by Stedoria
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