news Mavranai News Networks and Papers

[Mavran]

This first post in this thread will be used to keep track of all News Agencies in use for Mavranai News.

[Mavran]

Top Story This Week: Violence in Nevris continues - Boy, 15, dead in latest bombing

Tragic news continues to emerge from the Inner Nevris Region, as a currently unknown attacker detonated an improvised bomb at a fun fair in Victory Plaza, Nevris just after 13:00 yesterday. The blast, which occurred right next to a Ferris wheel at the fair, knocked people down and caused a massive panic. Eyewitnesses described seeing a flash of fire followed by hearing a significant explosion. Media of the aftermath shows ruined stands, debris, and several injured at the sight of the explosion. Witnesses said that the smell of explosives was in the air. Photos from the area immediately after the attack show gruesome scenes, as authorities have confirmed the death of a fifteen-year-old boy, with a further 36 injured in relation to the attack.

This attack comes as the third of its kind in the last two months, amidst severe social unrest in the Nevris region of Farisia. Both Prime Minister Charois Delleum and First Minister of Farisia Anna-Lia Doncholet are expected to deliver statements on the situation in the area. The Nevris PD has already held a press conference with Police Chief Marek Uminoi to answer questions. He vowed that the NPD will leave 'no stone unturned' in the search for the perpetrator of the attack and that justice will be served swiftly. Whether this shall prove to be the case, is yet to be seen.

The Federal Herald extends its most sincere condolences to the victims of this brutal attack, as well as their families and loved ones.

---

Arbaromo man killed by Farisian police amidst protest

The situation relating to Law Enforcement in the Inner Nevris Region seemingly continues to deteriorate, as a man has been killed by a Farisian police officer from the Nevrisian Police Department during a protest march through the city’s centre. Pavel Murunek, an Arbaromo man and father of 3, was participating in the march when he was dragged from the crowd. Video recordings taken by other protesters show Murunek being repeatedly stomped on and hit by the police officer before being left unmoving and bleeding. A leaked medical report from the hospital to which he was taken suggests that he died on the scene. As of now, the identity of this police officer is still unknown. However, Murunek’s family has already announced on social media that they intend to press charges against the police department.

Many see this as a continued escalation of the situation, which was only inflamed by last week’s car bombing in Nuve Farisia. Tomas, an Arbaromo man and local Nevrisian resident, shared his opinion with Federal Herald reporters:

“It’s hard not to be scared to even go outside nowadays. There is all this chaos and violence, and it seems that things are getting worse every day. Neither side is seemingly willing to stop this madness and try to find a path to peace. I fear for the worst.”

---

LM Bloc Approval Ratings begin to drop

In a recent survey completed by the Poliscience University of Mavris, the approval rating of the reigning LM Bloc has dropped by a staggering 4 points in the last month, falling for the first time below 50% since entering the halls of power. The PUM Survey showed a sharp increase in disapproval and a not-insignificant drop in approval ratings for the Bloc, as news regarding unrest and tension in Inner Nevris continues to make rounds across Mavran. While Prime Minister Charois Delleum has already called for peace in the region and plans to hold a summit with Arbaromo Freedom Protest leaders, many believe that more could be done to quell the crisis, whether through devolution or centralisation. 

FMP Louis Monries, Leader of the Forward Bloc and Leader of the Parti Traditionaliste Lysian, the leading Conservative Party in Illieux, has already called for harsher measures against protests, an increase in police funding in the region, and during one interview with a conservative influencer declared that the declaration of martial law in the region should be 'deeply and seriously considered'. Forward continues to lead the push for increasingly central measures in dealing with the unrest in the Inner Nevris Region, a position which is steadily growing in popularity amongst the non-Arbaromo public.

On the other hand, FMP Charles Valoi, a prominent member of the SDF Bloc and proponent of Devolution, recently held a rally in Nevris itself, declaring a 'deep empathy' for the struggle of the Arbaromo people, and promised the support of his party in a devolution scheme which, if implemented, could potentially see Arbar declared an Autonomous Region, and a fully Federal Republic by 2050. While not the leader of the SDF Bloc, Valoi still holds significant sway due to his position as the Leader of the Mavranai Democratic Socialist Coalition, the second-largest party in the bloc and the SDF's only tie to voters in Federal Territories.

Both Blocs have gained small numbers in recent polling, seemingly taking the votes of more concerned voters away from the LM.

---

Opinion Article: The Future of Mavranai Health is Private
By John Maux

To cut costs and see a surge of available funds, the federal government should start the privatisation of medical facilities on Federal lands. Every year, the maintenance of state healthcare facilities and the payment of doctors, nurses, surgeons, and all other sorts of medical staff sucks up valuable taxpayer Rozen. And for what? State healthcare is usually substandard, slow, and unable to adequately serve patients. The alternative can be found in the private sector.

The financial incentive of private health clinics gives them a great boost in quality. Low waiting lists, high-quality doctors, advanced machinery, and without sucking up government funds. If the government truly cares about making its population independent and not reliant on constant government assistance, it will slash health funding, privatise its clinics and hospitals, and use the new budgetary surplus to slash taxes and put money back in the pockets of working people.

[Mavran]

Prime Minister calls for unity in speech, plans to tour Arbar and surrounding area

The past month or so has certainly been a rocky one for the Prime Minister. Filled with news of civil unrest, ethnic killings, and violent terrorist attacks, Charois Delleum has been hard-pressed to seek a resolution to the crisis. In a speech in front of the Federal Parliament, the Prime Minister expressed concern regarding the situation in Arbar and called for level heads to take control and seek a peaceful resolution to the crisis. With the Conciliatory tone in his speech, it seems increasingly likely that the Prime Minister will accept the invitation from the Arbaromo Freedom Coalition for a peace summit in Nevris at the end of August. However, before this peace summit, the Prime Minister has announced a series of visits to cities and towns throughout Arbar, with the tour planned to finish a day before the peace summit in Nevris. Delleum's calm stance has remained open to discussion without immediately promising to give in to demands. This has earned him commendations from both the left and right of the political sphere, with many SDF, LM, I&V, and Forward FMPs voicing their approval. We at the Federal Herald continue to hope for a peaceful resolution to the current crisis.

---

Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs officially opens

As of noon on the 17th of August, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, a project of the Prime Minister and one of the key promises in the LM 2022 Manifesto, has officially opened to begin work. Initially beginning as a commission on Immigrant, Migrant, and Refugee Treatment and Care, the Ministry has come far from its humble roots, to hold the former building of the Ministry of Culture, which has since moved to a larger building. The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs will dictate the rules for Immigrants, Migrants, and Refugees, and will also serve as the Government's actor in regard to inviting and/or accepting new citizens of the Federation. This has become highly relevant since the recent Velaherian Crisis has led to a stream of refugees out of the nation, and efficient organisation and support for these people is essential, more now than ever. However, this Ministry's role will regard all refugees, including the regular stream of those fleeing wars in Alharu and the small stream of refugees and migrants from other war-torn or impoverished areas of the glube.

---

Opinion Article: 'Delleum-Mania' is No Passing Fad
By Elisabeth Mori

Throughout the political sphere of Mavran, none can deny Charois Delleum's nigh-magnetic charisma and energy. In just three years, he has gone from a relatively unknown politician to the Prime Minister, Leader of a Renewed LM Mandate, and the face of Liberal-Progressive politics. And right-wing media has had a name for this effect, or as they referred to it, 'Delleum-Mania'. In the months leading up to the 2022 election, it was simply a fad that ultimately wouldn't impact the election much. After the LM victory, it became a weak political foundation that would pass after the initial honeymoon phase. Now, two years on, as Delleum's approval remains steady and has even seen small upshifts amidst the turbulent current political climate, it's clearly time to face the music. 'Delleum-Mania' is here to stay, and day by day Charois Delleum becomes a greater political opponent of the right than ever.

Approval polling performed a day after the Prime Minister's speech has already revealed a six-point gain in ratings, one which not only has offset the initial losses due to the crisis but has also further pumped ratings up. Even as LM Approval ratings drop, relative polling figures are stable. And perhaps it wouldn't be too insane to propose that this is because of the Prime Minister.

[Mavran]

31st August 2024

6:30pm

The Headquarters of the Peaceful Way Forward Organisation were packed to the brim. Journalists from dozens of different news organisations practically fought for front-row views of the table at the centre, a table that could very well hold the future for all of Arbar. By now, most people would have finished worked and would be sitting in front of their televisions, eagerly awaiting probably the most important political event since the 2022 elections. Charois on the other hand, couldn't wait for the summit to begin so that he could finish it as fast as possible. The past week had been mentally draining for the Prime Minister, being practically constantly on the trail, getting very little time to rest between destinations where he was expected to give passionate, energetic speeches, shake hands with adoring grandmothers and pose as often as he could for the media. Overall, it reminded him of the campaign trail, just ten times worse since the bumpy rural roads of Arbar prevented him from getting any deep rest. The table was a simple neutral one chosen typically for diplomatic talks; a long and slim table, with the host sitting in the middle at one of the sides. No one would sit at either head of the table, to show the equal position of all those seated for the talks. Finally, it seemed like the talks would be beginning soon as the first of the representatives showed up.

First was Pawel Wirunek, the Leader of the Nevris' Student Rallying Organisation. A slim but tall man, his aura of experience and political intrigue was betrayed by a babyish face which displayed his youth, not marred with significant stress. He carried a briefcase and overall presented a degree of professionality which Charois found somewhat uncanny. They shook hands before he sat down fairly close to Charois, yet still at a respectable distance.

Next to arrive was Amelia Ilinska, the Vice-President of the Arbar Liberal-Progressive Front, the Arbaromo party in the LM Bloc. She had been essential in organising the summit while Charois was on tour, and for the help that she gave him and the workload she took off his back, he could only be grateful for. God knows how tired he might have been if he had also had to plan all this out. She sat down at his right after another polite handshake.

The rest arrived together and sat down at the same time. Anna Miralska, Leader of the Arbaromo National Party sat opposite Charois. Sebastian Goral, President of the Arbaromo Pro-Independence Think-tank Better Free sat at her left, while Antonin Uminski, Representative of the Arbar Freedom Union, the Arbaromo Trade Union lobbying for greater Arbaromo autonomy, sat a seat away from her closest right.

All cameras would be on him now, as he was expected to lead the summit as the man with the most authority in the room. He would have to be careful to balance all the factions against each other, while also emerging on top. 

It's just like the debates, Charois. Come on, you've done this before, all you have to do is do it again, for several hours…

…

If there was one thing that Charois now knew, was that he would have to really prepare himself before the 2027 campaign season. The bickering of the individual parties seemed endless, particularly when it came to trying to agree over a reaction to anything he said. He had started out the summit with a bombshell plan, one that he knew was probably already being sensationalised in the media, and had been phrased exactly in a way to appeal to those media hawks. They often appreciated him giving them easy top stories. His plan however, of instituting Arbar as a Full Federal Republic of the Federation before the next elections was met with a multitude of reactions. Wirunek railed on about 'pragmatism' and 'realism' as reasons on why the plan would never work, while providing no alternatives. Uminski generally seemed favourable to the idea, but the rest of the groups somehow saw a redrawing of the entire Federation as not enough, and continued talking about full Arbar independence as if the entire summit was meant to be an advertisement for their ideas. In reality, Charois had expected this. It was why, during his tour, he made one stop at a seemingly inconspicuous town. To bring a winning card into his hand.

---

29th August 2024

8:15pm

The nights get quite cold, here in the truly rural regions of Arbar. Though, Charois was more than ready to brave the temperature if it meant securing political victory. The hovel he was in front of was small. Quaint. He knocked four times in quick succession, and a bellowing voice called out from inside.

“Charois? Come in.”

He stepped into the building and saw him, for the first time in many years. His father's best kept secret and the key to his success in the summit. In front of him sat Karol Ubetnik, Leader of the Political Wing of the Arbaromo Republican Army (ARA).

“It's been far too long, hasn't it, brother?”

…

Charois and his brother talked until midnight. At the start, it was just pleasant greetings and small talk, but about an hour in and after some drinks, they finally got to what Charois had really come for. Karol was a controversial figure in both Arbar and Mavran at large. While the ARA on paper had not done anything illegal, it was common knowledge that they were involved in many of the terrorist attacks that were happening throughout the Arbar region. Some saw them as a necessary evil to truly bring the Arbaromo struggle to the forefront of attention, others saw them as traitors ready to kill their own for their own goals. Charois cared little for those questions of morality. What he needed, was someone who could convince even the staunchest of separatists with his reputation alone, let alone his charismatic nature. 

Charois and Karol, despite only rarely being able to see each other, had remained close throughout their lives. Though their paths had split a while ago, Charois liked to believe that he was still close friends with his brother, despite the nature of their political differences and positions in society. It was that optimistic nature which reminded Karol of his younger brother in the past which eventually won his over, even if on the outside he would stick to his claim that he saw the merit in Charois' ideas as the reason behind his change of heart.

---

Charois was shaken out of his memories by the increasing volume of whispers as someone approached the table. It took his full power not to grin as Miralska's face dropped as her greatest idol sat down in a chair equidistant from both Charois and her.

“I apologise for my lateness, I was held up by some quite terrible traffic on the way here to Nevris.” Karol spoke at no one in particular, and yet in a way that sounded as if he was also addressing everyone in the room. Charois' own thoughts on the matter were drowned out by the gossiping of journalists and the constant snaps of cameras.

“As I am here now, I'd like to join your little debate about the Prime Minister's plan.” He cleared his throat, now having the room's full attention. “Most of you here will surely be surprised to see me here, at a meeting with the nominal enemy of the ARA, the highest representative of the Federation itself. Yet, when I first received my invitation to this summit, and learnt of the Prime Minister's plan, my initial idea of rejection quickly turned into long deliberation on the subject. For the time that the ARA has existed, we have had one real goal. For the powers that be in the Federation to take the cause of Arbaromo self-determination seriously. Now, as most of you can tell, this has clearly been achieved. Many think that there is no more pressing issue currently facing the Federation than the question of what to do with my beloved home, Arbar. And while I appreciate some of the more radical positions held by some of the people here, I believe that our fight is reaching a new chapter. As a Federal Republic, Arbar will at last be free to pursue its own destiny, and grow by itself, as a respectable country on Eurth. At last, the voice of the Arbaromo shall be protected by their own, with no need for further blood to be spilled. No more dead Farisians. No more dead Arbaromo. A peaceful, prosperous, and free Arbar. That is what the ARA has always fought for. That is what the ARA believes can be achieved with the Prime Minister's plan. That, is what the ARA believes we can forge out of this land, if we go with this plan. That is all I have to say.”

…

Despite all expectations, the summit ended with an agreement reached between the representatives of the various Arbaromo groups and the Federal Government. In a vote of 7-0, the representatives unanimously voted to support the plan for a new Federal Republic.

The First Arbaromo Republic.

[Mavran]

September 2nd
Top Story This Week: The Third Republic – Arbar

In a move that is set to permanently change the political fabric of the Federation, the Prime Minister has agreed with representatives of various leading Arbaromo organisations to a deal that would see Arbar become the Third Republic in the history of the Mavranai Federation. This deal comes in the wake of increasing separatism in the region, with the government having repeatedly expressed concern about the general discontent in the area. The move, however, is not without controversy. While conservative Blocs have lost outright control in the Farisian Legislature, they are still sure to put up great resistance to the creation of any new republic in the Arbar region.

Historically, Arbar has always been a territory of Farisia and has served as the Republic's raw extraction backbone, ensuring the growth of the Farisian economy despite a somewhat-turbulent growth environment for the region. With Arbar as its own republic, it will also be far more autonomous with its own economy, and many Farisians fear that this will cause a decrease in the standards of living for the average Farisian. If the government ever hopes to convince the Farisian public towards a more pro-Arbaromo stance, great investment will be needed to ensure it can stand alongside the economies of the Illieuxnai Republic or the Territory of Mavris.

Attitudes regarding the agreement have been polar opposite in Arbaromo communities. Many have celebrated the announcement with fireworks and parties, while others have engaged in quiet celebrations at home with friends and family. Approval ratings for the current government and Charois Delleum have also risen sharply amongst members of the Arbaromo community, with some polling even indicating that Prime Minister Delleum currently holds an approval rating of 87% amongst the regional populace.

Of course, nothing is yet set in stone. Preliminary reports indicate that the motion to include a Third Republic in the form of Arbar will be introduced before the Federal Parliament before the end of the year. If the dream of an Arbaromo Republic is to live on, it will need to not only pass the Parliament but also succeed in the legal challenges it will undoubtedly face before Farisian lawyers at the Federal Court of Justice.

---

Chairman Kageni of Orioni to visit Velaheria

In a show of commitment and steadfast support for the new democratic regime in Velaheria, Chairman Edric Kageni of @Orioni has announced his intentions to visit the country on the 10th of September. The trip will be his first official trip to the country since the Orinese Intervention in Velaheria, which saw the Starinburg Regime overthrown and a new democratic government put in place. During his visit, Chairman Kageni is expected to show particular importance to meeting with the new Velaherian leaders, in particular the newly-elected leader of Velaheria, Mrs. Lilian Sagan. The meetings are expected to primarily focus on the recent democratic reforms that Velaheria has undertaken, recovery plans for the ailing Velaherian economy, as well as the strengthening of ties between Orioni and Velaheria.

The plan for the visit has been relatively well-received amongst the Velaherian community. The pro-Orinese sentiment is relatively high amongst Velaherian immigrants arriving in Mavran, the number of which continues to increase as new streamlined processes are integrated by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs. Mavran, alongside its Velaherian minority, looks hopefully toward the restoration of full, free democracy in Velaheria, with the end of this cruel chapter in Velaheria's history finally seeming to be nearing a happy end.

---

Mavranai Success Story: 'Fires of Brimstone' becomes International Bestseller

While Mavran has certainly had its impacts on wurld history, in the Modern day many may feel that Mavran has seemingly faded out of the spotlight. However, in the literary wurld, it has recently become a shining example of what great fantasy stories look like. 'Fires of Brimstone', a high fantasy book by Illieuxnai author Henri Richard, has recently seen massive success internationally, bringing much greater attention to the literary scene in Mavran. Printed in over 100 different languages, the book was made available to most people around the wurld but saw particular marketing success on social media, where popular book-related influencers highlighted the book as of particular quality, causing sales to rapidly increase wurldwide.

Henri Richard's other works have now also received international recognition, as he quickly becomes a much-beloved author around the wurld.

---

Opinion Article: Mavran has a Deep Divide in the Quality of Buses - and it Really Shouldn't
By Petre Mlionne

When the current Teaunifrai Governor, Lila Bion, was an FMP she had a great realisation late at night. Leaving the Parliament to head to her home, she walked past a bus stop. “There were bureaucrats; there were FMPs; there were students that were returning home from school; teachers; even the janitors from Parliament,” she said. It wasn't, as she sadly concluded, the sort of sight you would expect to see in Teaunifrai. In Mavris, if you missed a bus that night, another one would appear shortly. In Teaunifrai, you could face an hour's wait. Bion said this was the difference between buses being considered transport for all people, and it being a 'lower-class service' usually used as a last resort.  In the 1990s, under the Morn Mandate, buses outside the three capitals of the Federation were completely privatised, deregulated, and practically abandoned, making the bus service far less reliable and much more expensive. But now, plans from the current government show initiative to reverse this tragic mistake. Projects such as the new Transport Initiative in Illieux and the plans of the Federal Government will finally allow Governates and Local Authorities throughout the Federation to bring buses back into public hands and to run and control their own services.

Transport is currently one of the greatest household expenses in Mavran, driving 2 million of us into poverty, with those who rely mostly on cars exclusively for transport worst hit by this. However, for the 27% of households that don't own cars, buses can serve as an essential lifeline for transport, with particular importance usually for those on low incomes, women, minorities, the disabled, and those in rural areas. Currently, the most popular mode of public transport, buses can provide affordable and reliable transport on a local level with no decades-long waiting periods on heavier infrastructure such as rail. Good bus services can get people to education, good employment, and to healthcare. Buses are also much more environmentally friendly, cutting emissions, congestion, and more. They can lift people out of poverty and relative isolation. Effective, safe, and reliable transport helps to enable practically every other area of life, as Transport Minister Hugo Maro seemingly understands.

In 2022, according to Governor Lionel, Nuve Portisa had more than 1240 bus services run by 52 different operators using 260 different ticket types. On average, a single journey cost more than Ɍ10 to Mavris' Ɍ1.99. In November 2022, Governor Lionel won a hard-fought battle to regain control over bus services. It seems to be working: in 18 months of 'reregulation', now covering the entire Governate, ridership has risen by an astounding 27%, passenger revenue was far higher than expected, and punctuality now rivals that of Mavris. It's hardly surprising as such that Governates in Illieux are following suit. However, this will take time. While Nuve Portisa's reregulation was relatively fast, this was due to the unique fiscal situation in Nuve Portisa. Reregulation in Illieux isn't expected to fully begin until the next Parliamentary term, although SDF lawmakers promise that new Federal Legislation will speed up this process.

Buses must be both affordable and reliable to work, and they can't simply stop driving outside the most profitable hours for companies or governments. Amidst a recent slump in ridership and an emerging crisis regarding the cost of living, one of the first things the government did was set a 3-year cap on bus fares, capping the maximum fair at Ɍ3 for a single, one-way ride. A year later, ridership has risen nationwide by nearly 25%. That fare cap, however, is set to expire in May 2025. If the government is truly committed to improving buses, setting this fare cap into law is essential.

The view of this Federal Herald editor? – reversing the Morn-era deregulation is the right and best move.

[Mavran]

September 18th
Top Story This Week: Aromania Sets Up In Mavris

An international development regarding culture and the arts had found one of its main targets in the capital city of the Federation, Mavris. With the recent founding of the Secundian Institute, named after famed Aroman Senator Martyrius Ecdicius Secundinius, one of the earliest offices of this cultural institute has opened up in Mavris Metropolitan Centre, close by to the Tagmatine Embassy. The move comes as the nation of @Tagmatium Rules hopes to counter Anti-Europan sentiment which has begun to unfortunately ferment in nations around the wurld, particularly due to the controversial Orinese intervention in Velaheria and the recent 'Grand War' started by Anglia.

It is hoped that these institutes will soon be set up in every capital city around the wurld, helping to not only highlight Aroman culture and arts, but also highlight Europan culture and counter dangerous nativist sentiment. This move has already been strongly welcomed by the current government, which smartly recognises the importance of Europa across the wurld, and particularly in Mavran. After all, Europanism is fundamental to the history of Mavran, with the historical strong link between Mavran, Lysia, and as such the rest of Europa.

However, Mavran isn't the only nation to have a Secundian Institute open in its borders. Kauni in Baltica, Montcharmin in Florentia, Bogd Gioro in Fulgistan, and Parsa in Garindina have all had similar institutes opened in them. Only time will tell however just how successful these institutes will prove to be in achieving their main goals.

---

Chairman Kageni of Orioni visits Velaheria

Chairman Kageni of @Orioni has recently completed a six-day state visit to Velaheria, the fledgling democracy that came about with Orinese intervention. Notably, his visit represents the first time a foreign head of state has visited the recently-liberated nation, following the overthrow of the Starinburg Regime. Mr. Edric Kageni's arrival was generally received positively in Velaheria, with the Chairman being greeted by Mrs. Lilian Sagan and her democratically-elected government. “This visit represents the strong partnership between our two countries and our shared commitment to ensuring a stable and prosperous future for Velaheria,” stated Kageni during a brief statement on arrival. 

As expected, the visit encompassed a wide array of topics, although three strongly stuck out. Firstly, Kageni's focus on maintaining and improving relations with the Sagan administration and her new government was clearly displayed with initial meetings between the two after Kageni's arrival. International observers in Mavran cautiously hope that the support of the Europan superpower will help in maintaining stability in the region, especially in the face of the recent Stedorian invasion. Secondly, Kageni seemed to place particular importance on the economic state of Velaheria. By attending various meetings with Velaherian business leaders and Orinese investors, Kageni has clearly shown confidence in the future economic partnership between Velaheria and Orioni, showing an attitude of future optimism in relations. Particularly, Kageni mentioned the fields of technology, education and sustainable energy, which could potentially show the direction in which the future economic partnership could be heading. Finally, of particular note, were Kageni's final talks with Sagan regarding the future of the new Velaherian democratic regime. Talks ranged from discussing the progress in implementing the new Velaherian constitution, to new bilateral agreements between the two nations, to a final, strong statement regarding Ander Starinburg, with the Orinese Chairman calling on the AN to 'do the right thing and prosecute Starinburg for his crimes.' Further stating, 'Justice must be served, not just for Velaheria, but for the international community.'

The visit has certainly sparked optimism amongst the Velaherian community, especially in Mavran, with many Velaherians expressing their support for Orinese involvement in maintaining democracy in their homeland.

---

The LM Agenda - A Larger, Better, Less-Expensive Military. Is It Possible?

In a recent change to their policy position, the LM Bloc under the leadership of Charois Delleum is seemingly aiming to appeal to many more hawkish Mavranai voters, as Mavran enters the second half of this political term. In a recent speech at a military base in Hrysa, Prime Minister Delleum has promised to 'fundamentally change' the FMAF. While what this means exactly is still unknown, we believe we can make an educated guess. In the past, prior to the Army Funding Cut of 2022 under the previous left-wing government, Delleum had repeatedly called for a cut to military funding not because of a need for reinvestment into the economy, but due to the apparent ineffciencies of the FMAF due to its historically-bloated budget. Now however, nearly three years on, the military has certainly managed to increase the value it recieves for each Rozen spent. While some worried about a significant downscaling of the military following the cuts, the military has since then purged many of its unnecessary branches, and has as such been able to not only maintain personnel numbers, but has also started to upgrade its equipment to more fiscally-responsible reliable gear. 

As such, with a military that is far more proficient at spending its money effectively, the Prime Minister has floated a potential temporary budget expansion of the military. While a return to pre-2022 funding has been ruled out, the Prime Minister has suggested a temporary increase of the budget to 10% of GDP, up until the end of the current term in 2027. This, he claims, would not only help to greatly strengthen the military, but the deadline of the budget increase would force the military to think economically and to use the money in order to prepare for the inevitable cut in 2027. The decision has not yet been announced as planned policy, although it has left many rethinking their attitudes towards the LM.

---

Opinion Article: Mavran Can't Only Be Carbon-Neutral - It Needs To Be Carbon-Negative
By Amelia Ilinska

Eurth is rapidly heading towards a new age, an age of environmental urgency. What is clear is this - if the environment is to remain strong, ecosystems stay in equilibrium, and outright climate disaster is avoided, Mavran must not only not be an active contributor, but fight against the damage being done by other nations. Mavran currently is on the right path. The goal of Carbon Neutrality, as fought for by the Green Parties as it was, is a commendable goal. For the first time, it truly gave urgency in Mavran to our treatment of the environment and climate at large, and has set Mavran on track to stop any further of its damage. And yet, we fear that this won't be enough. If Mavran truly cares for the environment, as many of us do, we should be aiming for ambitious goals. While Carbon Neutrality is great, we cannot stop there. Mavran must aim to be consistently carbon-negative by 2050 at the latest, if it wants to do its part in the battle against climate change.

Today, you'll usually hear from the Right about the economic catastrophe that this would supposedly bring, as if not destroying the environment and having a functioning growth economy were somehow mutually exclusive. Green development, in fact, could be the spark of a third industrial revolution, building off the backs of the giants beforehand to reach economic heights never seen before; all while maintaining the health of the economy. The government should embrace the rapidly-emerging Green Industrial Revolution, and aim for sustainable green growth targets while also aiming for ambitious environmental goals. After all, Mavran has usually been at the forefront for social change, why can't it be at the forefront once more?

[Mavran]

October 2nd
Top Story This Week: The Social Development Act Ratified by Parliament

In a turn of fortunes for the current government, the Social Development Bill was officially ratified by Parliament yesterday, in a vote filled with impassioned speeches, last-minute analysis, and brutal verbal attacks. The final vote count, revealed at 6:23PM, showed 330 votes In Favour, with 316 votes Against and 9 Abstaining. With the Bill passing the necessary number of 328 votes, it narrowly avoided a second round of voting, and has already become law, with Mavran immediately entering the Transitionary Period highlighted in the now-Act. The Act has already been lauded as a step forward by many members of the government. Philippa Cadois, Minister of Welfare and Social Security, expressed her support for the Act, stating, “The Act doesn’t simply represent a change in policy. It is a commitment by the government to the Federation at large, a promise of a better future, as envisioned by our revolution over two hundred years ago. We are making the first steps in laying the foundation of a more equal society.”

However, the Act is certainly not without its detractors. Many voices in the I&V and Avant Blocs has already condemned the Act for its increased government spending, bureaucracy, and taxation, which they claim is undermining the individual economic freedom promised to Mavranai citizens. “While the intentions behind this Act may be positive, it is a clear step towards creating a population which relies on the state for support. We need a system which empowers citizens in their economic choices, not a nanny state which decides for them,” was the response of Avant Bloc Leader Louis Monries, who heavily campaigned against this Act.

As the Social Development Act is ratified, Parliament will work closely with the necessary departments and ministries in order to ensure the effectiveness of the change, especially as Mavran enters the Transitionary Period mentioned in the Act.

---

Mavran, Gotneska join ERHWA, Bolstering Organisation

In a landmark move for international cooperation and peacekeeping efforts, the applications for both the Mavranai Federation and the Kingdom of @Gotneska has been accepted by the Eurthican Relief and Humanitarian Works Agency (ERHWA), as it prepares for its largest and most significant operation yet; Peacekeeping in Velaheria. ERHWA, established in 2020, has been instrumental in providing the vital humanitarian assistance required by several areas, and promoting development and works in regions affected by crises such as conflict, famines, or drought. With the addition of Mavran and Gotneska into the organisation, the agency aims to enhance its capabilities and expand its range of operations prior to its greatest challenge yet.

“We mark a major step forward for the peoples of Eurth currently in need of support,” announced ERHWA Head Markus Vellorn. “The commitments of Mavran to Gotneska towards humanitarianism will be undoubtedly noted for decades to come. Together, we can help create a more secure and prosperous future for all peoples on our planet.” The entrance of Mavran and Gotneska into ERHWA comes at an extremely critical time for the organisation, mostly due to the continuing crisis in Velaheria following the Lily Revolution and collapse of the former Starinburg Regime. With both members keen on investing not insignificant portions of their budgets into ERHWA initiatives, developments and operations, the agency is optimistic about future operations.

As Mavran and Gotneska embark on this new chapter of international cooperation, the wurld will be closely watching to see how their involvement in ERHWA will not only shape the organisation itself, but also future humanitarian efforts and the international spirit of cooperation.

---

Lilygate Complex Investigation Stalls, Sparking Controversy and Speculation

It has been nearly two months since the Lilygate Complex attempted burglary which shook the nation with speculation of political involvement and conspiracy theories, and yet very little new news has been released from the investigation in it, raising eyebrows regarding investigative conduct. The burglary, which occurred at 1AM back in August, involved a group of nine individuals, who broke into the complex. Despite the passage of time, only one document, released from an anonymous tip, has been released about the investigation. As police fail to provide clear answers, many citizens remain concerned about the implications for political security and fair governance. The recently released document, coming from a source close to the investigation, has however revealed some vital info regarding the burglars. Nine names were included in the leaked report, believed to be the names of the burglars. These are as follows:

• Jon Lille
• Henri D. Philla
• Virgil Guerre
• Bartholomew Boulanger
• Francis Murthau
• Jacques Marro
• Eugene Vrikakis
• Paulus Marud
• Lionel Morn

As speculation grows due to the particular political nature of this incident, the administration has clearly moved to clear its name. In a press conference held by Vice Prime Minister Phillip Perfiou, the Vice PM clearly stated that the Prime Ministerial Counsel, Johannes Serve, has conducted a thorough investigation of the administration regarding the incident. The Vice PM additionally stated, “I can say, categorically, that no one in the cabinet, no one in this Administration, presently employed, was involved in this very bizarre incident.” The statement has helped to assure some, yet some remain skeptical. Some believe that the investigation is being tampered with, evidenced by the significant length of time that the investigation has gone without releasing any real reports to public scrutiny.

Post-Article Edit: Concerns about the investigation are seemingly not unfounded, as the Federal Court of Justice has got itself involved. Opening a new office for the investigation into the Lilygate Complex Break-in, the FCJ has established the Federal Investigate Commitee, having been granted special powers by the High Court to re-open the investigation recently closed by the Mavris PD. A special report has already been released, with police officers having been allegedly involved in a cover-up regarding the presence of bugging equipment and cheques on the arrested burglars. As the story develops, many will be watching closely to see the story behind perhaps the biggest story of the year.