Kalistani Major History

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Her Imperial Majesty's Prime Minister Calls for tax and spending increases
1% across the board income tax, alteration of brackets to fund infrastructure
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
October 31, 5501


Lady Newburg introduces new tax legislation amid heavy opposition

Her Majesty's Prime Minister introduced two controversial bills in the National Assembly today, and provoked a revolt among liberal elements in the Ruling Party. The Revenue Bill of 5501 called for a 1 percent increase in income taxes across the board, and the lowering of each tax bracket down one thousand dollars to include more tax payers at higher brackets. The bill also doubles the corporate tax from 1 to 2 percent and increases the luxury sales tax from 15 to 20 percent. All told the Revenue Bill would increase annual revenue from about 820 billion to nearly 1.01 Trillion Rubles a year.

The Spending Bill of 5501 triples the Infrastructure budget and nearly doubles the Industry and trade budget. While maintaining a surplus, the Spending Bill devotes significant public money toward the construction of Public works that reflect the priorities of the government. "We need these revenue increases to address our energy shortfalls," said Lady Newburg, while introducing the spending bill. "Support for KPO and the projects they are building costs money and must be funded. The pain will be temporary, especially considering the grand scheme of things. But when these projects are built, Her Majesty's government hereby commits to returning taxing and spending to pre crisis levels."

Liberal leaning deputies viciously protested the bill and demanded an immediate vote of no-confidence in Her Majesty's Prime Minister. "How dare the Government demand more public money be put to fix the problem that the most base and vulgar corruption in that very same government caused in the first place?!" shouted liberal leaning Deputy Marsha Zane, representing Vrassa City. "Haven't we had quite enough of this over reaching, over bearing, criminal minded Government? It is time we had new leadership, which represents the private sector, lowers taxes, and lets Kalsitani Citizens take the lead to innovate new solutions to these problems, rather than this same old nonsense?" Several Deputies loudly disrupted the proceedings, before order was restored in the Assembly.

Following a very contentious debate, four motions of no-confidence failed, and the Prime Minister succeeded in moving the tax and spend bills to a vote. The liberal deputies vowed to fight the passage of these bills to the bitter end, and swore to petition the Empress to remove the Prime Minister. "The people of our districts do not support these radical measures to dramatically increase not only the coffers and receipts of this Government, but the very scope of Government at the same time," said liberal Deputy Matthew Norte, of Springfield. "These actions are reminiscent of the days when Socialists ran our economy into the dirt, crushed any notion of private property, and brutally oppressed the freedoms of people in Kalistan. And we, as Institutionalists must stand up against a return to virtual slavery through massive statism. If these bills go through, I have at least 35 deputies prepared to demand that Her Imperial Majesty remove Lady Newburg from her post once and for all and restore the correct balance between this Government and Kalistani Society!"

Lady Newburg shot back, "I am not convinced that will go as the Deputy thinks. I have known Her Imperial Majesty her entire life, and while she may appear demure and proper on the outside, I can assure the Deputy that she knows her place in Kalistan far better than he knows his. She is in every way the absolute monarch as she was born to be, and will deal with any and all demands made by an opponent of her policies accordingly." Deputy Norte asked the Prime Minister if she was "threatening" him and other liberals, and she responded, "Deputy Norte perceives a threat, when what I merely offer it as a friendly word of advice. I would like to work together with the Deputy and his liberal friends, but things must get done, and in the end of the day, her Majesty's will is what I am moving here, not a bill that reflects some sort of exotic backward, pro-wealth ideology."

Her words further outraged liberal deputies, who accused the Prime Minister of governing by fiat. Charges of "tyranny" and "dictatorship" were hurled at the Prime Minister by more than a dozen Deputies, and were responded to with shouts of "rebellion" and "disloyalty" launched by the Prime Minister's allies in the conservative faction of the Party. The Speaker of the Assembly attempted to restore order, but after failing to prevent several verbal altercations, the Assembly Chamber was cleared for one hour. Capital security kept the sides separated, and deputies broke off into different closed door conference rooms. When the Assembly was reconvened, 16 deputies were absent, and were compelled by the Sergeant at Arms to answer a Quorum vote.

When the controversial session was finally gaveled out for the day, the tax and spend bills were both placed up for vote, as liberals swore continued resistance. As long as the Prime Minister can keep the majority together, she will be able to avoid a snap election, but the difficulty she faces is a clue as to future issues that could come up as the Government attempts to take decisive action to deal with the ongoing energy crisis. Following the contentious session, Lady Newburg spoke to reporters and said "This Government is attempting to help the People of this country. We have blackouts and brownouts every day. People don't know whether their refrigerators will keep their food cold, let alone whether we will have the energy necessary to keep our economy going. And Deputies committed to this deadend ideology of economic liberalism are literally working to undermine the progress we are making toward recovery. I've never experienced this in all my days, but this bill will pass, whatever these liberals say."

The spokesperson for the liberal faction of the Party, Deputy from Platte, Vrassa City, Gina Garrand said "The Prime Minister is out of her mind if she thinks we will not fight this. This will raise an already onerous tax burden on the Kalistani Citizen to new astronomical heights and crush all ability to invest out of the middle class in Kalistan. Doubling the Corporate tax will stifle new innovation and punish the real job creators in this economy. And dumping all this money into public infrastructure and nationalized industry, instead of doing what is right by de-vesting and privatizing, merely replicates the recipe for corruption, waste and abuse."

When asked what tax rate she would be willing to accept from the Government, Deputy Garrand said "How about zero? Taxation, all taxation is theft, and we would do the just thing to simply eliminate all direct taxes to begin with. If we can't wipe out all taxes, however, I would be perfectly fine with increasing the sales tax and possibly instituting a flat tax, which would charge those who use the most services the most, and lets those who want to live free of the oppressive nanny state to do so."

When asked if she would countenance an abolition of the Monarchy and a return to a Republic, the Deputy said, "Well, I think if it was going to happen, now would be a great time to do it. But: I better watch what I say in public. No, I don't support an abolition of the Monarchy per se. I support liberty, not a democracy, and I feel that if we had a republic again, that would just lead to these socialists getting back in charge, and that wouldn't be good for liberty. So, no: let's leave the Empress where she is, and meanwhile, do what we can to... you know... help people have more liberty, and less of Lady Newburg's tyranny."

While the Prime Minister retains the Majority in the Institutionalist Assembly, the twin bills will likely pass in a few short months.

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Conservative Columnists mock Liberal Tax Protests in the Press
Liberals refuse to be relent on taxes
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
January 31, 5502


Conservative cartoon mocking Liberals is accompanied by dire warnings against opposition to taxes

Columnists who openly side with the Prime Minister in her ongoing conflict with recalcitrant liberal Deputies in the National Assembly have taken to the press to make their case in the court of public opinion. "Cutting taxes at this time threatens Her Imperial Majesty's agenda for this Empire, and this columnist would, for one like to go on record as being not only in full support of the public works program proposed by the Government, but as as being completely willing to chip in just one cent more on every dollar I earn to bring sanity and prosperity back to Kalistan!" stated conservative opinion Columnist Margaret Michaels, of the Kaliburg Times in her daily column today.

"These liberal revolutionaries are undermining the very foundation of our entire social order," declared another conservative writer Brian Thomas, writing for the Sulari Free Press. "I don't believe its hyperbole either to say that. Without a steady source of revenue, how in the world will this government operate? Demanding that taxes remain exactly where they are while we have a major energy crisis in our laps is a recipe for deficit and debt, something this Nation has avoided like the Plague for millennia."

Liberal Deputies have been participating in tax protests for months, and some of them have grown rather large. The largest protests are primarily centered in Vrassa and Odufaray, with smaller events happening across the entire Empire. The largest protest in years was held in downtown Senvias, Vrassa, where more than 10,000 angry citizens marched. When the protests met up with counterprotestors who support the Prime Minister in this ongoing debate, the tensions escalated into a street melee between the two sides. "These conservatives want to turn us all into slaves, into thralls for the Prime Minister," said one anti-tax protestor. "It just gets so bad that when I even hear them open their mouth, I just want to knock their teeth to the back of their throats. I can't tolerate their view that we should all just work our whole lives just to pay for dams and power plants for someone else." Police made 25 arrests, mostly for disturbing the peace and destroying property.

Conservatives have distinct institutional advantages: the pro-Administration view is over represented in Kalistani Media on a magnitude of 9 to 1, and most of the press covering the liberal position is being issued independently on the Internet. "The fact that the television, the radio and the news papers are publicly, and therefore government owned and run is a problem for free press in Kalistan," said liberal Deputy Marco Aguafrio. "I never realized how much government repression of liberty there was in this country, until I, like countless others before, found myself in the 'non-popular opinion' segment of the population. These papers only ever report exactly what the Government wants you to hear and constantly, rigorously and systematically censor anyone who even attempts to point out that fact. I will be introducing a bill this session that aims to address this issue, to allow the liberal viewpoint more press freedom, which is completely non-existent right now for people who, like me, oppose the tyranny of the Government."

Recent polls show that 7 out of 10 Kalistanis support the proposals made by Her Imperial Majesty's Government. "You know, I don't even care what those polls say," said Liberal Deputy Gwendolen Norris. "First of all, we don't live in a democracy... obviously... but also, majorities supported slavery. Does that mean that slavery is right? Does that mean that majorities even know what they are talking about? And third of all, those polls are all rigged anyway. The protests will continue until we get our demands met!"

Her Imperial Majesty the Empress has reportedly met with her Justice Minister to keep updated on the protests, and ensure that people retain the rights to protest, as long as the protests remain peaceful and are aimed at policies. "Her Imperial Majesty feels that protests are a good thing: they signify a vibrant civil society," said Justice Minister Roberto Cruz. "She also has informed me that as long as they remain policy oriented and peaceful, they are to be allowed to protest while this political matter works its way out. But she has also ensured me that these bills will pass the Legislature, and she will add pressure where needed to ensure that her will is carried out in the Legislature, even to the point of dissolving the National Assembly and holding new elections. She and Lady Newburg are in daily consultations, and the Government is keeping Her Imperial Majesty apprised as events unfold."

For now, the liberals remain in the streets, and the Conservatives are meeting them in the Press. The Spending Bill has already easily passed, acquiring enough yes votes before the end of last October, but the Tax Bill will not pass before July 1 of this year, so it will remain a tense situation in the Empire, at least until then.

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Kaliburg welcomes new Dundorfian Cultural Institue
IDI aims to introduce Kalistanis to Dundorf
Kalibug, Grand Duchy of Ananto
April 2, 5502


Language classes are among many offering at New Dundorfian International Institute

In an effort to increase exposure to foreign cultures, the Kalistani Government has given approval for the opening of a branch of the Dundorfian International Institute (IDI) in Kaliburg. The international educational will focus on exposing Kalistani citizens to the culture, language, music, art and history of the Artanian Nation.

"Kalistan and Dundorf have been increasing their cultural ties recently," said Deputy Minister of Education Lady Mary Barnes. "This will give our citizens an excellent opportunity to learn Dundorfian, study their culture and perhaps let it bleed into our culture." Kalistan is a long standing importer of culture, and Dundorfian is a welcome addition to the Kalistani cultural palate. "People like languages. They dig foreign music and love seeing foreign plays and art. Having the Institute here will be great for our art scene."

Classes at the Institute will be offered to adults in Kaliburg. "Students can take classes on their own time, or as part of their college programs here in language, music, cooking, art history, and literature of Dundorf," said Lady Barnes. "The Ministry subsidizes courses for all students who qualify for the Institute on their criteria, to ensure that the students have the chance to learn without them having to bear cost." Classes are conducted in Vrassan with Dundorfian immersion options, to help students learn from native speakers.

"Its our hope that this sort of cultural learning opportunities at the International Institute will foster a greater understanding between our two nations," said Lady Barnes. "And besides, its really a lot of fun to learn about other countries, their culture and their history. Anantonese culture is better for including flavors of other cultures, and we really do have a lot to learn about Dundorfian culture. Adding the Institute to Kaliburg's education options for our adult learners is only a plus for us."

The Dundorfian International Institute is open now, adjacent the Imperial University Campus in southern Kaliburg.

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First Solar Farms being built in Agricultural Areas
Farmers take advantage of shade to experiment with plant diversity
Springfield, Duchy of Odufaray
August 31, 5502


Local Farm Cooperatives begin collecting solar rays along with other produce on Farm lands

The new KPO hybrid solar programs are beginning to yield very early dividends as the first solar collectors are nearing their first year of operation. And the first early adopters are celebrating from additional profits coming in from the lease of their lands to KPO for solar and wind collection. "We've had a very good year so far," said local farmer Megan Johnson, of Springfield. "Not only is the co-op reaping a nice bit of change by having these photovoltaics here on our land, but we also get about a cent and a half per kilowatt that our collectors sell back to the grid, free electricity ourselves, and also we have the opportunity to experiment with new crops to take into the Farmers Market and sell. The crop diversity alone that having different shade conditions in the field allows is more than worth it for me!"

Johnson and her family are just one of thousands of individual and cooperative farmers that are leading a nationwide movement to include solar and wind generators on their land as part of their overall business model. Since support for photovoltaic and wind turbine sites came into law in June, even more farmers have been converting lands they had left fallow this year into solar parks and wind parks. "We have back orders on photovoltaics," said KPO spokesman Kenny Lawless, who is one of the members of the procurement team in Vrassa. "Farmers see it as easy money: The solar farms can be designed in such a way where cash crops are planted in strips between solar collectors, and then land underneath the collection sites can be used to grow higher value crops that small scale consumers want, like heirlooms and specialized grains. We are also finding that the shade provided is preferred by cannibis and Opium plants as well, in some landscapes, and yields this year are trending higher."

All this means that starting this summer, Kalistani tables are already experiencing shifts in food. "Organic is a big thing," said Johnson. "We try to grow the crops we bring to the Market without using pesticides and using only natural fertilizers. And you can really taste the difference. We have a ton of produce that we bring in every week, and while its a bit more work, we will even be able to afford to hire two additional workers next spring." While the boom may not last forever and farm prices are certain to go down as the season wears on, Johnson says that the solar collectors will continue to produce revenue for the farm through the winter. "Come March, it usually gets pretty lean and we start getting into the canned stuff," said Johnson. "But this year, I can sell those canned goods in March because we will have plenty of money to take us well into the next season."

The energy market seems like it was made for the millions of acres of farm land around Kalistan. "Kalistan is a very modern country," said Lawless. "But we still have so much land which is used for farming and agriculture, and mixing energy creation in with agriculture seems like a no brainer to many of the farmers I am speaking to." Lawless said the winter months will allow KPO to catch up a bit with requests for new Photocells, but what will really allow a major revolution in Kalistan's energy creation sector is increased industrial activity. "We were looking at this fusion situation as a crisis for a while, but here is the opportunity Kalistan needs to become a leader in green energy creation. There is demand. The demand is huge. We are hoping to see way more investment in this field, because it is nothing but a growth industry at this point."

Farmers like Johnson will continue to reap benefits as they begin sharing their carefully manicured and GPS planned furrow rows with Solar and wind collectors. "I'm for it. It's all upside," said Johnson. "For the first time in my life, I am really excited about being a farmer, because I can finally now envision like growing something for the love of growing: These solar collectors give me and my family economic freedom and security that I have never had, while we lived right on the margins."

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Empress addresses Liberal Protests with Cabinet
Chancellor offers Proesting Deputies an ultimatum
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
November 25, 5502


Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Nicolette II, meets with Pro-Government supporters in Kaliburg

Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress Nicolette II joined conservative leaders and Cabinet Ministers yesterday at the National Assembly to send a message to liberal Deputies who have been protesting (by staying away from the legislature and organizing street demonstrations in their home towns) the increased taxation and spending rates that have become law this year as the Empire moves to address the energy shortfalls. The Empress reportedly felt that her presence was finally necessary to pressure liberal Institutionalists to fall in line with Her Imperial Majesty's policies.

"It is a rare occasion that We are asked to intervene in the activities of our Legislature," said the Empress. "However, we felt that it was correct for Us to inform the individuals who are promoting these protests across our Realm that Our patience with their petulance has grown rather thin. We have heard their petition, and it has been rejected as a base statement of ideological preference that We find to be counter to the interests of the People of our Nation. It is now therefore time for these fomenters of disorder to return to their posts to fulfil their sworn duties to their constituents, and to perform the action of government. Dereliction of the public trust is a serious offense akin to political corruption, and it is Our hope that the absent Deputies return to the National Assembly willingly."

The Lady Chancellor Kelly Newburg joined the Empress in meeting citizens who gathered at the National Assembly to express support for the Government. Lady Newburg was able to be more candid than the Empress, "Her Imperial Majesty is very gracious to these liberals, but I am not so constrained. I am drafting a resolution now to require attendance of all members of the National Assembly for all sessions, or require the resignation of those who are truant from each session. There is no excuse for 44 Deputies doing all the work of Legislation, when there are 79 Deputies elected. If these Deputies do not feel the need to report to work, they should return to their homes and get out of the way for those who do want to serve." The Chancellor has promised new elections and disqualification for the 35 liberal Deputies who have been engaged in protest against taxing and spending policies of Her Imperial Majesty's government for 10 months. "It's time to get back to work, and if these Deputies do not want to work, I'll find 35 individuals who will."

The incendiary words of the Chancellor provoked an immediate backlash from the Liberals. Liberal Spokeswoman Gina Garrand, Deputy from Platte/Vrassa City issued a statement in response, "This tyrant is threatening 35 members of this Legislature who are standing on principle that the Government should be taking less of our money and doing less that should be done by private actors. We believe that this is a fight worth having, and if we are systematically denies any opportunity to effect any sort of change within the government, because the Prime Minister has systematically shut us out of power, what difference does it make if we protest inside the Assembly Chambers or out in the streets? Our voices, the voices of the People of Kalistan will not be silenced by the Chancellor's heavy handed tactics."

As of today, the 35 liberal Deputies have asked for a final meeting with the Empress, who has granted a personal audience with Deputy Garrand alone, and set the appointment for next week. No press or staff will be present, and Lady Newburg has been asked to also stay away. "The Empress is a reasonable person, I believe," said Deputy Garrand. "Far more reasonable than that megalomaniac Prime Minister, who believes that her word is equivalent to the fiat of the Empress. I shall talk to Her Imperial Majesty, and I believe that once I explain our position, the Empress must see things from my perspective. Believe me, when I explain things to her, she'll understand."

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Empress Opens National Folk Art Museum
Celebrates the art work of Common Kalistanis
Luxon, Grand Duchy of Ananto
March 8, 5503


Her Imperial Majesty poses in the Floral Gallery of the NFAM

The Ministry of Culture has announced the grand opening of the National Folk Art Museum in Luxon, Ananto. On hand for the grand opening ceremony was Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Nicolette II, who spoke briefly before an assembled crowd of folk artists and citizens. "Today, we welcome the world to Kalistan to view the art of the people of this great nation," said the Empress. "Within these walls, you will see exemplars of various folk media, including painting, photography, sculpture, weaving, embroidery, and pottery. This museum houses the best artistic expression of our People, and it is a pleasure for Us to show off the talents and passions of Our Artisans to the Museum's visitors."

The Empress went on to describe the State's support for the arts. "All of those artists whose work is featured within this collection are fully sponsored by grants from our Ministry of Culture. These grants allow Kalistan's artists to create art as a living, for the sake of art. The goal is to remove the pressures of acquiring means of basic sustenance for those who have the calling to create art, but would otherwise not be able to do so, except for the patronage by the state." After receiving the grant, artists can receive full funding for up to three years per application, and may do what they wish with their art work, including submit it for display in the new National Folk Art Museum. "All of the art work featured here is from those who received state grants," said the Empress. "Entry was judged by a jury of peers, and each entry may only be displayed for a total of four months, before it is returned to the artists to make room for new works." Commercial art and art produced by independent artists cannot be displayed in the National Folk Art Museum.

"It is our intention to continue our active support for the Arts in Kalistan," said the Empress. "We have required our Cultural Minister to add money for support of the National Theater in Kaliburg, the Southern Theater in Sulari, and Vrassa Capital Theater in Vrassa City. We are also creating personal endowments at Python Musical and Arts Academy and Eveari College for young artists who want to study history, technique and discipline. We want to also welcome artists from around the world to study art here in Kalistan and to bring their own techniques and styles here to share with our students."

Following the grand opening reception, the Empress was given a guided tour of the Museum. She particularly enjoyed the Floral Gallery, which featured paintings of flowers, and the fiberwork wing, which featured weaving, knitting, crocheting and embroidery pieces that exemplified the most intricate of fabric works. "We are thoroughly impressed with all the work done by these amazing artists," said the Empress. "This fine work represents the height of Kalistan's artistic heritage, and deservedly shines a bright light on our creators, and we thank them all for their contributions."

The National Folk Arts Museum is now open to the public and is a mere two blocks from the Global Music Hall of Fame complex in Luxon.

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The Fall of Gina Garrand
Liberal Protests ends after 33 of 35 Deputies return to Assembly
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
March 15, 5503


Former Deputy Gina Garrand leaves meeting with Empress ending legislative protest

Leader of the Liberal protests against taxation and spending Gina Garrand has stepped down from office, and has released her Deputies to return to work in the National Assembly. "I met with Her Imperial Majesty today, after a significant delay, and she informed me that my protest was over," said Garrand, outside the Imperial Seat this afternoon. "As part of the amnesty the Empress offered for my members, I have agreed to resign from office and retire from public service. I am grateful to the Empress for hearing me out, but this matter is at an end."

The comments strike political observers as unexpected, considering that last week, Garrand vowed to continue this fight until the very end. "We are demanding something so simple as basic human dignity and liberty," said Garrand at a particularly rowdy, but small protest on the National Mall at the time. "I could not hold my head high if I were to surrender this fight with the Premier. When I meet the Empress, I intend to put it in these plain and simple terms: It is either the Chancellor, or I take my members with me and we force an election, and if Liberals win, we will move immediately to establish constitutional limits on both the Chancellor, the Government, and the Monarchy itself."

Nobody considered these threats idle, and the Chancellor even responded, claiming that threats to alter the regime could be construed as treason against the Empress. "Her Imperial Majesty is taking this business very seriously, but I suspect that she is delaying a meeting to give Gina (Deputy Garrand) enough rope to hang herself with. A meeting is set for next week and after that point, we will all know the Empress' mind." As days passed, Garrand's rhetoric was primarily directed at the Chancellor, while the Empress remained publicly silent.

This afternoon's capitulation from the Deputy from Platte/Vrassa City signals a definitive defeat for liberalism in Kalistan. "I spoke with Her Imperial Majesty, and explained our position, but the Empress made it very clear to me that any further protests against the policies of Her Imperial Majesty's Government will not be productive for our Nation. Her Imperial Majesty still retains complete confidence in the Chancellor, and in the interest of peace and progress, I have been given the opportunity to instruct my members to return to work for their constituencies."

The resignation ends more than 40 years of public service for Deputy Garrand who was among the biggest early supporters of Empress Nicolette I, and felt that a strong State in the person of a single monarch was a good thing. Garrand has been careful to not include the Empress Nicolette II in her criticisms of the Government until just recently, when she was clearly frustrated with the slow pace of negotiations and what she called "foot dragging" in addressing her concerns. Her faction Lieutennant, Mike Andrews, of Senvias, will also not be returning to the National Assembly. He is currently under investigation on charges of embezzlement from his own Senvias-based corporation, and is also facing charges of securities fraud and wire fraud. Andrews was counting on the continued protests to shield him from prosecution, but as Garrand announced that she had released her Deputies in the Amnesty, Andrews was arrested and arraigned on the new charges, ensuring that he will not be returning to the National Assembly.

Few can possibly guess what the Empress said to Deputy Garrand to convince her to end the protest so abruptly. Some speculate that the pressure came from the Deputies under Garrand themselves: Several noticeably distanced themselves from Garrand following the statements about constitutional reform. Others argue that the Empress herself may have threatened Garrand in the closed door meeting. There is no way to know for sure, but following Garrand's resignation, liberal deputy after liberal deputy publicly affirmed loyalty to the Empress and declared their intention to support the Chancellor in the Legislature. Several even noted that they felt that they had been misled by Garrand, who promised them Government positions in the event that she was successful in ousting the Chancellor, and all spoke in very personal terms about their intention to continue to support the Empress' policies in the National Assembly.

The liberal protests being at an end, Deputy Garrand stopped short at endorsing the large scale infrastructure. "The Chancellor's spending programs will go through, and I wish her well with those. I still hold that as the Public Sector grows, individual liberty and protection of private property is reduced. You can't have an overreaching government and have individual liberty, those two things are mutually exclusive. But, that being said, The Chancellor enjoys Her Imperial Majesty's complete confidence, and so Lady Newburg's bills shall be the Law of the Land, and I, as a private citizen, will simply petition as I may, because I can only depend on myself to protect my God Given rights." The now former Deputy refused to take questions and left with her staff.

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ODEN-K delivers Annual Report on Drug Production in Kalistan
Supply affected by Crises, but energy woes do not dampen Homegrown Spirit
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
October 19, 5503


ODEN-K Directors present Annual Supply Audit and take questions from Kalistanis

In the annual Public Accountability Symposium, ODEN-K Director Jamar Abdelrahman presented the first major report of the Century, and the first supply summary following the beginning of the energy crisis. "We can't say that ODEN hasn't been affected," said Director Abdelrahman, "but like most things nowadays, we are forced to adapt, and I think the adaptation provides an upside." Abdelrahman described the effects of major energy and fuel shortfalls on the automated harvesting processes that have been the standard procedure for centuries in Kalistan's recreational agriculture sector.

"Gone are the entire mountainsides covered with poppies that are mechanically planted, tended and harvested," said the Director. "Whole plantations of Marijuana that covered thousands of square miles in the Gold Plain in Ananto are now left empty for the most part. And what has replaced them is a multitude of smaller operations, conversion of indoor facilities, and new practices in vertical and hydroponic farming." Abdelrahman said that the changes Kalistani growers have had to make have yielded smaller crops, but also crop quality is far better than it used to be. "A lot of the loss we have expreienced in volume over the past three years has been made up for in quality of harvest, and yield per plant. There was a lot of waste and silage due to automation, and now actual farmers are far more careful in their gleaning and cultivation, and though more expensive, it is a good time for drug users in Kalistan and on Terra."

Overall, crop yields have declined roughly 20 percent from recent highs at the end of the 55th Century, but in line with the executive summary by the Director, final weight has only declined between 7 and 10 percent over the same time. "We also see higher quality, more diversity in our strains, and more potent end product, so users will need to actually purchase less than they would otherwise have had to do. That fact in and of itself offsets much of the increased price."

The annual survey presented by Director Abdelrahman includes the following summary of Kalistan's Drug Production in key sectors

All values Metric
Raw Production Capacity per Annum
88,968 tons of raw Coca leaf
48,992 tons of Marijuana
3,921 tons of raw Opium Latex
14,258 tons psilocybin mushrooms
477.2 tons raw Ergot
127,385 tons of raw Treacle
421 tons of Peyote Cactus
11,345 tons of dried Cabrera Root bark
7,234 tons of Mimosa Hostilis Root Bark

Refined Drug Production per annum
278.92 tons of refined Cocaine @ ₭72,605 /Kg, total value- ₭20,250,986,600
641.65 tons Hashish @₭7,513 /Kg, total value ₭4,820,716,450
72.48 tons refined Morphine @ ₭38,083/Kg, total value ₭2,760,255,840
292.12 tons refined Heroin @ ₭7,160/Kg, total value ₭2,091,579,200
29.21 tons of Oxycontin Pharmaceutical @ ₭152.84/Kg, total value ₭4,464,456.40
648.91 tons Processed Opium @ ₭12,954/Kg, total value ₭8,405,980,140
1,498 kg crystalline LSD @ ₭25,878/Kg, total value ₭38,765,244
1350.5 kg pharmaceutical grade MDMA/Ecstasy @ ₭38,030/Kg, total value ₭51,359,515
125.65 tons of DMT @ ₭45,579/Kg, total value ₭5,727,001,350
14.59 tons of Refined Mescaline Crystal @ ₭59,882/Kg, total value ₭873,678,380
45,156 liters Kalistani Rum @ ₭6.30/L, total value ₭284,482.80
4,521,385 liters Kalistani Wine @ ₭10.63/L, total value ₭48,062,322.55
485,214,687 liters Kalistani Beer @ ₭2.65/L, total value ₭1,285,818,920.55

Total value of all ODEN production- ₭46,358,952,901.30 for the 5502-03 year.

These figures do not include the vast pharmaceutical sector of ODEN, which is not tracked due to the multitude variations and chemical variants of each drug designed to fight particular variations of a disease. "It also does not include a significant number of recreational chemicals or marijuana and tobacco sales, which themselves are estimated to be in the tens of billions each," said Direct Abdelrahman. "Many of those items are account for less than 1 million dollars overall, or in the case of both marijuana and tobacco cigarettes and a wide array of spirits, are sold as off brands both domestically and internationally and are therefore difficult to track. In the case of tobacco, we import a far more tobacco than we grow here in Kalistan, and therefore, only regulate and pass tobacco through ODEN to Kalistani cigarette manufacturers."

The numbers are down in all naturally occurring precursors except ergot, psilocybin, and Cabrera and Hostilis. Consequently LSD, Mushrooms and DMT are all significantly increased. "We also saw a normal sugar harvest last year, so treacle production remains steady." said Abdulrahman. Prices are up between 4 and 6 percent over last year to reflect increasing scarcity of natural precursors and ODEN net is similarly up. "But over all, gross earnings this year are down significantly from where our 5 year projection was in 5498 by more than 15%," said the Director. "Growers co-ops will experience a difficult winter this year and a harder spring with less money available for planting subsidies, and no money available for fuel subsidies."

But Abdulrahman was optimistic. "We are seeing more and more electricity returning to the grid, with as much as 3% over all per annum. And with biodiesels coming online, MOCO is said to be partnering with AgriKal to develop new combine equipment to allow farmers to return to more normal levels of cultivation." Meanwhile, said Director Abdelrahman, farmers need to continue to innovate and experiment with crop techniques. "New rotation methods to get the most out of your soil, vertical farming, hydroponics, using ground cover and no-till techniques can all conserve our soil and help to increase yields, so you end up working smarter, not harder to produce crops. This winter, we will be doing significant conservation education with the aim to help our farmers identify ways to improve soil, and therefore, crop quality, cut way back on wastage, and ensure that supply remains available to satisfy both domestic and international demand for ODEN products."

The Director then opened the symposium up for questions. The panel lasted more than an hour, and was followed by panels on new drug treatments for chronic pain, use of LSD to treat childhood trauma, and ODEN's continuing importance in international relations.

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Humperdinck Media Group (Luthori)
הפוסט ירושלים | The Yishelem Post
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Medinat Dpt. to defer to Kaliburg and Eroncourt on Anantonese Ocean policy
November 5503



Yishelem, Beiteynu - Although Yishelem has almost never affiliated any government policy or military or intelligence movements with the northern regions of the Anantonese Ocean (excl. Dankuk two centuries ago), with the noticeable geopolitical shift since the war, the ever-presence of the Altatepec Treaty in the post-war era and the recent developments concerning Seko and related fleet deployments, the Medinat Department found it prudent to permanently and officially assuage any past, present or future concerns by either Kalistan or Lourenne, in regards to Beiteynu's position towards the Ananto Strait and the Meridian Strait.

Kaliburg's unchanging policies on the Ananto Strait, even during the war with Lourenne, have established an undisputed historic precedent across the centuries that both of these straits in the Anantonese Ocean are essential to the regional stability and interests for Kalistan and Lourenne, with the latter recently forming its own Comprehensive Accord for the Meridian Strait. Suffice to say, Yishelem more than understands the sentiment, the need and the requested respect of regional policies from the wider international community, considering the Yeudi Homeland's own interests in the Migrant's Pass with Narikaton and Darnussia.

Submitted by the Medinat Department, the Knesset is currently moving forward with the ratification of both accords, also seeking to make both part of the Beiteynuese Government's official guidelines and policies across the entire Yeudish Neset.

BeiGov representatives also confirmed that Beiteynu will continue to honour the existing 1-1 agreement with Kalistan.

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Prime Minister's Office confirms visit to Kalistan.
The Prime Minister's Office has confirmed that the resident of the 10 Crown Street would fly off to Kalistan for a series of negociations and visits with the Kalistani PM;
12th, February 5505


Crown Street, seat of residence and power of the Luthorian Prime Minister.

Fort William, Luthori - The Prime Minister's Office has confirmed the incoming visit from the Marquess of Rosemary, Andrew Meyer in Kalistan. At his arrival at the 10 Crown Street, the Luthorian Prime Minister had already stated that he would be visiting Kalistan for "diplomatic" purposes, if we take the word of the Government as paramount. Yet, the Prime Minister was soon overwhelmed by the amount of internal pressures building up around him and his government. He barely survived as Prime Minister after being confirmed by the Party. With the internal pressure that he's been facing during the beginning of his term fading off and a "return to normalcy" being seen in the Luthorian political scene, mostly confirmed by the election of Recce Styles at the head of the Labour Party and the fading off of protests after the conservative victory at the last election. With internal politics being, mostly, secured for the PM, he can now focus on other things that are mostly his speciality, like foreign policy.

The Prime Minister has always been known as a foreign policy expert, and his biggest accomplishment as, first, Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, then Foreign Secretary and finally Prime Minister is, according to his own words, "trying to secure a good-willed relationship between Luthori & Kalistan", while he failed the first time, the use of 'Rock-&-Roll Diplomacy" as the Kalistanis call it, may have been a good occasion to "break the glass celling" existing between the two nations. This visit would have the same objective, trying to continue breaking this glass celling existing between Kaliburg and Fort William, in that aim, the Luthorian Head of Government is planned, according to Crown Street, to meet his Kalistani counterpart, the Lady Newburg and discuss about a potential continuation of increasing relations between the two nations, maybe in the form of economic agreement/partnership between companies of both countries, but most importantly, the issues of the Luthorian Embassy in Kaliburg and the Kalistani Embassy in Fort William, an issue that should be negociated between the two Prime Ministers.

The Luthorian Foreign Office has expressed high hopes for this historic meeting as it mean the first time that an high-ranking official from the Luthorian Government (except the Foreign Secretary) put his foot in Kalistan. With that being the first time ever that the Luthorian PM would make the visit in Kaliburg, it's likely that the Government would send an invitation to invite either the Kalistani Prime Minister or the Kalistan Monarch to visit Luthori. Although the Prime Minister's Office stated that this would be only be done by "mutual consent" between the authorities of both countries.