Rildanor

[Elena1012]

Budget Bill passes as rural communities look to extremes; POIT rumoured to be preparing a vote of no confidence with the Republicans against Popelin.
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June 19th, 5658
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Controversial has been a common word used to define the Popelin Government. This week couldn't have seen more usage of the word. The recent Budget Reconcilation and Responsibility Act passed with narrow margins, passing by a mere 4 votes. So, what does this mean? Well, it means bad news for the working and middle class. While trying to stay neutral, it is hard to not think that the Popelin Government is determined to do as much chaos as it can and kill any chances at re-election.

For starters, the retirement age has been raised to 64, which will be phased through over 6 years (unless the BRRA can be repealed), alongside a flex pension, allowing earlier retirement at the cost of reduced rates. A cap on public pensions has also been enacted, indexed below inflation. Supporters of the bill have argued that such a move is necessary, citing that a society that lives longer can work longer and thrive longer. Alongside this, further healthcare changes. In an effort to promote "competitive innovation", procurement systems will be privatized. For non emergency services, a co pay will be introduced, scaled by income. This has seen the Health Minister, Marie-Noëlle Courbis resign from her post. 

To say that the masses have been angered is selling it short as approval ratings have plummeted. Rumours have been circulating that POIT is preparing to push a vote of no confidence and trigger early elections. Such a move would normally fail, however should a few Republicans vote in favour, then it can very much pass as Popelin's Free Market Conservatism remains political poison for almost everyone outside of the Rally Democratic base. So far, these are just rumours. But POIT is looking to rally it's base and continue the Bread and Roses March. 

Yet, rural communities have been hit the hardest by this. And as the saying goes, the jobless, angry and hopeless flock to demagogues. The only ones who have arguably benefited from this entire government has been the two extremist party's, the CPCP and MRN. The Communist Party has been railing hard against the bill, calling it "economic warfare against the proletariat", with their polling numbers rising in rural communities. Rallies are becoming common in rural areas, with the communists taking full advantage of it. One speaker, Luc Gigot being recorded to having have said this.

Comrades! Friends! This entire government has claimed to be responsible. Responsible adults managing a nation. Common sense reforms. They see prosperity and everyone thriving. You want to know what I see? I see betrayal. I see the proletariat strangled before our eyes. Sold out to the bourgeoisie. They let our farms starve so elites can grow more wealthier in their ivory towers. They let children go hungry because it isn't "fiscally responsible". I say no more! You built this country and they leave you in the cold, starving, surrounded by wonders you've built. That is not good governing. This is economic slavery. They don't want to free you. They want to keep you enslaved and shackled.

On the other side of the aisle, the Movement of National Reconciliation has been growing fast in rural communities, looking to play up a strong populist agenda, anti-socialism, and anti-capitalism. Former Rally Democratic communities have quickly turned to the MRN for guidance. The MRN has also railed against the bill, saying that it sells Rildanor out to cosmopolitan elites and globalists. One speaker, Jean-Marie Rousselle, a rising star in the MRN has taking to touring rural communities hit the hardest by the bill and offering support.

Friends, I want to ask something. What is modernization worth if it means strangling your friend? Is it a crime? Or necessary? Because the government seems to think it is necessary. I say otherwise. I say it is a crime to see children starve in the streets, tears in their eyes, betting for scraps. I say it is a crime to let our great country he ruined by soulless cosmopolitans concerned with profit only. I say it is a crime to gut our healthcare for wealthy elites. I say it is a crime to sell our nation out! The Rally Democrats are rallying for a democracy where you don't exist. They want a democracy where you serve foreign oligarchs. The Republicans? They want to ruin the nation. POIT? Too spineless to do anything, and too socialist. They'll ruin and kill Rildanor for their godless idols. The Communists are no better. Folks, Rildanor is at a crossroads. Either we take our country back from cosmopolitans, or we lose it forever.

As the country gets stretched out by Free-Market Conservatism, the big question is, will the extremists expand on their voter base and will the Popelin administration survive the year? More important, will Rildanor survive the year?

[Elena1012]

Popelin Government collapses; Early elections scheduled for summer.
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December 29th, 5658
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POIT and the PRR has successfully passed the Vote of No Confidence, forcing the. Collapse of the Popelin government. So, what does this mean? Early elections will be scheduled for early summer. Which effectively means campaign season. While normally this would be somewhat fine, many have raised concerns over the potential extremists making major ground in the election. However, POIT has defended their decision by arguing that the Popelin government has simply done too much damage to the working class, and that this move ensures that a new government can mend the rifts and damages caused by the Popelin Governments dangerous cuts.

As such, parties have begun campaigning. The Republicans have chosen Christophe Moineau as their nominee, campaigning on a return to normalcy, distancing the Republicans from the Anti-Socialist Coalition, and looking abroad for economic cooperation. The Republicans have, however, received extreme flak because of said Anti-Socialist Coalition, and keeping the Popelin Government alive. Most pundits and polls are showing major loses for the Republicans.

For the Rally Democrats, it's.. safe to say they won't be winning this election. Their candidate, Timothé Boutin has only split the Rally Democratic voter base by embracing paternalistic conservatism, trying to convince voters that the Rally Democrats have rejected Popelin's conservatism. Most aren't expecting them to survive the election cycle.

For POIT, they've taken a strong left wing turn, nominating prominent trade unionist, Victoria Vaganay. She's campaigned on a strong democratic socialist platform, reversing the PRA, reinstating wealth taxes, socializing healthcare once again, and "creating a government for the working class". Pundits have noticed that the strong left wing shift is popular, because of anti incumbency, and also stealing left wing voters who may have been curious about the communist party.

The extremists have also taken an interest in running, with the communists nominating Eugénie Vidal, campaigning on the platform of radical wealth redistribution, creating a welfare state, and largely running on a "ethical communist" platform. Their opposites, the MRN has nominated Jean-Marie Rousselle, campaigning on a populist, traditionalist campaign, looking to strike down the PRA, counter globalism, and restore the "rightful order of Rildanor". Because of how disastrous the PRA has been, many are expecting this to be a race between POIT, the Communists and National Reconcilation. It'll be a unique election cycle and we can only hope for the best.

[Elena1012]

Victoria Vaganay elected; Compromises with the Communists made as the Popular Front forms.
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May 8th, 5659
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The early elections have concluded and it seems POIT has prevailed. Victoria Vaganay has been elected, albeit with some issues. But, first her agenda. Being a staunch democratic socialist, she has made it clear that she wants to fully repeal the PRA, reinforce the welfare state, and wage war on poverty that has only skyrocketed since the PRA's passing. Being a stark departure from the previous governments free market conservative ideals, many are expecting a slew of regulations, union protections, and market reforms to be enacted over the tenure of this government. However, it leads to the first issue. Who is governing? While POIT undoubtedly won (despite claims from the MRN over potential fraud), it can't maintain a government by itself. A coalition with the Rally Democrats would be political suicide and self defeating. A coalition with the Republicans wouldn't be enough due to their low seat count. That leaves one realistic option. A coalition with the communists.

While it's incredibly controversial, the CPCP has chosen to accept the offer for negotiations, insisting on a popular front with POIT. As such, the Communists will enter government with POIT. While centrists in POIT recoil at the idea, Vaganay has claimed that the popular front is necessary to ensure democracy continues on in Rildanor as the MRN has managed to secure a strong lock on the right wing vote. However, this also leads to issue 2 and 3. Issue 2 being the fact that the MRN has managed to skyrocket into becoming the main right wing party, and the main opposition. Should the Vaganay government mess up, the MRN will likely only continue to grow and may win the next election, should the Rally Democrats be unable to reorganize themselves and retake the right. Issue 3, the popular front. Some within POIT hate the idea of working with communists, some within the CPCP hate the idea of working with POIT. And this lead to the 4 Point List, a series of demands from the Communists that must be fulfilled by next summer, otherwise they will terminate the popular front. The demands are as follows, completely repeal the PRA, enact wealth redistribution, begin economic relief for the working class, and ensuring economic sovereignty. Should the demands not be meet by next May, the CPCP will depart from the coalition and issue a vote of no confidence. 

The Vaganay Government has a slew of issues ahead, but there is also hope that things can get better. Despite a divided Assembly, Vaganay is certain that she will be able to not only accomplish her agenda but ensure that the 4 Point List is met. The MRN on the other hand has completely bashed the government for cooperating with communists and as aforementioned, raised issues of potential voter fraud. While the claims are being questioned, many are left wondering if this government will accomplish its goals, or if MRN will enter the government next election cycle.

[Elena1012]

PRA repealed; "Let us give hope to the hopeless".
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September 7th, 5659
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The Prosperity and Responsibility Act has successfully been repealed in an overwhelming margin, securing support from POIT, CPCP and the MRN. Various tax cuts and deregulations have been repealed with the wealth tax being restored, alongside corporate taxes being raised. Normally, this would be a victory for the administration and it partially has been. It was a major campaign promise to repeal it, and repealing it has been a key point of the Popular Front Coalition, and the PRA has been responsible for large swathes of inequality that skyrocketed ever since it's passage. However, it also has some notable issues. One, businesses, especially big corporations have been incredibly unhappy with the repeal, threatening to leave the country as the wealthiest in Rildanor leave due to the wealth tax returning.

This has obviously caused issues for the economy, which is already in a troublesome spot. Combined with having to rebuild the welfare system, and layoffs from a sudden tax increase and such, and it's a recipe for discomfort in the Popular Front. Yet, still, repealing the PRA is sure to be a small win for an administration with a heavy burden. The only true victors seem to be the MRN, advocating their own solutions to the economic situation and fully supporting the repeal of the PRA. As their polling rises, the Vaganay Government will need to work hard to restore the welfare system, alleviate the economic situation and certainly keep the popular front going.

However, with point 1 of the 4 Point List being accomplished, Vaganay has treated it (rightfully so) as a major win. Citing that the repeal of this bill will "give hope to the hopeless" and allow Rildanor to do its duty as a nation and care for the people. She's highlighted that the administration will focus on reforming the welfare state, and bringing about rural aid. Time will surely be of the essence if the Popular Front is to survive.

[Elena1012]

Relief Act fails to pass; CPCP criticizes the Vaganay Government.
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December 25th, 5659
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With the economic situation being hectic to say the least, the big issue for POIT has been rebuilding the welfare system, which saw the conception of the Economic, Development and Wealth Relief Act (EDWRA), commonly called the Relief Act becomes drafted and debated. The Relief Act would pour millions into rebuilding the welfare system, including public work programs, a very limited universal basic income in high need areas, drastically expanding unemployment aid, housing aid, and drastically expanding civil services. The Relief Act would bring about relief to hundreds of thousands in Rildanor and be the first step to getting economic recovery, social recovery and also meet the 2nd demand of the 4 Point List.

The Relief Act faced three (technically two) sources of opposition. First, the fiscal concerns. Mostly coming from Rally Democrats and Republicans who survived the 5958 Emergency Elections, they argued that the Relief Act was too expensive, and would put unnecessary stress on the state budget. Because of how little Rally Democrats and Republicans that were elected, the concerns they had were largely ignored. The other source of opposition came from it being too extreme, mostly from centrists within POIT who argued that the Relief Act had too much concessions given to the communists. On the flip side, the communists argued that it didn't go far enough and had to go further to be adequate. The MRN found themselves supporting select aspects of the bill, but rejecting the socialist label. But when it came down to it, the vote failed, narrowly. By 2 votes.

The Communists have been quick to bash and blame the Vaganay Government, arguing that too much concessions were given to centrists and they ended up voting against the bill in the end. With the Relief Act failing to pass, this will certainly put more stress on the Popular Front, especially as the May Deadline looms. But the biggest tragedy of this is the fact that no aid will be coming to Rildanoriens today or anytime soon. Unless POIT can draft up an alternative that can somehow pass, the May Deadline will be here quickly. And when it does come, the Popular Front may not survive.

[Elena1012]

Popular Front dissolves; Snap Elections to be held in October as faith in competent governing plummets.
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May 4th, 5660
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The May Deadline has arrived. Only one point of the 4 Point List was met, that being repealing the Prosperity and Responsibility Act. The rest failed to materialize, with the Relief Bill being shot down in December, last year. Despite concerns that the right would prevail if the government collapsed immediately, it would seem that the communists have made their choice, terminating the popular front and pushing for a vote of no confidence, which was able to narrowly pass. As such, snap elections have been scheduled for October.

The CPCP has gone on to bash POIT, saying that the party has done nothing but give false hope to the proletariat. POIT on the other hand has faced an internal civil war as the left wants to split and join the CPCP to present a unified front against the right whilst the centrists want to split entirely and form their own party. The blame game is going around en masse. Centrists blaming the CPCP, Communists blaming all of POIT, so on and so forth. The only real winner is not the Republicans or Rally Democrats, who are still reeling from the Popelin Government, but the MRN, which, if early polling is correct, is expected to win a majority in the elections because of confidence in the left being shattered. It seems the people are tired of constant fighting in the government, and simply want relief, which has led them to new extremes. The Movement for National Reconcilation has always been controversial to the left, and centrists. Unabashedly Anti-Socialist, but also firmly Anti-Capitalist. With an imploding left, they are likely to win the next elections with a clear mandate. It's suffice to say that faith in competent governing is almost entirely gone.

Yet, there is still a chance. The polls can always be wrong. Meriath remains an electrical stronghold for POIT, compared to the rest of the country. And who knows? Maybe that'll spread to the rest of the country? It's hard to say, and it's hard to say whether the polls will be correct. But it's clear that Vaganay has failed in her goal. With POIT in an internal civil war, most are expecting a split as the differences between the left and right of POIT seem to be too much now. Unless the Republicans can swoop in to rally the centre against the right, or the Communists make a surprise win, the situation is rather grim for centrist parties.

[Elena1012]

MRN win elections; Pledges aid, sovereignty and centralization.
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October 9th, 5660
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The emergency elections have concluded, and it seems the worst outcome for the left has happened. The Movement for National Reconcilation has prevailed with a firm majority. The Republicans were unable to rally a liberal defense, whilst POIT and the CPCP failed to gain voters back. The only region to actively reject the MRN has been Meriath, firmly being a POIT bastion, or rather, what was POIT. With the election of the MRN however, POIT has split into two, with the left of POIT forming the Independent Left Alliance (Alliance de Gauche Indépendante), pushing for a strictly socialist agenda whilst the centrists have broken off to form the Social Democratic Party of the Union of the Rildanor (Parti Social-Démocrate de l'Union du Rildanor). With a collapsed left and the centre unable to rally itself, the communists found themselves in a difficult spot. Now however? It seems like the MRN has a clear mandate to govern. As fears of neo-fascism rise, the MRN and specifically Théo Vasseur has pledged immediate aid to the people, sovereignty for Rildanor, and centralization of the state.

Protests have already sparked in several regions across the region as concerns over fascism and centralization skyrocket. The MRN holds a majority, and unlike the left, is unified. Which means little chances of legislation failing. The communists have already been incredibly vocal about opposing the MRN at every opportunity, with street brawls uncommon in districts that voted Communist. In Meriath, the last bastion of the left (who's vote share was split between the Social Democrats and Independent Left), the governor of the island has been reportedly, very distressed with the national election, and incredibly concerned with the results, urging the government to remember that this is a democracy, not an anocracy. When asked if he would pursue radical measures should push come to shove, he refuse to gave a comment.

Whatever the case, for better or worse, it's a new day in Rildanor. The Movement for National Reconcilation and the Vasseur Government is looking to enact it's pledge, particularly looking to roll out jobs, get the economy rolling again, centralize the state further, and protect Rildanorien sovereignty from "spineless cosmopolitans". With legislation already being prepared and drafted, times will certainly be interesting in Rildanor.

[Elena1012]

Mutiny in Meriath; Navy Officers defy Vasseur Government, citing "why wait to resist coming tyranny".
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December 9th, 5660
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It would seem that not everyone has taken the recent election results well. Between protests in the streets, street brawls between communists and the MRN, many expected the instability to come to an end before the end of the year. Those expectations were shattered as despite major legislation being passed, it seems the MRN cannot escape being called, Neo-Fascists. The Island of Meriath, a stronghold for the progressive left has been the home of the Rildanorien Navy in modern times, and it seems even the navy can't escape politics. A portion of the navy has broken off, launching a nation wide mutiny, refusing to accept any potential orders from the Vasseur Government, and claiming a commitment to democracy. A significant portion of the mutinies across the mainland did fail, but on Meriath, the mutinies have found strong success, with the island no longer being capable of administrated. 

The mutineers have claimed that their allegiance is to democracy, and that the Vasseur Government is "tyranny in waiting". The Vasseur Government has surprisingly been diplomatic, but firm, offering a one month deadline for the mutineers to surrender. Vasseur has gone out to denounce any claims of fascism, and has said the following.

It breaks my heart to see even our loyal navy engage in treason because of the results of the elections. I understand that democracy is the lifeblood of our nation, but when they illegally break off and commit treason, calling my government fascistic and claiming there is tyranny in waiting, when no tyranny has happened, I have no choice but to be firm. I am giving the mutineers 30 days to surrender. If they surrender, they will be spared from the worst punishment our justice system can give. If not, I will be forced to use the military to reclaim Meriath. No one wants bloodshed. But this mutiny has shown us, emergency measures will be necessary. Our democracy is at risk from those who cannot accept the will of the people. The Movement for National Reconcilation was elected by the people, and the people's will must be respected. In the coming days, I will call forth a session of the legislature to begin drafting an appropriate response to the rioters in our streets, this Meriath mutiny and ensure not only law and order, but stability so Rildanor can adequately recover.

Suffice to say, the situation is tense. The Mutineers have refused to negotiate, only accepting a total resignation of the Vasseur Government and immediate snap elections. Combining that with the chaos in the streets and public opinion is leaning towards the MRN. While the Communists have decried any potential military response, rumours have been circulating that the prior president, Victoria Vaganay has fled to Meriath. While these rumours are unfounded, it does beg the question, could Meriath actually break off? It's hard to say, but that would require immense support from the local population. Why risk Rildanorien democracy for a naval junta? However with the looming threat of emergency powers, it isn't hard to imagine the MRN striking at the free press, and other political parties as the mutiny has inadvertently given MRN all the pretext they need to enact authoritarian measures and centralization.

It's hard to say what happens next, but the mutineers are making history. For better or worse. The Union of Rildanor stands at a crossroads. We can only hope that the MRN is reasonable in enacting emergency measures. But if democracy is truly at risk, perhaps the mutineers will find themselves with more support. But for now, it appears the public isn't too happy with their move, simply wanting economic recovery and stability. The 30 day timeline will certainly be one to keep an eye on. As rumours of paramilitaries spread (which remain unfounded) and the protests in the streets only escalating, this is yet another storm for Rildanor. Whether Rildanor loses its soul in the process of passing the storm or not, is anyone's guess.

[Elena1012]

Emergency Measures passed as the Communists are disenfranchised; Vasseur Government condemns foreign claims of fascism as deadline comes to pass.
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February 2nd, 5661
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The Mutineer Situation has only gotten worse as it seems foreign nations have taken a strong interest. Chief amongst them being Egelion, which has deployed naval units for trade security, who has chosen to not only consider the Vasseur Government as openly fascistic, but make open diplomatic engagements with the Meriath Navy Mutiny. The Vasseur Government has strongly condemned Egelion for not only acknowledging an open rebellion, but also accusing the Vasseur Government of fascism. The Vasseur Government has defended itself, citing that while it does oppose cosmopolitanism and globalism, it does not engage in fascistic ideology. With Egelion proving itself to be hostile to the new Vasseur Government, other nations have also expressed concerns for the stability of the region, and especially for trade. The Vasseur Government has looked to reassure the world, that the mutiny will be swiftly dealt with, and stability will be restored.

Speaking of the mutiny, the deadline has passed long ago. The Mutiny has refused negotiations, even organizing a proper government with civilian institutions, simply the Provisional State of Meriath. With the deadline passing, the Vasseur Government has been left with little choice but to react accordingly. In a statement, Vasseur confirmed the following.

It breaks my heart to see foreign nations interfere with our sovereignty, and engage with anti-democratic rebels. All this mutiny has done is cause chaos, confusion and fear. We've offered them a 30 day deadline to peacefully surrender. Unfortunately, that deadline passed long ago, and the mutiny has shown no interest in maintaining peace. That is why, it pains me to great lengths to say this, but, a military operation will have to be prepared to reclaim the island. This mutiny is not just a threat to our democracy, but a threat to the very fabric of Rildanorien sovereignty, a threat to regional stability and a threat to our prosperity. I want to make a promise to the world, this operation will be quick, it will avoid unnecessary casualties, and it will not involve other nations. Stability will be restored quickly, and the world can continue on with itself.

While a military operation on Meriath looms, emergency powers have been debated in the legislature and have passed with the MRN majority. Recognizing the current situation of the Meriath Emergency, the National Stability and Order Act has been passed. First and foremost, the Communist Party of the Canrillaise Proletariat, having been accused of inciting violence against democratic norms and the Union of Rildanor have been outlawed. Emergency regulations have been applied to the press, to weed out communistic, cosmopolitan and secessionist outlets, and these measures will be revoked upon the conclusion of the Meriath Emergency. Furthermore, until the conclusion of the Meriath Emergency, limits will be placed on protesting, in the name of protecting public stability and law. Detention without trial will be authorized for those deemed the greatest risk to public safety and stability, especially as protests happen across the country. Furthermore, to assist an overwhelmed police force, the National Stability and Order Act authorizes the creation of the National Guard of Reconcilation (Garde Nationale de Réconciliation), which will be responsible for assisting law enforcement in resolving the protests, rooting out traitors to the Union, and ensuring law and order on the streets. Alongside this, the NSOA formally declares that all officers, military personal and civil servants working in compliance with the "Provisional State of Meriath" to be guilty of high treason, with all assets belonging to any individuals being seized by the state. The NSOA will be repealed upon the Meriath Emergency coming to an end.

With the NSOA passed, the legislature is expected to convene on two issues. First, the Meriath Operation, which will soon occur and passing immediate relief aid to Rildanoriens. However, rumours have only begun to skyrocket of former POIT politicians fleeing to Meriath, and even some Republicans. Other rumours have circulated about the communists preparing an armed rebellion. While these remain unfounded so far, these do present more challenges for Rildanor. Whatever the case, it seems troublesome times are ahead.

[Elena1012]

National Labour and Relief Act passes; MRN makes moves to help the masses.
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March 11th, 5661
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The biggest appeal that MRN has had over opposition parties has been the message of getting things done and getting a relief bill passed. Last year,  POIT tried, and failed. This week however? The MRN was able to easily pass a comprehensive, major, relief bill. The National Labour and Relief Act, which looks to enact a series of reforms and establishment of aid programs to finally heal from the disastrous effects of the PRA. The passage has given the MRN more public approval and support, especially with the Meriath Emergency ongoing. 

So what does the NLRA do? Well, for starters, it includes various nationalizations such as nationalizing the health industry, defense, and a plethora of other industries. Alongside this, direct aid. Families still struggling and earning below a certain threshold will receive direct state support, with a special focus on rural communities. Furthermore, to tackle unemployment and get jobs rolling, the National Reconcilation Work Program has been established, looking to employ Rildanoriens in jobs, whether it be infrastructure, energy projects or military maintenance. The goal of the NRWP is to employ Rildanoriens and ensure that they have a stable job, and also ensure that Rildanoriens are working for the sovereignty of Rildanor against cosmopolitan despots abroad. For farmers however, the NLRA looks to provide generously, with direct subsidies for farms, ranchers and fisheries, as well as grants. In the interest of promoting economic growth and industrial growth, state contracts will be given out to promote industrial growth and jobs, with a special focus on corporations willing to promote Rildanorien Sovereignty. Corporations that refuse, will be brought into the fold, nationalized and turned into a state operated enterprise. Finally, Direct Relief for all Rildanoriens with a one time payment benefit to cover housing, groceries and electricity.

The passage of the NLRA has given the MRN more approval, as finally, relief is coming. The expected benefits should provide jobs, growth and relief for Rildanoriens across the country. As the left fought itself over aid, MRN provides jobs, bread and stability for Rildanor.