Valruzia

[Aethan]

KPW announces first package of laws targeting salaries, education, religion and basic goods

Group of laws expected to pass thanks to the party's absolute majority in the Sejm; Chancellor Nowik vows to become "a hurricane"

March 5670 [backdated]

Chancellor Nowik arriving at the Sejm before his reelection as new Chancellor, last month

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During his investiture discourse, he promised to deliver "swift and fast". And now, one month after his new appointment as Chancellor of Valruzia, Iwan Nowik has made public the first package of laws that will be voted in the Sejm, and that are expected to pass as the Communist Party of Valruzia holds a – slim – majority of seats in the Valruzian parliament, with 301 seats out of 601. 

"For many years, even decades, coalitions in this nation have limited the improvement of our society due to compromises and brakes put in place by opposing factions. But this time, for the very first time in our democracy, we are free to work towards our only goal: the real improvement of the lifes of our citizens, the main and sole reason why Valruzians have decided to put their faith in our party and dethrone the shameful and distopic coalition of Sovereign Valruzia, Forward Valruzia and Dignity and Progress that have delivered absolutely nothing during the past five years"

This first package of laws, set to be voted next week, includes the following proposals:

• Introduction of a maximum income law to cap wages at 10x the median wage
  
• Reform of the high education law to make all public universities in the nation free-of-charge to be applied from the next course (period 5670-5671), as well as establishing a 100VPO monthly student stipend, to be increased to 500VPO for those students who fail no subject during the previous academic year.
  
• Working hours reduction in all public companies to 30h/week without salary reductions, and start of negotiations with private companies to achieve a 35h/week in the next 3 years.
  
• Introduction of a price control cap on basic goods, to be negotiated.
  
• Ban on religion being taught in public schools, withdrawing the option to be chosen as a subject.
  
• Reform on the electoral law by decreasing the voting age to 16.
  

At the same time, Chancellor Nowik has announced that he is currently reviewing new reforms to the "political system", including the election of deputies and their credentials. Among other things, the KPW is currently studying a new law to make all lawmarkers' education accesible to the public, and making lying in your educational training punishable with the immediate loss of the seat and subject to a financial penalty, while also making sure that every lawmaker has "a job to return to" once their period in parliament is over.

Reactions from the opposition have not taken long to appear, with the Yeudi-interest party Our Homeland mainly criticising what they call "an attempt to the freedom of religion" of their people at public schools after the proposed ban in religious education. Meanwhile, the conservative Forward Valruzia alliance have said that "this is just the start of the communist dictatorship" and have called on the rest of political parties in the Sejm to unite under a "common front" against the KPW. From its part, Sovereign Valruzia regrets "the path the KPW has taken", saying that they "do not recognize the party that has ruled many times along with them". 

"We are not going to back down, no matter how high the opposition screams at us"

has commented Chancellor Nowik

"When you receive such a clear mandate, the only thing you can do is stand by your ideas and your program, and people can trust the KPW in doing so". 

[Aethan]

Chancellor to appear at 5672 Seleyan Judo Championships amid concerns over security

Iwan Nowik is a two-times gold medalist in the regional competition and was also crowned world champion before entering politics

August 5671

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“My participation is not up for debate” has said Chancellor Iwan Nowik regarding his upcoming appearance in the 5672 Seleyan Judo Championship. Nowik, whose last appearance in the competition was in 5655 in Kaliburg, Kalistan — winning the gold medal in the -73kg category —has already appeared four times in the sporting competition, all of them before entering politics and becoming Chancellor.Now, 15 years later, he seems determined to make a comeback. 

“He has classified on his own merits”

admits a member of the Seleyan Judo Federation

“but the presence of a sitting Head of government in such an event, not just watching but taking part in it raises well-intentioned security concerns”

While in the SJF they admit that being a regional competition is much easier to ensure the security of the Chancellor than in other events such as the World Championship, not everyone agrees with the presence of the Valruzian head of government in the event, despite winning his place through the required qualification process. 

Opposition parties have voiced criticism, arguing that Nowik’s participation blurs the line between his political role and his sporting past.

“It is inappropriate for the Chancellor to put himself in such a public and potentially risky position, from our point of view,”

  declared a spokesperson for Forward Valruzia.

Supporters, however, see it differently.

“It shows that he is still one of us, in all fairness. Why shouldn’t he be able to take part if he has earned it?

” said Karolina Djowska, a 43-year old nurse. Several athletes have also welcomed the decision as a way of giving visibility to the sport, which has seen a decline in participation rates across Valruzia over the past decade. Jakub Gorski, another Valruzian representative in the -66kg category, said that he has watched Nowik’s past combats “many times as a child”, and that it was him who inspired him to get into judo. Rival athletes have also supported the decision.

The event, which will take place in Szary Kamien, the Kampanian capital, will therefore see the Ministry of the Interior reinforcing security measures as a precaution. It has already announced reinforced measures to protect the Chancellor during his stay. These include restricted access to the arena, a heavier police presence in and around the venue, and close coordination with the security services.

Despite the controversy, Nowik appears unmoved in his decision. In a recent interview he repeated:

“I enter the tatami as a judoka, not as Chancellor. Once the fight starts, there’s no place for politics, only massive respect towards the opponent”

The Seleyan Judo Championships will open on 12 June 5672, with over 200 athletes from Seleyan nations competing across the different categories. All eyes, however, will be on the -73 kg division, where Iwan Nowik hopes to reclaim the gold 16 years after his last victory.

[Aethan]

Government approves lowering the retirement age to 59

new set of measures from the KPW also includes a tax increase for the wealthy and a reduction in taxes for companies that establish their headquarters in Valruzia.

April 5672

Minister of Labor Martyna Osiecka (left) reunited with labor union representatives

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Promise made, promise kept. Chancellor Iwan Nowik continues with his "sweeping reforms" of Valruzia, as the government announced today its intention to lower the statutory retirement age to 59 years for both men and women. The reform, officially presented under the name “Law on Dignified Retirement and Labor Transition”, was approved in cabinet and will now be sent to the Sejm for final ratification, where it is also expected to pass due to the absolute majority the KPW holds in the chamber.

According to Labor Minister Martyna Osiecka, the reform will be applied in three stages:
-In 5674, the retirement age will drop from the current 65 to 63.
-In 5676, it will be lowered again to 61.
-By 5680, the final step will establish 59 years as the new retirement age for all workers.

For those engaged in hazardous or high-stress professions, such as miners, industrial workers, and healthcare staff, retirement will be possible as early as 55 years old, provided they have contributed for at least 30 years. The same exception applies to citizens who have completed 35 years of contributions, regardless of their age.

Minister Osiecka emphasized that the reform is not just a symbolic measure but part of a comprehensive social reorganization and one of the core measures brought forward by the KPW during their previous campaigns:

"This is a matter of dignity and justice. A citizen who has given decades of their life to building this country should not have to wait until old age to enjoy a pension. No one should wait until they are too old to enjoy life at its full-extent. With this reform, we align our labor system with people’s real lives, not just with abstract economic indicators and big numbers."

The proposed reform package will also create a National Retirement Transition Fund, designed to guarantee sustainability during the adjustment period. This fund will be financed through a progressive wealth and high-income tax increase (aimed at the Valruzian top 5% of earners), employer contributions from large corporations (especially in energy, banking, and telecommunications), dividends from state-owned enterprises and a solidarity surcharge on financial transactions, expected to generate significant annual revenue.

At the same time, to counterbalance fears of capital flight, the government announced tax cuts for companies that establish or move their headquarters to Valruzia, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry, technology, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing. Officials argue that this combination of redistribution and incentives will both fund pensions and attract investment. According to Prof. Ludwik Szperl, from the Nowogard Technological University, this reform is possible in Valruzia due to "the highly nationalistic sentiment that roams the hearts of the majority of the Valruzian population", and believes that such reform would not be possible in many other nations.

But this is not the only reform the proposed law brings. According to the draft, the Law on Dignified Retirement will also guarantee a minimum pension of 70% of the median wage, automatically adjusted to inflation, index all pensions annually to ensure purchasing power is maintained and establish a review clause in 5685, requiring parliament to re-examine the sustainability and effectiveness of the reform.

The measure has been met with widespread enthusiasm among labor unions and pensioners’ associations. Zofia Nowicka, leader of the Confederation of Valruzian Trade Unions, described it as "a victory for labor unions and the collective struggle, that is finally paying off".

"For the first time in decades, our elderly will retire with dignity rather than exhaustion"

However, opposition parties were quick to voice criticism. Far-right Valruzian Alliance accused the government of "mortgaging the future of our children with extremist far-left communist populist experiments", while Forward Valruzia called the fiscal plan "completely reckless and unsustainable in the long-term". Sovereign Valruzia, although no longer in government, cautiously welcomed the retirement reform but warned about the risks of overreliance on wealth taxation. Some industries and academics also worry that, with Valruzia's rapidly increasing life expectancy, this reform might pose a major problem for the pension system in the long term. However, Minister Osiecka has detailed that the same reform includes incentives for "part-time non exhausting jobs" to be offered to people willing to retire from their full-time jobs, as a way to keep contributing to the system if they desire so.

Reactions in the streets of major cities were different, with spontaneous gatherings of pensioners and students celebrating the measure, as many assume that the reform will find no trouble going through its parliamentary steps. Many banners read: "Dignity at 60, not misery at 65" and "Jobs for the young, rest for the old", as one of the points of the reform also includes a "Youth employment incentive", proposing subsidies for companies hiring young workers as replacements.

In the economic field, the National Bank of Valruzia released a preliminary assessment estimating that pension spending could rise by 1.5% of GDP in the short term. However, it also noted that the increased domestic consumption driven by earlier retirements, coupled with the new corporate tax incentives, could stimulate growth and mitigate some of the costs. Interestingly, not all business reactions were negative as well. While some large employers warned of increased labor costs, several mid-sized companies in regions such as Kampania and Ruzia praised the tax breaks for headquarters relocation and signaled plans to expand operations. Economic analysts asked by this newspaper predict that regional markets may dip briefly but rebound quickly, especially as consumer spending increases among newly retired citizens.

[Aethan]

Chancellor Nowik finish second at 5672 Seleyan Judo Championships 

At 41, Nowik becomes oldest medalist at the continental competition; Tukarese Iago Martins defeats him by ippon

June 5672

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Chancellor Nowik has once again demonstrated his enduring class on the tatami, claiming the silver medal at the 5672 Seleyan Judo Championships in Szary Kamien, Kampania. At 41 years old, Nowik now becomes the oldest judoka ever to win a medal at the continental level, adding yet another achievement to an already decorated career, following a 17-year hiatus from international competitions to focus on his political career.

The Valruzian leader advanced to the final with victories over opponents from Likatonia, Kanjor and Baltusia, before defeating Kalistani contender Matthew López in a tense semifinal that was not decided until there very last seconds of the combat. In the decisive final bout, Nowik faced Iago Martins of Tukarali, who previously defeated Nowik's fellow compatriot Jaroslaw Tyra – who went on to secure the bronze medal in the repechage – and who secured the championship with a clean ippon, leaving the Chancellor with a prestigious silver medal, the first silver for the Chancellor in the continental competition. With this medal, Nowik’s long list of metals grows bigger, after 3 golds and a silver in the Valruzian Judo Championships, 2 bronzes and two golds in the Seleyan Judo Championships and the pinnacle of his international career, his gold medal in the Terran Judo Championships in 5655 in Romula, which marked until now the end of his sporting career to become a full-time politician at home soil.

In the post-bout interview, Chancellor Nowik declared, with tears around his eyes: 

"At 41, standing here again, I am not only proud of the result but of the journey that brought me back to the Seleyan podium. I may have lost today, but I consider this a victory for perseverance. I truly believe that age is just a number, and I hope my example inspires younger generations in our nation to test their limits"

As the competition was marked by the presence of the chancellor and the security risk it posed, record number of viewerships and attendance were achieved. Nowik, which at home has made sports one of the highlights of his new government to encourage younger generations to try out different sports and pursue a healthy lifestyle, insisted that his presence at the competition should be treated as anyone else's there. Asked about his bout, gold medalist Iago Martins declared that he was "proud of the combat" and that it has been his pleasure to test the Chancellor

With the two medals achieved today, host nation Valruzia stands as 3rd in the general leadership with 3 gold medals, 2 silver medals and a single bronze

[Aethan]

BREAKING: Exit polls predict another absolute majority for the KPW while far-right make huge gains to become second force

Lowering of the voting age allowed over-16s to cast their first votes as results are starting to get counted

January 5675

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[Aethan]

5675 elections: KPW achieves first absolute majority in votes for a Valruzian party while far-right set to lead the opposition

As results are almost counted, disaster flies over Sovereign Valruzia and Forward Valruzia

January 5675

Chancellor Nowik (left) and Valruzian Alliance leader Roksana Krysiak (right) both celebrating their respective results

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Hello and welcome back once again to TVW1! After this brief pause, we are back to you in this exciting electoral night. I am Iwo Karlik, ready to bring you the latest results from the polls. 

Valruzian citizens have reflected, have gone to the polls, and have decided which party was more deserving of their support. And now, with a 90% of the votes counted, we could say that the results we will show you in your TVs is almost definitive. This is the composition of the Valruzian parliament for the period 5675-5680:

There were two important modifications for this elections, two modifications that seem to have affected the results: for the first time, the voting age was lowered from 18 to 16, as the KPW promised to do; and second one, linked to the first, the threshold was increased from 1% to 3% in each Voivodeship. This has affected one party: Dignity and Progress, which has now lost all of its seats in the Sejm and for the first time since the democratic restoration, is left out of parliament. 

But perhaps, and then I'll give the word to my colleagues here, the most significant shift is that, for the first time, Valruzian Alliance has climbed to the leadership of the opposition, receiving its best result ever with over 14 million votes. What do we make out of all of this?

Nina Kapawk: This is indeed a great night for Valruzian Alliance, after getting their best result ever and not only that, but due to the poor performance of the in other times, leading forces of Valruzian politics – Sovereign Valruzia and Forward Valruzia – this has allowed them to claim a really shiny trophy: the leadership of the opposition. But let's also not forget the biggest winner here: The KPW, led by Chancellor Iwan Nowik, has obtained also its best result ever, but with a twist: they have become the first party to pass the 50% threshold in modern Valruzia democratic history, a feat that not even his father Szymon Nowik could achieve. I truly believe Iwan Nowik is on the road to become yet another very relevant figure of Valruzian modern history, just like his father. Seems like history repeat himself, huh?

Jaub Placko: I think there is also one more relevant thing worth noting: it's been 50 years since the Valruzian people toppled the Morawski regime. This means that most of the people who lived through that time has already sadly passed away or, at the very least, are around the 50-60 years of age. This means we're on the way to have a complete society were none of our fellow citizens have lived through the dictatorship, and this may as well be another factor that explains the results we are seeing today, and that would have been impossible 20/25 years ago. As we can see from the regional breakdown, Ruzia has been the Voivodeship where the far-right still struggles with getting good results, due to its perceiving collective memory of struggle against the regime. 

Iwo Karlik: And Sovereign Valruzia and Forward Valruzia, what can they do now?

N.K: Well, it is clear that citizens do not feel identified anymore with them. Sovereign Valruzia even replaced its leadership following their defeat 5 years ago, and chose yet another member of the Nowik family to lead them: Iwan Nowik's sister Klaudia. But clearly that has been not enough. I think the coalition government between Sovereign Valruzia, Forward Valruzia and Dignity and Progress has hurt the citizens much more than they are willing to admit, and many still today feel betrayed by their respective parties. That is also a partial explanation as to why the KPW is getting this astonishing results that, to be honest, I doubt will be repeated in a long time by other parties.

Full results below: 

Communist Party of Valruzia (KPW): 49,767,666 (50.84%) and 314 seats

Valruzian Alliance (SWA): 14,241,110 (14.55%) and 89 seats

Sovereign Valruzia (SW): 12,602,434 (12.87%) and 78 seats

Forward Valruzia (NW): 11,705,581 (11.96%) and 75 seats

Our Homeland (NO): 7,425,596 (7.59%) and 45 seats

[Aethan]

Government announces launch of ReTalent plan with the aim of training new talent in science, literature, and arts

In agreement with the Voivodeships, six new “High Performance Centers” will be built in each region, where members will have all expenses paid and a salary to be evaluated annually

April 5675

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Iwan Nowik's government has resumed its work following the reelection of the Chancellor by absolute majority after the past elections. And the first measure announced by the new cabinet, where no big changes have been made, has come from the Minister of Culture and Sports, Izabela Burba, who announced today the launch of the ReTalent program. 

The plan, developed in coordination with the Voivodeships, foresees the creation of six High Performance Centers (HPCs) in each region of Valruzia. Their focus will be distributed evenly, with two dedicated to sports, with world-class training facilities, medical support, and coaching staff; two focused on science, providing advanced laboratories, research funding, and academic mentorship; and two specialized in arts and literature, offering residencies, rehearsal studios, galleries, and publishing opportunities.

According to Minister Burba, this balanced structure will ensure that "every Voivodeship contributes to strengthening Valruzia’s physical, intellectual, and cultural capital. Talent comes in many forms, and our duty is to nurture it equally."

"We live in a capitalist world that the only thing that asks from us is to work and produce, work and produce, work and produce, and so on until you are too old to do anything else but rest from a life of hard work. And that takes its toll in everyone. We want to show the world that there is also another way, and that those that nurture other abilities will be able to do so freely here in Valruzia, because we will be ready to provide them with the necessary tools to carry it out. Many people complain and compare and ask how could it be possible that many things were invented in Ancient times, and we can say that: because they have the time to stop, think and improve their abilities without having to do the same 8-5 office work that we are now used to. We are going to change that".

One of the most innovative aspects of the ReTalent plan is the introduction of special observers appointed by both national and regional authorities. Their mission will be to visit schools, universities, research centres, training academies and local cultural centers on a regular basis, in order to detect promising individuals as early as possible.

These scouts – composed of experienced teachers, coaches, athletes, scientists, and cultural figures – will create a pipeline of talent that feeds directly into the HPCs. "We want to make sure that no gifted child or young adult goes unnoticed, regardless of their social or economic background" Burba emphasized "Everyone of them deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential".

The program guarantees that all selected members of the High Performance Centers will have all their basic expenses covered, with accommodation in modern residences within the HPCs being full of charge, and full board, including balanced nutrition plans for athletes and customized diets for other participants in the programs. Equally, all its members will be guaranteed access to healthcare, educational support, and mobility grants for travel around Valruzia. But what's more important, in addition to this, every participant will receive a state salary, which will be reviewed annually, separate from a basic salary to ensure that they do not have to rely in other works. As announced by the minister, the amount will be performance-based:

-In sports, salaries will depend on results in national and international competitions.
-In science, evaluations will consider publications, patents, and research contributions.
-In arts and literature, recognition will be linked to exhibitions, publications, performances, and awards.

This salary model, the government argues, provides stability for trainees while also rewarding excellence and effort.

These HPCs will be equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure. Sports centers will include big-sized arenas, aquatic complexes, sporting halls, and specialized winter-sport training grounds in the mountain regions of Chynberg and Gryfit. Science centers on the other hand, will house biotechnology labs, engineering workshops, and digital innovation clusters, while the arts and literature centers will integrate auditoriums, music conservatories, galleries, and modern libraries.

Officials also confirmed that the HPCs will maintain strong community links, allowing schools and local associations occasional access to facilities and workshops, so that the impact of ReTalent extends beyond the selected members, and serves as an inspiration to younger generations to "try to reach excellency".

Chancellor Nowik defended the program by saying that this is about "securing Valruzia’s future, as by identifying and nurturing our best minds, our most creative spirits, and our strongest athletes, we ensure that our country shines globally, and we strengthen Valruzia’s international reputation as a nation of excellence in multiple fields."

While the project has received praise, some opposition voices have raised concerns about financing and the potential centralization of power in the selection process. The Ministry has responded by promising a transparent system, with regional representation in evaluation committees and annual public reports on the program’s outcomes. In fact, the program is expected to pass its voting in the Sejm with no votes against, even though the absolute majority of the Communist Party of Valruzia would be sufficient enough to approve the plan on its own. 

Universities, sports federations, and cultural associations have reacted enthusiastically, describing ReTalent as the most ambitious state-sponsored talent program in Valruzia’s history. Youth organizations in particular have expressed hope that the initiative will allow them to pursue their dreams without being forced to migrate or abandon them in order to afford groceries or pay their rent.

The first construction projects are expected to begin later this year, with the first centers opening in 5677. Recruitment of directors, advisors, and international collaborators will start immediately. As Florian Hosjnaki, a young violinist from Valusia, commented after the announcement,

"if this becomes real, it could change not only my life, but the life of an entire generation of Valruzians, who may now see their talent wasted because they simply do not have the time to do what they love because society demands us to work and produce, and who will now see that there is actually an alternative".

[Aethan]

The Nowik legacy: Family, Power and the Shaping of Modern Valruzia

For fifty years, the surname Nowik has meant leadership, ambition, and controversy. This is the story of how one family became inseparable from a nation’s destiny

August 5675

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The Nowiks: A dynasty that shapes a nation

Few families have left as enduring a mark on Valruzian politics as the Nowiks. Szymon Nowik, the first democratic Chancellor of modern Valruzia, and his nephew and later adoptive son Iwan, the youngest Chancellor in Valruzian history, together represent a political dynasty that spans over half a century. When next elections arrive, scheduled for 5680, exactly half a century will have passed since the very first democratic elections in modern Valruzia following the downfall of the Morawski regime. Out of those 50 years, 40 of them will have seen a Nowik leading the government of the nation. Furthermore, if you ask around who was in charge of the Valruzian government from 5655 to 5660, many will not say a name, but rather a surname: Nowik. And they will be wrong, since that period was one of the only two brief periods where no Nowik was sitting at the helm of the national government – instead, it was Zuzanna Kosowska during that time. Of course, some of those who are around now were not even born when Szymon Nowik came to power, and others sadly passed away before Iwan Nowik reached power. But for much of the Valruzian population, nowadays the surname Nowik equals to power and strength. 

To put things into perspective, the name "Szymon" was given to around 1 in 25 male children born in Valruzia between 5600 and 5630. Following Szymon Nowik's continuous chancelleries, this number went up by leaps and bounds: by the mid-5640s, roughly 1 in 8 male children were named Szymon, reflecting the widespread admiration for the Chancellor and his enduring influence on Valruzian society. Parents often cited not his political achievements but rather his persona, described as "dedicated, approachable, and emblematic of a modern, democratic Valruzia" as reasons for choosing this name for their sons.

As historian Marta Wysocka comments:
"Szymon Nowik’s political genius was inseparable from his personal story. Losing his father, growing up in an oppressive regime, yet cultivating empathy and intellectual curiosity. These traits passed on, consciously or not, to his adopted children, Iwan and Klaudia"

This influence, however, extends far beyond the mere popularity of a name. The Nowiks’ imprint on Valruzian politics, society, and culture shows us a picture of ambition, ideological battle and personal commitment spanning generations, that ight as well be worth of its own film series. Their legacy is not only measured by the offices they held or the policies they enacted, but also by the societal shifts they inspired, the institutions they shaped, and the way Valruzians perceive leadership itself.

As we delve into this political dynasty, it is fitting to begin with the patriarch of modern Valruzia: Szymon Nowik.

Part I: Szymon Nowik – The "father and architect" of post-dictatorship Valruzia
1. Early life and formative experiences

Szymon was born on March 28, 5599, in Valusia, in a time where Szczepan Morawski ruled the nation with iron fist as head of the Valruzian Unitary State created 7 years before, in 5592. His father, a school teacher at the time, was imprisoned under the Morawski regime in 5607 for alleged "antinational views", leaving his mother to raise him and his sister under precarious circumstances. His own story began there, as he managed to finish his studies while working a part-time job as soon as he was able to in order to help her mother pay the numerous debts that had been growing over the time. Later on, he would keep doing some jobs to be able to afford his own university tuition and successfully finished his degree in Biological Sciences at the Nowogard University. These formative hardships instilled in him a deep conviction about the importance of accessible education and fair employment opportunities, shaping much of his political philosophy in later years.

An old classmate recalls:

"Even back then, [Szymon] Nowik had a remarkable sense of responsibility. While some of us were sometimes more focused on leisure, he was always juggling books and work, yet he never complained. What impressed me most was how he treated everyone around him. I never heard him saying a bad word or talking anyone with disrespect. Instead, he attempted to approach every situation with patience, respect, and a quiet determination that hinted he was destined for something greater [...]"

Szymon’s personal life was also touched by tragedy. During the student protests of 5623, he lost close friends and perhaps what marked him the most was the brutal death of his cousin Robert Obrzut, who was taken by the regime police right in front of him and who would later become a martyr for the revolution to come and which would end forever the oppresive regime of Szczepan Morawski. However, for him, these experiences would left him with a lifelong problem of anxiety about political violence but also a deep sense of responsibility toward youth empowerment.

2. Personal life during political ascent

Szymon never once hid his own sexuality and was openly gay in a time when such openness was rare, and when many were prosecuted by the regime simply for the crime of being who they were. Before the legalization of same-sex civil unions, he maintained a long-term relationship with his domestic partner, Mateusz Gawryś, who he met during his time at college. They were usually seen attending political rallies together, and it was a known secret around campus. After the Morawski regime's downfall, they moved together and following a brief breakup reported by the gossip press in 5638 – seemingly motivated by Nowik's reticence to legislate in favor of same-sex marriage in Valruzia–, they reconciled and got a civil union in 5641, a legal measure his government had previously approved in 5632, which would later turn into a formal marriage when his government decided to codify same-sex marriage into the Valruzian Constitution in 5647.

However, tragedy would strike his life once again, when his beloved sister Magdalena Nowik died in a car crash in 5645, leaving behind their two children, since her husband had previously passed away in 5637. Reports at the time confirmed that her death took a toll on Nowik's own health, but he and Gawrys took the children under their wing as their own, instilling them a love for reading, science, sports and politics. Iwan – 14 at the time – and Klaudia (12) would always later say that the couple was, in fact, "no less as real parents as their biological ones were for them".

3. Political Career: From 5630 to 5650

But Szymon Nowik’s very own political career first began in 5627 when he joined the ranks of Sovereign Valruzia, a party that had emerged in the aftermath of the protests that eventually toppled the Morawski regime and that first contested the 5626 constituent elections. When explaining his decision, he said that he made it following the failed coup attempt, as he "would not let the regime nostalgic dogs to come even close to power ever again". Even at this early stage, aged only 28, Nowik was recognized for his remarkable oratory skills, his calm but firm presence in debates, and an uncanny ability to connect with both younger and older citizens. His time in universities and involvement in organizing protests had provided him with extensive grassroots experience, and he leveraged this to build a solid network of supporters within the party.

By the time Krystian Małecki, then-leader of Sovereign Valruzia, announced his retirement in 5629 to pursue the office of Marshall of Valusia, Nowik had already positioned himself as the front-runner to take over the party leadership. In the internal primaries, he won decisively with over 70% of the vote, signaling a generational shift in Valruzian politics. With this, he became the main candidate for the 5630 legislative elections at the age of 31, and then he faced significant challenges: Sovereign Valruzia had been weakened by internal factionalism and the charismatic rise of the Communist Party under Karolina Pietrzyk, a powerful woman which had gained the presidency of Valruzia the year before and widely recognized by her fierce and defiant position during the same coup attempt that motivated Nowik to enter into politics. Despite these challenges, Nowik’s campaign emphasized reconstruction, national unity, and the establishment of a democratic system that could endure beyond any one leader.

These 5630 elections saw Sovereign Valruzia lose some seats and vote share, yet remaining the largest party in the Sejm, starting a chain of results that the party would not lose until after he retired from politics, only becoming stronger and stronger with every election he lead the party into. The outcome of this first democratic election allowed Nowik to form a coalition government with the smaller socialdemocratic Dignity and Progress, therefore securing his election as the first democratic Chancellor of modern Valruzia. His early government focused on the economic reconstruction of a nation still in shambles and trying to make a comeback after the brutal decades of repression of the Morawski regime. He introduced the Valruzia 5700 plan as one of his very first of a large series of impactful and transformative measures, aimed at revitalizing the nation’s infrastructure, agriculture, and energy sectors, all while reducing dependency on foreign markets. At the same time, he implemented mandatory one-year military service for all citizens, blending civic education with disaster response skills, keeping in mind an idea of developing a policy intended to strengthen both national security and civic consciousness, as he wanted to ensure constitutional duties and loyalty would prevent in the future similar figures like Morawski to rise.

Szymon’s second term following the 5635 elections marked an expansion of his political ambitions. The AgroSo initiative, designed to achieve national agricultural sovereignty, was launched during this period. This program not only aimed to reduce foreign dependency but also sought to modernize rural economies and integrate technology into traditional agricultural practices, and it has proved to be widely successful. Valruzia’s nascent airline and aerospace companies, Valair and Valastra, were founded under his leadership, boosting national industry and providing employment opportunities that reinforced the economic stability promised during his campaigns. In fact, Valastra would go to become one of Valruzia's largest employers nowadays.

By the 5640 elections, Nowik had already cultivated a reputation for pragmatic coalition-building. After the failed experiment of a coalition government with the conservative National Renewal during the previous legislature, Nowik turned this time again to his left, opening fruitful conversations with the Communist Party that allowed him to maintain a minority government, thus demonstrating his skill at navigating complex parliamentary dynamics. His administration then introduced the National Education Transformation Act, which created a nationwide network of state-run preschools, revamped the university system to be tuition-free, and established a new national curriculum. Education, he believed, was the cornerstone of a stable and prosperous society, a belief rooted in his own struggles when he was just a child under the Morawski regime. Those closest to him often noted how his legislative energy was deeply intertwined with his personal experiences. One anecdote frequently retold in interviews comes from his daughter Klaudia, who recalled sitting at the family’s kitchen table while Nowik attempted to explain her the idea of universal preschools by drawing it on the back of a napkin. "He told us," she said, "that no child should ever have to choose between helping their family survive and learning how to dream".

Perhaps one of the most critical points of his time as Chancellor came under the 5642 Presidential scandal, marking a turning point in Nowik’s political career and relation with the conservative side of the Valruzian parliament. Leaked documents showed President Szymona Razem, who had become the first conservative politician to be elected as Head of State of Valruzia after narrowly defeating Sovereign Valruzia's own candidate the year before, caught red-handed negotiating with foreign powers, especially Amudim, regarding the forced relocation of Valruzian Yeudi citizens. Nowik, consistent with his principles, called for the President’s destitution and removed implicated ministers, and called for a motion to remove Razem from power. This motion fell two votes short of the 2/3 required, after the conservative coalition of Forward Valruzia decided not to vote against the very same candidate they had just supported for the office one year ago, although some members of the rural Agrarian Voice joining the affirmative votes to destitute Razem. Despite this initial setback and after accusing the Sejm of "having failed the very own people of Valruzia who had chosen them", he used the episode to reinforce his commitment to constitutional governance, cutting all ties with the Valruzian head of State, not allowing her to perform any official travels abroad and even refusing to inform her about State issues. This confrontation ultimately leading to the President’s removal after a subsequent political maneuver and an attempt to declare martial law by Razem. This episode cemented his image as a leader who prioritized legality and citizen rights over political expediency, and strengthen his figure as a cross-ideology politician. This confrontation also helped crystallize the idea of his Valruzianism: a doctrine that wanted to mix social protection with institutional vigilance, economic state-control with international responsibility, and cultural pride without exclusion. Distinct from the doctrinaire socialism of the Communists or the rural conservative populism of Forward Valruzia, Valruzianism placed the state as both a shield against authoritarian relapse and a catalyst for collective progress.

Following this turbulent period, Nowik’s administration launched NOVA Pharma in 5644, a public biopharmaceutical conglomerate aimed at positioning Valruzia as a global leader in drug development, free from the constraints of private shareholders. This initiative demonstrated his forward-looking vision: intertwining public interest, scientific innovation, and economic development. At this point, Nowik had already targeted most of the important problems for Valruzia: unemployment, science, health, education, agriculture... little by little, the Chancellor was finding a solution for every single one of them. Internationally, this new NOVA Pharma soon became a flagship of Valruzia’s soft power. Neighboring nations sought licensing agreements, and delegations from them visited its laboratories within months of their inauguration. At one such event, Nowik was photographed in a lab coat, laughing as he attempted to perform the routines he had learned during his time in college when he became a Biologist. The image went viral across Valruzian media, softening the public perception of a Chancellor often portrayed as austere, and it captured a rare moment of levity, with a leader willing to appear ordinary, even awkward, in pursuit of national pride.

Beyond Valruzia’s borders, Nowik was increasingly recognized as a statesman capable of reconciling fractured societies. His speeches often drew large audiences, particularly his 5638 address in the Valruzian Sejm titled "Democracy as memory and obligation", where he warned emerging democracies not to confuse prosperity with permanence. In 5640, he chaired the mediation talks that brought an end to the Maldonado–Soares regime in Tukarali, a role that boosted his image as both a regional stabilizer and a guardian of constitutional principles, and some foreign commentators began referring to him as "the quiet reformer".

The 5645 elections were a high point for Szymon. Sovereign Valruzia achieved nearly 40% of the vote, its best performance yet. In a historic coalition with the Communist Party and Dignity and Progress, Nowik finally decided to codify same-sex marriage and abortion rights into the Constitution, a feat that was celebrated nationwide in the streets and that illustrated his pragmatic approach to politics. That legislature also saw investments in Valruzian railway network modernization and ambitious housing projects, further solidifying his legacy as a reformist leader who prioritized infrastructure, social welfare, and long-term planning.

By the end of his political career following the last elections he contested in 5650, Szymon Nowik had presided over five consecutive terms as Chancellor, spearheading programs such as the Valruzian Horizon, which reinforced parental leave, elderly care networks, and state-sponsored research centers across multiple scientific fields. His legislative portfolio and legacy reflects a balance between pushing for economic growth, social welfare, educational reform, and cultural investment in a model for subsequent generations of Valruzian leaders to follow, including his adoptive son Iwan.

Throughout his political ascent, Nowik remained personally engaged with the citizens he served. He frequently visited rural communities, universities, and workplaces, often taking time to listen to concerns personally rather than relying solely on bureaucratic intermediaries. These personal interactions, coupled with his consistent advocacy for education and youth empowerment, created a rapport with the Valruzian people that extended far beyond mere policy achievement. His farewell speech, on December 5649, when he announced that the 5650 would be the last elections he would contest as a candidate for Sovereign Valruzia, was followed by more than 40 million citizens, with a very tearful ending:

"And now, I know it’s time. Not because I no longer believe. But because leadership also means knowing when to step aside. I know I once said that I would lead for as long as the people wanted me to. But life changes. I’m a husband of a wonderful man now. A father of two. And my responsibilities, like my heart, are no longer only mine.

That said - let me be clear: I am not going anywhere. I will finish the job. I will lead our party into the 5650 elections, and, if the people give us their trust once more, I will serve one final term until 5655. After that, it will be someone else’s turn.

But even beyond that, I will always be here to serve Valruzia in whatever way I can. That promise remains.

I was never here to rule indefinitely. I was here to build something better. And that work must now continue - without me.

Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for believing in this country. Let’s make these final years count - together."

Sovereign Valruzia – and by extension Valruzia, up to that moment – is what it is today mostly because of what Szymon Nowik decided to make out of it. When the party started, it was basically a coalition of student protestors and people claiming against the regime, a populist-style party without a clearly driven ideology that managed to win the constitutive elections against the odds. But it was him who defined the core ideology of the party, the Valruzianism, many of whose precepts are taking directly from Nowik's own political thinking. But if there is one thing no one can say is that Nowik stayed still and let events unfold around him. He was a major actor in most issues that occured in national soil, but also in the international stage. He was part of the delegation and negotiating team that brought an end to the Maldonado-Soares regime in neighboring Tukarali, and he developed a close relationship with former Empress of Kalistan Empire Mary I of Ananto, as both attended their respective weddings. Perhaps the darkest whole in his political career is his earlier refusal to legislate same-sex marriage issues, a trouble he would later regret and say that "should have happened much earlier" during his governments. But nevertheless, when his time came, he enjoyed over a 60% of approval rating, numbers that many politicians around Terra would love to emulate.

Part II: Iwan Nowik – Youthful reformer and innovator
1. Early Life and Adoption

Iwan Nowik was born on May 17, 5631, in Baltunowice, Kampania, the first child of Magdalena Nowik, Szymon’s younger sister, and her husband Jakub Krebz. His father died suddenly in 5637 due to a workplace accident in Szary Kamien’s shipyards, leaving Magdalena to raise Iwan and his younger sister Klaudia on her own. In 5645, tragedy struck again when Magdalena died in a car crash on the outskirts of Nowogard. Orphaned at the age of 14, Iwan and his sister were taken in by their uncle Szymon Nowik and his partner Mateusz Gawryś.

The adoption was formalized soon after, and Iwan often referred to Szymon and Mateusz not as "uncle", "guardian" or "step-father" but as "my two fathers". Growing up in a household where politics was constantly present gave Iwan a unique perspective: he witnessed his adoptive father’s work at the peak of his career, while at the same time experiencing the normality of family routines. Friends from his teenage years often recalled how unusual it felt to visit Iwan’s house, where dinner conversations could range from football matches to draft proposals for new reforms.

Despite these circumstances, Iwan’s upbringing was not defined only by politics. He attended secondary school in Nowogard, excelling in history and literature, and later enrolled in the University of Nowogard, where he studied Criminology. His professors described him as "brilliant but restless", often challenging his lecturers and demanding more practical debate rather than abstract theorizing.

A former classmate remembers:

"Iwan had this mix of charm and impatience. He could listen attentively, but the moment he thought the discussion was too slow or too vague, he would jump in and try to steer it back to the core".

From a very young age, Iwan was involved in sports, as Nowik wanted "the most normal life for him", and at the age of 19 he would became a gold medalist in the Valruzian Judo Championships in 5650, a feat he would later repeat in 5655 along with becoming a triple gold medalist in the Valruzian Judo Championships and winning the Terran Championship in 5655. For Iwan, sport was – and continues to be – part of his life.

2. Personality and private life

Unlike the more reserved and methodical character of Szymon, Iwan is often described as charismatic, outspoken, and often impulsive. He enjoyed swimming and football, and was known for his passion for music — he played guitar in a small student band during his university years. In the same way as Szymon, Iwan preferred informal clothes in public appearances and often mingled with young supporters after rallies.

His private life attracted media attention early on. In 5657, at age 26, he had a brief but highly publicized relationship with cultural journalist Aneta Radziwiłł. The couple was seen together at film festivals and political events, though the relationship ended after less than a year. Later interviews suggest that Iwan deliberately distanced himself from overexposure, claiming that "the private must remain private, even for public figures". Those close to him emphasize his warmth and loyalty, but also his occasional hot temper. While admired for his ability to connect emotionally with voters, his critics often labeled him "reckless" compared to Szymon’s legendary prudence. 

In 5667, he welcomed his first child, born from his relationship with engineer Helena Podowska, a boy he named Szymon in honor of his adoptive father.

3. Political rise

Iwan’s political involvement began in the youth wings of the Communist Party of Valruzia in 5653. Just in his twenties, his surname alone made him a recognizable figure, but it was his fiery speeches during political campaigns that won him genuine support.[/color][color=#000000] In declarations to the media, both siblings have always said that they grew in a house "of free thinking and speech", and Nowik never once tried to impose his own political beliefs over them. Just a few years later, with his father already retired from politics, he would be elected for two important positions that would make his breakthrough: he replaced long-time leader of the KPW Tobiasz Bernas as both new general secretary of the party and Marshall of the Kampanian Voivodeship. Despite him being already a well-known figure within the party, his election raised some eyebrows from the common citizens, as many turned to believe that he had been chosen for the role because of his name and not because of his merits. But that is something Iwan came to accept pretty early.

"I know my surname has heavy implications. I have grown with them, and I know what they mean. At first, it bothered me that people were often drawing comparison, but you know what? I'm pretty competitive, and if I can draw comparisons by attempting to achieve better and greater things than those my father did, so be it. I'm not ashamed of my surname, I carry it with pride, but I know I will be remembered for the things I do and not for what comes at the end of my name".

As if to prove himself right, just after one week into his post of Marshall he passed the "Communal Kampania Act", which prohibited the construction of private recreational enclosures in new housing blocks or gated communities and mandated that every four residential blocks must include a publicly accessible recreational complex. For many, this was his way of saying "I'm not my father, I do not think like my father and I will not act like my father".

But his greatest moments were yet to come. Following the first snap elections triggered in Valruzia after the inconclusive January 5660 elections, the June 5660 results would sent shockwaves through the political landscape, as for the first time since the Morawski regime met his end, a party different than Sovereign Valruzia placed first: it was the dawn of the Communist Party of Valruzia. 

4. First Chancellery (5660-5665)

Also for the first time since the fall of the dictatorship, Valruzia was led not by one of the "revolutionary generation" but by someone born after the Morawski regime. Following a bitter agreement with the new leader of Sovereign Valruzia and after it, former Chancellor, Zuzanna Kosowska, Iwan Nowik became the third Chancellor of the nation and at the same time, the youngest ever at the age of 29, surpassing the record set by his own father. But it was an agreement born in extremis, with Mrs. Kosowska even resigning from her posts in disagreement with it, and when things are born this way, they are not set to last for long. 

His policies during this first term emphasized education and youth empowerment, expanding state-funded housing programs for students, and created subsidies for young entrepreneurs. These measures made him extremely popular among younger citizens but drew criticism from conservatives who labeled them "financially irresponsible".
Despite these, his government was plagued by a fragile parliamentary support, and by 5665 when the next elections arrived, he confronted reality, one that his father had come to know very well: winning does not equal ruling. Despite an even better performance for his party, the former formation of his father – in a movement that Szymon Nowik heavily criticised – reached an unnatural agreement with Dignity and Progress and the conservative Forward Valruzia coalition that made Faustyna Sabala, the leader of Dignity and Progress, the new Chancellor, ousting Iwan from the post. The fall was bitter, but Iwan left office with his popularity intact. Just before these elections, he reflected in a dissertation that was widely read around the world about the very notion of "democracy", named "Against the concept of democracy", where many could clearly see Iwan's own political thinking and that was praised internationally by many political activists and parties.

5. Return to power: The Red Wave of 5670 and beyond

The legislative elections of January 5670 changed Valruzian politics forever. After five years of fragile coalition rule under Chancellor Sabala and her "tricolor coalition" of Sovereign Valruzia, Forward Valruzia, and Dignity and Progress, voters delivered a historic verdict. Turnout reached 83%, the highest since democratization, and the result was a landslide: with 48.77% of the vote and 301 seats in the 601-member Sejm, the Communist Party of Valruzia secured the first absolute majority in the history of the republic.

The defeat of the coalition was catastrophic. Sovereign Valruzia fell below 100 seats, GiP collapsed to only 3 deputies, and, in a shocking first, a sitting Chancellor lost her own seat in parliament. Forward Valruzia fared somewhat better, emerging as the second force with 108 seats, though only thanks to the implosion of its allies. Celebrations erupted at the KPW headquarters in Kampania, the party’s stronghold where it achieved a record-breaking 62% of the vote, but also because for the first time, all members of the presidency would also belong to the KPW. From there, Iwan Nowik, returning after five years in opposition, addressed the nation:

"This is what happens when you prioritize hunger for power over ideology. Valruzians have chosen a new era, one without shameful coalitions, one where change will finally come."

And this is something people didn't know until then. Unlike Szymon Nowik, who despite being known for his hard speeches always kept calm, Iwan was much more passionate, and now it was the time that it was going to be shown. Within weeks, Nowik was sworn in as Chancellor again. But this time, unlike in 5660, he no longer needed to bargain with partners. His words at the investiture set the tone:

"For the first time in our democracy, a government is free to deliver swiftly and decisively. And we will do so"

In March 5670, Nowik unveiled an ambitious legislative package, quickly dubbed by the press "the Hurricane Laws". Leveraging the KPW’s slim but sufficient majority, the government introduced measures that included a maximum income law, stipends for college students, a 30-hour work week in public companies with no pay cuts and negotiations to reduce private-sector hours to 35 over three years, price controls on basic goods, ban on religious education in public schools and the lowering the voting age from 18 to 16, which would play a role in the next elections.

Opposition was fierce: Our Homeland denounced the education ban as an attack on Yeudi identity, while conservatives called it "the start of a communist dictatorship". Sovereign Valruzia, reeling from defeat, lamented that they "no longer recognized the party" they once governed with. But that was not going to stop Iwan. The pace of reform did not slow. In 5672, the government passed the Law on Dignified Retirement and Labor Transition, lowering the retirement age to 59 by 5680, with earlier exits for hazardous professions. To fund it, Nowik introduced a mix of progressive taxation on the wealthy, surcharges on financial transactions, and incentives for corporations to relocate their headquarters to Valruzia. The law guaranteed pensions at 70% of the median wage, annually indexed to inflation. These new law sparked street celebrations and strengthened Nowik’s image as a reformer who delivered, but also set his image as far more radical than his father. That same year, Nowik added yet another unusual footnote to his political career by competing – and winning a silver medal – at the 5672 Seleyan Judo Championships in Szary Kamien. At 41, he became the oldest medalist in the tournament’s history, returning to competition after a 17-year break. But it was the power of the image of the Chancellor bowing on the tatami, sweat-drenched yet smiling, which became emblematic of his dual life as both politician and athlete and reinforced his government’s push to promote sport and healthy living among the youth.

But if 5670 was a turning point, the 5675 elections confirmed the depth of Valruzia’s leftward communist shift. With the voting age lowered to 16, turnout surged again, and the KPW achieved 50.84% of the vote and 314 seats, the first outright majority of votes ever recorded in the democratic era.

For the first time, the far-right Valruzian Alliance became the official opposition with 89 seats, overtaking both Sovereign Valruzia (78) and Forward Valruzia (75). GiP was wiped from parliament entirely. Even Sovereign Valruzia’s desperate gamble of appointing Klaudia Nowik, Iwan’s sister, as leader failed to halt its decline, but fueled headlines of a "Nowik vs. Nowik" rivalry. Iwan framed the victory as the consolidation of a generational project, describing his victory as having won "a majority of hearts". 

One of the flagship programs of Nowik’s second term was ReTalent (5675), a nationwide initiative to fund High Performance Centers in each Voivodeship for sports, science, arts, and literature. Selected youths received housing, healthcare, and even state salaries tied to performance, ensuring they could pursue excellence without economic barriers.

"This is about telling every young Valruzian: your talent belongs to all of us, and your nation will carry you forward"

Universities, federations, and cultural groups hailed the plan as the most ambitious talent program in Valruzian history. Critics raised concerns about costs – yet once again – and centralization, but the program passed with near-unanimous support in parliament, further cementing Nowik’s dominance as he sails into this new term, which when ended will mean he has held the position for 15 years.

6. Personal challenges during leadership

Despite his political success, Iwan’s personal journey was not without turbulence. His relationship with his sister Klaudia grew strained, as she chose to remain outside politics and criticized what she called his "messianic complex". Although they reconciled privately, tabloids often highlighted their disagreements as proof of division within the Nowik family, despite earlier declarations when his father was in power that their relationship was "stronger than their ideology". In fact, people close to the family know for a fact the Szymon Nowik is deeply broken for the relationship between his two children, and has regretted many times their election of going into politics.

He also faced accusations of authoritarian tendencies, particularly after harsh rhetoric against independent judges and parts of the media, as some critics argued in the newspapers that his style blurred the line between populist mobilization and institutional respect.

Privately, Iwan admitted to close confidants that he struggled with depression during his years out of office (5665–5670). Friends described those years as a time of "intense self-doubt" when he questioned whether he should remain in politics at all, and tried to reconcile with a sister that, as we know now, is concentrating once again more and more power inside Sovereign Valruzia, and may as well pose a challenge for the next elections against a broken brother.

Epilogue: The Nowiks – A dynasty that shapes a nation

When historians of the future look back at the first half-century of Valruzia’s democracy, one name will dominate their narratives: Nowik. Szymon, the father and architect of post-dictatorship Valruzia. Iwan, the youthful reformer who transformed ideology into mass mobilization, and who showed Valruzian population that the word "communism (with Valruzian characteristics)" is not something to fear, but rather something to embrace. And Klaudia, the quieter yet no less influential figure, who chose a different path but ended up returning to politics to challenge her own brother.

While Szymon’s legacy was to build the foundations of modern Valruzia and define Valruzianism as the ideological compass of a new era, Iwan’s mission has been to test the limits of democracy itself, pushing reforms at a speed and scale unseen before. Their leadership styles differ for the common eye, with the former being known for a cautious and pragmatic manner while the latter is fiery and disruptive. But somehow, both embody the profound intertwining of how their personal experiences help shape their very own ideology.

And then comes Klaudia Nowik. For years, she distanced herself from frontline politics, focusing on academic work, civic organizations, and public commentary. Yet, as Sovereign Valruzia entered decline, it was Klaudia who stepped forward, reshaping her father’s party and offering an alternative voice to her brother’s dominance. While Szymon sought unity and Iwan pursued revolution, Klaudia has positioned herself as the "voice of balance", under the argument that democracy survives not through the triumph of one ideology, but through the constant dialogue between competing visions, even within a family. But Klaudia's election raises once again the same question: is she in that position because of her achievements or because of her surname? And if it is just because of the second, how long will the charm over Valruzians last around the Nowik surname? It is needed only one false step to destroy a life of work and commitment.

Some see in Klaudia the heir to Szymon’s measured pragmatism, others perceive her as the only credible opponent to Iwan’s radical project. Whether as a rival or as a future coalition partner, her role is yet to be defined in a nation where personalism seem to be taken hold of the citizens, and charisma is one of the most powerful weapons.

Few dynasties in modern democratic history have so profoundly marked the trajectory of a nation. Out of the fifty years of free Valruzia, forty have been under Nowik leadership. Even in the moments when no Nowik held power, their presence loomed large, shaping debates, inspiring movements, and framing the very language of politics.

We can say that the Nowiks are not just a family. They are a mirror of Valruzia itself. They represent its struggles, its resilience, its contradictions, and its hopes. Their story is not finished, and although we are still far from the elections of 5680, one thing is certain: the surname Nowik will once again dominate the ballot boxes, the headlines, and the hearts of millions.

In the end, it may not matter whether future generations see them as heroes, reformers, or rivals. What matters is that the Nowiks have shown Valruzians and the world that democracy is never static, never guaranteed, and always personal and, in some way, it works the same way as a family works.

A dynasty that shapes a nation.

[Aethan]

Valruzia sends red alert to citizens in Gryfit and Valusian Voivodeships as Pavlo approaches

Mobile phones around the regions rang advising of the danger of incoming hurricane

July 5676

Live map of Hurrican Pavlo close to Valruzia

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THIS ARTICLE WILL SEE LIVE UPDATES

Hurricane Pavlo has set course to the Gryfit and Valusian Voivodeships in Valruzia, according to the latest notice of the Valruzian Meteorological State Agency (Państwowa Agencja Meteorologiczna, PAME). With uncertainty mounting over its erratic course about whether it will take landing over southern Valusia or fully impact eastern Gryfit – including its capital, Gryfitów, home to more than 7 million Valruzians – the Valruzian government has decided to send a mobile alert to both regions and make the alarms in the major cities to go off.

Chancellor Nowik has held an emergency meeting, along with the ministers of Defence, Internal Affairs, Science, Labor, Industry and Environment, with both regional Marshalls, in order to coordinate the response and ensure that resources are deployed in time. The Ministry of Defence has announced the mobilization of more than 20,000 soldiers to assist in evacuation, emergency logistics, and the protection of critical infrastructure, as hospitals in the nearby or affected regions have been placed on high alert and have seen additional medical personnel and supplies being dispatched.

PAME forecasts winds exceeding 220 km/h as Hurricane Pavlo approaches landfall. The agency has warned of torrential rains and possible storm surges of up to four meters along the Valusian coast, which could flood low-lying districts in Murzj – a strategic corridor featuring one of Valruzia's most important ports for international trade. Goods and vessels traveling from Majatra and Artania through the North Seleyan sea lanes could be severely disrupted, threatening supply chains far beyond Valruzia’s borders. Archaeologists and cultural authorities have also raised alarms regarding the ancient ruins of the Temple of Arwyj.

Public transport services in both regions to be affected have already been suspended, and airports in Gryfitów, Szymonice, Kninsk and Garncagrad have cancelled flights until further notice. Rail services to the southern and eastern regions were halted after the Ministry of Infrastructure declared the network unsafe for circulation in the coming 48 hours. As part of the preventive measures, the governments of both the Gryfit and Valusian Voivodeships have announced the suspension of classes at every educational level for at least the next two days. Universities, secondary schools and primary education centers will remain closed, while local administrations have indicated that several of these facilities may be repurposed as emergency shelters depending on the evolution of the storm. Officials stressed that the suspension is not only aimed at protecting students, but also at reducing unnecessary travel in order to keep roads clear for emergency vehicles and evacuation operations.

At the national level, the Council of Ministers approved an emergency teleworking framework to come into effect immediately. All companies and public offices whose activity allows for remote performance have been instructed to switch to teleworking arrangements, relieving pressure on transport networks and lowering the risk of exposure during the hurricane’s impact. According to Labor Minister Edyta Konarska, the measure seeks to "guarantee continuity of essential economic and administrative functions without endangering workers or forcing them to commute in unsafe conditions".

Chancellor Nowik addressed the nation in a late-night televised speech following the emergency meeting, where he declared:

"We are facing one of the gravest meteorological threats in decades. The safety of every Valruzian is our priority. Follow official instructions, seek shelter, and assist neighbors and family members who may be vulnerable. City councils have been instructed with securing safe shelters for those unable to find one of their own, and every public official building features one for those that need it."

Meanwhile, supermarkets and fuel stations across both voivodeships experienced massive queues as citizens stocked up on essential supplies. In several villages and towns, local authorities confirmed that several buildings were being converted into emergency accommodation for residents in flood-prone neighborhoods, as electricity companies have preemptively deployed teams to reinforce power lines and transformers, anticipating possible blackouts once Pavlo makes landfall.

Meteorologists at PAME underlined in their latest bulletin that Hurricane Pavlo has intensified to Category 5 as it moves slowly across the North Seleyan waters. Satellite imagery shows a perfectly defined eye, as agency specialists warn that the storm’s unusual erratic trajectory makes forecasting particularly complex, as a slight deviation could mean the difference between landfall in the densely populated Valusian coastline or a direct hit over eastern Gryfit. If Pavlo were to make landfall in Gryfit, the district of Murzj in Gryfitów would be among the first areas affected. Murzj, home to one of Valruzia’s busiest commercial ports and a dense urban population, represents an economic hub for the region and it's therefore a vulnerable point of entry for the hurricane’s destructive power. Authorities fear that a direct hit could paralyze part of the maritime trade between Majatra, Artania and the North Seleyan routes, while also putting tens of thousands of residents at risk of flooding and wind damage.

"Gryfitów is a megacity not designed to withstand a storm of this magnitude" warned Dr. Wiktor Lesniewicz from PAME. "If Pavlo maintains its current strength, it could cause unprecedented damage to both infrastructure and population. We are dealing with a system of historic proportions, the combination of Pavlo’s power and unpredictability makes it uniquely dangerous."

According to preliminary models, Pavlo could maintain maximum sustained winds of more than 220 km/h for the next 36 hours, accompanied by rainfall volumes which could see more than 400 millimeters in some valleys and river basins. The rivers of Valruzia's eastern flank are also under close surveillance, as authorities fear catastrophic flooding if the storm stalls inland.

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THIS COVERAGE IS NOW CLOSED

• 19 July, 03:18: Chancellor gives green light. Government has announced that "the worst is now over" and that the country must now focusing in helping and reconstruct Gryfit Voivodeship and tending those affected by Hurricane Pavlo.
  

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• 18 July, 23:59: Transition to tropical storm. Pavlo is downgraded to a tropical storm as it moves further inland. Authorities stress that the risk of flooding and landslides remains extremely high.
  

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• 18 July, 19:30: Valruzian Army continue rescuing citizens. Military helicopters are seen rescuing families stranded on rooftops in Gryfitów’s southern districts.
  

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• 18 July, 16:00: First signs of weakening. PAME announces Pavlo is degrading to Category 3. Winds are now at 170 km/h, but rains remain torrential and expected to continue for at least 12 hours.
  

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• 18 July, 13:45: Wyzna floods towns. As expected and warned, Wyzna River has overflowed near Krusz, flooding several neighborhoods. Thousands have been forced to evacuate, with the military in place for emergency helping.
  

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• 18 July, 11:15: Death toll rises. Government is starting to give numbers of affected people. Ministry of Internal Affairs confirms 17 deaths and over 800 injuries across Gryfit and southern Valusia, as more than 2,000 people are reported missing. Numbers remain provisional.
  

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• 18 July, 09:00: Pavlo downgraded to Category 4. First glimpse of good news for Gryfitans. Despite still extremely dangerous winds of 200 km/h, Pavlo has lost some strength as it pushes inland. Rainfall, however, is intensifying.
  

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• 18 July, 07:40: Destruction in downtown Gryfitów. As morning comes, footage shows collapsed rooftops and flooded avenues in the city center. Public transport is completely paralyzed as most people stayed home.
  

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• 18 July, 6:10: River Wyzna rising. Authorities warn that the Wyzna River is approaching dangerous levels. Evacuations are being extended upstream to prevent catastrophic flooding in smaller towns.
  

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• 18 July, 5:15: Gryfitów airport flooded; entire districts in darkness. Gryfitów International Airport confirms that all runways are flooded. Dozens of planes had been flown inland yesterday to avoid losses in aircraft. In the region, more than two million residents across Gryfit are without power, according to the national electricity company. Crews had been already pre-positioned and are expected to begin repair operations once winds recede.
  

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• 18 July, 3:41: Public shelters at full capacity, rail network underwater. Local officials confirm that most designated emergency shelters in Gryfitów are already full, housing more than 90,000 evacuees. Additional gymnasiums and university facilities are being opened to accommodate more people. Images show commuter trains stranded and partially submerged in the Gryfitów metro system. The Ministry of Infrastructure had suspended operations 48 hours before landfall, preventing passengers from being inside when the flooding hit.
  

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• 18 July, 2:37: Water rising fast as fires reported in Gryfitów. Local authorities are warning of storm surge levels already surpassing 3.5 meters along parts of the Gryfit coast and the Gryfitów waterfront, and residents in low-lying neighborhoods are being urged to move to upper floors immediately. Lightning strikes have caused at least three fires in residential areas, according to the fire brigade, with teams struggling to contain the blazes due to hurricane winds.
  

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• 18 July, 1:28: Hospitals under pressure as military rescues in real time. Hospital in Gryfitów-Central reports treating more than 130 injured, mostly due to falling debris or drowning. The Defence ministry publishes video of soldiers carrying residents out of flooded homes in armored vehicles or kayaks
  

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• 18 July, 00:42: Entire Murzj port flooded. The Ministry of Infrastructure confirms that Murzj’s lower docks are underwater. Several container cranes have collapsed, and at least three cargo ships have broken moorings. The Coast Guard reports no casualties among crews, as vessels had been evacuated in advance.
  

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• 18 July, 00:15: Roofs torn apart. Reports from the northern neighborhoods of Gryfitów indicate that several apartment blocks have lost their roofs. Firefighters are unable to reach the zone due to debris and flooding.
  

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• 18 July, 00:14: Sirens and alarms are continuosly sounding around Gryfitów, according to the reports of the Gryfit Civil Protection. Local officials urge residents who have not evacuated to remain in interior rooms away from windows. Chancellor Nowik has provided with contact numbers for those that require them.
  

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• 17 July, 23:51: Hurricane Pavlos has made landfall. The hurricane has touched the eastern coastline of Gryfitów, with Murzj district being the first to face sustained winds of more than 210 km/h. Electricity has already gone down in several neighborhoods and emergency services are reporting the first collapsed rooftops. Sirens continue to sound across the city.
  

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• 17 July, 22:06: As Pavlos is close to making landfall, the heavy rain has already flooded some streets in Gryfitów. Emergency services are already reporting more than 100 incidents.
  

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• Supermarkets in Gryfitów and nearby cities, including Garncagrad, have seen a huge influx of people, leaving many of them completely empty as people prepare for the hurricane.
  

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• 17 July, 20:21: PAME confirms worst outcome: as Pavlos approaches land, the agency confirms that it will indeed go through Gryfitów, and will especially affect Murzj. Local authorities are warning all residents to brace for impact, scheduled to be in around 10 hours. Rain has already started in some parts of the region
  

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• 17 July, 18:25: Jacek Kaulak, on TVW1: "Thanks to [Szymon] Nowik implementing mandatory military service and including disaster-response skills in it, nowadays basically every Valruzian citizens know how to act in situations such as the one we are currently experiencing".
  

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• 17 July, 17:49: Animal shelters from accross Gryfit have asked for help in relocating their animals. In the image, Valruzian soldier helping moving a shelter dog
  
  

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• 17 July, 17:12: As Pavlos approaches, PAME has shared its latest map on weather forecast, with red regions set to be the most endangered: 
  
  

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• 17 July, 16:43: Tourists in Valusia warned to stay in hotels and to follow local instructions. "When my phone started ringing, it felt like it was the end of the world, especially with the city alarms ringing at the same time".
  

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• 17 July, 14:07: Long queues in the roads from Gryfitów to inland Gryfit as many residents from the capital city have decided to leave for the next few days
  

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• Mayor of Gryfitów: "We want everyone to remind calm, but take the official advises seriously. We are dealing with the situation with more than enough time, but we need to make sure that everyone understands that we are in an emergency situation like we haven't seen in decades"
  

[Aethan]

As Pavlo leaves a trail of devastation, Valruzians show their strength

New dawn for affected places which will now focus on reconstruction efforts after disaster struck

July 5676

Citizens from nearby towns have been marching to affected cities to help and deliver food, water and drugs by foot as many roads remain blocked

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Hurricane Pavlo, which struck the Gryfit and Valusian Voivodeships with unprecedented force, has finally moved inland, leaving widespread destruction along its way, but now also a remarkable response from Valruzian society. According to the Valruzian Meteorological State Agency (PAME), Pavlo reached sustained winds of over 220 km/h and torrential rainfall exceeding 600 mm in some parts, with the Gryfit Voivodeship becoming the worst affected region. The storm caused flooding, landslides, and major infrastructure failures, particularly in Gryfitów and southern coastal areas of Valusia.

Authorities report 32 confirmed deaths, over 2,900 injured, and tens of thousands temporarily displaced, with this numbers expected to go up in the coming days as there are more than 2,000 people still missing. Murzj port, a major international commercial hub and the second biggest Valruzian port in terms of capacity, experienced partial flooding as well as collapsed cranes and damaged container storage, expected to temporarily affect many trade routes between Majatra, Artania and Western Seleya, and the same can be applied to Gryfitów Airport, still partially flooded. Power outages have affected over four million residents while key roads and railways are still paralyzed as a result. However, the rapid and preemptive response of the regional and national governments avoided the worst outcomes, according to PAME.

The ministry of Defence has now said that in addition to the more than 20,000 soldiers already deployed and tasked with assisting in evacuations, transporting residents from flooded neighborhoods and helping secure critical infrastructure during the hurricane, the Army is mobilizing 15,000 more soldiers to help looking for missing people and help in securing many places accross the region. In Gryfitów, which took the worst hit, schools, university facilities and public halls were converted into emergency shelters, with volunteers and students coordinating logistics, providing meals and assisting families with children, the elderly, and pets.

But it is now, amid the overall destruction, that acts of solidarity are multiplying. Retired firefighter Tomasz Wysocki coordinated a group rescuing pets from flooded homes, while schoolteacher Anna Kowalska led volunteers delivering meals and checking on elderly neighbors. Local bakeries, pharmacies, and small businesses donated food, medicine, and supplies, while community kitchens in shelters provided hot meals to hundreds of evacuees. Local supermarkets have announced that all its products that are still in good shape will be given away for free to charity institutions and government-coordinated bodies. Universities are organizing student brigades for first aid, logistics, and psychological support, while some websites have been created where families can offer a place to sleep in their homes to those who cannot return to their houses yet.

Initial assessments suggest damages exceeding several billion Valruzian Pesos, mostly affecting housing, transport, ports, and power networks. Electricity restoration is progressing, with around 60% of affected areas already reconnected. Roads and railways are being cleared, prioritizing relief routes, as water and telecommunications services are gradually being restored. Authorities continue to monitor rivers and flood-prone areas to prevent secondary emergencies, and schools and universities are preparing phased reopening once safety inspections are complete, while hospitals remain at full capacity for treatment and emergency care.

Chancellor Nowik, who has moved to visit Gryfitów along with Marshall of Gryfit Stefan Sakowski, has announced that many nations have already contacted him personally to offer help, and that he would welcome "all of them". As an example, Kalistan has offered a wide range of goods, including food, medical supplies and drugs, water purification systems, emergency generators, and construction equiptment, as well as deploying medical personnel to the area. 

"We are overwhelmed by this outpouring of support"

has said Marshall Sakowski.

"Thanks to our swift and rapid action and coordination between the regional and national governments, the worst outcomes have been avoided, but the results are still catastrophic as we are still looking for more than 2,000 people whose families have reported missing. I want to remind everyone that this does not mean that they are indeed missing as of now, but rather than during the worst moments of Hurricane Pavlo, their close ones called in to report their disappearance but many of them are already reunited. And although Valruzia is strong and resilient and know how to handle this situation, our worst climate disaster in many decades, we would like to take a moment to thank all those who have already got in contact with the relevant authorities and offered their help in this difficult times. Valruzia does not forget"

But perhaps the most impactful reaction has come from Valruzian citizens themselves, all around the country. Local associations, NGOs, and citizen groups have established supply points in affected neighborhoods. The other four Valruzian regional Marshalls are in continuous contact to coordinate a joint response team to send to the affected areas, while volunteers from surrounding towns have delivered food, water, and medicine, often walking long distances where roads remain blocked. The impressive view of citizens walking many kilometers from other points of Gryfit just to bring items to the affected citizens have shaken many in Gryfitów. The solidarity has been visible in every aspect, from cleaning debris, setting up shelters, delivering supplies to providing emotional support. Psychologists offering free counseling, construction workers offering their material, or just normal citizens wearing their boots to help cleaning. Just ordinary citizens helping their fellow countrymen. The image of the Szywk Bridge, one of the main points of entrance to Gryfitów, completely overcrowded by people arriving to the city to help has already made headlines, and the mayor of the city has already announced that the bridge will be renamed to Solidarnosci (Solidarity) Bridge.



The Ministry of Health has advised volunteers to wear personal protective equipment and long clothes, in order to prevent infection by contaminated waters, and in some small towns their mayors have needed to call for volunteers to stop coming due to the overcrowding of the still affected roads.

As Chancellor Nowik said in a statement last night, "We have faced one of the most severe storms in decades. Pavlo has caused loss and destruction, but it has also revealed the courage, unity, and generosity of our people. Valruzia will not fail, Valruzia will rebuild everythin, together, stronger and more resilient."

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Testimonies from ground zero:

• "We walked for three hours from the neighboring village carrying bottled water and blankets. Seeing the smiles on people’s faces when we arrived made every step worth it." – Marta Nowicka, 34, teacher from southern Gryfit.
  
• "My parents were trapped in our house when the water rose. Thanks to the volunteers and the soldiers, we are safe now. I want to help others as soon as I can. The community spirit here is incredible. My friends and I have been the whole day from one place to another but it's the least we can do." Jakub Lewoski, 16, student from Gryfitów.
  
• "Even though my bakery lost part of its stock to the flood, we decided to donate everything that remained. I wish I could do more, but at my age... Everyone needs a hand right now. I admire all these young people helping one another, I don't want to here once more that the younger generations have lost their purpose." – Piotr Zielinski, 61, baker from Gryfitów.
  
• "I came from Valusia with a group of friends to help distribute food and water. We took the bus as far as we could and then walked for hours with backpacks full of supplies. I didn’t know what to expect, but seeing families getting hot meals and blankets made me feel proud to do this." – Emilia Brabska, 22, student.
  
• "Our small town organized a convoy of volunteers to Gryfitów. We cleared debris from streets, helped set up shelters, and even patched roofs temporarily. It’s exhausting work, but knowing we’re helping people is worth it." – Adam Kowalczyk, 40, mayor of Bryz.
  
• "I had never worked in an emergency of this scale, but the gratitude from the people we have helped, makes all the effort worthwhile. For a few days, we feel like part of Valruzia" – Rosa Matthews, 39, nurse from Kalistan
  
• "Our convoy came from Kalistan carrying water, blankets, and food. We met Valruzians who had walked kilometers to help us deliver supplies to the hardest-hit neighborhoods. It was an incredible feeling of solidarity, to see all of us working together as one." – Alexei Petrov, 42, volunteer from Kalistan