Kundrati

[Elena1012]

SDLP proposes the Kundrati Rights and Disability Act; Building up the slow foundations of welfare.
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June 12th, 5674
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One of the key aspects of the current Red-Blue Coalition was working towards the establishment of a welfare state. While that's easker the said than done given the economic state of the country, this hasn't stopped the SDLP from pushing forward with various SDLP members of the Legislature proposing the Kundrati Rights and Disability Act, an act which would look to outline specific rights and protections for disabled Kundratijians across the country if passed. 

The exact specifics of the KRDA have been shared with the puvlic and if passed would do the following; Fully and legally recognize the existence of disabilities (physical, phycological, neurological, intellectual, so on and so forth), prohibit any discrimination against disabled Kundratijians in healthcare, housing, education, employment, social services, etc etc, as well as require reasonable accomodations in all public spaces, government buildings, and public transportation. Furthermore, the KRDA would push for National Accessibility Standards across the country, and as a compromise, tax credits for businesses who employ disabled Kundratijians. Alongside that, state paid procurement for disability vitals (such as wheelchairs and hearing aids). And for Kundratijians completely incapable of living on their own or providing for their own, they would receive direct welfare payments to ensure they don't fall into poverty.

The biggest criticism of the KRDA has been how it would be paid for, and the SDLP has proposed progressive taxation, and seizing assets from former oligarchs to pay for the KRDA. While SDLP lawmakers are optimistic that the KRDA can pass and successfully be enacted, it's anyone's guess on if it'll pass. Even if the SDLP and KPP share a coalition, anything can happen. Whatever the case, if the KRDA passes, it would mark the first step to building up the welfare system of Kundrati.

[Elena1012]

Kundrati Rights and Disabilities Act passes with a majority; Disabled Kundratijians to receive support.
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December 23rd, 5674
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In any other country, you would think a coalition between social democrats and liberal conservatives would be like oil and water. One of contempt, thinly veiled hatred and deadlock. In Kundrati however? It's been a staple. Even before the Legionnaire times, it was not uncommon to see the Socialist Labour Party and Kundrati Democracy form coalitions together and govern. Even today, after decades of fascism, this tradition has managed to survive. The Red-Blue Coalition has managed to pass the Kundrati Rights and Disabilities Act (KRDA) granting a plethora of protections, rights and support for disabled Kundratijians across the country. 

For starters, every disabled Kundratijian is now legally protected from discrimination, will receive direct welfare payments, and businesses will have incentives to hire disabled Kundratijians. Compared to the past within the Legionnaires, this is a major improvement. With credit largely being shared between the SDLP and KPP, the KRDA paves the way for a potential expansion of the Kundratijian welfare system in the future. While concerns have appeared over budget costs, today, the focus is simply on celebrating the passage of the KRDA. While of course, the KRDA can't erase societal issues, fighting political, economic and material discrimination is a good first step to undoing the hatred of the past. 

Whatever the case, the KRDA'S passage opened the box on what other welfare based reforms can pass the Legislature. While strong concerns exist over the cost, the SDLP has been undeterred and optimistic. But the biggest take away is the relatively cordial relationship that the SDLP and the KPP hold, even despite the contrasting ideologies. If such bipartisanship can survive in Kundrati then it's a good step to erasing more scars from the Legionnaires.

[Elena1012]

SDLP proposes the Kundrati Income Doubling Plan; A proposal to rebuild the economy.
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August 25th, 5675
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For most democracies, the economy is make or break. It determines whether an administration survives election season, or is crushed by the opposition. For fragile democracies, this is exemplified. The economy determines whether a democracy can survive extremism, or succumb to extremism. For Kundrati, this is no different. The collapse of Legionnaire Kundrati left alot to be desired. It freed us, but it also left major problems. The economy, is one of them. With the economic situation not being a total nightmare, but also not an ideal situation, it's clear that barely afloat isn't good for a democracy. For the Social Democratic Labour Party, they've proposed KIDP. The Kundrati Income Doubling Plan, to get the economy back on track. 

So, what does KIDP propose? For starters, the KIDP proposes the creation of a public works program/job corps to get Kundratijians enrolled en masse. It is the jobless who are forced to extremes after all. Not only would this keep people employed, but it would provide manpower for future projects, promote social cohesion and support the 2nd phase of KIDP. Major infrastructure initiatives. Using this job corp, infrastructure such as roads, ports, bridges, railways, and vital service buildings would be modernized and expanded. A special focus would be placed on ensuring the North and South get equal development. Infrastructure will ensure that the framework for economic growth at a local level occurs, as well as create jobs. Next, housing. Working with the private sector, this phase would focus entirely on housing Kundratijians and curbing homelessness. Rural communities would be given special care for electrification, modern amenities, Internet, water and ultimately ensure more rural conservative communities aren't left behind and risk another rise of fascism. Fourth, modernizing and supporting the industrial base. KIDP can't afford to ignore existing industrial institutions, and this leads us to the gold and uranium mines. The first step will be modernizing these mines, making sure they are quality and safe. Alongside that, a focus on attracting foreign investment to ensure growth, and ensure worker protections to make uranium mining a lucrative career. As for gold, manage it to ensure it can be used to fund modernizations across the entire board, not just infrastructure. Next, building up the technical knowledge to ensure Kundrati doesn't fall into the trap of a permanent industrial nation and put Kundrati on the path to a service Economy. This involves building up STEM in education, workshops, and apprenticeship programs. Alongside this, subsidizing tuition costs for STEM colleges to encourage students to pick STEM. Finally, welfare. To prevent income inequality (which can lead to extremism), a robust and decent welfare system will be vital and if KIDP goes well, the funds will be available for supporting that welfare state. 

If adopted, KIDP would be ambitious but it could revive the economy and our Kundrati on the path to economic recovery. Whether it'll be adopted or not however, depends entirely on the government. But given the Red-Blue Coalition, it's entirely likely that it'll be adopted.

[journey]

SDLP's more radical wing leaders express disappointment with the way the grand coalition governs

10 May 5676



Oier Errasti, one of the main faces of the factions within the co-governing Social Democratic Labour Party, usually dubbed as the "radicals", expressed his and his faction's disappointment at the current grand coalition between his party and the Kundrati People's Party, as he feels that even though SDLP makes the most effort to address the major issues in the post-legionnary Kundrati, the government at large makes little effort, cooperating with the private sector, which Errasti calls "complicit" in the crimes against humanity during the former regime.

Previously, following the first post-legionnary elections in Kundrati, two parties composing the incumbent government, KPP and SDLP, won 90% of the seats in the Legebiltzarra. As a part of the effort to "clean" the nation from the legionnary plague, the two political forces formed a coalition to lead the nation across the transition period into a more stable democratic rule. While the SDLP took more of a social role in the new cabinet, KPP put itself in charge of law enforcement and the power structures in general, beginning the major purges among the public figures, trying to get rid of all the former vanguardist-legionnaire apparatchiks. While it is too early to say whether it will be successful long-term, at the moment, the nation clearly feels freer of the fascist plague.

At the same time, Errasti is happy about the passing of the very important KRDA and KIDP proposed by his party; however, he says, SDLP must pressure the KPP to make sure the acts are realised accordingly. "If we joined the coalition with herrikoiak in the first place, something which I personally opposed, we must control them, to be truly 'people's' party, and work for the people", Errasti says. According to him, there is a major dissatisfaction with the lack of commitment towards the people across the country, "especially in the south", faction leader points out.

When asked what was the motive to oppose the blue-red coalition of SDLP and KPP, Errasti said: "Look, I don't want to throw any harsh words here, but first, we gave power to the party, which was the primary reason leading to the rise of the Legion to power, and subsequent fascist takeover, taking decades to overthrow, and now we pretend like nothing happened". Later, the leader of the radicals expressed his criticism of the cooperation with the private businesses and corporations: "I don't want my party, or the other one, to gladly sell working Kundratijans for some foreign bribes, which will not improve the lives of our people, but rather will the pockets of elites with money, I don't want that, nor our people". However, Errasti says, the faction is currently in talks with the party leadership to point out its frustrations over the way SDLP is operating within the national government. Regarding any possible split from the party, Errasti said that the faction wants to give a chance to the leadership before taking any rash decisions.



Eguneroko Posta is a left-wing nationwide newspaper in Kundrati, founded in 5289.

[hyraemous]

The newspaper header was created by myungdae06 on Discord at my request.

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You can find the Kasaema Guardian by searching @KasaemaGuardian on the Terran Wide Web or searching for GUARDIAN on HyrNet.

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Kundrati military reform announced, strict doctrine on promoting democracy and the abolishment of authoritarianism

[4 May 5677]

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"The Armed Forces are one of four major pillars of a free world..." said Minister of Defense Admiral Kirino Oxinalde "...and under a civilian leadership we must protest Kundrati from Ordosocialist and authoritarian thought."

This statement came at a press conference on the outline of Kundrati's 5700 Advanced People's Military program which was announced today. The 5700 Advanced People's Military advocates for a program of 450,000 total soldiers to be ready at any one time should Kundrati's homeland be under attack or should it be called up by the World Congress or via international obligation to go where it needs to go. This includes a massive revamp of the military industrial complex with the foundation of the Kunarmaorg (Kundrati Armaments Organization) and Kunmiltech (Kundrati Military Technology) state companies - the former dedicated to armaments and general weaponry and the latter dedicated to vehicular and general military technology construction. In addition, restoration of military bases and shipyards will be done in order to provide employment in the short term and military readiness in the long term.

The 5700APM, or APM for shorter, also outlines a clear doctrine which will be how the military is run. The doctrine is outlined in two sections: A Military of and for the People, and A Military for a Democratic World. A Military of and for the People doctrine is essentially a military firmly under civilian leadership and a strict chain of command that must be abided by at all times. The doctrine also states that the Armed Forces must not be in any way political and that it reserves the right to defend and protect democracy and the institutions of the democratic state at all times but that it will be up to the Legebiltzarra and the civilian military leadership to determine if the democracy is under threat and if that requires military intervention - the military must otherwise not determine whether democracy is under threat.

The doctrine A Military for a Democratic World, which may strike controversial with the rest of Terra, outlines that the Armed Forces of Kundrati must prepare to be used for their international obligations to protect a humanitarian and democratic world. This includes intervening in conflicts that may either be nearby or around Terra where democracy or humanitarian missions are under threat. For humanitarian reasons it would be up to the World Congress or existing international treaties to determine the humanitarian threat in a conflict and it would need a major amount of judgment and debate on how to act. However, the doctrine makes clear that the Kundrati Union will not and must not use their resources for the advancement of ideology or for imperialistic or expansionist doctrine and that Kundrati shall not use their military for the expansion of Kundrati territory. The doctrine though does make clear that the military can be used to protect Kundrati citizens abroad where necessary.

The first military bases to be restored will be in the north and the center of the country and work will begin on restoration soon. The rebuilding of the Kundrati Navy will come later due to the work on the shipyards which is expected to finish by at most 5700. The rebuilding of the Kundrati Air Force will most likely be completed by 5690 as plane factories come online and work is done via the reliance of older blueprints. However, the Defense Ministry has warned that the former Kundrati Defense Contractors headquarters and files may not be enough and that some of them were lost due to the actions of Vanguardists and the Legion a long time ago. Kundrati will have to, therefore, buy from others in the meantime and have a heavy reliance of older and foreign technology and resources for the time being.

As for manpower and troops, work is beginning on recruitment though they expect that not many people will be interested in joining the military just yet due to history. They have announced that 22,000 people have signed up within the last few years to join the military and are being trained however there will be a heavy reliance on veterans and current troops which, for the latter, total 98,000 soldiers, and for the former millions. Kundrati may also have to rely on doctrines and military experience from the Second Kundrati War only three decades back.

[Elena1012]

Social Democratic Labour National Committee addresses concerns by radical elements; "Valid concerns, but unity and stability must be prioritized".
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June 17th, 5677
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Within the Social Democratic Labour Party lay the radicals. Socialists, left populists, and the like are to be found here. While supportive of the SDLP, it's no secret that they've had disagreements with party policy, especially in regards to how the Red-Blue Coalition has been governed. This week, the Social Democratic Labour National Committee has looked to finally address the concerns of the radicals who have found issue with business friendly compromises and perceived inequality in the South. 

The SDLNC has recognized the concerns that the radical wing has had, but has countered, arguing that compromises are vital to any coalition, and that while valid concerns do exist, the stability of the country must be prioritized to safeguard democracy and ensure Kundratijian democracy doesn't suffer. They've also pointed towards coalition unity, arguing that radical ideals will only damage the coalitions unity and give support to anti democratic extremists. However, internal reports from within the SDLNC has confirmed that various radicals within the SDLP have been "blacklisted" from various ballots, replaced with more moderate social democrats with a plethora of excuses being found for it. While the SDLNC has not addressed or even recognized the move, instead outright ignoring any questions about it, it's safe to say that the SDLNC is moving to sideline the radical wing of the party.

What effects will come from this, is unknown but ultimately, at the end of the day, the SDLP is a social democratic party, not a socialist party. Whether the radicals will keep silent or not is up in the air. But for now, the SDLNC is looking to sideline them and offer only acknowledgements and no actions.

[Elena1012]

Phase I of the Kundrati Income Doubling Plan; Mobilizing the economy for development.
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June 29th, 5678
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The Kundrati Income Doubling Plan (KIDP) has been formally adopted and it seems that the government is working to immediately enact it, leaving no time to doubt the decision. It seems the goal is to pave the way for economic development and rebuild the country properly. As such, the first step is mobilizing the population for total economic recovery and growth. While the SDLP will call it a war on destitution and poverty, the first step of the KIDP Phase I is a job corps.

As such, the creation of the Kundratijian Civilian Job Corps (KCJC) will be established. It'll be split into 3 wings. A civil wing to focus on vital infrastructure such as roads, bridges, ports, railways, etc etc, a social wing, to focus on schools, hospitals, and housing, and a technical wing, to focus on training programs to ensure that all employed with the KCJC are actually trained and not just mad men running around with shovels. The goal is to ensure that the KCJC isn't bloated in bureaucracy and ensure that it works smoothly and efficiently. 

A four point plan has been drawn up for rebuilding infrastructure, and modernizing infrastructure across the country, with a focus on the North and the South, with a gradual drive towards the centre of the country and a separate plan for Etxea (which will operate under it's own program). The four point plan is to focus on vital services first, to get people housed and cared for and get roads modernized, and gradually focus on expanding infrastructure such as telecoms, or the like.

Trickle up economics essentially, is the name of the game, as Phase 1 will focus on improving infrastructure across the country. Not only does it provide tangible economic benefits such as faster travel for commerce and such (as well as provide services), it provides actual benefits to communities as they'll see the results of growth first and foremost. And that not only benefits all of Kundrati (as wealth will eventually be funneled upwards), but it promotes social cohesion, and prevents extremists and demagogues from gaining ground. By then, ideally the plan will live up to its name of doubling incomes but that's likely for Phase 2 and 3. 

Whatever the case, Phase I will be focusing on providing infrastructure developments and building up the backbone of an economic recovery that's visible to the people. Not only will it provide growth, but it'll also be able to fund future endeavors as KIDP continues, such as welfare or other economic/infrastructure endeavors.

[Elena1012]

Ministry of Human Affairs announces new welfare programs; Moderate pensions and rent assistance programs.
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December 16th, 5678
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The state of welfare in Kundrati is rather subpar compared to other Artanian states. For the Ministry of Human Affairs, being led by social democrats, this is something they seek to change. However, the biggest issue is of course, the budget. The Kundrati economy isn't in the best spot to become a welfare state. But that doesn't mean that efforts can be done to establish basic welfare programs. While KIDP is doing it's part in reducing unemployment (and this indirectly fighting poverty), not everyone is able to work or are in desperate situations. As such, the Ministry of Human Affairs (SDLP) is looking to enact new welfare programs.

For starters, programs to help low income Kundratijians with housing. While KIDP Phase I is rebuilding housing across the country, there is still destitution. That is where the Urban Development and Prosperity Program (UDP) comes into affect. Immediately, all rental housing across the country will have new regulations. Landlords will only be able to raise the rent no more than 3 to 5% per year, if they make improvements to the property. Furthermore, eviction protections will come into affect, ensuring that landlords and renters must negotiate or evictions must be delayed at the very least. Alongside this, one key aspects of the UDP will be housing vouchers. Not everyone can afford to rent a house, or even work. This is where the UDP will shine. Housing vouchers will be available to low income Kundratijians, with disabled Kundratijians and seniors receiving immediate priority. 

Speaking of seniors, pension reform. For all citizens above the retirement age, they will be guaranteed a basic income, enough to cover rent, utilities, groceries and the vitals. It will be indexed to inflation. Workers will have a small portion of their payrolls contributed towards this pension fund as well. The goal is to ensure that seniors aren't abandoned and senior poverty is erased, for the sake of democracy and because it's the right thing to do.

[Elena1012]

A rising star in the SDLP; Alaiza Kubitchek and Fourth Way Social Democracy.
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June 3rd, 5681
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In the Social Democratic Labour Party, there are many individuals you'd find. Socialists, social democrats, even a few social liberals. But ones you won't often find, are individuals such as Alaiza Kubitchek. Now, to some who know their history, Kubitchek is a familiar albeit also alien name. Back in the 5100s, with the Socialist Labour Party of Kundrati, we saw the Kubitcheks lead Kundrati under a democratic socialist vision. Now? Centuries later, we see a continuation in Alaiza Kubitchek. However, she's no socialist. But she certainly is a rising star in the SDLP. But why?

Well, seeing to the results in the last two elections, while they technically are a win as the SDLP is in government with the KPP, the SDLP still doesn't hold the presidency. Combine that with the ongoing alienation that the SDLP Radicals are facing and it's no surprise that someone offering a new vision is going to make rounds in the party. So what is the vision Kubitchek is offering? Fourth Way Social Democracy as she calls it.

Arguing that First Way Social Democracy is simply revolutionary socialism, and Second Way Social Democracy is democratic socialism, and that Third Way Social Democracy is just Social Liberalism with a more left focus, she's endorsed the ideals of Fourth Way Social Democracy, arguing that the state should not pursue socialism, but should pursue a harmonious relationship between capital and labour. However, Fourth Way Social Democracy should have the teeth necessary to defend itself, whether it be from neoliberalism, socialism, or fascism, and that while the market is a valuable took in advancing the development of Kundratijians, it must not usurp the people nor the state should a harmonious relationship be impossible.

Whether or not it's actually a new thought of social democracy or simply Orthodox social democracy wrapped in new clothing and fit for Kundrati is up in the air but for the SDLP, which is eager to try something new to achieve victory in 5683, Fourth Way Social Democracy certainly seems to offer a path to try to win. Whether Alaiza Kubitchek will get the nomination or not in 5683 is unknown, as it's simply too early to say. But for now, she's a rising star. Much to the disapproval of the SDLP Radicals.

[hyraemous]

The newspaper header was created by myungdae06 on Discord at my request.

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You can find the Kasaema Guardian by searching @KasaemaGuardian on the Terran Wide Web or searching for GUARDIAN on HyrNet.

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Kundrati economy recovers, however work still has to be done - as purges continue

[16 August 5682]

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The Kundrati Union is a war-torn economy. A war-torn economy that has been so for the last couple of decades. In fact, we are now approaching 100 years since the Legion began to take over Kundrati and led it on the path we are on today. The country has thus had a large brain drain, and international cooperation for the benefit of the Kundrati economy has collapsed and not been restored to any meaningful extent since before the Legion took over.

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Work, however, continues on the rebuilding of the economy. Phase 1 of the Kundrati Income Doubling Plan of the Hadriana-SDLP administration continues as the Kundrati Civilian Job Corps works with international companies from the former Jelbic Empire to restore vital infrastructure. Infrastructure had already been worked on, however, for years because of a lack of investment; various projects on infrastructure were delayed. With the help of foreign investment, however, deadlines are starting to become approachable. While one won't see paved roads on every highway for a while now or restoration of power works for a while, improvements can already be seen as more workers are being mobilized and inspired to join the KCJC, and international brains start to invest in Kundrati labor.

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The priority, as per the KIDP, is restoration of infrastructure in the north and in the south. Already, cranes are becoming very common in these areas, with unemployment decreasing significantly in those particular areas and those areas seeing larger (internal) migration from the centre, which have remained lacking in development. The Ministry of the Interior reports that up to 200,000 individuals are moving every few months either north or south from the centre, with cities like Kasaema starting to be depopulated by these migrations.

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The President of the Kundrati Union, Claudius Hadriana, has said that he is proud to work with the international community to rebuild Kundrati. President Hadriana says that Kundrati is an important partner for the export of Dundorfian materials, especially silicon, and that with Dundorfian silicon and Kundrati gold that the technology industry in Artania and beyond can benefit from a developed Kundrati. Hadriana has especially sought international cooperation from Luthori, where Kundrati-Luthorians make up a good minority of the population and where Hadriana has begun to focus some effort on the former Jelbic Empire, which has already promised to work with Kundrati on major infrastructure development, the Triad of Narikaton, Darnussia, and former Beiteynu, where economic advice would most likely assist in boosting the Kundrati economy, and Egelion, where there used to be a relationship during a divided Kundrati and where additional investment could be sought. Kalistan is also another nation that could be sought after, and President Hadriana noted that he would like to rebuild burnt bridges as soon as possible. Negotiations with the Triad continue with a deal already being proposed by the Triad; however, work continues on final details. A deal is expected to be finalized by the end of the year at least.

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But all of that also relies on the status of the purges of Legionaries and former Vanguardists. Let's look at that now. The Ministry of Justice has noted that at least 370,000 individuals who have had former Vanguardist or Legionnaire pasts have been tried through the courts and that around 260,000 have been sentenced. The majority of them have signed a legally binding oath ensuring their loyalty to the Union and democracy. The minority who have refused will be sentenced to jail sentences, and they, alongside some of those who have signed these oaths, will lose their rights for at least ten years.

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Higher-ranked individuals have been found and tried through the system. As of today, around 1,300 individuals have been executed who have held high-ranking positions of the Legion or Vanguardist Kundrati Workers Party. Another 1,000 sit in death row waiting for their sentences. Trials have been slow, with one lasting seven years, and trials are expected to continue past at least two Presidential administrations.

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Military individuals who have held past lives in the Legion or Vanguard who were not low ranked, alongside many individuals with those pasts who are currently in prison and in general have been subject to training on how to identify propaganda, how democracy works, how fascism is bad, the truth of the Legion and the VKWP, and general deprogramming from the old Legionary and Vanguardist propaganda. This is also expected to take years, and, understandably, some may not be recoverable. Some military officers have been court-martialled and have met similar fates as high-ranking individuals of the parties. Lower-ranked troops and those in the military found guilty of lesser but serious crimes have been let go on a dishonorable discharge, and they will not be subject to benefits for veterans, and they will have lost their rights for a period of at least ten years.

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And so Kundrati moves.