New Verham

[Rogue]

Republic Reborn: The Baatrynsentii Accord

July 5701

Baatrynsentii - At the Unbataar Business Centre the leaders of the ONB, VPA and Restorationists put their signature under the Baatrynsentii Accord, formally ending the civil war in New Verham and ushering in the creation of the new (or reborn) Republic of New Verham. After several months of negotiations, the three sides came to a agreement and with the accord ratified the newly drafted constitution of the Republic of New Verham. General Bor Khasar, leader of the Restorationists, called the signing a "momentous occassion" that marks "the end of a dark chapter in our history." 

Under the accord, all sides agree to disarm their militia's and intergrate them into a new to be formed military. Former militia members will get the chance to serve in the new military or retire and enter civilian life. Additionally, Egelion has signed a seperate agreement with the three parties, being allowed to maintain a military presence in the capital city and being granted a extensive role in providing advice and resources in rebuilding the country its institutions and physical infrastructure. Importantly, Egelion will become one of the primary parties that will oversee the first election of the new state, slated to be held next year under the Accord. 

The Accord also introduces a new constitution, being a mix between old New Verham and introducing elements inspired by Egelion its government. Under the new system, New Verham is to be organized as a semi-presidential unitary republic, with extensive autonomy for Ostlanders and Vanukeans. Südland is created as a legal entity, being granted the right to have its own judicial system, police force, educational policies, cultural policies and autonomy in the field of the regional economy and infrastructure. Similarly, Vanukeans will be organized in the new Vanukean Autonomous Region, being granted the same autonomy as Ostlanders. Both entities will be organized under a parliamentary system, as were the wishes of both. 

Nationally, New Verham will face a unique blend of "democracy and efficiency" according to the three. The President will clearly become the most influential in the new state, as the constitution outlines extensive powers for the president which include appointing a Prime Minister at will, appointing ministers, senior civil servants, judges and military leadership, commanding the armed forces, conducting foreign policy and signing treaties, issuing presidential decrees that have the force of law in most areas and much more. The President also has a unique relationship with the new to be reformed Supreme Congress, being allowed to veto legislation without the right to overwrite such veto by parliament, the right to dissolve the chamber, and able to directly submit his or her own laws to the Supreme Congress without the need for committee hearings. The Prime Minister meanwhile will be limited in what he or she can do, being responsible for overseeing day-to-day administration, coordinating ministries and implementing presidential policy, chairing cabinet meetings when the president is not present and is responsible for representing the executive in parliament. The PM cannot be voted out by parliament however, serving at the complete pleasure of the President. Cabinet appointees are proposed by the Prime Minister, but must be confirmed by the president who may also appoint other individuals if he deems it neccessary. Individual ministers, much like the PM, may be questioned by parliament but not be dismissed by them, serving at the pleasure of the president. 

Elections for President are to be held every 5 years, with a two-term limit on the position. The Supreme Congress is elected every 5 years as well, concurrently with the Presidential election, unless dissolved. When dissolved, the newly elected congress only serves until the next presidential election. The system has reportedly been designed to replicate the strong executive of Egelion, while also respecting the democratic traditions of the old republic. The newly established High Court of New Verham will consist of five judges, all nominated by the President but confirmed by congress (unlike other (judicial) appointees, who are directly appointed by the president). 

The first election is scheduled to be held within a year, with Bor Khasar having been appointed as interim-prime minister to oversee a provisional government. This government's main objective will be preparing for the first election, working with Egelian advisors and resources to set up vital state institutions and return state control throughout the country. Additionally, the provisional government is tasked with organizing the provincial and local administrations, with borders vague following the civil war and the need for local government being clear. 

One issue that might hamper the process of reastablishing functioning government is the issue of the mountain border with Ostland. Remaining loyalist forces have so far managed to prevent Egelian and restorationist forces from pushing them out of the mountains, with some of the more elite Gaoist forces managing to use the entrenched positions to repell all attacks. Khasar has indicated that with his troops forced to disarm and exhaustion kicking in, it is likely that he will appeal to Egelion to set up a demilitarized zone for the time being, preventing Gaoists forces from pushing back into the country. This would mean part of New Verham being occupied, with Khasar noting that it might be a temporary setback but one that is necessary to preserve the peace in the rest of the country.

Khasar (middle), Alexandra Hanschweig (left) and Anne-Marie Eman (right) signing the Accord

Ukhuulakh Khuudas is a New Verham based newspaper launched following the breakdown of the former Gaoic regime. It is distributed nationwide through a variety of vendors and is considered the largest newspaper in the country covering a wide variety of topics