07-06-2026, 03:00 AM
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President Purge: Lakaridis wishes minorities would "vanish"
By Mastoor al-Safi and Fatima Ibrahimi - 17 November, 5731
The President of the Kalopia, Antonios Lakaridis, has expressed radical views in private about the minorities of the Republic. Wantuni Dawn has come into the possession of an audio file wherein Antonios Lakaridis makes several statements that are the opposite of the image his office is trying to portray. Before his ascendancy to the highest office of Kalopia many doubted if he would be able to do a proper job, the real estate mogul was not known for his tact and had no previous experience in public office. Contrary to these expectations his first one and a half year in office went swimmingly, with the President only issuing two executive orders. One that was praised by many, as Lakaridis abolished the limit to social benefits. The other executive order received mixed reactions, though legally sound and deemed effective at combating the housing crisis it did open a window for collusion and corruption. Nonetheless, there have been no slip ups, his appearances portray a man with restraint and decency, and policies are generally well-received. On the outside the President seems like a capable man with a moderate tone, someone that cares for the less affluent and wishes to actively improve Kalopia. Behind the scenes however, the situation is entirely different.
For a while now rumours have been circulating that the situation in the Presidential Manor in Helios is not as portrayed in the media. A high turnover in staff, tantrums and outbursts from the President, racist speech, and intimidation of those opposing 'the course'. Proof of these rumours never surfaced and the spokespeople surrounding the President always staunchly deny the allegations. Lakaridis himself often dismisses the claims as "blatant fake news" and "clear attempts to undermine the administration". However, this situation has now changed as evidence has come forward of the alleged racist talks. On October 20 the President visited the opening of a new football stadium in Parnakleida, where he met with the home team, FC Parnakleida Polemistés and their board of directors. The President cut a ribbon, gave a short and praising speech about sports, community, and the importance of these spaces in society as well as the government's role in enabling them. Afterwards, he met with the public and fans before retreating for a business dinner with the stakeholders, players and managers of the football team. After this dinner the session became fully private, as the players and most of the directors left. Once alone with the investors, with wine flowing freely, the talk became more open.
During this time the President uttered several sentences about governing Kalopia that shocked a few people in the room. One of them was brave enough to record the interaction. At some point, this was after several other alleged racist comments, the President states that "governing [Kalopia] is a nightmare, you got us [Kalopians], the Wantuni's [Majatrans], they behave most of the time, but don't get me started on those Sipho car thieves [Siphinans] or even the Istochniaks, they're like the Wants [Majatrans] but weird - you know? And God, those Turjaks, might as well have a herd [sic] of Jelbics tramping around bringing the value of your house down. They're the worst renters you can get, always skint and leave the houses dirty - like they live outside in tents. But, I suppose that's how they are. Would be a lot easier to run this country if they all vanished and it was just us, you wouldn't get all those annoying minority parties either. Don't get me started on Abdul [mr. Maalik el-Khalili, HaN party leader] and his ilk - useless sods." When asked by another guest if this meant he would condone deportations, remigration, or even genocide the President burst out in laughter. Shortly after another person at the table, identified as presidential chief of staff Aristidis Cosmakos, changed the subject. Lakaridis made several attempts to explain himself, but never retracted his statements and even admitted that "making Kalopia more homogenous" was "tempting". Wantuni Dawn reached out to the President's office, they at first denied to comment but later sent a statement declaring the recording AI generated. The President's spokesperson Zoe Kappatou said the President distanced himself from this "fake news frame presented by a mediocre media outlet".
The President of the Kalopia, Antonios Lakaridis, has expressed radical views in private about the minorities of the Republic. Wantuni Dawn has come into the possession of an audio file wherein Antonios Lakaridis makes several statements that are the opposite of the image his office is trying to portray. Before his ascendancy to the highest office of Kalopia many doubted if he would be able to do a proper job, the real estate mogul was not known for his tact and had no previous experience in public office. Contrary to these expectations his first one and a half year in office went swimmingly, with the President only issuing two executive orders. One that was praised by many, as Lakaridis abolished the limit to social benefits. The other executive order received mixed reactions, though legally sound and deemed effective at combating the housing crisis it did open a window for collusion and corruption. Nonetheless, there have been no slip ups, his appearances portray a man with restraint and decency, and policies are generally well-received. On the outside the President seems like a capable man with a moderate tone, someone that cares for the less affluent and wishes to actively improve Kalopia. Behind the scenes however, the situation is entirely different.
For a while now rumours have been circulating that the situation in the Presidential Manor in Helios is not as portrayed in the media. A high turnover in staff, tantrums and outbursts from the President, racist speech, and intimidation of those opposing 'the course'. Proof of these rumours never surfaced and the spokespeople surrounding the President always staunchly deny the allegations. Lakaridis himself often dismisses the claims as "blatant fake news" and "clear attempts to undermine the administration". However, this situation has now changed as evidence has come forward of the alleged racist talks. On October 20 the President visited the opening of a new football stadium in Parnakleida, where he met with the home team, FC Parnakleida Polemistés and their board of directors. The President cut a ribbon, gave a short and praising speech about sports, community, and the importance of these spaces in society as well as the government's role in enabling them. Afterwards, he met with the public and fans before retreating for a business dinner with the stakeholders, players and managers of the football team. After this dinner the session became fully private, as the players and most of the directors left. Once alone with the investors, with wine flowing freely, the talk became more open.
During this time the President uttered several sentences about governing Kalopia that shocked a few people in the room. One of them was brave enough to record the interaction. At some point, this was after several other alleged racist comments, the President states that "governing [Kalopia] is a nightmare, you got us [Kalopians], the Wantuni's [Majatrans], they behave most of the time, but don't get me started on those Sipho car thieves [Siphinans] or even the Istochniaks, they're like the Wants [Majatrans] but weird - you know? And God, those Turjaks, might as well have a herd [sic] of Jelbics tramping around bringing the value of your house down. They're the worst renters you can get, always skint and leave the houses dirty - like they live outside in tents. But, I suppose that's how they are. Would be a lot easier to run this country if they all vanished and it was just us, you wouldn't get all those annoying minority parties either. Don't get me started on Abdul [mr. Maalik el-Khalili, HaN party leader] and his ilk - useless sods." When asked by another guest if this meant he would condone deportations, remigration, or even genocide the President burst out in laughter. Shortly after another person at the table, identified as presidential chief of staff Aristidis Cosmakos, changed the subject. Lakaridis made several attempts to explain himself, but never retracted his statements and even admitted that "making Kalopia more homogenous" was "tempting". Wantuni Dawn reached out to the President's office, they at first denied to comment but later sent a statement declaring the recording AI generated. The President's spokesperson Zoe Kappatou said the President distanced himself from this "fake news frame presented by a mediocre media outlet".
Wantuni Dawn (فجر وانتوني / Γουαντούνι Αυγή) is an investigative outlet primarily focused on the challenges facing Kalopia's minorities.