Ostland

[Flip]

03.09.5597

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Ostlandrat blocks new Constitution

Parliament in Touryou outraged

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Parliamentarians in the Touryou State have completed their lengthy work on a proposal for a new constitution. The constitutional reform provides for a far-reaching expansion of the autonomy of the sub-region. Among other things, powers that were previously reserved for the Archduke are to be transferred to a directly elected governor. The Touryou State is thus to be granted the right to almost complete self-government in the future.
The formal adoption of the new constitution, however, also requires the approval of the Ostlandrat. However, the Council continues to vehemently oppose any attempt to further decouple the Touryou State from the rest of Ostland. In order to resolve the stalemate, voices are now being raised calling for further intervention by the Archduke. In theory, he would have the power to fill the council with new members in such a way that a majority would be in favor of the reform, but this would violate customary law and political tradition in an unprecedented way. All over the south, political organizations and the Touryou Parliament itself called for demonstrations against the blockade by the Ostlandrat. Archduke Florentin Felix, however, is keeping a low profile. According to rumours from the monarch's inner circle the political crisis he has provoked seems to have gotten out of hand for him. Even though his initiative is being praised abroad and especially by citizens of the Touryou state, he is desperately searching for political allies in his own country.