Kalistan

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Chancellor of the Empire discusses recent article declaring Kalistan a "Hegemon"
"People act like that's a title we are claiming," said Sir Koenig
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
February 7, 5639


Chancellor of the Empire Michael Koenig at impromptu interview at National Assembly

The Chancellor of the Empire, Sir Michael Koenig was on hand to answer a few questions yesterday following widespread reports of criticism of a very popular article published in the Anantonese Journal of Economics and Theory last month which discussed Hegemony and called Kalistan a regional hegemon.

"To be honest, I haven't read it," said the Chancellor. "So I don't have a lot of context about what others are so upset about. The authors called Kalistan a hegemon?" When confirmed, the Chancellor said "Well, from what I understand about the term, and forgive me because I am from a finance background rather than a political science background, but that's not something one claims to be. It's merely an acknowledgement of fact: Like a state does this this and this, and others can't or won't oppose them, so that sort of makes them a hegemon whether they claim to be or not. I might totally misunderstand that term, but I don't think this Government has ever claimed to be a hegemon, so I don't know what those idiots up there are so upset about."

The "idiots" Sir Koenig was referring to is likely the Government of the former State of Trigunia, also known as Nadiya. While Kalistan technically recognizes the state, because of the strange political configuration of that country, it is unclear as to whether Kalistan recognizes the entire nation or merely one of five of the states that currently exists in the space that the world used to refer to as Trigunia. Relations between Kalistan and whoever it is that represents the government of Nadiya have been confused and frustrated by Nadiya's weird political arrangement which makes it impossible to tell whether one is dealing with an overarching government, or a confederation, or one of five of the confederated states at any given time: the result is that, while Kalistan did officially offer recognition, nothing else has happened on the diplomatic front, much to Kaliburg's irritation.

"People act like this is some title that Kalistan has claimed for itself," said Sir Koenig. "And as a result they are now doing what they do best, which is running around with their hair on fire, slurring Her Imperial Majesty with a number of very personal insults, making vague threats, and doing who knows what else with their lives. We honestly wish Nadiya luck with getting their act together, but their opinion on the questions we are grappling with is probably worth about as much as a bucket of warm spit on a hot sunny day."

Chancellor Koenig also confirmed several points for reporters:

Kalistan will be shifting its trade flows from the north to Dolgava. "We did an analysis of trade and we find that Dolgava, which serves as a hub for trade from Artania and Makon, can better serve Kalistani Markets than if we opened trade up to the entire continent." As for flows from northern Dovani, Sir Koenig said "We still have high trade volume from Lourenne for central Dovani trade, and we are also exploring links with Gao-Soto. Those programs are still in early phases, but it is something that we are looking at." The Chancellor also said that Kalistan was intending to visit local sources in Valruzia and Tukarali, while asking Lodamun to increase volume from Likatonia as well. "Kalistan lives well, but our consumers like foreign goods. We are always in the market to buy and sell. Reliable trade partners are welcomed."

The Chancellor confirmed that Miramar has fully divested from Banco Santamar in Egelion. "Miramar took a slight hit on the shares due to the quick sell off, something on the order of about 1.4% of the total value of the portfolio. But in the end, the move pulled ₭259 million Imperial Rubles out of the Bank, and returned it to the Miramar books." The Chancellor reported that the divestment was related to political tension, and the fact that Miramar was not happy with how the investments might be used. "Her Highness, Princess Michelle Ananto said she was not certain that the money wouldn't be used to fund Egelian investments in Dovani. If those investments are being used to boost Egelion's image in Dovani, she felt this was not something that Kalistan ought to be supporting." Kalistan already ended its involvement in the Romulo Fund last December, calling the sunk costs "a complete wash" and considers this divestment to be the last tie in the economic association between the two nations to be broken. "It was a shame that things went in this direction," said Princess Michelle. "But there just didn't seem to be any financial upside in us keeping our investments in Egelion any longer."

Koenig suggested that Miramar intends to reinvest this money around the Anantonese Empire, with several infrastructural and industrial sector expansion plans in Kalistan, Gaduridos and Lodamun in the docket for the next few years, including the expansion of light commuter rail in Sulari, Kaliburg and Ciudad Gaduri. On the possibility of new investment from Miramar, stocks in the KalSiE generally rallied across the board, with only a handful of losers, most of them dealing with import related commodities. KalSiE modestly finished up 2.3% over last week's totals.

Chancellor Koenig confirmed that Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Mary I Ananto will be meeting with Queen Jaanika of Dolgava in a formal state visit. "We received news from the Embassy in Aikums that the invitation to meet has been accepted," said Chancellor Koenig. "Her Majesty, Queen Jaanika has been a very close partner in the Kundrati conflict, and has been a reliable and equal partner in security in the Northern Anantonese Ocean. Her Imperial Majesty feels that closer personal and diplomatic ties between our two nations is a major priority, and has offered to meet and discuss our paths forward. Queen Jaanika has accepted the invitation." The Chancellor said that details of the proposed meeting will be forthcoming, but main topics of discussion will be continuing security and economic cooperation, and renewing personal ties of friendship between the Kingdom and the Empire.

The Chancellor remained for a few questions, but then excused himself as he was expected in a meeting of the Ministry of Defense across the Mall.

@TheRepublic