Kalistani Major History

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Socialists Embrace the Ananto Legacy
Michael Ananto-Thomas named President of the Republic
Eveari, Ananto
July 18, 5406


Philosopher and Academic Michael Ananto-Thomas, of the SP, elected President of the Republic

Michael Ananto-Thomas' election last month marks the first time in 120 years that someone with the name Ananto has had a role in the Government of Kalistan. Michael Ananto, who is the 3x great grandson of the last Emperor and Empress of Ananto and Kalistan, was an academic and a philosopher before taking up the role of Head of State. He also holds the informal title of Head of the House Ananto in Kalistan, and during the Empire might serve in the role of Sovereign. Though he is the President of the Republic, he nonetheless still commands the respect of many descendants of the old Institutionalist Party which governed Kalistan during the days of the Empire.

"I have been convinced by the good people of Eveari to move into the old Imperial Estate," said Ananto following his election. "I realize this will be the first time in over a century that the President has chosen to not live and work from Kaliburg, but the offer was made to me by the Curator of Estate here in Eveari, and the people have welcomed me to town, and so I think this environment will be somewhat more conducive to the performance of my official duties will also allowing me time to write and think."

While many have welcomed him to Eveari, some Socialist Partisans have not been entirely thrilled to have an Ananto placed as the Head of State. "Surely we can do better than another Ananto," said Jeffery MacMillan, Deputy from Gendaris. "The Empire has scarcely faded from memory and here we are bringing the Royals back. We are a Republic. Hasn't that family enjoyed a long enough public pension?"

The reception of Mr Ananto to the office of the Presidency has met with general approval by the people of Kalistan. "We do not have a problem with political dynasties in this nation," said Corine Benet, political Scientist at Suldanor District University. "There have been the Bennots' family, whose involvement at all levels of our Government goes back to the very beginning of Kalistani Socialism. We've have had how many people named Carrangus as both President and Premier. There have been Bjorksdattirs, Diaz was the President for 43 years just last century! Surely we can spare some charity for a philosopher and a man of integrity."

For Ananto's part, he has sidestepped the question of his royal blood. "My Great Great Grandfather and Grandmother were Emperors. I was not born as one. I believe that our Government should operate on ethical grounds, and I would like to restore that focus to the Socialist Party, who was founded as an ethical socialist Party dedicated to clean government. I shall do my best to continue to seek peace and tranquility with our neighbors."

To this end, Michael Ananto says he will begin exploring the possibility of a state visit to the United Kingdom of Lourenne, with the aim of returning the Kalistani 2nd and 3rd Fleets. "Of course we will bring a small token of our long standing affection and friendship with my Cousin, the Queen Aurore: After all, all these years later, we are distantly related, and I am hoping these ties will make our meeting cordial and productive." The President noted that he intends to bring a reasonable supply of Kalistani Wine to the State visit, to offer to Lourenne as both a token of appreciation for keeping Kalistani ships in good order, as well as to offer the People of Lourenne. "I think that ODEN wine will be acceptable to the refined Lourennais Palate," said Ananto, in a display of wry humor. "We have similar climates, similar soil compositons, and similar growing practices. I think however that our brothers and sisters in Lourenne will find it more to their taste than the local fare, precisely because there is a limited quantity of it. I intend to seek partners to begin marketting it, as a compliment to the Lourennais Viniculture Industry."

The visit will happen as soon as the details can be worked out with the Government of Lourenne. In the meanwhile, Michael Ananto has already moved into a wing of the National Imperial Museum, and has opened his office there on the grounds. The National Rail Service believes that having a President in Eveari may spur the long delayed construction of mag lev rail lines in Ananto District, and the value of the privately held stock in the National Rail Lines (NRL) shot up almost 200% briefly following the news that the President would live and work in Eveari, before settling back down to a still impressive 22% increase on the week.