Kalistan

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Her Imperial Majesty Meets supporters in Sulari
Empress Demonstrates Confidence following Winter of Riots
Sulari, Duchy of Suldanor
March 9, 5660


Empress and Chancellor of the Empire show Unity after disorder

Her Imperial Majesty Empress Mary I Ananto visited Sulari this week to survey the damage from last winter's riots. Large portions of Downtown Sulari were destroyed as a three day long wave of arson and looting during the Unrest. But the Free City has already started to rebuild. The debris cleared, several blocks of new mixed use High Rise Apartments have been started which should increase the Downtown's housing stock by more than 600 new units.

"The buildings burned were older buildings by and large," said the Chancellor of the Empire, Lady Jennifer Alvarez-Miller, who accompanied the Empress on the tour. "The new construction, which is generously funded by a grant to the Free City from the Ministry of Health and Social Services, will create homes for more than 500 lower income citizens of Sulari. Her Imperial Majesty wishes you, the good People of Sulari to know that she stands with you, and seeks to understand and address your concern, and she will continue to work with Your City Government to continue to address the root causes of the unrest, to include housing, jobs and security."

Following the short address by the Chancellor, the Lord Mayor of Sulari, Lord Daniel Flores invited the Chancellor and the Empress to lead a procession from City Hall to Reynolds Park five blocks away, so that the people of the people of the City may see her. The Chancellor initially attempted to make excuses for the Empress, but Her Imperial Majesty brushed her concerns aside, arguing that she should not be afraid to walk in her own Empire. The matter resolved, the Lord Mayor announced to the gathered crowd of about 650 supporters who turned out for the visit that all should proceed along with the Empress to Reynolds Park.

As the procession moved down the Sidewalk, shop keepers, pedestrians and other citizens joined the throng, so that by the time it reached Reynolds Park, more than 1400 marchers were counted. Her Imperial Majesty was encouraged by the show of support, especially in a city which had been such a locus of the pro-democracy movement six months prior and had been shut down by violent protests for more than 2 months. Her Imperial Majesty was implored to offer a few words, and she was provided a megaphone to speak.

"People of Sulari, we thank you for marching with us. It is a rare event that we have the opportunity to be among the people, but we are heartened by your show of support and your willingness to be seen with us. The disorder here in Sulari and across Kalistan this winter was a predictable response to the actions we took, and we hope that now that all of the facts are known, you will understand our reasons. But restoring this city, and the others damaged in the recent disorder will require dedication, commitment and innovation. We will stand with you as long as you stand with us. We thank you for your courage and we look forward to seeing what you do with your city. We will return, and this is a promise."

The crowd roared applause at the impromptu rally, and the Empress and Chancellor departed from the Park on a high note, waving to the crowd. Later, local commentators said that the daring gamble of marching in Downtown Sulari was a brave move that seemingly won over many Citizens of Sulari. Many people interviewed after the rally said they appreciated the Empress coming to see both the damage of the riots and also to appreciate the work that Sularis are doing to rebuild their city. "The visit was a nice touch," said one resident who was interviewed for the TV news. "I voted for the Liberals in the last election, but I also feel like Her Imperial Majesty does want what's best for this City."

@TheRepublic