Bianjie

[journey]

Senior BDA politician leaves the party, and founds his own centrist pan-Dovani movement
Adulasi Erdun says his party and Premier became "too toxic and distant" from the ideals which originally drew him in the party 
4 May 5645



Early in the morning, now-former senior advisor to the Premier and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Adulasi Erdun has dealt a "midterm blow" to the current government, which has already been flailing behind in polls for months now. Former Premier Wenggot's advisor convened a press conference to "talk directly and seriously with the people". Speaking at a packed meeting with journalists, Erdun spoke about the "toxicity" of his political force and the government he's a been a part of. "I want to unite the country, not divide it. And unfortunately, it seems that's where we are in disagreement with my fellow democrats", Erdun said. "For a couple of years now, my disillusionment grew, and I believe I can no longer, in good conscience, remain in a party which no longer reflects my views. They became a distant echo of a party I once joined. Frankly, the party left me, no the other way around."

Erdun also expressed his frustration with the limited influence over the foreign policy in the State Council, despite those being his main areas of work in both of his cabinet positions. He mentions that government's complete ignorance of continental affairs and sellout to Luthori has been a long point of contention between him and Premier's views, with Erdun being sidelined often. "The one-man show that Premier is sadly doing currently, will not help us prosper. It is my firm belief that only through cooperation with our neighbours can we achieve new heights, not through petty ignoring of our closest allies, no matter who they are ideologically", Erdun spoke about the government's cold relationship with Xsampa.

And then came the point of a both expected and surprising annoucement from the former senior advisor to the Premier. Adulasi Erdun is founding his own political movement, Horizon, that will be a centrist, social liberal, pan-Dovani party, and which will not "radically side and defend either of the major political players", but rather work with "anyone, who wants to actually build up Bianjie and relationship with the neighbours in the region". Erdun says that there are 4 more Yuan MPs (3 from DPC caucus and 2 independents) who will join him and help to lay the foundation of a new political party.

Baksi Mengnat, leader of the Coalition caucus, reacted to the press conference and the party announcement on his social media, calling Erdun out, and accusing him of "choosing personal ambitions over the national interests", also accusing SPP of meddling in BDA internal affairs, saying SPP paid Erdun bribes to split from the party, though SPP spokesman Elbihe Siugi denied that in a commentary for Nippō. Premier Tabai Wenggot refused to answer any questions regarding Erdun statements.

Now, the coalition majority decreases to just 3, and with internal fights inside the member parties and Gurun, it becames of question whether the coalition will be able to survive until the end of the term, and whether Bianjie will see first snap election in nearly 4 decades?



The Daily Report (日報), also known as Nippō, is a major daily newspaper based in Namušun, Bianjie.
The paper is published in both official languages in the broadsheet format, and is also available online in other international languages.

[journey]

Bianjie will reenforce itself and come out stronger independently, finance minister Jong says
17 September 5645



In a shocking statement, Xsampan government has announced the dissolution of the Dovani Development Fund, citing financial "negatives" of the continental development aid fund. According to the Xsampan government, it will be a better option for the nations to be funded case-by-case on their projects.

The announcement came as a shockwave through Bianjie, especially its pan-Dovani political forces. State Council, controlled by the Democratic People's Coalition, who have been rather "ignoring" the continental affairs and specifically Xsampa. Finance minister, Dorgon Jong, came out before the press to speak about the future of Bianjie, its relationship with Xsampa and current projects in the nation, previously funded by the DDF. "We were never utopian about the fund, we understood the costs it creates for the Xsampan government, and that is why we were being open for other economic deals, like Luthori. My message to you all is this: we are currently working on the economic plan going forward, but I can say this with certainty: Bianjie will stand alone, and stand even stronger than before", minister Jong said.

Pan-Dovani opposition forces have been devasted by the announcement, GP's sources inside the SPP partyroom say. Socialist leader Abatai Soca reportedly has convened party's emergency political council to discuss the response and the further action. Later the same day, Soca and Gemun mayor Batu Asuke both came out to speak before the press. "It does sadden us, and we are dissapointed with such actions taken by our neighbours' government. At the same time, we understand where this comes from. What we do have a problem with, is the timing, and little to no warnings given to our projects funded by the DDF. As of currently, we are required to pause the construction of the Gemun Metro, to reconsider our own costs on this and likely renegotiate the funding with the Xsampan government, as a part of their new 'case-by-case' strategy", mayor Asuke said.

With this announcement, government coalition parties' have been rising in polling, as the disappointment in Xsampa and 'rally around the flag' sentiment grew over the issue. Collective pan-Dovani forces (SPP, PCP, ND and Horizon) have suffered a decrease, especially newly-founded Horizon party, which put the idea as its primary ideology. What most analysts have been calling an easy and predictable win for the SPP-led opposition now seems slipping away from the socialists' hands.



Gemun Post (ゲムンポスト) is a major (previously local) daily newspaper based in Gemun.
#xsampa
#ddf
#pandovani

[journey]

Opposition tax reforms passed through the Yuan
9 August 5646



Opposition-proposed and supported by Gurun and independents bill on the tax reform passes the Khanate Yuan, in a blow to the liberal coalition, with the vote demanding State Council to enact the bill into the nation's legislation.

Economic reforms were a part of the big manifesto of which DPC has built its electoral campaign back in 5643, and yet the coalition has always lacked a majority in the Yuan to push for the right-wing economic policies, with economically leftist parties making up the majority in chamber. Last month, DPC decided to try its luck by putting together an omnibus bill that would amend Bianjie's Tax Code by introducing a flat tax, something which has been opposed by everyone but DPC in the Yuan, and very obviously ended up in the vote failure. This time, SPP-led opposition decided to put forward its counterproposal bill and introduce an amended Tax Code with a progressive tax rate, tax cuts for the working and middle class citizens and other provisions.

Additionally, SPP-proposed bill includes something which already sparked some negative headlines and reactions from the nation's richest people and companies: 3% annual tax for each billionaire off of their wealth. Big-name moguls say this provision will only discourage new businesses and enterprises from investing in Bianjie and force existing local ones to flee in less regulated and socially-oriented economies. SPP spokesman Elbihe Siugi dismissed the criticism, saying that opposition's proposal will only strengthen and diversify the economy, allowing for smaller businesses and entrepreneurs to compete with the larger competitors and to break monopolies.

Week after the bill was submitted, in a surprising 122-106 vote, with coalition's support partner, Gurun, siding with the opposition, the SPP proposal was successfully approved by the Yuan, with the State Council now expected to enact the legislation, and amend the Tax Code. Finance minister Dorgon Jong wrote on his social media page that he is "disappointed" with this bill passing, but added that he "respects the decision, and will act accordingly to the law. Meanwhile, some of the nation's largest businessmen have announced that they will protest the legislation "on streets and courts", with some saying that they "consider" fleeing the state.



Shōgyōshi (商業紙, Commercial Paper) is the daily and the largest financial newspaper in Bianjie founded in 5497. 
@Shōgyōshi
#taxcode
#reforms
#yuan

[journey]

State Council succesfully pushes forward an electoral reform the year before the next vote
2 June 5647



GEMUN: A couple weeks ago, the secretary-general of the State Council, Batu Aora has presented the political and electoral reform written by an expert panel on government's request. With a year left before the next general election, the legislation proposed the change in the electoral law of the nation, moving away from the parrallel system and moving towards the fully proportional representation system with open lists, allowing voters to choose preferentially amongst candidates within the party lists.

Talking to the press, the secretary-general of the State Council has reaffirmed that this bill was a commitment of the government to the major reforms it has promised to make back in 5643 general election. "We went to the last election talking about working towards fundamental changes in our nation, and this bill does exactly that", Aora stated. State Council's secretary-general said that the government's vision by proposing this legislation is focused on the "strengthening of Bianjie's representative institutions and responding to the public’s demand for greater inclusiveness".

At the same time, following the presentation, the bill has faced a strong opposition among the official opposition in the Yuan, with it claiming that one of the provisions of the bill, a 5%-threshold, is aimed at the allies of the Socialist People's Party: New Dawn and the Progressive Communist partes, with both receiving 3% and 5% respectively, being this close to lose the representation had the bill been approved would strengthen DPC representation and allow for a safe one-party majority. Additionally, there was strong opposition from the Horizon MPs, as the reform package included an article about the punishment of defectors, with the article proposing enactment of the imperative mandate by the Yuan and forcefully resigning defecting members. Aora dismissed claims that either of the two provisions were aimed specifically at any political movement, but added that such changes were required to ensure "political stability". However, later the PCP and Horizon have proposed amendments on the deletion of those provisions, and both motions have been approved by the vote, with the support of independents and some Gurun MPs.

Later this week, on Friday, the Khanate Yuan has successfully approved the electoral reform bill, with the minimal 115 votes "for", while the united opposition and independent MPs on both sides voted against with 114 votes "against". According to the bill, it will come in force on the 1 January of the next year, with enough time to successfully implement by both the State Electoral Adminstration and the State Council and work on the education of the eligible voters on how the new system operates and how to vote. Observers say the reform will significantly alter the composition of the legislature, particularly benefiting smaller parties, who have struggled under the current system, failing to win constituency seats, now being able to compete for bigger represenation will they cross the 3%-threshold.



毎日急行 (Daily Express) is a major daily newspaper based in the city of Namušun, Khani Province.

[journey]

Befucom begins international operations following expansions into Utaristan and Kazulia
17 August 5647



Monday morning began with exciting news, as Bianjie's national telecommunications operator, Befucom has announced it has officially began international operations after it has successfully expanded into the two northern Dovanian nations of Utaristan and Kazulia following the months of negotiations and agreements between the company and local governments and businesses. The move marked a significant milestone in the company's growth strategy as it seeks to establish a broader pan-Dovani presence.

Bianjie national telecom's entry into Utaristan, a rapidly growing and moderising free market of 34 million people with a growing demand of digital and communication infrastructure, was completed earlier this year in June, with the rollout of the mobile and broadband services in key urban centres of Utaristan, like its capital city, Cise, and the second-largest city, Imoriy. Building on the success, Befucom has also finalised its expansion in yet another northern Dovani nation, this time Kazulia, which is a home to 58 million people and much more developed and competetive market, where the telecom aims to differentiate itself through affordable pricing and customer-focused service.

"It is my honour to announce that the first phase of our expansion beyond our most beloved home borders officially is over, and now Befucom is no longer simply national asset. Befucom now is a big pan-Dovani project, connecting nations across the continent with the high-quality broadband connection and affordable prices with excellent customer-focused operation", said Befucom's CEO Jakdan Eto during a press briefing. "Utaristan and Kazulia represent two very different, yet equally exciting opportunities for us. These markets allow us to test our adaptability while delivering high-quality, reliable services that meet the unique needs of each country". When asked whether the expansions would have effect on the local, Bianjian consumers, Eto answered negatively: "De jure, Befucom in Utaristan and Kazulia is operated by different companies under our brand. Local consumers will be affected by the events and actions taken within our own country, period."

Following the announcement, company's stock on the Gemun Stock Exchange (GEMEX) rose 3,2%. For years now, Befucom's strategy has been becoming Bianjie's most valuable asset, and according to the former Premier Sain Jalar, telecom's strengths and resources have "long and far" overcame simple local operations in Bianjie, and its expansion to the north is the "only way to grow and not stagnate".



Shōgyōshi (商業紙, Commercial Paper) is the daily and the largest financial newspaper in Bianjie founded in 5497. 
@Shōgyōshi
#befucom
#telecommunications
#kazulia
#utaristan

[journey]

Government wants to test drill for oilfield in Sea of Carina together with Utaristan and Mina
19 December 5647



State Council today announced that it seeks to negotiate with the governments of Mina and Utaristan on the topic of oil drilling in the Sea of Carina, a maritime zone believed to hold significant untapped oil reserves, according to the researches and experts. The announcement marks a major step forward in Bianjie's strategy to diversify its energy sources and boost long-term fiscal stability. Secretary-general of the government, Batu Aora spoke about the plans the government has. According to Aora, "there are enough resources and will to do this", as he spoke to the press about the announcement. Tayiji Siyoheri, Minister of Natural Resources, who was also present on the press briefing, told that this plan is a part of the larger vision of the government to create the soveireign wealth fund, which will become the government-owned developement fund to "help local businesses become stronger" amongst the growing competition on the continent.

Foreign minister Tainca Juwete said that Bianjie's ambassadors in the nations on the northern coast of the sea, such as Utaristan and Mina are already working intensively to negotiate the deal and roadmap on the joint operations in the sea. "On one side, we obviously are seeking to begin the oil drilling in the sea as a part of our vision of Bianjie, but we also are certain that the cooperation on this particular issue. could become benefitial for all three of our countries, and we remain open to others to join in, though, obviously, that would require negotiating a new and fair deal of everyone involved", said minister Juwete.

Environmental and legal experts say joint drilling in the Sea of Carina requires a clear framework on maritime boundaries, environmental protection measures, and equitable revenue sharing. When asked about these concerns, Aora assured that the State Council will discuss the matter with the independent consultants to ensure standards are met to prevent any environmental damage. If the plan is successful, it will not only bring new sources of revenue to Bianjie and its future sovereign wealth and development fund, but will also strengthen its diplomatic positions and relations in the region. The government plans to release a more detailed roadmap in the early 5648 after technical teams from the three countries meet for preliminary consultations.



Gemun Post (ゲムンポスト) is a major (previously local) daily newspaper based in Gemun.
#utaristan
#mina
#oildrilling

[journey]

Gurun merges with the Conservative Party to forum National Conservative Union two months before the election 
Gurun party leader, Ajigen Ciao says conservatives "like no one else" understand and share values of Gurun, adding that under a new electoral system "aligned forced must unite"
7 February 5645 (backdated)



Two party leaders came out to the joint press conference to announce the deal the parties of both politicians have reached. Ciao, who was elected as Gurun's leader back in 5646, following the long-serving leader Babutai Dartao's resignation, has been continuing the ideas and policies of Dartao, moving the party further away from the left-leaning alignment and joining and siding more with the conservative rightist parties.

Joint electoral pact or a complete merger has been in talks throughout the whole Ciao's term and a couple of last months of the Dartao's leadership period. Gurun has long been seen a left-wing party purely economically, but socially, it has been to the right of many self-proclaimed right-wing parties, including Conservative Party itself. Gurun's total commitment to the "traditional values", both religious and social have often scared median voters, especially the youth, prompting the creation of Socialist People's Party in 5618, and New Dawn in 5637.

Now, Gurun has been cooperating with the Conservative Party for almost a decade, ever since the breakout with its youth wing. The cooperation has been mostly focused locally, in country and provinial council and mayoral elections. Conservatives have either joined the lists of Gurun, or defected from their party to join Gurun as a more electable party, or even merged local chapters together, long before the two national parties did it yesterday.

Now, as a part of the agreement, two parties will begin the procedure of a merger, that could legally last for months. So, until then, Conservative Party members are joining the list of Gurun, with the distribution of places agreed upon between the leaders and the party officials beforehand. The newly-created alliance and soon-party will be called National Conservative Union, with the national flower, orchid as its symbol, and burgundy, the combination of two merged parties' colours, as the NCU's official colour. According to the latest polls, NCU could receive up to 6%, translating in 13 seats in the April election this year.



The Daily Report (日報), also known as Nippō, is a major daily newspaper based in Namušun, Bianjie.
The paper is published in both official languages in the broadsheet format, and is also available online in other international languages.

[journey]

Socialist People's Party and its allies gracefully return to power after 5 years in the opposition
21 April 5648 (backdated)



GEMUN: In a deep and tense electoral night, a winner has emerged. After five years in the national opposition, the left-wing opposition under the leadership of Abatai Soca of the Socialist People's Party will return to Kōtei, the preliminary results announced by the State Electoral Administration suggest. The "purple wave" flew through the nation, securing a safe mandate for the SPP-led coalition with the New Dawn and Progressive Communist parties as its former and future junior partners. According to the SEA results, SPP-PCP-ND will be able to rely on 122 members of the Khanate Yuan, with the record amount of women and minorities elected.

Socialists, led by the Soca, ran on a platform of promising social renewal, justice, and economic equity, themes that resonated with voters amid concerns over austerity measures and growing inequality. Nevertheless, due to the new electoral system, implemented by the outgoing government, SPP couldn't regain its presence in the Yuan to the pre-5643 election levels, winning 99 seats, according to the SEA preliminary results. "This is not just a victory, this is a strong message to the government: people want change. People want a government that works for them, not for the those, who steal our money, and corrupt our economy. And people saw that the SPP is the party that can deliver that", said party leader Soca.

Tabai Wenggot, current premier, and leader of the ruling Democratic People's Coalition has conceded defeat, congratulating incoming Premier Soca and left-wing forces on the "decisive victory" over his government. Wenggot would then also announce his resignation as party leader, taking the responsibility for the result, and "paving the way for a younger leadership". Leaders of the other two constituing parties of the DPC, Party for the People and Innovation Party, Dorgon Jong and Sahaliyan Feimo, respectively, have also resigned, with the former questioning and doubting the future of the DPC, at least "in the way it is operating currently", though later denying the rumours of the talks about the possible merger between the three parties.

New government expected to return to the Jalar era of policies, focusing on welfare, infrastructure, regional dominance and pan-Dovani ideology, though during the campaign, due to the dissolution of DDF by the government of Xsampa, and the hit that pan-Dovani sentiment took in Bianjie, SPP toned down their position on the issue, however, experts still expect SPP-led government to act similarly if not more active compared to the previous SPP government.



毎日急行 (Daily Express) is a major daily newspaper based in the city of Namušun, Khani Province.

[journey]

State Council is looking into kickstarting national car manufacturing industry 
2 March 5649



On the annual dinner in Niyalma, where the largest businesses in Bianjie, local and international, gather to speak about the current state and future developments of the country's economy, the Minister of Economy, Industry and Trade Delan Aisin (SPP), spoke about government's plans to possibly kickstart the national car manufacturing industry. Aisin said that the State Council is currently looking into the many factors that could decide whether it is possible in the first place, and whether it will be a worthy big project to begin. "We have resources, both financial and material, though obviously we will still need a helping hand from the international and local donors", said minister Aisin.

According to the Shōgyōshi sources in the State Council, socialist-led government has been developing a roadmap to build a car manufacturing factory in Beine, to both promote economic growth in the northern part of the country, and have easier access to the internal Dovani market through the Sea of Carina. Additionally, government has been in active talks with various national companies and entrepreneurs who would be interested in working for a state-owned automotive company, creation of which also is in the plan, access to which Shōgyōshi does not have.

During the dinner with the national business, minister Aisin said that the government is looking into the cooperation with Xsampa, or at least the request on behalf of Bianjie of funding into the project. Moreover, with the latest opening of a the Banco Cascabel-Otienda office in Gemun, minister Aisin also elevated the idea of negotiating the support from the Egelian businesses. Aisin said that the idea of the government with the possible kickstarting of the national car manufacturing industry is primarily based around the "strong Bianjie business aimed at both local and the evergrowing pan-Dovani market" policy.

Shōgyōshi (商業紙, Commercial Paper) is the daily and the largest financial newspaper in Bianjie founded in 5497. 
@Shōgyōshi
#manufacturing
#economy
#carindustry

[journey]

Ministry of Education announces investments in the development in rural areas
11 September 5649



Ministry of Education will attribute about 1,2 billion g'an for the development of the education institutions in rural areas, the ministry spokesperson Zhelan Cigiya announced early in the Thursday morning. "The ministry is currently reviewing previous requests done by the local provincial governemnts, and analysing the data we have ourselves to see which areas require our direct help the most", Cigiya stated. "In some cases, we will send the funding directly to the county authorities, or the institutions themselves, and in other, the funding will go to provincial education departments for further distribution". MOE's spokesperson emphasised that the attributed funds will primarily address the lack of schools in rural areas by construction new ones and reopening previously abandoned educational facilities.

Additionally, as the Ministry of Education made its announcement, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transportation released their own statement talking about the future cooperation between the ministries on the issue. Statement included ministry's plans to improve accessibility to remote areas through repairing or building rural roads, as well as the expansion of public transit routes connecting rural settlements with the nearby urban areas. "It is our belief that the education and infrastrure must go hand-in-hand", the statement reads. "There is no prosperity and development, if the schools are unable to be accessed safely and reliably. There is no investment and interest in the areas with bad infrastructure. And that is why it is in our best interests to make sure we go together in this".

The joint government also plans to address rural utility shortages, as a part of the bigger rural development strategy appoved earlier this year. In cooperation with the state-owned Befucom and Bianjie Electricity Company, government will be expanding, and in some places providing the electricity and broadband access to rural schools currently lacking the services. A special government program, expected to be launched later this week, will provide the solar panels for the schools in mountainous areas with harder access.

And to keep all that in tact, without any chance of corruption, government will be creating a technocrat oversight commission, to look after the funds sent to local governments, ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of the large funding package issued by the State Council, secretary-general of the government Shui Meng confirmed to Gemun Times earlier.



Gemun Post (ゲムンポスト) is a major (previously local) daily newspaper based in Gemun.
(@GemunPost)
#education
#infrastructure
#ruraldevelopment